Stewartia, foliis alternis ellipticis acuminatis obsolete et remote serrulatis, subtus villosis; floribus solitariis albis.
Stewartia, with alternate elliptic acuminated obscurely and remotely serrulated leaves, hairy beneath; and solitary white flowers.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The calyx, seed-bud and pointal.
2. The chives spread open
The Stewartia, which we have here represented, is known and cultivated in His Majesty’s, and in various other collections of plants in the vicinity of the metropolis, under the name of Marilandica; under which title it likewise occurs in the third edition of Donn’s Hortus Cantabrigiensis: but we do not find the name in any other book: neither can we, for want of sufficient specimens, ascertain whether it is specifically distinct from Stewartia virginica, or a variety only of that species. From S. virginica, however, as figured by Cavanilles in his Dissertationes, (tab. 159) it appears to differ, in having larger and much less serrated leaves, and in their being villose beneath; and likewise in its larger and entirely white petals. Cavanilles’ plant has one of its petals of a yellow-green colour. From Stewartia Malachodendron it is known, at first sight, by its entire, not lacerated petals; independent of the other generical distinctions, according to Jussieu and Cavanilles, which exist between them.
The Maryland Stewartia is, as its name imports, a native of Maryland in America. It is a hardy shrub, and is propagated by layers; but does not thrive unless in a moist situation, planted in a mixture of peat earth and a little loam; and flowers in August and September.
The plant here figured was obligingly communicated to us, in bloom, by the Marquis of Blandford, with whom it flowered in July last, we believe for the first time in this country.[Pg 75]
