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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]