3. The Chives, magnified, with the pointals remaining, to shew their length with regard to the Chives.
4. The Seed-bud, Shafts, Summits, magnified.
This plant appears to stand an intermediate character, between Mahernia and Hermannia: the general habit affines most to the former, and indeed, the shape of the threads, on which the essential generical distinction rests, approaches very near to those in Mahernia; for, although they have not absolutely foot-stalks, they are much larger, above the middle, than is usual in Hermannia, as may be seen on the plate; where these parts are shewn, magnified. It has likewise that singularly curious character, seen in Mahernia, of the two blossoms which terminate the flower-stems, each taking a contrary direction, in its spiral twist, to the other. As a greenhouse plant, it is rather tender in regard to damp, though not to cold; therefore, should be kept in the most airy part of the house. It is a native of the Cape, from whence it was introduced in the year 1796, to the Royal Gardens, Kew. By cuttings made in the month of April, it may be preserved, and increased, as it is not a long-lived plant. Loam, with a small portion of old rotten dung, it thrives in most. Our drawing was taken, at the Nursery, Hammersmith, in June 1800.[Pg 69]
PLATE CLXII.
VERBASCUM FERRUGINEUM.
Rusty-flowered Mullein.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquepartitum, parvum, persistens; laciniis erectis, acutis.