1. The Flower complete, as it stands on the Receptacle.
2. The Blossom expanded, to shew the situation of the Chives.
Of all the varied genera of plants which decorate that mine of botanical riches, the Cape of Good Hope, and the adjacent country, no one stands more conspicuous than Protea. Few travellers who have not noticed the singularity and beauty of their foliage; indeed they are of such extreme brilliancy, that no one, however indifferent to botanical researches, can pass them unobserved; forests of them being so numerous, the Protea Argentea, or Silver Tree, produces almost the only wood of the country; growing to the height of thirty or forty feet. But although the leaves of this numerous tribe are mostly beautiful, many of their blossoms are but trifling, except in the eye of the botanist: the Protea Formosa, however, is one amongst many which stand as powerful exceptions: the great beauty of this charming plant has induced us to adopt the trivial name it here bears. It has been introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew by Mr. F. Masson, botanical collector to his present Majesty; from whose liberal patronage the science of Botany has of late been brought into such general estimation. This species, from the downy character of the whole plant, is apt to damp, if not kept in an airy situation in winter; though the warmth of a common greenhouse is quite sufficient for its protection. It is with difficulty propagated by cuttings; and has not hitherto perfected its seeds in this kingdom. Our drawing was made from a plant which flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in the year 1796, about the month of August.[Pg 74]
PLATE 17
PLATE XVIII.
CORREA ALBA.
White Correa.
CLASS VIII. ORDER I.
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.