Chapter II: Part 2

This very small-flowered Erica was first raised at the Hammersmith Nursery, from Cape seed, in the summer of 1822, and was then called _atro_ or _viridi purpurea_, neither of which are characteristic of the plant, which furnishes when in bloom a very minute but good specific character; and although not specious, it may be regarded as a curious and interesting species.

ERICA mirabilis.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus sub-sessilibus, terminalibus: foliis quaternis: caulis fruticosus.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis: ramuli numerosi, erecto-patentes.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, obtusa, glabra.

FLORES subsessiles, terminates, fastigiati, quaterni: corolla ventricosa, imprimis alba, denique rosacea: ore arctato: laciniis cordatis, undulatis, expansis, maximis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, villosum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Junii ad Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina a pistillo diducta, anthera una lente aucta.

3. Germen et pistillum stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: flowers nearly sessile and terminal: leaves by fours: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high: the smaller branches numerous, between erect and spreading.

LEAVES by fours, linear, blunt and smooth.

FLOWERS nearly sessile, terminal, in bunches of four together: blossom swelled out, white at first, but dying off a rose-colour: narrowed at the mouth: segments of the border heart-shaped, waved, spreading and large.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, hairy, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of June to September.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THE Erica mirabilis may be considered as an intermediate species between the Ericas Walkeria and Hyacinthoides, removed from each and yet allied to both. When in perfection, the inner segments of the blossoms are of a pure white, but on going off may justly be said to blush themselves out of bloom. Our figure was made from the nursery of Messrs. Rollinsons at Lower Tooting, in the summer of 1824.

ERICA mollis.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: floribus in umbellis axillaribus, globosis, pilosis: foliis quaternis: caule fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis, fruticosus, erectus; ramulis adscendentibus.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, obtusa, pilosa, patentia, supra plana, subtus sulcata.

FLORES in umbellis, axillares; corolla globosa, purpurea, pilosa: laciniis rotundatis, patentibus, æqualibus.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julio in Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium lente auctum.

2. Calyx lente auctus.

3. Anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, within the blossom: flowers grow in umbels from the axillæ of the leaves, globular, and hairy: leaves by fours: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high, shrubby and upright: branches ascending.

LEAVES by fours, linear, obtuse, hairy, and spreading, flat on their upper surface and furrowed beneath.

FLOWERS grow in umbels from the axillæ of the leaves: blossom globular, purple, and hairy: segments of the border rounded, spreading, and equal.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till September.

REFERENCE.

1. A Leaf magnified.

2. The Empalement magnified.

3. One Chive magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

THE Erica mollis is a compact little shrub, with lively purple flowers: both flowers and leaves are covered with short hairs, which give it a soft appearance, although to the touch the hairs are more hispid than downy. Our figure is from a plant at Mr. Lee’s Nursery.

ERICA moschata.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus campanulatis, pendulis, odoratis, terminalibus: foliis ternis, obtusis, odorem quasi moschatum spirantibus: caule erecto.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, erectus, pedalis et ultra; rami graciles.

FOLIA terna, linearia, obtusa, supra sub-plana, subtus læviter sulcata, quasi moschum redolentia.

FLORES plerumque terni, penduli; pedunculi colorati, bracteis tribus; corolla campanulata, odorata, incarnata; calycis foliolis lato-ovatis, adpressis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Maio in Augustum.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx lente auctus.

2. Corolla.

3. Stamen auctum.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen auctum.

6. Ramus varietatis minoris.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: flowers bell-shaped, pendulous, scented, and terminal: leaves by threes, obtuse, and scented like musk: stem upright.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, upright, a foot or more high; branches slender.

LEAVES by threes, linear, and obtuse, nearly flat on the upper surface, lightly furrowed beneath, and scented like musk.

FLOWERS mostly by threes, pendulous; footstalks coloured, with three floral leaves; blossom bell-shaped, scented, and flesh-coloured; leaflets of the cup are broadly ovate, and pressed to the blossom.

Seed-bud turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of May till August.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement magnified.

2. A Blossom.

3. A Chive magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

6. Branch of a small variety.

SEVERAL species of the Ericæ are fragrant in the flowers; but not any that we know of possess a scented foliage, except the one now figured, whose leaves emit a delicate odour resembling musk; and very few references to scent will, we think, be found so unequivocal; if the ends of the branches are gently rubbed, or lightly passed through the hands, the fragrance is stronger. First raised at the Clapham Gardens in 1805, and at present, we believe, in few collections; but will doubtless soon find a place in many, as its flowers are handsome, fragrant, and remain during the summer months; and the perfume of its leaves lasts all the year.

