1. The Cup, natural size.
2. The same, magnified.
3. A Petal, magnified.
4. The Honey-cup, with the Chives, magnified.
5. The same, spread open, shewn from the outside.
6. The same, shewn from the inside.
7. The Seed-bud, natural size.
8. The same, magnified.
The Blandfordia cordata was first observed by Mr. J. Fraser, in the year 1786, on the banks of the Savannah river, near its source, in Georgia, North America; but was not introduced to us until the year 1800, when it was brought to England, amongst many other novelties, by that gentleman. It is, as are most of the plants of that country, rather too tender to resist the severity of our winters; and should be protected, either in the green-house, or in the coolest and shadiest part of the hot-house; where, if it is kept the year through, it will flourish, and flower about the month of June. It is increased by parting the roots about April; delights in moisture and shade; thriving most in a light peat soil, with a small mixture of sandy loam. This plant, from its general habit, would at first sight be taken for a species of Tiarella, or Heuchera, to both which it bears great resemblance, being all, likewise, natives of the same clime; but the strongly differing characters, in the parts of fructification, prevent its being placed to either of those genera. The honey-cup, it is true, might, perhaps, with reason, be considered as the connected threads of ten chives, and what we take to be the segments of its border, set down as so many sterile ones to make up this number. Thus, the plant would be transmuted to the XVI class; but, from our best judgment, we have placed it, as above, in the V.
Our figure is from a specimen communicated by the Right Hon. the Marquis of Blandford, from his magnificent gardens at White Knights, near Reading, Berks. Little need be urged for the propriety of our naming a plant from the Marquis of Blandford; and thus, dedicating this small part of our labours to his lordship; as few, at present, patronize the science, through all its branches, with so much vigour and liberality, or who have equal knowledge in its theory and practice.[Pg 111]
PLATE CCCXLIV.
EPIDENDRUM ENSIFOLIUM.
Sword shaped-leaved Epidendrum.
CLASS XX. ORDER I.
GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.