This beautiful Crocus is unquestionably distinct as a species, and has never been noticed by any systematic writer except Miller; who has described it accurately under the name of biflorus, in the 8th edition of his celebrated Dictionary. It is very hardy, flowers early in February, and may be readily distinguished from other Crocuses by its leaves being much longer than the flowers, at the time of flowering. When the sun shines strong, the flowers have a just perceptible fragrant scent; a circumstance very unusual in this genus; all the other species, (one we call fragrans excepted) having more or less of an unpleasant smell. It seldom produces seeds in this country, or varies in colour; but increases by the root.[Pg 5]
PLATE CCCLXIII.
POLYGALA STIPULACEA.
Stipuled Milkwort.
CLASS XVII. ORDER III.
DIADELPHIA OCTANDRIA. Two Brotherhoods. Eight Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx 5-phyllus: foliolis duobus alæformibus, coloratis. Legumen obcordatura, biloculare.