ERICA mundula.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: foliis quaternis: floribus sessilibus, fastigiatis, terminalibus: frutex pygmæus.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, spithamæus, erectus, ramosus: ramuli numerosi, adscendentes.

FOLIA quaterna, subulata, lucida, supra plana, subtus sulcata.

FLORES sessiles, erecti, fastigiati, quaterni, terminales: corollis tubulosis, pellucidis, ore arctato, quod ornatum est in modum Primulæ: laciniis cordatis, expansis, albis, subtus læte rubris.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Junio ad Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Anthera lente aucta.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: leaves by fours: flowers sessile, fastigiate, and terminal: a dwarf shrub.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a span high, upright, and bushy: small branches numerous and ascending.

LEAVES by fours, awl-shaped, shining, flat on their upper surface, and furrowed beneath.

FLOWERS sessile, upright, fastigiate, and terminating the branches by fours: blossoms tubular, pellucid, narrowed at the mouth, which is ornamented like a Cowslip: the segments of the border are heart-shaped, spreading, and white, of a bright red on the under side.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of June till September.

REFERENCE.

1. Empalement.

2. A Chive magnified.

3. The Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud magnified.

THE Erica mundula is a small neat shrub resembling the E. primuloides in its flowers, but different in the leaves, which are by fours instead of fives; it is also a looser-growing plant, and seems to be a connecting link between that species, the E. infundibuliformis, E. tenuiflora, and E. Coventrya, but very distinct from either of them. The flowers in the early bud state have a very rich appearance, from the deep bright red colour beneath the segments of the border, contrasted with the dark shining green leaves. Our drawing represents an entire plant, from the Hammersmith collection.

ERICA nivalis.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: foliis ternatis: floribus albis, terminalibus.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, pedalis et ultra, erectus, ramosus.

FOLIA ternata, linearia, obtusa, parva, glabra, recta.

FLORES ramulos terminant, plerumque terni, subcernui: corolla globosa, alba, pilis pubescentibus tecta.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Aprili in Junium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx lente auctus.

2. Anthera una lente aucta.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, within the blossom: leaves by threes: flowers white and terminal.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot or more high, upright and bushy.

LEAVES by threes, linear, blunt, small, smooth and straight.

FLOWERS terminate the smaller branches mostly by threes, nearly drooping: blossom globular, white, and covered with soft hairs.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of April till June.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement magnified.

2. A Chive magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud magnified.

The Erica nivalis is a perfectly new species, and very distinct from any of the numerous species at present in cultivation with us. Our drawing was made at the Hammersmith Nursery in May 1820. It is with difficulty increased by cuttings.

ERICA Ollula.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, tortis, inclusis: flores ramos terminant in fasciculis: foliis sparsis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS subpedalis, fruticosus: ramis longis, adscendentibus.

FOLIA sparsa, linearia, longa, obtusa: petiolis longis, adpressis.

FLORES conferti, fasciculati, terminales: pedunculis longissimis, rubris, bracteis duabus distantibus: corolla urceolata, saturate carnea: oriis laciniis æqualibus, patentibus.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii ad Octobrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Corolla.

3. Antheræ et Pistillum, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with twisted, bearded tips within the blossom: flowers terminate the branches in bunches: leaves scattered.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM scarce a foot high, shrubby: branches long and ascending.

LEAVES scattered, linear, long, and blunt-ended: footstalks pressed to the branches.

FLOWERS crowded together in bunches at the ends of the branches: footstalks very long and red, with two floral-leaves set at a distance on them: blossom pitcher-shaped, and of a deep flesh-colour: segments of the border equal and spreading.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till October.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. A Blossom.

3. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS handsome little shrub was, we believe, first raised from Cape seed about the year 1814. It is one of the most ornamental of those Ericas recently introduced. The flowers are crowded together in bunches, and remain a long time in successive bloom.

ERICA pedunculata.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: floribus terminalibus: pedunculis longissimis: foliis sparsis, pilosis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis et ultra: ramis longis, divaricatis, foliis vestitis.

FLORES, in umbellis terminalibus, cernui: pedunculis longissimis, rubris, lucidis: corolla globoso-campanulata, pallide purpurea.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Martii in Julium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Anthera una lente aucta.

3. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, within the blossom: flowers terminal: footstalks very long: leaves scattered, and hairy.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot or more high; branches long, straggling, and clothed with leaves.

FLOWERS grow in terminal umbels, nodding: footstalks very long, red, and shining; blossom globularly bell-shaped, of a pale purple colour.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, and furrowed.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from March till July.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. One Tip magnified.

