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