[Index to Volume I]
[Errata Volume I.]
[Index to Volume II]
[Errata Volume II.]
Vol. 1.
of the
Botanist’s Repository
Comprising
Colour’d Engravings
of
New and Rare Plants
ONLY
With Botanical Descriptions &c.
——in——
Latin and English,
after the
Linnæan System.
by
H. Andrews
Botanical Painter Engraver, &c.
PREFACE.
The utility of this undertaking at a crisis, when the taste for Botanical pursuits so universally prevails, will, it is presumed, be readily admitted by all those engaged in them, whether as theorists, collectors, or cultivators. Such a work, under the immediate direction of some principal leader in the science, of this country, has been a desideratum of long expectance; but either from the great expence necessarily incurred, before any adequate return could be made, or from the trouble attendant on publications, where colouring forms so considerable a part, as yet, every similar attempt has proved abortive. The Bot. Mag. of Mr. Curtis, a work of singular merit in its way, has occasionally furnished, it is true, a few specimens of new plants; but the greatest part, as its title-page indicates, consists of those well known, common plants, long cultivated in our gardens; the direct reverse of the proposals and intentions of the author, in the prosecution of this. From a wish to prevent confusion, it was a determined principle at the outset of the work, not to give any generic or specific synonims; but to follow the most generally accepted names, of known and named plants, without a cavil, of our best English botanists, or cultivators, if no flagrant error was perceptible, according to the Linnæan system: being satisfied, nothing contributed so much to repress the ardour of young botanists as the difficulty of affixing the right name to those plants, which, (from a captious desire in every publisher, to foist in something of his own coinage, upon the most trifling supposed difference,) have undergone several changes of title. If the plant was a certain novelty, with us, to have followed the sexual system, without a schism; upon that truly grand and comprehensive scale of nature; when the formation of a new genus was necessary; if not, to refer it to some one already made, if such was to be found, in any orthodox author: the specific name to be formed from some opposed, leading feature, in the habits of the different species of the genus. But although such were the Author’s intentions, when he entered on this business, yet, from a wish to oblige many of the supporters of the work, who have signified a wish that synonims should be given, an alphabetical Index, with all the various Synonims collated from the best authorities, shall be printed separate for the use of those who may wish for such an addition.
As a fair excuse for the Author, (who throws himself upon the candour of the Public,) in extenuation of the inaccuracies which have, and will necessarily occur in the prosecution of the work, it is just to say, that the difficulties to be encountered, and of which none but those engaged in similar concerns can form any adequate idea, are incalculable; arising chiefly from the nature of a monthly publication, composed entirely of novelty, which cannot be anticipated, and of course, so very little time can be allotted for revisal or correction. To remedy as far as possible such slips, a list of Erratæ will be given, with the Index, at the close of each volume.
Knightsbridge, Oct. 1799.
ERRATA, VOL. I.
| Plate | [2.] | Springalia, lege, Sprengelia. Bloss. one leaf, read, one petal. |
| Peri. 4-valvis, 4-locul. l. 5-val. 5-loc. S. V. 4 val. 4 cells, r. 5 val. 5 cells. | ||
| [3.] | Cor. æquila, l. æqualia. Emp. Sheath, r. Sheaths. | |
| [7.] | Calyx, multiflorium, l. multiflorum. | |
| [9.] | Calyx, diciduis, l. deciduis. Stam. acumenatæ, l. acuminatæ. | |
| [11.] | Sp. Ch. post roseis, ins. (,). | |
| [12.] | Ord. II. r. IV. Seeds, become, r. becomes. | |
| [14.] | Emp. cup, r. sheath. Poin. put (,) after beneath. | |
| [15.] | Standard, cut, r. cup. | |
| [20.] | Sem. acumenatæ, l. acuminatæ. | |
| [23.] | Bloss. after spreading, put (,). No. 2 of Ref. put (the) before chives. | |
| [25.] | Sp. Ch. post plenis, ins. (,). | |
| [27.] | Ord. II. r. IV. | |
| [30.] | Line 6th of Descr. leave out (not). | |
| [37.] | Ord. II. r. IV. | |
| [41.] | Bloss. one leaf, r. one petal; divided into six, r. with six divisions. | |
| [47.] | Stam. post subulata, ins. (,). | |
| [65.] | Emp. fruit-stalks, r. fruit-stalk. | |
| [67.] | Descr. line 2d, for makes an addition to, r. makes one of. |
THE
BOTANIST’S REPOSITORY,
FOR
NEW, AND RARE PLANTS.
CONTAINING
COLOURED FIGURES
OF SUCH PLANTS, AS HAVE NOT HITHERTO APPEARED
IN ANY SIMILAR PUBLICATION;
WITH ALL THEIR ESSENTIAL CHARACTERS, BOTANICALLY ARRANGED,
AFTER THE SEXUAL SYSTEM OF THE CELEBRATED LINNÆUS;
IN ENGLISH, AND LATIN.
TO EACH DESCRIPTION IS ADDED,
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE PLANT,
AS TO ITS TIME OF FLOWERING, CULTURE, NATIVE PLACE OF GROWTH,
WHEN INTRODUCED, AND BY WHOM.
THE WHOLE EXECUTED BY
HENRY ANDREWS,
AUTHOR OF THE COLOURED ENGRAVINGS OF HEATHS, IN FOLIO.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY T. BENSLEY,
AND PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, Nº 5, KNIGHTSBRIDGE.
To be had of J. White, Fleet-street, and all the Booksellers.
1797.
[Pg 9][Pg 8][Pg 7]
PLATE I.
CORTUSA MATTHIOLI.
Alpine Sanicle.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium quinquefidum, persistens; laciniis obtusis, concavis.
Corolla. Monopetala, rotata, quinquepartita, laciniis sub-rotundis, ad quarum basin prominent tubercula quinque.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque brevia. Antheræ bipartitæ, oblongæ, erectæ, exteriori parte affixæ.
Pistillum. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma simplex.
Pericarpuim. Capsula ovata-oblonga, utrinque longitudinaliter sulcata, unilocularis, apice quinquevalvi, valvularum marginibus involutis.
Semina numerosa, oblonga, scabra.
Empalement. Cup with five divisions, permanent; the segments blunt, and concave.
Blossom. One leaf, wheel-shaped, five divisions, segments nearly round, having five prominent tubercles at their base.
Chives. Five short threads. Tips divided in two, oblong, upright, and fixed to the blossom by their backs.
Pointal. Seed-bud egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit simple.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong egg-shaped, channelled on each side, of one cell, the top has five valves, which are turned inward at their margins.
Seeds many, oblong, and rough.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Cortusa, foliis cordatis, laciniatis, petiolatis; calycibus corolla brevioribus.
Sanicle, with heart-shaped jagged leaves that have foot-stalks; empalements shorter than the blossoms.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, and Fruit-stalk.
2. The Blossom cut, and spread open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, magnified.
This beautiful little herbaceous plant, a native of the Germanic Alps, was known to, and described by all the elder, as well as modern botanical theorists; yet till this time, has there not been one good representation of it. Having been nearly lost to us for a number of years, it may be considered as deserving a place amongst those plants we deem rare; as a specimen of such it has been given. It delights much in shade; is perfectly hardy; thrives best in a light but pure soil; as dung, or other mixtures, are apt to rot the roots when in a state of inaction; flowering in May and June, and producing seeds. But the surest mode of propagation is by the root, which may be divided with success about September.[Pg 10]
PLATE 1
PLATE II.
SPRINGALIA INCARNATA.
Star-flowered Springalia.
CLASS XIX. ORDER VI.
SYNGENESIS MONOGAMIA. Tips united. Flowers simple.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquefidum, persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala, quinquefida, rotata, laciniis acumenatis.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, lineares, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ pilosæ, erectæ, conatæ in cylindrum.
Pistillum. Germen superum, turbinatum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarfium. Capsula quadrivalvis, quadrilocularis.
Semina plurima, minima, rotunda.
Empalement. Cup one leaf, cut into five segments, and remaining.
Blossom. One leaf, cut into five segments, wheel-shaped, the divisions sharp pointed.
Chives. Five threads, linear, fixed into the receptacle. Tips hairy, upright, united into a cylinder.
Pointal. Seed-bud above, turban-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit blunt ended.
Seed-vessel. Capsule four valves, four cells.
Seeds many, small, and round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Springalia, foliis alternis, amplexicaulibus, mucronatis; corollis sub-solitariis, incarnatis, rigidis, micantibus.
Springalia, with alternate leaves, embracing the stem, and sharp pointed; blossoms mostly single, flesh-coloured, harsh, and shining.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, (natural size).
2. The Blossom divided from the Empalement.
3. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified).
4. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (magnified).
The Springalia, must certainly rank among the most beautiful of the various new genera which have been introduced from New Holland; the delicacy, brilliancy, and number, of its blossoms render it particularly attractive, whilst their extreme permanency adds greatly to its merits; the flower being of such singular durability, as to retain nearly the same appearance when the seeds are perfected, as at their first opening. The figure before us, was taken from a plant in the nursery garden of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, who raised it from seeds about three years since, and where it has flowered these two successive years. The Botany-bay plants, (as they are generally called) are best preserved in the greenhouse; but although this is sufficiently hardy for such treatment, yet its situation must be dry, being very susceptible of damps, flourishing best in sandy peat earth; continues flowering through the whole summer; and propagates easily by cuttings. The characters, and habit of this genus, like almost all the plants from New Holland, being perfectly new, there was a necessity to form a fresh generic name for it; which has been done by the deservedly eminent Dr. J. E. Smith, botanical professor, and president of the Linnæan Society.[Pg 14]
PLATE 2
PLATE III.
NEOTTIA SPECIOSA.
Flesh-coloured Neottia.
CLASS XX. ORDER II.
GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ vagæ. Spadix simplex
Corolla. Petala quinque, longitudine æquila, anguste-lanceolata, erecta.
Nectarium monophyllum, indivisum, acuminatum, intra petala interiora positum, basin styli semiamplectens, erectum, superne patulum.
Stamina. Filamenta duo, ex limbo styli dorsali orta, lanceolata. Antheræ duæ, lineares, longæ, locatæ in loculum filamenti.
Pistillum. Germen inferum, curvatum, sulcatum, inferne attenuatum. Stylus crassus, adnatus labio superiori nectarii. Stigma obsoletum.
Pericarpium. Capsula unilocularis, carnosa, longissima, trivalvis.
Semina numerosa, minutissima.
Empalement. Sheath scattered. Fruit-stalk simple.
Blossom. Petals five, of equal length, of a narrow spear-shape, and upright.
Honey-cup one leaf, undivided, sharp pointed, placed between the two inner petals, half embracing the base of the shaft, upright, spreading at the top.
Chives. Two threads, rising out of the back of the shaft, spear-shaped. Tips two, linear, long, placed in the cells of the threads.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath, curved, furrowed, tapering at the base. Shaft thick, growing to the upper lip of the honey-cup. Summit indistinct.
