3. The Chives and Pointal.
4. The Pointal and Seed-bud, the three summits detached and untwisted.
5. The Seed-vessel cut across.
This species of Pitcairnia was sent in the year 1799, from the island of St. Vincent, by Mr. Anderson, to T. Evans, Esq. Stepney; at whole gardens the plant has flowered, for the first time, in England this year, in the month of April, and at which time our figure was taken. The Pitcairnias are all natives of West India Islands, and stand, as the link, between the Bromelia or Pine-apple plant, and the Tillandsia; to either of which Genera the first sight of the leaves, only, would consign them. Five species are now in Britain, and we do not doubt, but the species are as numerous, as those of Tillandsia. The cultivation of all the species is perfectly easy, as they require no particular soil, or management, if kept in the hot-house; where they grow luxuriantly and throw out, from the roots, abundance of suckers; which should be taken off, to encourage the flowering of the central shoot.[Pg 426]
PLATE CCL.
IXIA COLUMNARIS. Var. grandiflora.
Columnar-chived Ixia. Large flowered Var.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.