The singularity of colour exhibited in this very fine species of Ixia, the extraordinary length of the spikes, the flowers of which are mostly all expanded at the same time; and which grow sometimes to the length of a foot, or more; will certainly entitle it to a place in every collection of exotics. We are indebted to the Hollanders for this plant, as they first introduced it from the Cape; and it is from them we received it but a few years since. It is amongst the hardiest, and easiest propagated of this genus; requiring a small degree of heat when near blowing, to make the flowers expand with lustre; thriving best in peat earth; propagating itself by the bulb; and flowering during the months of May and June.[Pg 118]

PLATE 29

[Pg 121][Pg 120][Pg 119]

PLATE XXX.
VACCINIUM ARCTOSTAPHYLLUS.
Madeira Whortle-berry.

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Calyx. Perianthium minimum, superum, persistens.