Obs. In some species there is found between the seeds a loose partition, the shape and size of the hollow of the cell, tough, woody, and half cleft in two. Grætner on fruits and seeds.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Banksia foliis linearibus, in petiolum attenuatis, æqualiter serratis, apice truncatis cum mucrone.
Banksia with linear leaves, tapering to the foot-stalks, equally sawed at the edge, appearing cut off at the end with a sharp point.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Flower, the summit not yet escaped from the Chives.
2. The same with the summit relieved; magnified, to shew more clearly the shape of the
petals, and the singular situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, natural size.
4. A ripe Seed.
This species of Banksia, was the first to vegetate amongst the number of different seeds, which were received by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, from Botany Bay in 1788; thus, has the pre-eminence of seniority here, to all the plants which have been introduced from thence, to Great Britain. From the living and dead specimens we have already seen, this Genus bids fair to rival Protea in the number of its different species; from which, nature seems to have marked but a slight line for Generic distinction. Our figure was taken from a plant now in flower in the greenhouse, (we believe for the first time in Europe,) at the agreeable retreat of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham, being nearly seven feet high; indeed, we have seen specimens which have attained to twelve feet, and more. It is increased by cuttings, and will grow in almost any earth. The cones to which the seed-vessels are fixed, something resemble those of the stone pine, but much larger, and the wood more hard: the seeds are inclosed in capsules which are placed at a considerable distance from each other, at irregular intervals; the spaces filled up with long harsh threads, and apparently abortive seed-vessels.[Pg 333]
PLATE 82