Seed-vessel. Capsule with one cell, fleshy, very long, three valves.
Seeds numerous, very small.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Neottia, foliis radicalibus, undulatis, lato-lanceolatis, basi attenuatis; floribus confertis, spicatis, incarnatis, speciocissimis.
Neottia, with leaves growing from the root, waved, of a broad spear-shape, tapered at the base; flowers pressed together in a spike, flesh-coloured, and most beautiful.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Blossom, Seed-bud, and Sheath, (natural size).
2. The Seed-bud, and three Petals of the Blossom; the two inner cut out, to shew the position
of the Honey-cup, (natural size).
3. Seed-vessel, and Honey-cup magnified; shewing the situation, and shape of the Chives,
within the Honey-cup.
4. The same magnified; shewing the situation of the Pointal, at the back of the Honey-cup.
Professor Jacquin of Vienna, having figured the Neottia in the third volume of his Collectanea, with justice has determined it a new genus, and given it the name it here bears; the whole habit of the plant being entirely dissimilar to any old genera. It certainly must be placed somewhere near Limodorum, or Epidendron, from either of which, however, it stands perfectly distinct. This is the only species yet in England, and was introduced from the island of Jamaica, about the year 1793, by the Hon. Mrs. Barrington. The drawing from which the present figure is taken, was made (by her kind permission) from a plant in the extensive collection of the Hon. Lady Archer, Ham-common. Like all plants from that island, it requires the heat of a pine-stove, and rich earth, to make it flourish; is increased by the root, and flowers in the early part of the year.[Pg 18]
PLATE 3
PLATE IV.
RHODODENDRON DAURICUM.
Dauric Rhododendron.
CLASS X. ORDER I.
DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx quinquepartitus, persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala, rotato-infundibuliformis: limbo patente; laciniis rotundatis.
Stamina. Filamenta decem, filiformia, longitudine corollæ, declinata. Antheræ ovales.
Pistillum. Germen pentagonum, retusum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine corollæ. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Capsula ovata, quinquelocularis.
Semina numerosa, minima, lineares.
Empalement of five divisions, and remaining.
Blossom. One leaf, of a roundish funnel-shape: the limb spreading; and its segments rounded.
Chives. Ten hair-like threads, the length of the blossom, bent downward. Tips oval.
Pointal. Seed-bud five-sided, and dented. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the blossom. Summit blunt-ended.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oval, five-celled.
Seeds many, small, and linear.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Rhododendron, foliis glabris utrinque nudis, petiolis longissimis; corollæ violaceæ, foliis ampliores, rotatæ.
Rhododendron, with smooth leaves, naked on both sides, and long foot-stalks; the blossoms light purple, larger than the leaves, and wheel-shaped.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Blossom, (natural size).
2. The Chives, and Pointal, (natural size); one tip detached, (magnified).
3. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (magnified).
Although this shrub has been described, and is well known to botanists, it has not, till within these very few years, been seen in Great Britain. It is a perfectly hardy plant, being a native of the coast of the Black and Caspian seas, and parts adjacent; from whence it has been conveyed to Petersburg by Dr. P. Pallas, and figured by him in his Flora Russica. Mr. Bush was the person who brought it to England, on his return from Russia. The flowers begin to appear in the month of March, continuing through April and May. As yet (from its scarcity) the best method of cultivating it can scarcely be known; but it seems to like a sheltered situation, and light soil, like most of the genus; and has been increased by layers. The drawing was made from a plant, at the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith.[Pg 22]
PLATE 4
PLATE V.
GLADIOLUS LONGIFLORUS.
Long-flowered Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves.
Corolla, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in tubum conata.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium. Stigma trifidum, concavum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, subrotunda.
Empalement. Sheath two valves.
Blossom, cut into six segments, and gaping. Petals oblong, having all their claws connected into a tube.
Chives. Three threads, awl-shaped, fixed into each alternate division of the petals. Tips oblong.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives. Summit divided in three, and concave.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, obtuse, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus, foliis ensiformibus, plicatis, villosis; corollis tubiformus, longissimis; petalis undulatis, reflexis.
Gladiolus, with sword-shaped, plated, hairy leaves; blossoms trumpet-shaped, and very long; petals waved, and bent back.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation, and insertion of the Threads; the Threads, and Tips, remaining attached.
2. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and its Summit.
This species of Gladiolus, (as are most of the genus) is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, about Table Mountain; where the roots of Ixia, Antholyza, Gladiolus, &c. form a chief part of the food of the inhabiting monkies. It came to England amongst many other roots and seeds of beautiful and rare plants, collected by J. Pringle, Esq. of the island of Madeira, when on an excursion at the Cape; and sent by him to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith. Like most bulbs, it has its period of rest; during which, it should be kept without moisture, but whilst growing, requires abundance; flowering about June, or July, and producing good seeds. It should be treated as a greenhouse plant, and planted in light sandy earth. Like the Crocus, the old root perishing, a number of fresh ones are produced, which may, (if thought necessary) be kept out of the ground two or three months.[Pg 26]
PLATE 5
PLATE VI.
HEMEROCALLIS CÆRULEA.
Blue Day Lily.
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Nullus.
Corolla, sexpartita, infundibuli-campanulata.
Stamina. Filamenta sex, subulata, longitudine corollæ, declinata; superiora breviora. Antheræ oblongæ, incumbentes, assurgentes.
Pistillum. Germen sulcatum, superum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine et situ staminium. Stigma obtuse-trigonum, assurgens.
Pericarpium. Capsula trigona, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plurima, subrotunda.
Empalement. None.
Blossom, has six segments, of a funnel bell-shape.
Chives. Six awl-shaped threads, the length of the blossom, bent downwards; the upper ones the shortest. Tips oblong, fixed by their sides, and turned up at the ends.
Pointal. Seed-bud furrowed, and above. Shaft thread-shaped, of the length and position of the chives. Summit bluntly three-cornered, turned up at the point.
Seed-vessel. Capsule three-sided, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Hemerocallis, foliis cordatis, petiolatis; corollis cæruleis.
Day Lily, with leaves that are heart-shaped, and have foot-stalks; the blossoms blue.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Chives, and Pointal, as placed in the Blossom.
2. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit.
3. A Seed of the shape and size when ripe.
The variety of character exhibited in this new species of Hemerocallis, so different from its congeners, in foliage, flower, and seed; would almost induce us to think like Gærtner, a generic division necessary; if we were not withheld, by that strong rule of Linnæus, (from which, it will be a leading feature of this work, not to swerve) not to increase the number of genera, but where absolutely necessary. This species, as well as a white variety, which has been figured by Kæmpfer; and continued since him by Welldenow, in his new Species Plantarum, under its present denomination; is a native of China, and introduced to our gardens from thence by G. Hibbert. Esq. of Clapham, from whose most extensive and beautiful collection this specimen was taken. It is as yet cultivated as a hothouse plant, where it flowers in the spring months, perfecting its seeds: perhaps when better known, it may be found, like many Chinese plants, to bear our climate. It is propagated as well by parting its roots, as from the seeds.[Pg 30]
PLATE 6
PLATE VII.
PRIMULA CORTUSOIDES.
Siberian Primrose.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Involucrum polyphyllum, multiflorium, minimum. Perianthium monophyllum, tubulatum, pentagonum, quinquedentatum, acutum, erectum, persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala. Tubus cylindraceus, longitudine calycis, terminatus colo parvo hemisphærico. Limbus patens, semi-quinquefidus; laciniis obcordatis, obtusis. Faux pervia.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, brevissima, intra collum corollæ. Antheræ acumenatæ, erectæ, conniventes, inclusæ.
Pistillum. Germen globosum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine calycis. Stigma globosum.
Pericarpium. Capsula teres, longitudine fere perianthii, unilocularis, dehiscens apice decem dentato.
Semina numerosa, subrotunda. Receptaculum ovato-oblongum, liberum.
Empalement. Fence of many leaves, including several flowers, and small. Cup one leaf, tubular, five-sided, five-toothed, sharp, upright, and remaining.
Blossom. One petal. Tube cylindrical, the length of the cup, terminated by a short hemispherical neck. Border spreading, half cut into five divisions; the segments are inversely heart-shaped, and blunt. Mouth open.
Chives. Five threads, very short, within the neck of the blossom. Tips pointed, upright, approaching, within the tube.
Pointal. Seed-bud globular. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the cup. Summit globular.
Seed-vessel. Capsule cylindrical, nearly as long as the cup, of one cell, opening at the top, with ten teeth.
Seeds numerous, and roundish. Receptacle oblong egg-shaped, and loose.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Primula, foliis petiolatis, cordatis, sub-lobatis, crenatis; corollis lætè purpureis.
Primrose, whose leaves have foot-stalks, are heart-shaped, slightly lobed, and scolloped; blossoms of a bright purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Cup, and Fruit-stalk.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives, and its internal formation.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit, (magnified).
This species of Primrose is figured by Gmelin, in his Flora Siberica. It was in the year 1794, that the seeds of this plant were sent by Professor P. Pallas, from Siberia, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith; at whose nursery the drawing of this most charming plant was made: though a native of so cold a clime, it seems with difficulty to endure the severity of ours; thriving best in a pot, under any flight shelter, or a very dry situation if planted out: it is increased by the root, which should be parted in March; and flowers in June, and July.[Pg 34]
PLATE 7
PLATE VIII.
GLADIOLUS ALATUS.
Wing-flowered Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves.
Corolla, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in tubum conata.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium. Stigma trifidum, concavum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, subrotunda.
Empalement. Sheath two valves.
Blossom, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their claws formed into a tube.
Chives. Three awl-shaped threads, fixed into the alternate divisions of the petals. Tips oblong.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives. Summit cut into three, and concave.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, blunt ended, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus, foliis ensiformibus, costatis; petalis lateralibus latissimis.
Gladiolus, with sword-shape, ribbed leaves; the side petals of the blossom the broadest.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement, with the Chives, detached from the Petals, as they stand in the Blossom, and apparently attached to each other; with the natural position of the Pointal.
2. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud; one of the divisions of the Summit magnified.
This species of Gladiolus, although so scarce with us, is certainly one of the most common found near Cape Town; and, notwithstanding its extreme beauty, has been overlooked by most collectors; who, from its great frequency, have generally considered it as forming, undoubtedly, part of every collection of exotics. It is of an extreme delicate nature, and overmuch wet easily destroys it; differing from most Cape bulbs, in requiring a light loamy earth, and the assistance of a dry stove, to make it flower well; which it will do by such aid, about May, or June; seldom producing seeds, and propagating but slowly by the root. From the fugitive character of this plant, it is difficult to ascertain the first cultivator; for although it does not appear amongst the Gladiolus in the Hortus Kewensis, it must undoubtedly have come into that immense collection at different periods, but never flowered; which is the reason we do not find it there described, which has been done by Linnæus, in his Species Plantarum, under the name it here bears; as well as by Plukenet, in his Phyto graphia, and others under various synonims. This figure was taken from a plant that flowered at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s in 1796.[Pg 38]
PLATE 8
PLATE IX.
