Mangifera, foliis oblongo-lanceolatis, floribus submonandris, drupa maxima reniformi. Willd. Sp. Pl. 1. 1150.
Mango, with oblong-lanceolate leaves, somewhat monandrous flowers, and a large kidney-shaped drupe.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A front view of a detached flower magnified.
2. A back view of the same
The Mango tree very seldom produces its flowers, and, we believe, never perfects its fruit, or, as Miller calls it, its plum, in Europe. In India this tree acquires considerable size, with a rough bark, and luxuriant foliage, and its fruit is held in great esteem. For the sake of its fine leaves alone it is worthy cultivation in our hot-houses, where, according to Miller, it prospers better out of, than in the tan; yet I believe most of the horticulturists of the present day prefer the bark-bed for their Mangoes, planting them in rich earth and large pots. They are propagated by layers or cuttings, seldom by seeds, because these will not keep long after they are mature, and therefore perish before they reach this country and can be sown in it. The flowers are extremely trifling, but they are curious in their conformation, and remarkable in constantly having four out of their five chives abortive, imperfect, and destitute of anthers; wherefore the plant is monandrous. Our figure was taken at Whitley and Brames’s in the month of December last.[Pg 131]
PLATE CCCCXXVI.
LIMODORUM TANKERVILLIÆ.
Chinese Limodorum.