Camellia with large double white flowers.
Though it may be considered by some, as deviating from the botanical rule we prescribed to ourselves, at the outset of this work, not to figure any flower, but what could be systematically ascertained; double flowers, &c. having lost those constituent characters necessary to the Sexual System; yet having seen this most delightful plant in bloom last year, the temptation was too powerful to be resisted, for giving a figure of it in the Botanist’s Repository. This fine variety of the Camellia, was first imported from China about the year 1793, by Captain Connor of the Carnatic East-indiaman, for the gardens of the late I. Slater, Esq. a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit, for the introduction of new plants to this kingdom; indeed, it is to him we owe most of the plants received from China within these few years; he having procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described Chinese plants in that language, with the descriptions translated, and by various hands transmitted it to that country. The finest plants in this kingdom, of the double white Camellia, are now in the collection of Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. P.R.S. This, like the others of this genus, we may consider of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters; being a native of the Japanese isles, where, as well as in China, it was seen by Thunberg. As yet (from its scarcity) that cannot be ascertained; but from the easy method by which it is propagated by cuttings, we are in hopes it soon may. It is at present cultivated as a hot-house plant, where certainly it will be always seen in the greatest perfection; the flowers being of so delicate and brilliant a white, their beauty is easily destroyed, even by watering. Flowers in the autumnal months, and thrives best in rich loam.[Pg 106]
PLATE 25
PLATE XXVI.
CRASSULA ODORATISSIMA.
Sweet-scented Crassula.
CLASS V. ORDER V.
PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. Five Chives. Five Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.