ATRAGENE CAPENSIS.
Cape Atragene.
CLASS XIII. ORDER VII.
POLYANDRIA POTYGYNIA. Many Chives. Many Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium tetraphyllum; foliolis ovalibus, patentibus, obtusis, deciduis.
Corolla. Petala duodecim, linearia, basi angustissima, obtusa, patula.
Stamina. Filamenta plurima, brevissima. Antheræ oblongæ, acumenatæ.
Pistillum. Germina plurima oblonga. Styli villoli. Stigmata simplicia, longitudine antherarum.
Pericarpium. Nullum.
Semina plurima, desinentia in caudam pilosam.
Empalement. Cup four-leaved, which are oval, spreading, blunt, and deciduous.
Blossom. Petals twelve, linear, narrowest at base, blunt, and spread open.
Chives. Threads many, very short. Tips oblong, pointed.
Pointal. Seed-buds numerous, oblong. Shafts hairy. Summits simple, the length of the tips.
Seed-vessel. None.
Seeds many, terminating in a hairy tail.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Atragene, foliis ternatis; foliolis incisis, dentatis, rigidis; flore incarnato, semipleno.
Atragene, with three divisions; the smaller divisions jagged, toothed, and harsh; the flower flesh-coloured, and semidouble.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Petal cut off close to the receptacle.
2. The Fruit-stalk, Chives, and Pointals; the Chives thrown to one side, to expose the situation of the Pointals; one tip magnified.
3. A Seed of the size when ripe.
This plant has been considered by Burmann, Hermann, and other Cape botanists, as an Anemone, to which genus it certainly may as easily be referred as Atragene: but as it has been clearly described by Linnæus, under that genus, we have not hardiness enough to dispute his authority. It is (as the trivial name implies) a native of the Cape of Good Hope, but at some considerable distance within land; whence it requires a dry stove to preserve it, suffering much from damps. It is only since the year 1795, that this plant has been found in our greenhouses; being then introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, nurserymen, where it has flowered and perfected seeds; which seems to be the only means of propagating it: the soil it prefers is a mixture of peat and loam; flowering about March, or April.[Pg 42]
PLATE 9
PLATE X.
ARISTEA CYANEA.
Blue-flowered Aristea.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves, laceræ, persistentes.
Corolla, hexapetala, oblonga, æqualia, obcordata, persistentia, patens.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, erecta, subulata. Antheræ sub-simplices, magnæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus filiformis, erectus. Stigma trifidum, concavum, reflexum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, triquetra, trilocularis, loculis compressis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, compressa, scabrida, sub-semicircularia.
Empalement. Sheath two valves, ragged, and, remaining.
Blossom, of six petals, oblong, equal, inversely heart-shaped, remaining, spreading.
Chives. Three threads, upright, awl-shaped. Tips almost simple, and large.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft thread-shaped and erect. Summit cut into three, concave and reflected.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, three-sided, three cells, cells compressed, three valves.
Seeds many, flat, rough, nearly semicircular.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Aristea, foliis ensiformibus, radicalibus; floribus capitatis, cyaneis.
Aristea with sword-shaped leaves growing from the root; the flowers grow in heads, and are of a bright blue.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Valve of the Sheath spread open.
2. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified.)
3. A perfect Seed, (magnified.)
The Aristea is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and has been described under various synonyms, by Plukenett as a Gramen, by Petiver as Bermudiana Capensis, and by Van Royen, Burmann, and Linnæus, as an Ixia. But although differing from Linnæus is against the fixed intention of this undertaking, where there is a possibility of avoiding it; yet in this instance of alteration he must have acquiesced, having undoubtedly never seen the plant himself. The blossom, seed-vessel, seeds, habit, root, and growth, of the plant, so totally differ from the character of Ixia, &c. that we have not hesitated, in accepting the name given it in the Hortus Kewensis; where, it is said to have been introduced, to that collection, by Mr. F. Masson in 1774; though no specific description is given of it; from which we may conjecture, it never flowered there. The figure here given, was taken from a plant which flowered at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, in 1797. The Aristea being rather a delicate plant, requires an airy, warm situation in the greenhouse, flowering readily about the month of July, or August; requiring to be kept in a small pot, the soil a light loam. It propagates by seeds, and slips.[Pg 46]
PLATE 10
PLATE XI.
GLADIOLUS ROSEUS.
Rose-coloured Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves.
Corolla, sexpartita ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in tubum conata.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminium. Stigma trifidum, concavum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, subrotunda.
Empalement Sheath two valves.
Blossom, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their claws formed into a tube.
Chives. Three awl-shaped threads fixed into the alternate divisions of the petals. Tips oblong.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives. Summit cut into three, and concave.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, blunt-ended, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus, foliis lanceolatis, tortis, rubro marginatis, pubescentibus; floribus roseis odoratissimis.
Gladiolus, with spear-shaped leaves, twisted, red-edged, and downy; blossoms rose colour, and sweet scented.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Valves of the Sheath.
2. A Flower cut open, to expose the insertion of the Threads, the Threads, and Tips remaining attached.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit magnified.
4. A Seed natural size, inclosed in its Tunic.
This most beautiful species of Gladiolus, is but of very recent date in England; in the year 1795 it was seen first to blow here, in the collection of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham; but has since, repeatedly, at the nursery, Hammersmith, from whence this figure was taken. Professor Jacquin has figured this plant, in his last Fasciculus; but, undoubtedly, from a dried specimen, as his figure gives no idea of the brilliancy of this delightful plant. The fragrance of its flowers, added to the singularity and beauty of its leaves, must place it in the foremost rank of its congeners. To preserve the bulb of this delicate Gladiolus, as soon as the stem begins to decay, it should be taken from the pot, and kept dry till October; when it should be replanted, and treated as other Cape bulbs. It increases by offsets, and flowers about the month of May, or June.[Pg 50]
PLATE 11
PLATE XII.
GERANIUM GRANDIFLORUM.
Largest flowered Crane’s-bill.
CLASS XVI. ORDER II.
MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium pentaphyllum: foliolis ovatis, acutis, concavis, persistentibus.
Corolla. Petala quinque, obcordata, seu ovata, patentia, magna.
Stamina. Filamenta decem, subulata, corolla breviora. Antheræ oblongæ, versatiles.
Pistillum. Germen quinquangulare, rostratum. Stylus subulatus, staminibus longior, persistens. Stigmata quinque, reflexa.
Pericarpium nullum. Fructus pentacoccus, rostratus.
Semina solitaria, reniformia, sæpe arillata; Arista longissima, demum spirali.
Empalement. Cup five leaves: leaves egg-shaped, sharp pointed, concave, and permanent.
Blossom. Five petals, inversely heart-shaped, or egg shaped, spreading, and large.
Chives. Ten threads, awl-shaped and shorter than the blossom. Tips oblong, easily turned round.
Pointal. Seed-bud five-angled, and beaked. Shaft awl-shaped, longer than the chives and remaining. Five reflexed summits.
Seed-vessel none. Fruit five dry berries, beaked.
Seeds, solitary, kidney-shaped, often furnished with a dry husky coat, and a very long awn, which become spiral.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Geranium, calycibus monophyllis, foliis quinque-lobis, glabris, dentatis; floribus amplissimis. sub-albidis.
Geranium, empalements of one leaf; leaves five-lobed, smooth, and toothed; the flowers very large, nearly white.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular structure.
2. The Chives, and Pointal, as placed in the flower, (natural size.)
3. The Shaft, Summits, and Seed-bud, (magnified.)
Of all the species of this numerous tribe, introduced to us, from the Cape of Good Hope, this stands singularly pre-eminent; whether for delicacy of foliage, or beauty of flower, of which, the most finished drawing would convey but a faint idea. The figure before us, was taken from a plant in the valuable collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham; from whom we understand, that it was sent in 1794 to the Royal Gardens at Kew, by Mr. F. Masson. To keep this plant in a flourishing condition, it should be kept in a window of the stove, in winter, as the heat of a greenhouse is scarce sufficient at that season. It flowers in July, or August, and requires the soil generally used for Geraniums, a mixture of rotten dung, and loam; being easily propagated by cuttings.
To dissent from most of the late publications on the science of Botany, may seem presuming; yet, when it shall be considered, that we take Linnæus for our sole guide, where that great master has incontestibly fixed a Generic character, to a tribe of plants, which undoubtedly, came clearly under his inspection; from his dictates, ours must emanate, although his authority may be questioned by others. If any good reasons had been found, to disunite a Genus, which nature has so palpably distinguished throughout all its numerous species; he certainly, who had minutely examined so many, would not in his factitious System have allied them; though nature had apparently so done. We must therefore, after him, think no Generic division necessary. For the sake of correctness, where a Genus is so extended in its species as Geranium, Erica, &c. are; the conformity of particular parts, may form a secondary arrangement, as we find it constantly in Linnæus; the Heaths, from the shape of their tips, the Geraniums, from the number of fertile Chives; which a French Botanist of the name of L’Heritier, has thought of sufficient moment to create two new Genera on, Erodium and Pelargonium, retaining the old name Geranium for those only, with ten perfect Chives. Mons. L’Heritier and his followers must, therefore, forgive us for ranking one of his Pelargoniums under the old standard.[Pg 54]
PLATE 12
PLATE XIII.
EPIDENDRUM COCHLEATUM.
Purple flowered Epidendrum.
CLASS XX. ORDER I.
GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA. Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ vagæ. Spadix simplex. Perianthium nullum.
Corolla. Petala quinque, oblonga, longissima, patentissima.
Nectarium basi tubulatum, turbinatum, intra petala deorsum positum, ore obliquo, bifido: superiori labio brevissimo, trifido; inferiori in acumen producto.
Stamina. Filamenta duo, brevissima, pistillo insidentia. Antheræ tectæ labio superiore nectarii.
Pistillum. Germen tenue, longum, contortum, inferum. Stylus brevissimus, adnatus labio superiori nectarii. Stigma obsoletum.
Pericarpium. Siliqua longissima, teres, carnosa.
Semina numerosa, minutissima.
Empalement. Sheaths scattered. Fruit-stalk simple. Cup none.
Blossom. Five petals, oblong, of a great length, and spreading much.
Honey-cup tubular at the base, turban-shaped, placed between the lower petals, mouth oblique and divided: the upper lip very short, cut into three divisions; the lower terminating in a point.
Chives. Two very short threads, fixed on the pointal. Tips covered by the upper lip of the honey-cup.
Pointal. Seed-bud slender, long, twisted, and beneath. Shaft very short, fixed to the upper lip of the honey-cup. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Pod very long, round, and fleshy.
