From the number of species of this genus of plants, already in Britain, we may conclude, that it is one of the most extended in New South Wales; twelve distinct ones have already flowered, drawings of most of them we have, which will be brought forward in due course. Dr. Smith, in the third No. of New Holland Botany, has named this tribe of plants after Dr. R. Pulteney, F. R. and F. L. S. of Blandford, Dorsetshire; well known for his Sketches of the Progress of Botany in England. But there is little doubt, that although no such kind attention as this of Dr. Smith had been shewn, to perpetuate the name of Dr. Pulteney, he had, by his excellent life of Linnæus, insured his own to live for ever. The Pultenæas, in systematic order, rank after, but very close to Sophora; but are little allied in general habit, as are few plants from that country to those of any other. This species was first raised in 1792, in many gardens about the metropolis the same year; but did not flower till 1796. It is a hardy greenhouse plant, generally flowering about the month of May; but the blossom is of short duration. Sandy peat is the soil it most approves; and its increase is produced, either from seeds, which sometimes ripen with us, or from cuttings placed in gentle heat about the month of May. The drawing was made from a plant in the Hibbertian collection at Clapham, this year.[Pg 397]
PLATE 98
PLATE XCIX.
GLADIOLUS BLANDUS.
Large White-flowered Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla, sexpartita, ringens.