3. The Seed-bud magnified.

THIS fine species of Erica was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope to the gardens of G. Hibbert, Esq. in the summer of 1806. Our figure represents about one half of the plant, which being unique, the wish to increase it caused its destruction, as more cuttings were taken from it than its high state of inflorescence could endure; and although all possible care was taken to preserve the young plants, not one of them survived the winter.

ERICA pellucida _rubra_.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: stylo exerto: foliis quaternis: floribus terminalibus: caule fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, pedalis et ultra, ramis numerosis filiformibus.

FOLIA quaterna, horizontaliter patentia, brevia, sub-linearia, obtusa, marginibus hispidis.

FLORES in ramis terminalibus unus vel quatuor, cernui: corolla clavata, curvata, rubella.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Augusti ad Novembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Stamina a Pistillo diducta, anthera una lente aucta.

2. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

3. Varietates floribus intermediis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: shaft without: leaves grow by fours: flowers terminal: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot or more high, with numerous thread-shaped branches.

LEAVES by fours, spreading horizontally, short, nearly linear, blunt-ended, with bristly margins.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in one to four flowers, nodding: blossom club-shaped, curved, and of a reddish colour.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of August till November.

REFERENCE.

1. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

2. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

3. Intermediate flower varieties.

THIS Erica varies considerably from the original species, and yet retains the leading feature of transparency that designates the mother plant. The flowers given with the dissections are from plants nearly allied to the white-flowered _pellucida_; and had we been then in possession of them, they would have arranged better with that figure; but this opportunity admits of their being made use of as intermediate varieties of flower only.

Our drawing was taken at the Hammersmith nursery in 1816, where it was first raised from seed.

ERICA peltata.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris muticis, subexsertis: stylo exserto, filiformi: stigmate peltato, magno: floribus axillaribus, terminalibus: foliis ternis: ramis numerosis: caule erecto.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS subpedalis: rami et ramuli numerosi, filiformes, adscendentes.

FOLIA terna, erecto-patentia, linearia, recta, obtusa.

FLORES axillares, terminales: pedunculi longi, bracteis calyci adpressis: corolla campanulata, parva, carnea, subcernua: stylo filiformi, longo: stigmate peltato, magno.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii in Octobrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx lente auctus.

2. Corolla lente aucta.

3. Stamina lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, just without the blossom: shaft without, thread-shaped: summit shield-shaped and large: flowers grow from the axillæ of the leaves, and terminate the branches: leaves by threes: branches numerous: stem upright.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM nearly a foot high: the large and small branches are numerous, thread-shaped, and ascending.

LEAVES by threes, between erect and spreading, linear, straight and obtuse.

FLOWERS grow from the axillæ of the leaves, and terminate the branches: peduncles long, with floral leaves pressed to the cup: blossom bell-shaped, small, flesh-coloured, and nearly nodding: shaft thread-shaped and long: summit shield-shaped and large.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till October.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement magnified.

2. A Blossom magnified.

3. The Chives magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

IN the Genus Erica it is sometimes very difficult to find an appropriate or unoccupied specific title. This little shrub furnishes no less than four to choose from: this choice has already given the additional title of _exserta_ to that of _peltata_, from the trivial circumstance of the pointals protruding a little more in some plants than others: a mere casualty, probably depending on its strength or culture. The flowers are so very minute, that the pointals are the most conspicuous, resembling shields in miniature. The anthers are large, compared to the small size of the flowers, and so fertile, that when in full bloom if shaken, they emit such a quantity of pollen as would afford the specific titles of fertilis or farinosa.

Our drawing was made at Mr. Lee’s last summer (1823); but we have seen it in bloom as long ago as 1806.

ERICA perspicua.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus cylindricis, villosis, ramulos terminantibus: foliis ternis, linearibus.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, sesquipedalis, erectus, et patens: ramuli numerosi.

FOLIA terna, linearia, subtus sulcata: petiolis longis, adpressis.

FLORES terni, ramulos terminantes: pedunculi colorati, bracteis duabus parvis adpressis: corolla cylindracea et pilosa, ad basin purpurea, et superne alba; laciniis ovatis, patentibus: calycis foliolis lanceolatis, adpressis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Aprili in Novembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips within the blossom: flowers cylindrical, hairy, and terminating the small branches: leaves by threes, linear.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot and a half high, upright, and spreading: smaller branches numerous.

LEAVES by threes, linear, furrowed beneath, with longish footstalks pressed to the branches.

