This small Bindeweede hath small long leaues, somewhat broader then the next that followeth, and not so broad as the common small Bindeweede (that groweth euery where wilde on the bankes of fields abroad) set vpon the small trayling branches, which growe aboue two or three foote high: from the middle of these branches, and so vnto the toppes of them, come forth the flowers at the ioynts with the leaues, folded together at the first into fiue plaites, which open into so many corners, of a most excellent faire skie coloured blew (so pleasant to behold, that often it amazeth the spectator) with white bottomes, and yellowish in the middle, which turne into small round white heads, wherein are contained small blackish cornered seede, somewhat like the former, but smaller: the roote is small and threddy, perishing as the former euery yeare: this neuer windeth it selfe about any thing, but leaneth by reason of the weaknesse of the branches, and dyeth euery yeare after seede time, and not to be sowne againe vntill the next Spring.
5. Convolvulus purpureus Spicæfolius. Lauander leafed Bindeweede.
This small purple Bindeweede, where it naturally groweth, is rather a plague then a pleasure, to whatsoeuer groweth with it in the fields; yet the beauty of the flower hath caused it to be receiued into Gardens, bearing longer and smaller leaues then the last, and such like small Bell-flowers, but of a sad purple colour: the roote is liuing, as the common kinds are, and springeth againe where it hath been once sowne, without feare of perishing.
The Place.
The first two greater kindes haue beene sent vs out of Italy, but whether they had them from the East Indies, or from some of the Easterne Countries on this side, wee know not: but they thriue reasonable well in our Country, if the yeare be any thing kindly. The next came out of America, as his name testifieth. The lesser blew kinde groweth naturally in many places both of Spaine and Portugall (from whence I first receiued seedes from Guillaume Boel, heretofore remembred.) The last groweth wilde in the fields, about Dunmowe in Essex, and in many other places of our owne Countrey likewise.
The Time.
The three first greater kindes flower not vntill the end of August, or thereabouts, and the seede ripeneth in September, if the colds and frosts come not on too speedily. The lesser kindes flower in Iune and Iuly.
The Names.
The first is called of some Campana Lazura, as the Italians doe call it, or Campana cærulea, of others Convolvulus cæruleus maior, siue Indicus, and Flos noctis. Of some Nil Auicennæ. The second, is called Convolvulus trifolius, or hederaceus, for the distinction of the leaues. In English wee call them eyther Great blew Bell flowers, or more vsually, Great blew Bindeweedes. That of America is diuersly called by diuers. It is called Quamoclit of the Indians, and by that name it was sent to Ioachinus Camerarius out of Italy, where it is so called still, as Fabius Columna setteth it downe, and as my selfe also can witnesse it, from thence being so sent vnto mee: but Andræas Cæsalpinus calleth it, Iasminum folio Millefolij, supposing it to be a Iasmine. Camerarius saith, it may not vnfitly be called Convolvulus tenuifolius, accounting it a kinde of Bindeweede. Columna entituleth it Convolvulus pennatus exoticus rarior, and saith it cannot bee referred to any other kinde of plant then to the Bindeweede. Hee that published the Curæ posteriores of Clusius, giueth it the name of Iasminum Americanum, which I would doe also, if I thought it might belong to that Family; but seeing the face and forme of the plant better agreeing with the Bindeweedes or Bell-flowers, I haue (as you see) inserted it among them, and giuen it that name may bee most fit for it, especially because it is but an annuall plant. The lesser kindes haue their names sufficiently expressed in their titles.