SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Massonia foliis cordato-orbiculatis, supra scabrosis; laciniis corollæ reflexis.
Massonia with leaves between heart-shaped and round, rough on the upper side; the segments of the blossom reflexed.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A skinny sheath, one being attached to each flower, at the lower part of the foot-stalk.
2. A Flower complete.
3. The Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the chives into the mouth, just within the honey-cups.
4. The Seed bud, shaft and summit.
The rough-leaved Massonia is, as well as all the hitherto discovered species of the genus, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced to Britain, in the year 1796, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy; at whose nursery, our figure was taken in the year 1800; where, it had then flowered for the first time, in this kingdom. It is a hardy greenhouse bulb; propagates from the root, and perfects its seeds; flowers in February and March, and loses its leaves in June. It stands quite distinct from M. latifolia, both in the character of the leaves and blossoms; though, at first sight, it has much the appearance of that species. A loamy soil lightened by a small mixture of sandy peat is that it most approves. The roots should not be taken from the pots after the decay of the leaves, but kept rather dry till the leaves begin to re-appear.
Much will it contribute to the illustration of science, to find our present figure, when copied into a certain magazine at some future period, (and of which we have no doubt,) specifically denominated, smooth-leaved; as unfortunately, the other species figured by us, Pl. 46. Vol. I. with obovate, blunt-ended, or spathula-shaped leaves, has been, by a certain hocus-pocus conjuror, and our very good friend, converted into sword shaped! risum teneatis.[Pg 310]