Seeds numerous, extremely small.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Epidendrum foliis oblongis, geminis, glabris, bulbo innatis; scapo multifloro; nectario cordato, purpureo.
Epidendrum with oblong leaves growing by pairs, smooth, rising from the bulb; stalk many flowered; honey-cup heart-shaped and purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Blossom, without the Honey-cup; disposed to shew the situation of the Chives, and Pointal, which are covered by the Honey-cup.
2. The Honey-cup.
3. The Tips.
4. The Summits.
Of all plants, none furnish a more agreeable speculation to the Botanist, than those of this class; the singular construction of the whole flower, leads the observer to form analogous comparisons from it to animal life: particularly amongst the Orchis, and Ophris, of our own country; where bees, flies, lizzards, and butterflies are accurately shaped in the honey-cup. The Genus Epidendrum, takes its Generic title from its place of growth, being what Botanists term parasitical, that is, growing on another plant; which is the case, with most of the species of this Genus: yet is cultivated here with success, by planting it in a mixture of rotten wood, and loam. A plant, from which this figure was taken, was a present to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy from the Honourable Mrs. Barrington, who received it from Dr. Dancer’s botanical garden Jamaica, of which island it is a native; therefore must be kept in the stove. It is propagated by dividing the bulbs.[Pg 58]
PLATE 13
PLATE XIV.
IXIA REFLEXA.
Reflex flowered Ixia.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves, oblongæ, persistentes, germina distinguentes.
Corolla. Petala sex, oblonga, æqualia, lanceolata.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, subulata, corolla breviora, situ æqualia. Antheræ simplices.
Pistillum. Germen inferum, ovatum, triquetrum. Stylus simplex, erectus, longitudine staminum. Stigma trifidum, crassiusculum.
Pericarpium. Capsula subovata, triquetra, trilocularis, loculis compressis, trivalvis.
Semina subrotunda, plurima.
Empalement. Cup two valves, oblong, remaining, and dividing the seed-buds.
Blossom. Six oblong petals of an equal length, and spear-shaped.
Chives. Three awl-shaped threads, shorter than the blossom, placed equally. Tips simple.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath egg shaped, and three-sided. Shaft simple, upright, the length of the chives. Summit cut into three, and thickish.
Seed-vessel. Capsule, nearly egg-shaped, three-sided, three cells, pressed together, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Ixia floribus spicatis, reflexis; foliis ensiformibus, glabris.
Ixia, with flowers growing in a spike, and bent backward; leaves sword-shaped, and smooth.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement (magnified).
2. The Blossom.
3. The Chives (magnified).
4. The Pointal (magnified).
No genus exhibits greater diversity, either in the figure, or colour of the blossoms, of its various species than Ixia; the extreme delicacy of their colours, rendering it absolutely necessary to protect them both from wind and rain; even watering them over their heads (as is usual with greenhouse plants), at once destroys their brilliancy. The bulbs of this species were gathered at the Cape, by J. Pringle, Esq. from whom they were sent to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in 1795, at whose nursery they flowered the ensuing spring, when this figure was taken. No particular treatment is necessary for this plant, other than what is given to Cape bulbs in general, viz., an airy situation, and light soil. Is propagated by seeds, and by the roots.[Pg 62]
PLATE 14
PLATE XV.
ANTHYLLIS ERINACEA.
Blue Broom of Spain.
CLASS XVII. ORDER III.
DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. Chives in two sets. Ten Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, ovato-oblongum, parum inflatum, villosum; ore quinquedentato, inæquali; persistens.
Corolla papilionacea:
Vexillium longius, lateribus reflexis, ungue longitudine calycis.
Alæ duæ, oblongæ, vexillo breviores.
Carina compressa, longitudine alarum, alis similis.
Stamina. Filamenta decem, connata, assurgentia. Antheræ simplices.
Pistillum. Germen oblongum. Stylus simplex, adscendens. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Legumen subrotundum, tectum intra calycem, minimum, bivalve.
Semen unum, alterumve.
Empalement. Cup of one leaf, oblong egg-shaped, a little swelled, and hairy; mouth cut into five unequal teeth; permanent.
Blossom, butterfly-shaped.
Standard longer, sides bent back, the claws as long as the cut.
Wings two, oblong, shorter than the standard.
Keel compressed, as long as the wings, and like them.
Chives. Ten threads, connected, rising upwards. Tips simple.
Pointal. Seed-bud oblong. Shaft simple, ascending. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Pod roundish, covered by the cup, very small, of two valves.
Seeds. One or two.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Anthyllis fruticosa, spinosa; foliis simplicibus; floribus ex cæruleo purpurascentibus.
Broom, shrubby, and covered with prickles; leaves simple; blossoms of a purplish blue.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Cup.
2. A Blossom, the cup taken off to shew the exact situation and shape of its various parts.
3. The Chives, as they inclose the pointal (natural size.)
4. The Threads magnified, and cut open, to shew their tubular shape.
5. The Pointal, magnified.
Owing to the difficulty in propagating and preserving some plants, although frequently introduced to us, and well known; yet are they more scarce to be found, in our best collections, than plants of seemingly more difficult acquisition. This species of Anthyllis has been mentioned under various synonyms by most botanical authors from Clusius downwards. Mr. T. Johnson, in his edition of Gerard of 1633, has given a description of this plant from Clusius, and a cut; both of which are excellent (considering the then infant state of the art of engraving), under the title of Genista spinosa humilis; Dwarf Furze. It is termed Erinacea by Clusius (says he), from the Spanish name of the hedge-hog, Erizo, of which country it is a native, in the kingdom of Valencia: from which we might infer, that, like other plants of that country, it would live through our winters; which is not the case. It must be kept as a greenhouse plant, and watered but sparingly. The soil it prefers is a light loam; is propagated by cuttings, and flowers in April, or May.[Pg 66]
PLATE 15
PLATE XVI.
AZALEA PONTICA.
Yellow Pontic Azalea.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quinque-partitum, acutum, erectum, parvum, persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala, campanulata, limbus quinquefidus: laciniarum lateribus inflexis.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, filiformia, receptaculo inserta, libera. Antheræ simplices.
Pistillum. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine corolla, persistens. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Capsula ovata, quinquelocularis, quinquevalvis.
Semina plurima, compressa.
Obs. Figura petali in aliis infundibuliformis, in aliis campaniformis est; stamina in quibusdam declinata longissima.
Empalement. Cup one leaf with five divisions, sharp pointed, upright, small, and permanent.
Blossom. One petal, bell-shaped, margin five-cleft: segments with the edges bent inwards.
Chives. Threads five, thread-shaped, fixed to the receptacle, and loose. Tips simple.
Pointal. Seed-bud egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the blossom, permanent. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Capsule egg-shaped, with five cells, and five valves.
Seeds many, and flat.
Obs. The shape of the petal in some is funnel-shaped, in others bell-shaped; the chives in some are bent downward, and very long.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Azalea, foliis ovato-oblongis, pilosis, alternis; floribus amplissimis, luteis; staminibus longissimis, declinatis.
Azalea, with oblong egg-shaped leaves, hairy, and alternate; flowers very large, and yellow; chives very long, and bent downward.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, (natural size.)
2. The Chives as they appear within the blossom.
3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit.
4. A Capsule cut horizontally, exposing the number of its cells.
America has furnished our gardens with an extensive variety of beautiful shrubs; amongst them, the Azaleas hold a distinguished place; some for the beauty, others for the fragrance, of their blossoms: the present species far surpasses all of them for both. It is a native of the coast of the Black Sea, or Pontus Euxinus, through the whole of its extent, on the Asiatic side, from the city of Trebisonde; from whence its trivial name. That a plant of such extreme beauty, and sweetness, should so long have been a stranger to our European gardens, though known to, and described by, so many botanical travellers, must seem matter of wonder; but still it is an uncontested fact. Mons. Tournefort, in his Voyage to the Levant, has given an ample description of it, under the title of Chamærhododendros Pontica maxima, mespili folio, flore luteo; where he says, it grows to the height of seven or eight feet, and that the flowers are of a most exquisite flavour. Dr. P. Pallas, in his Flora Rossica, has likewise figured, and described it, under the name it here bears; but apparently his drawing was made from a dried specimen, as the brilliancy of the flower is by no means preserved; but it is to him we are indebted for this fine plant. In his voyage to the Crimea and countries adjacent, in 1792, he procured the seeds of this, amongst many other valuable and rare plants; parcels of most of which were sent by him to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy. Hammersmith; by whom plants were raised of it, and many other sorts, the next year. It is a deciduous shrub, extremely hardy, and blows early in the spring; is propagated, like other Azaleas, by layers and seeds; grows best in peat earth, with a small portion of loam.[Pg 70]
PLATE 16
PLATE XVII.
PROTEA FORMOSA.
Coronet Protea.
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium commune, imbricatum; squamis inæqualibus, persistentibus.
Proprium nullum.
Corolla tetrapetala. Petala sæpe cohærentia, sæpius divisa, lineari-oblonga: unguibus erectis, limbo patenti.
Stamina. Filamenta nulla. Antheræ quatuor, lineares, vel oblongæ, sub apice limbi corollæ; insertæ.
Pistillum. Germen superum, oblongum. Stylus filiformis, corolla longior. Stigma simplex, clavatum.
Pericarpium nullum. Calyx patens, induratus, vix mutatus.
Semina solitaria, subrotunda, vel compressa.
Receptaculum commune nudum, villosum, paleaceum, vel conus.
Empalement. Cup common, sealed; scales unequal, and remaining.
Proper none.
Blossom four-leaved. Petals frequently adhering, oftener divided, of a linear oblong shape: claws upright, border spreading.
Chives. Threads none. Tips four, linear, or oblong, fixed within the border of the blossom.
Pointal. Seed-bud above, and oblong. Shaft thread-shaped, longer than the blossom. Summit simple, and club-shaped.
Seed-vessel none. Cup spreading, hard, and scarcely changing.
Seeds solitary, nearly round, or flat.
Receptacle the common, is naked, hairy, chaffy, or a cone.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Protea, foliis lanceolatis, pubescentibus; caule villoso; flore aurantio flavo; semine sub-rotundo, glabro, magnitudine pisi majoris.
Protea, with lance-shape downy leaves; stem hairy; blossom orange yellow; seed nearly round, smooth, the size of a large pea.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Flower complete, as it stands on the Receptacle.
