Chives. Threads many, awl-shaped, shorter than the blossom. Tips fixed to the sides of the threads.
Pointal. Seed-buds many, nearly round, flattened, ending in awl-shaped shafts, longer than the chives. Summits simple.
Seed-vessel none. Receptacle forming a round head, and small.
Seeds many, roundish, flattened, retaining the shaft, which is variously shaped.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Clematis foliis compositis decompositisque; foliolis quibusdam trifidis; floribus violaceis, coriaceis.
Virgin’s Bower, with compound and doubly compound leaves; some of the little leaves split into three; flowers blue, and tough.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Chives, and Pointals; the petals being removed.
2. The Pointals.
3. A Chive, (magnified).
4. A Pointal, (magnified).
5. A Seed nearly ripe, (natural size).
Doubts have been entertained, among some botanists, whether this plant is the Clematis viorna of Linnæus, as given by him, with various synonims, in his Sp. Plan. By collating the different specific characters from the synonims adopted by him, we have no hesitation in our decision. Being a native of Virginia and Carolina, it is not so hardy as some others from the northern parts of Europe or America; but, nevertheless, is not killed by our winters, as it is herbaceous, and not making its shoots till late. In a warm situation against a wall or trellis, it will begin to blossom in July, and continue to flower till destroyed by the frost. As yet it is rather scarce in our gardens, being but of a late introduction, though long known by description. Our figure was taken at the Hammersmith nursery, where it is in high perfection, being planted in a mixture of loam and peat earth: it is most readily increased, by parting the roots in spring; as the seeds seldom come to maturity in this climate.[Pg 284]