Metrosidera foliis oppositis, basi cordatis, amplexicaulibus; ramulis, pedunculis, calycibusque pilis rubro-fuscis tectis.
Metrosidera with opposite leaves, heart-shaped at the base and embracing the stem; small branches, flower-stems, and flower-cups covered with reddish-brown hairs.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Seed-bud and Cup, divested of the Petals and Chives.
2. One of the segments of the Cup, shewn from the under side.
3. A Chive magnified.
4. A Seed-bud cut transversely.
Although little can be said in favour of the flowers of this plant, yet the singularity of its foliage excites our attention, as very distinct from all its congeners. It grows with us to the height of six or seven feet; at which size, it produces its blossoms. The first plants were raised from seeds in the year 1787 at the garden of the late Dr. Pitcairne at Islington. It is increased by cuttings, after the usual mode made use of for propagating Botany Bay plants; that is to say, by placing the cuttings in the heat of a hot-house, or hot-bed, early in the month of March, till they are rooted. It is a hardy green-house plant when old, but rather delicate when young. Our figure was began from a plant in the Hibbertian collection, which flowered in the month of August, 1800; and finished from one at the Hammersmith Nursery, in November, 1802. A short apology may be thought necessary for our retaining the original mode of terminating the name of this Genus, rather than as it is given by most authors at present. Our plea is that only of priority, and the name under which the plants have been known, in our gardens, these 30 years; since, indeed, Sir J. Banks’s return from the South Seas. A slight mistake we wish likewise to notice, in the etymology of the word Metrosideros, as given by Dr. Martyn in his edition of Miller’s Dictionary; it is there said to be thus derived, Μητρα, medulla, the heart or pith of a tree, and σιδηρος iron; supposing the heart of the trees to possess the hardness, or colour of iron. Now the true idea on which the name of the Genus was founded, is the shape and hardness of the seed-vessel, thus; Μετρον a measure, and σιδηρος iron, as the appearance of the capsule, when ripe, will fully justify.[Pg 554]
