Of the first of these there are about five and twenty fixed species, besides a vast number of varieties; of which there are here found only the following:--
The Flesh-colored Heron's bill, E. incarnatum, is a pretty plant of about six inches high, flowering in the hot weather, with flesh-colored blossoms, but apt to become rather straggling.
Of the hundred and ninety species of the second class, independently of their varieties, there are few indeed that have found their way here, only thirteen, most of which are but rarely met with.
The Rose-colored Stork's bill, P. roseum, is tuberous rooted, and in April yields pretty pink flowers.
The Brick-colored Stork's bill, P. lateritium, affords red flowers in March and April.
The Botany Bay Stork's bill, P. Australe, is rare, but may be made to give a pretty red flower in March.
The Common horse-shoe Stork's bill, P. zonale, is often seen, and yields its scarlet blossoms freely in April.
The Scarlet-flowered Stork's bill, P. inquinans, affords a very fine flower towards the latter end of the cold weather, and approaching to the hot; it requires protection from the rains, as it is naturally of a succulent nature, and will rot at the joints if the roots become at all sodden: many people lay the pots down on their sides to prevent this, which is tolerably successful to their preservation.
The Sweet-Scented Stork's bill, P. odoratissimum, with pink flowers, but it does not blossom freely, and the branches are apt to grow long and straggling.
The Cut-leaved Stork's bill, P. incisum, has small flowers, the petals being long and thin, and the flowers which appear in April are white, marked with pink.