On Plate 56 we figured a species of Polyxena (P. haemanthoides), and gave a few remarks on the genus. The present species, collected by Mr. A. J. Austin at Matjesfontein, C. P., was at first thought to be P. pygmaea, Kunth, but it differs in many respects from the published figures, and as it agrees quite well with Schönland’s description of P. ensifolia, we have decided to place it under this species for the present. Dr. Schönland, who saw the living plant at Pretoria, suggested that it was a species differing both from P. ensifolia and P. pygmaea; but until we know more about the genus both as regards the variability of the species and its distribution, it seems desirable to regard it as a form of P. ensifolia.
P. ensifolia is a pretty little plant. The leaves are semi-erect and the inflorescence of pale lilac flowers arises between them. It does quite well under cultivation, and has flowered for two seasons at the Division of Botany, Pretoria. We are indebted to Mr. Austin for the original bulbs.
Description:—Bulb 2·5 cm. long, 2·5 cm. in diameter, ovoid, covered with papery tunics. Leaves two, erect or spreading above, produced into a long clasping base 5-6 cm. long; the broadened lamina 5 cm. long, 3 cm. broad, ovate, obtuse, with reddish somewhat scarious margins, not distinctly veined, glabrous. Inflorescence corymbose, about 35-flowered. Peduncle 6 cm. long, subterete. Bracts 4·5 mm. long, ovate, acuminate, colourless. Pedicels, ·35-1·6 cm. long, glabrous. Perianth-tube 1·5 cm. long, cylindric, gradually widening above; lobes 5·5 to 6 mm. long, 1·75 mm. broad, oblong,[{40}] somewhat emarginate and hooded at the apex. Stamens in two rows; filaments 3 mm. long, terete, glabrous; anthers 1 mm. long, oblong. Ovary 3 mm. long, 1·5 mm. in diameter, ellipsoid; style 1·4 cm. long, terete; stigma minutely 3-lobed (National Herb. 2741).
Plate 129.—Fig. 1, inflorescence; Fig. 2, a single flower; Fig. 3, flower laid open, showing position of stamens and pistil; Fig. 4, stamen; Fig. 5, pistil.
F.P.S.A., 1924.