2. The Blossom expanded, to shew the situation of the Chives.
Of all the varied genera of plants which decorate that mine of botanical riches, the Cape of Good Hope, and the adjacent country, no one stands more conspicuous than Protea. Few travellers who have not noticed the singularity and beauty of their foliage; indeed they are of such extreme brilliancy, that no one, however indifferent to botanical researches, can pass them unobserved; forests of them being so numerous, the Protea Argentea, or Silver Tree, produces almost the only wood of the country; growing to the height of thirty or forty feet. But although the leaves of this numerous tribe are mostly beautiful, many of their blossoms are but trifling, except in the eye of the botanist: the Protea Formosa, however, is one amongst many which stand as powerful exceptions: the great beauty of this charming plant has induced us to adopt the trivial name it here bears. It has been introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew by Mr. F. Masson, botanical collector to his present Majesty; from whose liberal patronage the science of Botany has of late been brought into such general estimation. This species, from the downy character of the whole plant, is apt to damp, if not kept in an airy situation in winter; though the warmth of a common greenhouse is quite sufficient for its protection. It is with difficulty propagated by cuttings; and has not hitherto perfected its seeds in this kingdom. Our drawing was made from a plant which flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in the year 1796, about the month of August.[Pg 74]
PLATE 17
PLATE XVIII.
CORREA ALBA.
White Correa.
CLASS VIII. ORDER I.
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quadridentatum, campanulatum, erectum, persistens.
Corolla. Petala quatuor, oblonga, concava, apice reflexa, marginibus crassis.
Stamina. Filamenta octo, erecta, filiformia, receptaculo inserta.
Pistillum. Germen turbinatum, superum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine staminium. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Capsula coriatea, lanata, quadrilocularis, quadrivalvis.
Semina quatuor, solitaria, subrotunda.
Empalement. Cup of one leaf, five-toothed, bell-shaped, upright, and permanent.
Blossom. Four petals, oblong, concave, reflexed at the end, and thick at the edges.
Chives. Eight threads, upright, thread shaped, and fixed into the receptacle.
Pointal. Seed-bud turban-shaped, and above. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the chives. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Capsule leathery, and woolly, four cells, four valves.
Seeds, four, solitary, and nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Correa, foliis subrotundis, supra tomentosis, subtus lanigeris; floribus terminalibus, quaternis, albidis.
Correa, with leaves nearly round, downy on the upper surface, woolly on the under surface; flowers terminate the branches by fours, and are white.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. The Chives, and Pointal.
3. A Thread, and Tip, (magnified.)
4. The Shaft and Summit, (magnified.)
The Correa is a native of Port Jackson, in New Holland, and commonly termed a Botany-bay plant: it was first raised in the year 1793, from seeds which were given by Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. to J. Vere, Esq. of Kensington-gore, and from a plant in whose collection our figure was taken. It receives its generic title from Mr. Joseph Correa de Serra, a native of Portugal; a gentleman of very distinguished talents as a man of science in general, and botany in particular. Of this genus there are as yet but few species discovered; the Alba grows to a shrub of the height of four or five feet, woody and tough; both stem and leaves are covered with a thick flannelly substance, particularly the under side of the leaves, which gives the whole plant a whitish appearance. It continues to flower through the months of April, May, and June; may be propagated easily by cuttings, should be kept as a hardy greenhouse plant, and thrives best in peat earth.[Pg 78]
PLATE 18
PLATE XIX.
GLADIOLUS VERSICOLOR.
Changeable Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves.
Corolla, sexpartita, ringens. Petala oblonga, omnia unguibus in tubum connata.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, subulata, divisuris alternis petalorum inserta. Antheræ oblongæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminum. Stigma trifidum concavum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, obtusa, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, subrotunda.
Empalement. Sheath two valves.
Blossom, of six divisions, and gaping. Petals oblong, having their claws formed into a tube.
Chives. Three awl-shaped threads, fixed into the alternate divisions of the petals. Tips oblong.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the chives. Summit cut into three, and concave.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, blunt-ended, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, nearly round.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus, foliis lineari-cruciatis; floribus maximis, versicoloribus.
Gladiolus, with linear cross-shaped leaves; flowers very large, and changeable.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. The Pointal, and Seed-bud; one of the divisions of the Summit magnified.
3. A ripe Seed, natural size, in its tunic.
That colour bears the character given it by Sir Isaac Newton, our present subject (as did the prism) adds another proof. The Gladiolus versicolor might, like the camelion, equally be a subject of contention, to those who have seen its blossom at different periods of the same day; for, strange to tell! it is brown in the morning, and continues to change from that colour till it becomes light blue by night. During the night it regains its pristine colour; and this change is effected diurnally, whilst the flower is in its vigour; but upon the decay, the change is less powerful, gradually fixing in a dark brown; which, however, does not take place in less than nine or ten days. This is the only flower, we have ever noticed, to regain the colour that has once forsook it. A drawing was began about ten o’clock in the morning, but before it was finished the plant was so totally altered in colour that there was an absolute necessity for taking a second day to complete it. The bulbs of this plant were sent from the Cape of Good Hope by J. Pringle, Esq. of Madeira, in 1794, amongst many others, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith, where the drawing was made. It flowers about the month of June; is increased by the root or seed; and thrives best in peat earth.[Pg 82]
PLATE 19
PLATE XX.
ECHIUM GRANDIFLORUM.
Large-flowered Viper’s Bugloss.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium quinquepartitum, erectum persistens; laciniis subulatis erectis.
Corolla. Monopetala, campanulata. Tubus brevissimus. Limbus erectus, sensim ampliatus, quinquefidus obtusus; laciniis sæepius inæqualibus; superioribus duabus longioribus, infirnis minoribus, acutis, reflexis. Faux pervia.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, subulata, longitudine corollæ, declinata, inæqualia. Antheræ oblongæ, incumbentes.
Pistillum. Gemina quatuor. Stylus filiformis, longitudine staminum. Stigma obtusum, bifidum.
Pericarpium nullum. Calyx rigidior, in sinu semina fovens.
Semina quatuor, subrotunda, oblique acumenata.
Empalement. Cup with five divisions, upright, permanent; segments awl-shaped, upright.
Blossom. One petal, bell-shaped. Tube very short. Border gradually widening, with five clefts, blunt. Segments oftenest unequal, the two upper ones the longest; the lower ones smaller, sharp, and reflexed. The mouth open.
Chives. Five threads, awl-shaped, the length of the blossom, declined, and unequal. Tips oblong, fixed sideways to the threads.
Pointal. Seed-buds four. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the chives. Summit blunt, and two-cleft.
Seed-vessel none. The cup growing more harsh, contains the seeds.
Seeds four, roundish, obliquely tapering.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Echium, foliis nitidis, lanceolatis, hispidis; caule fruticoso; corollis maximis, æqualibus, rubris.
Viper’s Bugloss, with shining, lance-shaped, hairy leaves; stem shrubby; blossoms very large, equal, and red.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Shaft and its Summit magnified.
4. A ripe seed.
The Echium Grandiflorum is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was sent from thence by Mr. F. Masson to the Royal Gardens at Kew, about the year 1791. The superior beauty of this species to the rest of its congenors makes it considered as a valuable greenhouse plant, although its intrinsic merit is sufficient to ensure it that character; the rich green of its foliage, contrasted to the colour of the blossoms, gives to each a singular brilliancy. It is rather a tender greenhouse plant, grows about two feet high, and becomes naked at the lower part of the stem; is with difficulty propagated by cuttings, seldom perfecting its seeds; thrives best in rich earth, and flowers in April and May. The drawing was made from a plant in the collection of the Marquis of Blandford, Bill-hill, Berks.[Pg 86]
PLATE 20
PLATE XXI.
VEREIA CRENATA.
Scolloped-leaf Vereia.
CLASS VIII. ORDER IV.
OCTANDRIA TETRAGYNIA. Eight Chives. Four Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis lanceolatis, concavis, erectis, acutis, persistentibus.
Corolla monopetala, ventricosa; limbus patens, revolutus quadripartitus; laciniis ovatis, acuminatis.
Nectaria quatuor; singulum squamula debilia, minima, singulo germini ad basin extrorsum inserta.
Stamina. Filamenta octo, brevia, quorum quatuor medio, quatuor vero ad basin corollæ adnatæ. Antheræ subrotundæ simplices.
Pistillum. Germina quatuor, oblonga, definentia in stylos subulatos. Stigmata obtusa.
Pericarpium. Capsulæ quatuor, ovatæ acuminatæ, rectæ, trigonæ, longitudinaliter sutura introrsum dehiscentes.
Semina plurima minima.
Empalement. Cup four leaved, which are lance-shaped, concave, upright, sharp-pointed, and permanent.
Blossom of one leaf, big bellied; border spreading, rolled back, and divided into four egg-shaped, pointed segments.
Honey-cups four, each consisting of a small slight scale, fixed on the outside the base of each seed-bud.
Chives. Eight short threads, four of which are fixed to the middle, and four to the base of the blossom. Tips nearly round, and simple.
Pointal. Four seed-buds, oblong, ending in awl-shaped shafts. Summits blunt.
Seed-vessel. Four capsules, egg-shaped, tapering, upright and three sided, opening inwards along the seam.
Seeds many, very small.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Vereia, foliis oppositis, crenatis, patentibus; racemis longissimis laxis; floribus luteis.
Vereia, with opposite, scolloped, spreading leaves; very long loose spikes, and yellow flowers.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, (natural size.)
2. A Blossom cut open to shew the situation of the Chives.
3. The Seed-vessel, Shafts, and Summits, with the scales of the Honey-cups, as they stand in the blossom, (magnified.)
4. One Capsule of the Seed-vessel detached.
This genus of Plants must class with Linnæus’s natural order of Succulents, nearly approaching Crassula in habit; but as the Sexual System is the basis of our theory, we cannot admit it under that or any other yet described genus; we have therefore named it after James Vere, Esq. long and well known for his extended and liberal patronage to the professors and cultivators of the science; in whose beautiful and select collection at Kensington Gore, the present species, has for the first time, flowered in this kingdom. Mr. Anderson the gardener informs us, that this plant is a native of Sierra Leone; from whence it was sent to England, by Professor Eld. Elfzelius, in the year 1793; that he has treated it as a tender hot-house plant, keeping it constantly in the tan bed, by which means he has made it flower; but from every appearance of the plant, we should be led to think the common treatment of hot-house Succulents would answer for this. It is easily propagated by cuttings; grows to the height of three or four feet, having when in flower the appearance of a middle sized shrub; blows in the winter months, and thrives best in rich mould.[Pg 90]
PLATE 21
PLATE XXII.
GOODENIA CALENDULACEA.
Cape Marygold-leaved Goodenia.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium quadrifidum, superum, persistens.
Corolla monopetala, supra longitudinaliter fissa, genitalia exferens; limbo quinquefido, secundo.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ lineares.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex. Stigma urceolatum, ciliatum.
Pericarpium. Capsula oblonga, bilocularis, bivalvis; dissepimento parallelo.
Semina plura, scabrida.
Empalement. Cup four-cleft, above, and remaining.
Blossom of one leaf, cleft longitudinally on the upper side, exposing the organs of fructification; border five-cleft, leaning one way.
Chives. Five threads fixed into the receptacle. Tips linear.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple. Summit pitcher-shaped, and fringed.
Seed-vessel. Capsule oblong, with two cells, and two valves; partition parallel to the valves.
Seeds many and rough.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Goodenia, foliis obovatis, crassis, scabridis; floribus axilaribus, cæruleis.
