3. A Flower.
4. The Chives and Pointal, natural size.
5. The same magnified.
The Snowberry-tree is a native of Jamaica, and some of the other West India islands; requiring the temperature of the hothouse to preserve it; growing to the height of four or five feet; but the stem being too weak to support itself, must be assisted. It is propagated by cuttings, and delights in a rich soil. We are informed in Miller’s Dictionary, treating of this plant, that it was introduced to us, in the year 1729, by Mr. Warner, of London; and that it was cultivated, in the garden of Mr. Sherard, at Eltham, about that time. The root of this plant is used medicinally, and has a very bitter, acrid taste. It is a very free blowing plant, flowering the first year from the cuttings; but never produces its fine white berries in this country, which constitute its greatest beauty, and whence its generic title. Our figure was made from a plant in the Hammersmith Collection. Flowers in September.[Pg 566]
PLATE CCLXXXV.
FERRARIA VIRIDIFLORA.
Green-flowered Ferraria.
CLASS XVI. ORDER I.
MONADELPHIA TRIANDRIA. Threads united. Three Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.