2. A blossom cut open, with the Chives remaining attached.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit.
The Gladiolus here figured, represents a variety of one of the most errant species of the Genus, known commonly by the name of Spade Gladiolus, and of which we have drawings of eight, quite distinct; yet all, unquestionably, originating in one common parent. It was introduced in 1796, from the Cape of Good Hope, by Mr. R. Williams, nurseryman of Turnham-green, near Brentford; is a very hardy greenhouse bulb, increases from the root in abundance, if planted in very sandy peat earth, and flowers about the Month of April, or May.[Pg 13]
PLATE CXLVIII.
LACHENALIA QUADRICOLOR.
Four-coloured Lachenalia.
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Cor. 6-petala, infera; petalis 3 interioribus longioribus. Stamina erecta. Capsula subovata, trialata. Semina globosa.