5. A ripe Seed, natural size.
This we believe is amongst the most rare of the plants, hitherto introduced, from New Holland. It has been figured in the third Number of New Holland Botany, published by Dr. Smith in 1793: it is there said not to have been, at that time, in England; but, as it had not then flowered, the plant was not known, although in the collection of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, three years precedent to that publication; and where, it first flowered in 1795. Our figure was taken in September 1789 from a plant (we fear the only one at present in this kingdom) in the Hibbertian collection. It has not yet been propagated with us, and the seeds do not mature. The plant is nearly four feet high, and forms a handsome, bushy shrub, continuing in flower nearly the whole summer. Over the whole plant there is a brown, or rusty-like appearance, which takes much from its beauty. It flourishes in peat earth.[Pg 302]
PLATE CCXIX.
GLADIOLUS CUSPIDATUS. Var. petalis crispis.
Spear-spotted Gladiolus. Var. with crisped petals.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla sex-partita, ringens.
Stamina adscendentia.