3. The Seed-bud cut transversely, magnified.
The Green-flowered Melanthium was introduced to the Kew collection, by Mr. F. Masson, in the year 1788, as we are informed by the catalogue of that garden, from the Cape of Good Hope. The plant from which our figure was taken, had been sent to the Clapham collection amongst other bulbs which were received from Mr. Niven in the year 1800; it flowered the succeeding year, when our drawing was made. We believe, at present, it is in no other collection than that of Mr. Hibbert; nor do we think, without a fresh supply, it will be long seen in this country, as it has been often introduced, and as often lost; nor does it increase with us by the root, and the seeds have not, as yet, matured in this country; it appears to grow luxuriantly in sandy peat earth, and flowers in July.[Pg 362]
PLATE CCXXXIV.
PROTEA SPICATA.
Spike-flowered Protea.
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 4-fida seu 4-petala. Antheræ lineares, insertæ petalis infra apicem. Calyx proprius nullus. Semina solitaria.
Blossom 4-cleft or 4-petalled. Tips linear, inserted into the petals below the point. Proper cup none. Seeds solitary.