Goodenia with inversely egg-shaped, thick rough leaves; flowers sitting close to the stem, and blue.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Flower with all its parts complete.
2. A Blossom without the organs of fructification.
3. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud (magnified).
The Goodenias are all natives of New Holland, and received their generic name of Dr. J. E. Smith, President of the Linnæan Society; in honour of the Rev. Dr. Goodenough, whose valuable dissertation on the British species of Carex, does him the highest honour, as a botanist. The species of this genus (as yet discovered) are ten, from which we may infer that they are numerous; those only yet introduced to Britain are, the lævigata, ovata, and the present species; the others are described by the President, in the second volume of the Linnæan Transactions. This plant, though not to be ranked amongst the handsomest productions of that country, so replete with novelty, is yet possessed of sufficient merit to give it a place in our collections of greenhouse plants, flowering about the month of August; delighting most in an airy situation, and light soil. It is easily propagated by cuttings. Our figure was taken from a plant which flowered at the Hammersmith nursery, in 1797; where it had been raised from seeds, communicated by Colonel Paterson, then commanding at Port Jackson; to whose assiduous labours in collecting seeds, &c. the cabinets and collections of our natural historians are so very much indebted.[Pg 94]
PLATE 22
PLATE XXIII.
IXIA CAPITATA. Var. ovata.
Bunch-flowering Ixia. Var. Egg-shaped purple Petals.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 6 petala, patens, æqualis. Stigmata 3, erectiusculo-patula.
Blossom six petals, spreading equal. Summits three, nearly upright, spreading.
See Ixia reflexa, Plate XIV.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Ixia, foliis radicalibus, ensiformibus; floribus capitatis, consertis, purpureis, petalis basi obscuris.
Ixia with leaves growing from the root, and sword-shaped; blossoms in close bunches, purple, and dark at the base.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A flower cut open, to shew the insertion of Chives.
3. The Chives as attached to the tubular part of the blossom, the border cut off (magnified).
4. The Shaft, Summits, and Seed-bud (magnified).
This fine species of Ixia, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our collections about the year 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, nurserymen; they having raised it from seeds received by them, from the Royal Gardens at Vienna; is certainly amongst the tenderest of its tribe: the root, being extremely subject to injury by wet, it should be dried as soon as it has done flowering. It is one of the earliest Ixias in bloom, being in high perfection about the middle of April; is increased but slowly by the root, thriving best in very sandy peat, or sand only. The figure here given was drawn from a plant which flowered at the nursery, Hammersmith, in 1798, for the first time.[Pg 98]
PLATE 23
PLATE XXIV.
CINERARIA AURITA.
Two-coloured-leaved Cineraria.
CLASS XIX. ORDER II.
SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Communis, simplex; polyphyllus; foliolis æqualibus.
Corolla. Composita, radiata. Corollulæ hermaphroditæ, æquales; numerosæ, in disco. Femineæ ligulatæ;, numero foliorum calycis in radio.
Propria hermaphroditi, infundibuliformis; limbo quinquefido, erecto.
Feminea ligulata, lanceolata, apice denticulata.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, filiformia brevia. Antheræ cylindracea, tubulosa, apice quinquefida.
Pistillum, hermaphroditis. Germen oblongum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine staminum. Stigmata duo erectiuscula.
Femineis: Germen oblongum. Stylus filiformis, brevis. Stigmata duo, oblonga, obtusiuscula, revoluta.
Pericarpium nullum. Calyx immutatus.
Semina hermaphroditis solitaria, linearia, quadrangula. Pappus pilosus, copiosus.
Receptaculum nudum, planiusculum.
Empalement. Common, simple; of many leaves; small leaves equal.
Blossom. Compound, radiate. Florets with chives and pointals equal; numerous in the centre. Florets with only pointals ligulate; equal in number to the leaves in the circumference of the empalement.
Individuals with chives and pointals funnel-shaped; border five cleft, upright.
Individuals with pointals only, liguiate, lance-shaped, toothed at the point.
Chives. Five threads, thread-shaped and short. Tips forming a hollow cylinder, with five clefts at the top.
Pointal of florets with chives and pointals. Seed-bud oblong. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the chives. Summits two, a little upright.
Of florets with pointals only. Seed bud oblong. Shaft thread-shaped, and short. Summits two, oblong, rather blunt, and rolled back.
Seed-vessel none. Cup not changing.
Seeds of florets with chives and pointals, solitary, linear and four-sided. Feather, hairy, abundant.
Receptacle naked, rather flat.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Cineraria, foliis cordatis, dentatis, pilosus, subtus purpurascentibus; petiolis auritis: floribus purpureis.
Cineraria with heart-shaped, indented, hairy leaves, purple underneath; the footstalks having lobes: the flowers purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement (natural size).
2. A floret of the ray (magnified).
3. A floret of the disk (magnified).
4. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud of a floret of the disk (magnified).
In the Sert. Anglic. of Mons. L’Heritier, this species of Cineraria has been described and figured under the specific character of Cruenta, from the botanic garden at Kew; where, according to the catalogue, it was first introduced by Mr. F. Masson, from the Canary Islands, about 1777; and by which specific it has hitherto been titled: but from what appearance or part of the plant, he could denominate it bloody, will not be easy to determine; from our idea of colour, he might as well have named it blue. Finding, therefore, a specific character certainly more fixed in the leaf, we have taken the liberty of altering Cruenta to Aurita; though that would not have been done, (as nothing is more contrary to our sentiments, than altering any published name) if there had been any glimpse of affinity to the plant in that title. This is unquestionably the handsomest species of Cineraria yet known, growing to the height of near three feet if encouraged. The specimen from which this figure was taken, and which was sent last March to the author, by Mr. James Colville, King’s road, Chelsea, had attained that size. By night it is extremely fragrant, continuing its blossoms from the month of February, till August; seeding abundantly, by which it may be propagated, producing many varieties; or by the suckers which are thrown up from the roots; thriving best in light mould or peat.[Pg 102]
PLATE 24
PLATE XXV.
CAMELLIA JAPONICA. Var. Flore albo pleno.
Double white Camellia.
CLASS XVI. ORDER V.
MONODELPHIA POLYANDRIA. Threads united. Many Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx imbricatus, polyphyllus: foliolis interioribus majoribus.
Empalement tiled, of many leaves: the inner leaves the largest.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF VAR.
Camellia floribus amplissimis, plenis albidis.
Camellia with large double white flowers.
Though it may be considered by some, as deviating from the botanical rule we prescribed to ourselves, at the outset of this work, not to figure any flower, but what could be systematically ascertained; double flowers, &c. having lost those constituent characters necessary to the Sexual System; yet having seen this most delightful plant in bloom last year, the temptation was too powerful to be resisted, for giving a figure of it in the Botanist’s Repository. This fine variety of the Camellia, was first imported from China about the year 1793, by Captain Connor of the Carnatic East-indiaman, for the gardens of the late I. Slater, Esq. a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit, for the introduction of new plants to this kingdom; indeed, it is to him we owe most of the plants received from China within these few years; he having procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described Chinese plants in that language, with the descriptions translated, and by various hands transmitted it to that country. The finest plants in this kingdom, of the double white Camellia, are now in the collection of Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. P.R.S. This, like the others of this genus, we may consider of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters; being a native of the Japanese isles, where, as well as in China, it was seen by Thunberg. As yet (from its scarcity) that cannot be ascertained; but from the easy method by which it is propagated by cuttings, we are in hopes it soon may. It is at present cultivated as a hot-house plant, where certainly it will be always seen in the greatest perfection; the flowers being of so delicate and brilliant a white, their beauty is easily destroyed, even by watering. Flowers in the autumnal months, and thrives best in rich loam.[Pg 106]
PLATE 25
PLATE XXVI.
CRASSULA ODORATISSIMA.
Sweet-scented Crassula.
CLASS V. ORDER V.
PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. Five Chives. Five Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium pentaphyllum; foliolis lanceolatis, canaliculato-concavis, erectis, acutis, conniventibus in tubum, persistentibus.
Corolla. Petala quinque, unguibus longis, linearibus, rectis, conniventibus, reflexo-patentibus.
Nectaria quinque; singulum squamula minima, emarginata basi germinis extrorsum annexa.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, subulata, longitudine tubi, unguibus corollæ inserta. Antheræ simplices.
Pistillum. Germina quinque, oblonga, acuminata, desinentia in stylos subulatos, longitudine staminum. Stigmata obtusa.
Pericarpium. Capsulæ quinque, oblongæ, acuminatæ, rectæ, compressæ, longitudinaliter introrsum dehiscentes.
Semina plura, parva.
Empalement. Cup of five leaves; the small leaves are lance-shaped, concave and channelled, upright, sharp, formed into a tube, and remaining.
Blossom. Petals five, claws long, linear, upright, joined together, bent back, and spreading.
Honey-cups five, each consisting of a small scale notched at the end, and fixed on the outside the base of each seed-bud.
Chives. Five threads, awl-shaped, the length of the tube, fixed into the claws of the blossom. Tips simple.
Pointal. Seed-buds five, oblong, pointed, ending in awl-shaped shafts, the length of the chives. Summits blunt.
Seed-vessel. Five capsules, oblong, pointed, upright, pressed together, and opening inwards along the seam.
Seeds, many, small.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Crassula foliis oppositis, amplexicaulibus, ciliatis, linearibus; floribus capitatis, odoratissimis, luteis.
Crassula with opposite leaves that embrace the stem, fringed and linear; the flowers grow in bunches, are sweet-scented and yellow.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open to shew the insertion of the threads.
3. One Petal of the blossom.
4. The five Pointals as they stand in the blossom, with their honey-cups attached to the bottom of the Seed-buds.
5. One Pointal (magnified).
The Crassula Odoratissima is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our gardens about the year 1794, but did not flower till 1796. The scent of this plant at night is so very powerful, that by many it may be deemed almost offensive, though by others it is considered as most agreeable; the flavour is nearly affined to the tuberose. This is not a very shewy plant, growing about a foot high, and flowers from March, till May or June. It is most easily propagated by cuttings, lives in the common greenhouse with very little care, and in almost any sort of earth. This figure was taken at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, nurserymen, Hammersmith, where the plant was first raised.[Pg 108]
PLATE 26
PLATE XXVII.
GLADIOLUS RINGENS. Var. cinereo odorato.
Gaping Ash-coloured sweet Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 6-partita, ringens.
Stamina adscendentia.
Blossom six divisions, gaping.
Chives ascending.
See Plate XI.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus foliis linearibus, costatis; floribus ringentibus, cineriis, odoratissimis.
Gladiolus with linear, ribbed leaves; the blossoms gaping, ash-coloured, and very sweet-scented.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open to expose the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal (one Summit magnified).
