Embothrium with lance-shaped leaves, one nerved, very smooth on both sides; the small umbels of flowers grow from the insertion of the leaves into the stem; blossoms whitish.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower complete, with the summit relieved from the petals, magnified.
2. The same with the summit yet restrained by the petals.
3. One petal with the tip, magnified.
4. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit, magnified.
This Genus, if we may judge from what we already possess, amounting to 6 species, promises to furnish an ample feast for Botanists; for we have no doubt, but the species are as numerous as of any one from New Holland. The Willow-like Embothrium makes a very handsome bushy green-house plant; the leaves are not subject to damp, and the stem acquires the height of 5 or 6 feet. It flowers about May, and from the manner in which the leaves rather fall downwards, from their insertion, leaving the bunches of flowers fully exposed, at their base, it has a very picturesque appearance, as the whole plant is sometimes covered with blossoms. It thrives best in sandy peat earth, and is increased by cuttings, made about March, or April, and placed in the heat of the Hot-house, or a cucumber frame. Our figure was taken at the Hammersmith Nursery; where, it was first raised from seeds, in the year 1791.[Pg 288]
