Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, blunt-ended, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus, foliis lanceolatis, tortis, rubro marginatis, pubescentibus; floribus roseis odoratissimis.
Gladiolus, with spear-shaped leaves, twisted, red-edged, and downy; blossoms rose colour, and sweet scented.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Valves of the Sheath.
2. A Flower cut open, to expose the insertion of the Threads, the Threads, and Tips remaining attached.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit magnified.
4. A Seed natural size, inclosed in its Tunic.
This most beautiful species of Gladiolus, is but of very recent date in England; in the year 1795 it was seen first to blow here, in the collection of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham; but has since, repeatedly, at the nursery, Hammersmith, from whence this figure was taken. Professor Jacquin has figured this plant, in his last Fasciculus; but, undoubtedly, from a dried specimen, as his figure gives no idea of the brilliancy of this delightful plant. The fragrance of its flowers, added to the singularity and beauty of its leaves, must place it in the foremost rank of its congeners. To preserve the bulb of this delicate Gladiolus, as soon as the stem begins to decay, it should be taken from the pot, and kept dry till October; when it should be replanted, and treated as other Cape bulbs. It increases by offsets, and flowers about the month of May, or June.[Pg 50]
PLATE 11