4. A Seed in its coat.
This most desirable Gladiolus, is not a perfect novelty in the greenhouse; although extremely scarce, it has been introduced to us constantly from the Cape of Good Hope, but from its great delicacy has been repeatedly lost. The plants now in England, have been imported from Holland, from the collection of Messrs. Voorhelm and Co. who about the year 1793, purchased the largest collection ever formed at the Cape, from a Frenchman who had been many years resident there. The Gladiolus ringens about mid-day has the flavour of violets so powerfully, that a single plant is sufficient to scent a whole greenhouse. It is with difficulty preserved from rotting at the root; therefore should be grown in very sandy peat, and should be exposed to dry as soon as the flower is gone. Is propagated by the root, or by seed, which may be procured by great care not to over-water the bulb after flowering; but herein there is great danger.[Pg 112]
PLATE 27
PLATE XXVIII.
GERANIUM ELEGANS.
Round-leaved Geranium.
CLASS XVI. ORDER II.
MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Monogyna. Stigmata 5. Fructus rostratus, 5-coccus.
One Pointal. Five Summits. Fruit furnished with long awns, 5 dry berries.
See Geranium Grandiflorum, Plate XII.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Geranium pedunculis multifloris; calycibus monophyllis, foliis orbiculatis, ferratis rigidis, petiolis longissimis; caule herbaceo.
Geranium, the fruit-stalks supporting many flowers; cups of one leaf; the leaves round, sawed, and harsh, with very long foot-stalks; stem herbaceous.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base.
2. The Chives, and Pointal, natural size.
3. The Pointal, magnified.
This truly elegant species of Geranium was introduced to us from the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1795; being raised from seeds, received from thence, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in whose collection it flowered for the first time this year, about the latter end of May, and from which specimen this figure was taken. It is one of those that have in general seven fertile tips, and, therefore, must be placed under Mr. L’Heritier’s genus Pelargonium, by those who follow his new arrangement. It is a hardy plant, and requires only a common greenhouse for its protection, where it will seed; which seems to be the readiest mode of propagating it, as it produces but very few branches; thriving best in rich earth.[Pg 114]
PLATE 28
PLATE XXIX.
IXIA SPICATA. Var. viridi nigra.
Sea-green spiked Ixia.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 6 petala, patens, æqualis.
Stigmata 3, erectiusculo-patula.
Blossom six petals, spreading, equal.
Summits three, nearly upright, spreading.
See Ixia reflexa, Plate XIV.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Ixia foliis linearibus, costatis; corolla viridi, petalis basi obscuris; spicis longissimis.
Ixia with linear, ribbed leaves; green blossom, the base of the petals dark; spikes very long.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew its tubular character, and the insertion of the Chives at the mouth.
3. The Pointal complete, one of its Summits magnified.
The singularity of colour exhibited in this very fine species of Ixia, the extraordinary length of the spikes, the flowers of which are mostly all expanded at the same time; and which grow sometimes to the length of a foot, or more; will certainly entitle it to a place in every collection of exotics. We are indebted to the Hollanders for this plant, as they first introduced it from the Cape; and it is from them we received it but a few years since. It is amongst the hardiest, and easiest propagated of this genus; requiring a small degree of heat when near blowing, to make the flowers expand with lustre; thriving best in peat earth; propagating itself by the bulb; and flowering during the months of May and June.[Pg 118]
PLATE 29
PLATE XXX.
VACCINIUM ARCTOSTAPHYLLUS.
Madeira Whortle-berry.
CLASS VIII. ORDER I.
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Eight Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium minimum, superum, persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala, campanulata, quadrifida; laciniis revolutis.
Stamina. Filamenta octo, simplicia. Antheræ bicornes, dorso aristis duabus patentibus instructæ, apice dehiscentes.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, staminibus longior. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Bacca globosa, umbilicata, quadrilocularis.
Semina pauca, parva.
Empalement. Cup very small, above, and permanent.
Blossom. One petal, bell-shaped, four-cleft; segments rolled back.
Chives. Eight threads, simple. Tips with two horns, and furnished with two spreading awns at the back, opening at the points.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, longer than the chives. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. A globular berry, with a hollow dimple, and four cells.
Seeds few, and small.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Vaccinium, floribus racemosis; foliis crenulatis, ovatis, acutis; caule arboreo.
Whortle-berry, with flowers growing in bunches; leaves slightly scollopped, egg-shaped, and pointed; stem woody.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, Pointal, and Chives; the blossom removed.
2. A Chive (magnified).
3. The Shaft, and its Summit (magnified).
4. A ripe Berry (natural size).
Numerous are the difficulties which occur in arranging plants according to any yet invented system; and although the sexual fails in the fewest instances, yet that is sometimes the case. The plant before us, although in habit, fruit, &c. seemingly perfectly allied to Vaccinium, and, from which characters, it has been placed under that genus, yet we doubt whether if Linnæus had examined the flower himself, (as he has accepted it under the name it here bears, and we have no doubt of its being the plant intended;) he would not have classed it in Octandria; for certainly it has in every instance ten chives, with the border of the blossom of five segments; the threads attached to the blossom. But, as it is the professed intention of this work as little as possible to confuse, by the introduction of new names for plants already known by established, and generally accepted ones; though erroneous from incorrectness, or otherwise, in the author who first published them; we shall attempt an alteration but rarely, and that cautiously, or for very glaring reasons; being thoroughly convinced of the difficulty of retaining only one name for each plant. The Vaccinium Arctostaphyllus is a native of the island of Madeira, where it grows to a considerable height: it has not been many years cultivated in our gardens; having been introduced to us first by Mr. F. Masson about the year 1786. The winters in common of this climate are too severe for it, therefore should be protected, although it will survive a mild one: it is best preserved in a pot, and kept as a greenhouse plant, where it is very ornamental; flowering about the months of July and August; thriving best in light mould, or peat; and is propagated by cuttings, or the seed, which it produces in abundance.[Pg 122]
PLATE 30
PLATE XXXI.
BORBONIA CORDATA.
Heart-shape leaved Borbonia.
CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.
DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads in two sets. Ten Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquefidum, turbinatum, corolla dimidio brevius; laciniis lanceolatis, acuminatis, subæqualibus.
Corolla pentapetala papilionacea.
Vexillum reflexum, obtusum, ungue calycis longitudine.
Alæ semicordatæ, vexillo paulo breviores.
Carina dipetala, lunulata, obtusa.
Stamina. Filamenta decem, coalita in cylindrum, superne longitudinaliter dehiscentem, apicibus assurgentia. Antheræ parvæ.
Pistillum. Germen subulatum. Stylus brevissimus, adscendens. Stigma obtusum, emarginatum.
Pericarpium. Legumen subrotundum, acuminatum, uniloculare, spina mucronatum.
Semina reniformia.
Empalement. Cup one leaf, cut into five segments, turban-shaped, shorter by half than the blossom; segments lance-shaped, pointed, nearly of the same length.
Blossom of five leaves, butterfly-shaped.
Standard bent back, blunt, the claw the length of the cup.
Wings half heart-shaped, a little shorter than the standard.
Keel of two leaves, half moon-shaped, and blunt.
Chives. Threads ten, joined in a cylinder, splitting at the upper side, turned up at the ends. Tips small.
Pointal. Seed-bud awl-shaped. Shaft short, turned up at the end. Summit blunt, and bordered.
Seed-vessel. Shell roundish, pointed, of one cell, and pointed with a spine.
Seeds kidney-shaped.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Borbonia foliis cordatis, multinerviis, integerrimis.
Borbonia with heart-shaped leaves, many-nerved, and very entire.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. The Standard, or upper petal of the Blossom.
3. A Wing, or side petal of the Blossom.
4. The Keel, or lower petals of the Blossom.
5. The Pointal and Chives, natural size.
6. The Seed-vessel, attached to the Empalement.
The Borbonia cordata, with its various synonyms, may be found in the second volume of Linnæus’s Species Plantarum, page 994, from whence our specific character is copied. This plant, as well as most of the genus, are subject to lose their leaves from the lower part of the stem, which gives it rather a naked appearance when not in flower; but that is amply compensated by the very handsome appearance of its magnificent bunch of yellow blossoms. It grows to the height of three or four feet, producing but few branches. This figure was taken from a plant sent to the author, about the beginning of July, in full bloom, by Mr. Colville, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea; who informs him that he raised it about the year 1795, from seeds which he had received from the Cape of Good Hope. The Borbonias are mostly hardy greenhouse plants, and delight in light earth; either peat, or very light dungy earth: they are in general difficult to propagate by cuttings; the surest method is by the seed, which they for the most part perfect in this climate.[Pg 126]
PLATE 31
PLATE XXXII.
ANTHOLYZA RINGENS.
Gaping Antholyza.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Spathæ bivalves, alternatæ, flores distinguentes, persistentes.
Corolla. Petalum unicum e tubo sensim dilatatum in faucem compressam ringentem.
Stamina. Filamenta tria, longa, tenuia, sublabio superiori. Antheræ acutæ.
Pistillum. Germen inferum. Stylus filiformis, situ et longitudine stamimun superiorum. Stigma trifidum, capillare, reflexum.
Pericarpium. Capsula subrotunda, trilocularis, trivalvis.
Semina plura, triangularia.
Empalement. Sheath of two valves, alternate, dividing the flowers, and abiding.
Blossom. One petal, widening in the tube, flattened at the mouth, and gaping.
Chives. Three threads, long, thin, and placed under the upper lip of the blossom. Tips sharp.
Pointal. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft thread-shaped, in the same place, and of the same length of the upper chives. Summit cut into three hair-like divisions, which are bent back.
Seed-vessel. Capsule nearly round, three cells, three valves.
Seeds many, triangular.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Antholyza corollæ labiis divaricatis; fauce compressa.
Antholyza with the lips of the blossom in various directions; the mouth flattened.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. The Pointal (natural size).
Although this species of Antholyza is not new in our gardens, yet has it been seen in flower but by few, as it blows so seldom; though the roots are by far the largest of any of the genus. The bulb from which this figure was taken, had received a little assistance from heat early in the season, and by that means was (apparently) brought into flower. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has much the appearance of a common flag in the foliage, growing to the height of three feet, or more; requires the same earth as Ixias, propagates by the root, or seed, and flowers in the month of June; at which time a drawing was made from a plant then in bloom at the Hammersmith nursery.[Pg 130]
PLATE 32
PLATE XXXIII.
DIOSMA LATIFOLIA.
Broad-leaved Diosma.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium quinquepartitum; laciniis tenuibus, acutis, persistentibus; basi plana.
Corolla. Petala quinque, ovata, obtusa, sessilia, erecto-patula.
Nectarium coronæ forma, excavatum, quinquesidum, obtusum, germini impositum.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, subulata. Antheræ subovatæ, erectæ.
Pistillum. Germen coronatum nectario. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminum. Stigma obsoletum.
Pericarpium. Capsulæ quinque, ovato-acuminatæ, compressæ, margine introrsum coalitæ, apicibus distantes, sutura superiori dehiscentes.
