ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx quinquefidus, semisuperus. Petala quinque. Filamenta multa, longissima, in quinque corpora connata. Pistillum unum. Capsula 3-locularis.
Cup five-cleft, half above. Petals five. Threads numerous, very long, united into five bodies. Pointal one. Capsule 3-celled.
See Melaleuca Ericæfolia, Pl. 175. Vol. III.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Melaleuca foliis alternatis, ovatis, reflexis, subtus punctatis, odoratis: floribus sessilibus in medio ramorum, viridibus, confertis: ramis verticillatis, patentibus.
Melaleuca with alternate leaves, ovate, and reflexed, punctured beneath, and sweet-scented. Flowers sessile about the middle of the branches, are of a green colour, and crowded together. The branches are whorled, and spreading.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower complete.
2. A flower spread open, without the empalement.
3. One of the five bundles of chives.
4. Empalement, seed-bud, and pointal, summit magnified.
5. A ripe seed-vessel.
This perfectly new species of Melaleuca was sent to us by Mr. J. Milne, botanic gardener at Fonthill, who is very successful in the cultivation of new plants. The punctured or dotted character on the under side of the leaves gives it an affinity to the Diosma tribe, as does also its scented foliage, which when rubbed emits a grateful aromatic odour; and which the leaves retain in some degree when dried. The flowers, although not splendid, are perhaps equally estimable from the rarity of their colour, which is a bright green when in perfection; but in retiring they acquire a yellower tint. It is a native of New Holland, and requires the careful treatment of the green-house.[Pg 89]