Calyx 5-fidus. Corolla 1-petala, irregularis. Capsula infera 2-seu 3-locularis.
Cup 5-cleft. Blossom, 1-petalled, irregular. Capsule beneath, 2 or 3 celled.
See Pl. CCLXXIII. Vol. IV. Lobelia pinifolia.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Lobelia foliis hirsutis, inferioribus oblongis, dentatis, hirsutis; floribus albis, solitariis axillaribus; pedunculis elongatis; stigmatibus obtusis, pilosis; caule fruticosa, pilosa, petente.
Lobelia with hairy leaves; the lower ones are oblong, toothed and hirsute: flowers white, and grow singly from the base of the leaves: foot-stalks lengthened: summits blunt, and hairy: Stem shrubby, hairy, and spreading.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The flower and chives spread open and magnified.
2. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
The Lobelias are an extensive family, but in a very confused state at present; not many of them having been described, and almost all that have been figured are blue flowers, a scarce colour in most genera, although so prevalent in this, and most probably to the attraction of this colour is chiefly owing the notice already taken of them: for, as beautiful little annuals, they have an irresistible claim to our attention. Our present subject does not possess the charm of colour, but from its lively white flowers and constant succession of bloom it is well deserving a place in the green-house. Our figure represents an entire plant, taken from the Cape Nursery of Messrs. Middlemist and Wood, near Shepherd’s Bush on the Edgware Road.[Pg 25]