Semina solitaria, oblonga.
Arillus elasticus, hinc dehiscens; singulum involvens semen.
Empalement. Cup of four divisions; segments thin, sharp, and permanent; smooth at the base.
Blossom. Five petals, egg-shape, blunt, fitting close, erect, and open.
Honey-cup crown-shaped, hollow, with five divisions, blunt, fixed on the seed-buds.
Chives. Five threads, awl-shaped. Tips nearly egg-shaped, upright.
Pointal. Seed-bud crowned by the honey-cup. Shaft simple, the length of the chives. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Five capsules, egg-shaped, pointed, flattened, joined together by the inner edge, the points standing apart, splitting at the upper suture.
Seeds solitary, oblong.
Seed-coat elastic, splitting from hence, and inclosing a single seed.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Diosma, foliis oppositis, serratis, ovalibus, latissimis; floribus terminalibus, albidis, sessilibus.
Diosma with opposite leaves, sawed, oval, and very broad; flowers terminal, white, and sitting close to the branches.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Blossom complete.
2. The Chives and Pointal, with the surrounding Seed-buds and Honey-cups.
3. The Pointal, natural size, with the Empalement attached.
4. The same magnified.
5. A Seed taken from its coat.
There are few genera of plants more deserving our notice than Diosma; the fragrance of the leaves of most of the species, and the beauty of the flowers of others, has rendered them so common, (being easily propagated by cuttings) that few collections but have a number of the different species. They are all very hardy greenhouse plants, the present species excepted; this, requiring a dry situation, and rather more warmth than the rest. It was sent to the royal gardens at Kew, about the year 1791, by Mr. F. Masson, to whose industry botany stands so much indebted. Of all the Diosmas this is the highest grower, aspiring to three or four feet, or more, if encouraged; delights in peat earth, and flowers about the month of August.[Pg 134]
PLATE 33
PLATE XXXIV.
CHELONE RUELLIOIDES.
Scarlet Chelone.
CLASS XIV. ORDER II.
DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquepartitum, brevissimum, persistens; laciniis erectis, ovatis.
Corolla monopetala, ringens; tubus cylindraceus, brevissimus; faux inflata, oblonga, supra convexa, infra plana; limbus clausus parvus; labium superius obtusum, emarginatum; limbus inferius cum superiori fere æquale, lævissime trifidum.
Stamina. Filamenta quatuor, sub dorso corollæ recondita, quorum duo lateralia paulo longiora; antheræ incumbentes.
Rudimentum quinti filamenti, mucronis instar, intra superius staminum par.
Pistillum. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis, situ, et longitudine staminum. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Capsula ovata, bilocularis, calyce longior.
Semina plurima, sub rotunda, margine membranaceo cincta.
Empalement. Cup one leaf, five divisions very short, permanent; segments upright and egg-shaped.
Blossom. One petal, gaping; tube cylindrical, very short; mouth swelled, oblong, rounded on the upper, and flat on the lower part; border shut, and small; upper lip blunt, bordered; lower lip nearly as long as the upper, slightly divided into three at the end.
Chives. Threads four, hid under the upper part of the blossom; of which the two side ones are a little longer than the others. Tips fixed sideways to the threads.
The rudiment of a fifth thread, like a sharp point is placed equal with, and between the upper chives.
Pointal. Seed-vessel egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped, of the same length, and place as the chives. Summit blunt.
Seed-vessel. Capsule egg-shaped, two cells longer than the empalement.
Seeds many, nearly round, bound at the edge by a thin skin.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Chelone foliis inferioribus spathulatis, glabris; superioribus lanceolatis, oppositis; corollis cernuis, coccineis; labiis inferioribus barbatis.
Chelone with spathulate, smooth leaves on the lower part of the stem; and lance-shaped, opposite ones on the upper; blossoms hanging down, and scarlet; the lower lips bearded.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Leaf from the lower part of the Stem.
2. The Empalement.
3. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives, and the imperfect rudiments of a fifth.
4. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).
The Chelone Ruellioides is a native of Chili, South America, and was introduced to the royal gardens at Kew in the year 1793, by Mr. Boutelow, the son of the gardener to the King of Spain, who was then in England pursuing his botanical studies. It is (apparently) a hardy plant, and fit to endure the open borders, but, as yet, we have not had a sufficient trial to ascertain it; hitherto it has been treated as a greenhouse plant. Being herbaceous, it is propagated by parting the roots, which should be done in spring, about the month of March. The proper season of its flowering cannot well be determined, as it has undergone such various treatment. The plant from which this figure was made was in full bloom at the gardens of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, in the month of June 1797, where it was seen to flower, for the first time in this country. The soil it seems to thrive in most, is a composition of loam, and rotten dung.[Pg 138]
PLATE 34
PLATE XXXV.
IXIA CRISPIFOLIA. Var. flore cæruleo.
Crisped-leaved Ixia. Blue Variety.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 6-petala, patens, æqualis. Stigmata 3, erectiusculo-patula.
Blossom six petals, spreading equal. Summits three, nearly upright, and spreading.
See Ixia reflexa, Plate XIV.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Ixia foliis crispis; scapus ramosus, flexuosus, spithamæus; floribus sub-umbellatis, cæruleis.
Ixia with crisped leaves; flower-stem branched, waved, and a span high; flowers grow in partial umbels, and are blue.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives.
3. A Chive (magnified).
4. The Pointal, one of the divisions of the Summit detached, and magnified.
This singular species of Ixia, is one amongst the many given by the Dowager Lady De Clifford to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith, in the year 1794; at which time, her ladyship had just received the bulbs in a present from the Cape. It is described by Thunberg, in his Dissertatio de Ixia, published in 1783. The root of this plant is of a most curious shape, having the appearance of being the half, rather than the whole; it is very delicate, is easily destroyed by moisture, therefore (except when in flower) should be kept very dry; it propagates by the root, the old one generally producing two; flowering about the month of June, or July, but requires the warmth of a moderate hothouse to expand its blossoms. Like other Cape bulbs, it should be planted in sandy peat.[Pg 142]
PLATE 35
PLATE XXXVI.
RHODODENDRON PUNCTATUM.
Dotted-leaved Rhododendron.
CLASS X. ORDER I.
DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Ten Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx 5-partitus. Corolla rotato-infundibuliformis. Stamina declinata. Capsula 5-locularis.
Empalement of five divisions. Blossom of a rounded funnel-shape. Chives bent downward. Capsule of five cells.
See Rhododendron Dauricum, Plate IV.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Rhododendron foliis glabris, subtus punctatis; viminibus laxis; corollis crispis, violaceo-purpureis.
Rhododendron with smooth leaves, dotted on the under part; slender loose branches; blossoms crisped, and of a blueish purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A Blossom.
2. The Chives, and Pointal (natural size); one tip detached (magnified).
3. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).
It is to the industrious researches of J. Frasier, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, we are indebted for this charming species of Rhododendron, who introduced it in the year 1792 from the back settlements of Carolina, North America, where it is native. This species is by far the most delicate of any yet discovered on that continent; grows to the height of three, or four feet, and of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters in the open ground; a slight protection insures its flowering, as our late frosts are apt to injure the buds, which are very often without that assistance destroyed. The best method of propagating this shrub is by layers, which should be taken off in autumn, and protected the first winter. It flowers about the month of July, at which season this year a drawing was made from a plant, in the nursery of Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It (like most American plants) delights in sandy peat.[Pg 146]
PLATE 36
PLATE XXXVII.
GERANIUM FRAGILE.
Brittle-stalked Geranium.
CLASS XVI. ORDER II.
MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA. Threads united. Ten Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Monogyna. Stigmata 5. Fructus rostratus, 5-coccus.
One Pointal. Summits five. Fruit furnished with long awns, five dry berries.
See Geranium Grandiflorum, Plate XII.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Geranium foliis carnosis, pinnatis; caulis fruticosus, ramosus, fragilis; petalis linearibus, pedunculis erectis.
Geranium with fleshy winged leaves; stem shrubby, branched and brittle; petals linear, fruit-stalks upright.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base.
2. The Chives, and Pointal, (natural size).
3. The Pointal, (magnified).
The Geranium fragile has in general seven fertile tips, and thus comes under Linnæus’s first arrangement; and Mons. L’Heritier’s Genus Pelargonium. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in the year 1792. This plant seldom grows more than a foot high, but during the months of July, August, and September, it is covered with blossoms, which are of a pale yellow, striped at the bottom with red, standing nearly upright. It is rather a tender plant, requiring a dry stove, or hothouse, to preserve it in winter, being very subject to damp in the leaves; is easily propagated by cuttings, and thrives best in rich mould.[Pg 150]
PLATE 37
PLATE XXXVIII.
GLADIOLUS PRÆCOX. Var. flore rubro.
Red early-flowering Gladiolus.
CLASS III. ORDER I.
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla 6-partita, ringens.
Stamina adscendentia.
Blossom six divisions, gaping.
Chives ascending.
See Plate XI. Gladiolus roseus.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gladiolus foliis ensiformibus, apicibus tortis, lineari-cruciatis; corollis sub-campanulatis, rubris; petalis acuminatis.
Gladiolus with sword-shaped leaves, twisted at the ends, linear, and cross-shaped; blossoms nearly bell-shaped, and red; petals sharp-pointed.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives.
3. The Pointal, one of the Summits magnified.
4. A Seed.
Of all the species of this numerous Genus, this is the first to expand its blossoms, seldom flowering later than April; is extremely hardy, scarce requiring the warmth of a greenhouse for its protection, although a native of the Cape. About the year 1791, the bulbs of this plant were purchased of Messrs. Voorhelm, and Co. of Haarlem, in Holland, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, at whose nursery it has repeatedly flowered, and where this figure was taken. It is propagated by the root, as other Gladiolus, and requires the same earth, a light sandy peat.[Pg 154]
PLATE 38
PLATE XXXIX.
ECHIUM FEROCISSIMUM.
Prickly Viper’s Bugloss.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Corolla irregularis, fauce nuda.
Blossom irregular, mouth naked.
See Echium grandiflorum, Plate XX.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Echium caule fruticoso; ramis, foliisque aculeatis; floribus spicatis, violaceis; corollis sub-æqualibus.
Viper’s Bugloss, with a shrubby stem; branches and leaves covered with sharp prickles; flowers growing in spikes, and violet coloured; blossoms nearly equal.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives in the tube.
3. The Shaft and its Summit, magnified.
Although there are few species of this genus, but are rough, or hairy; yet this by far exceeds any of them, or almost any other plant not actually spiny, for its extreme coarseness to the touch; nevertheless it is a very handsome shewy greenhouse plant, growing to the height of two feet, and blowing freely. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in 1794; at whose nursery it flowered for the first time, this year, in the month of July. The only method of propagating the Cape Echiums is by cuttings, and that is done with great difficulty; of course, this, as well as the other species, are very scarce: they delight most in rich light mould.[Pg 158]