Of all the Magnolias with which we are as yet acquainted, this species is the most elegant; whether for the growth of the plant, the brilliancy of the foliage, or the extreme delicacy, fragrance, and beauty of the flowers. It is a native of China; from whence it was first introduced to us, in the year 1796, by T. Evans, Esq. of Stepney; from a plant in whose collection, our figure was taken, this year, 1802, in the month of February, the general season of its flowering in this climate if kept in the hot-house; to which station it has, as yet, been doomed, although, from the general character of the Genus, we should be led to treat it more hardily. It is increased by cuttings, and layers; but the first is the best method, as, in the latter mode the branches do not take root under two years. The plant from which our drawing was made, did not exceed a foot and a half in height, which leads us to suppose it never becomes a large shrub, even in China. It thrives in leaf mould, and light loam. We believe this plant has not hitherto come under the review of any botanical author.[Pg 346]
PLATE CCXXX.
DODONÆA TRIQUETRA.
Three-sided Dodonæa.
CLASS VIII. ORDER I.
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium tetraphyllum, planum; foliolis ovatis, obtusis, concavis, deciduis.
Corolla nulla.
Stamina. Filamenta octo, brevissima. Antheræ oblongæ, arcuatæ, conniventes, longitudine calycis.