REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Flower cut open, magnified, with the Chives in their place.
2. The Cup, magnified.
3. The Pointal and Cup, the summit magnified.
4. One of the Seed-pods, natural size.
The genus Cameraria, seems to have been rather hastily taken up by Plumier, as a distinct genus from Nerium; for certainly, the small difference in the shape of the seed-pod, in which consists the whole distinctive character of this genus, can hardly be thought of sufficient moment to that end. As we have found it, we leave it; but could not refrain from the foregoing remark, as it appears so singular, that amongst so many who have published the plant, not one should have discovered the surrounding nectary, or honey-cup, to the mouth of the blossom, and the long threads at the end of the tips; two such very powerful features, which distinguish Nerium, from all the rest of this natural order.
It is a native of Jamaica, Cuba, and Domingo; grows to the height of thirty feet, and is considered as a timber tree in those islands. The whole plant is full of a milky juice, similar to what is found in most plants of this natural order. In England, it must be treated as a hot-house plant; may be increased by cuttings; flowers in August, and should be planted in rich earth.
Our figure was taken from a plant in the Stepney collection, belonging to Thos. Evans, Esq.[Pg 474]
