3. The Seed-bud, with the leaflets of the Empalement attached, cut transversely, to shew the division of the cells in the center.
This species of Hillia was first introduced to our gardens in the year 1789, from the Island of Barbadoes, sent in plants, by Mr. J. Elcock, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. Originally this shrub was specifically termed, parasitica by professor Jacquin, when he first formed, and titled the Genus, after Dr. J. Hill, of voluminous memory; from a supposition that it was to be found growing, only, upon some other plant; a circumstance, which being denied by Swartz, he has altered it to longiflora. We have followed the latter name that ours may go in unison with the author of the last Species plantarum now publishing by Willdenow, as well as professor Martyn, who in his edition of Miller’s Dictionary has followed Swartz; they appearing to be the most accurate, as well as the most read and followed of any modern Botanical authorities. It is a tender hot-house plant, strikes easily from cuttings, thrives in rich mould and flowers about the end of February. To the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Valentia we are indebted, for the specimen from which our figure was taken, sent from his Lordship’s famed collection at Arley near Bewdley, Staffordshire; where, we believe, it has flowered for the first time in England.[Pg 5]
PLATE CXLVI.
PSORALEA ACULEATA.
Prickly Psoralea.
CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.
DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. Chives in two sets. Ten Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, tuberculis punctatum, quinquesidum; laciniis acutis, æqualibus, persistentibus; infima duplo longiore.
Corolla papilionacea, pentapetala.