FLOWERS terminate the smaller branches by threes: peduncles coloured, with two small floral leaves pressed to them: blossom cylindrical and hairy, purple at the base, and white at the upper part: segments of the border ovate and spreading: leaves of the empalement lance-shaped, and pressed to the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of April till November.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. Chives and Pointal.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THIS elegant plant resembles the E. Linnæa, and is by most cultivators as well known by the appellation of the old Linneoides as by the specific title of perspicua.

It flowers early in spring, and continues in successive bloom till late in autumn. It was first raised from Cape seed in the Royal gardens at Kew, and flowered in the nursery of Mr. Williams at Turnham Green about the year 1796.

Our figure was taken from a luxuriant specimen in the summer of 1807.

ERICA Plukenetia, _albens_.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, exertis, longissimis: floribus pendentibus: foliis ternis, fasciculatis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS erectus, sesquipedalis, fruticosus: rami subsimplices, ramulis brevissimis tecti.

FOLIA terna, fasciculata, linearia, arcuata, acuta, glabra.

FLORES subsolitarii, pendentes a ramulis, in medio ramorum crescentes, et spicam laxam formantes: pedunculis longis, bracteis tribus minutis ad basin instructis: corolla conica, exalbida, laciniis erectis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Maii in Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

5. Flos varietatis magnæ.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, without the blossom, and very long: flowers hanging down: leaves by threes, bundled together.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM upright, a foot and a half high, shrubby: the large branches nearly simple, and covered with numerous small branches.

LEAVES by threes, bundled together, linear, bowed, pointed, and smooth.

FLOWERS nearly solitary, hanging down from the small branches, growing near the middle of the large branches, and forming a loose spike: footstalks long, and furnished at the base with three small floral leaves: blossom conical and whitish: segments of the border upright.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from May till September.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. Chives and Pointal.

3. Seed-bud Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud magnified.

5. Flower of a large variety.

THE flowers of this Erica possess a negative sort of colour, that forms a good contrast to the purply red of the other species of Plukenetia, but when out of flower it is not easily distinguished from them. Our drawing was made from the Hibbertian collection. We are doubtful whether the plant is not at present lost to us, not having seen it for several years. We have long ago figured it in the octavo work, and should have then published it in our folio edition; but wished to give a fine specimen of the large-flowered variety in preference. We have not, however, seen one plant of it since, except that from which the gigantic flower in the dissection was taken at Mr. Rollinson’s Nursery at Lower Tooting, which was rich in foliage, but had scarcely any blossoms.

ERICA præstans.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: stylo sub-exerto: floribus urceolatis, terminalibus: foliis quaternis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis, erectus, ramosus: rami et ramuli graciles.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, erecta, obtusa.

FLORES terminales, in umbellis quaternis vel octonis: pedunculis brevibus: corollis urceolatis, albis: laciniis magnis, expansis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Junii in Novembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum.

3. Stamina et Pistillum, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: shaft just without: flowers pitcher-shaped and terminal: leaves by fours.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high, upright, shrubby: large and small branches slender.

LEAVES by fours, linear, upright, and blunt-ended.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in umbels of four to eight: footstalks short: blossom pitcher-shaped, and white: segments of the border large and spreading.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from June till November.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal.

3. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THIS Erica, although a distinct species, does not possess any prominent feature sufficient to distinguish it from many others; we have therefore retained the specific title of præstans (by which it is known to some cultivators), although it is an appellation to which the plant has but little claim compared with the numerous beautiful species of which this very extensive Genus is composed. It was first raised from seed brought from the Cape of Good Hope by Mr. Niven. It flowers from the end of spring till late in autumn.

ERICA pumila.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris cristatis, inclusis: floribus cylindraceis, terminalibus, bicoloribus: foliis ternis, obtusis: ramis divaricatis: caule humili.

DESCRIPTIO.

FRUTEX pygmæus, rami et ramuli numerosi, divaricati, plerumque foliis tecti.

FOLIA ternata, linearia, obtusa, recta, glabra, supra plana, subtus sulcata, marginibus rotundatis.

FLORES plerumque ternata, patento-cernui; pedunculi breves, colorati, bracteis tribus coloratis instructi; corolla cylindracea, incarnata; laciniis oris viridibus, pallidis, erectis; calycis foliolis ovatis, coloratis, adpressis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, bicoloratum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Maio in Augustum.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium.

2. Calyx lente auctus.

3. Stamen auctum.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with crested tips, within the blossom: flowers cylindrical, terminal, and two-coloured: leaves by threes, obtuse: branches straddling: stem low.

DESCRIPTION.

A DWARF shrub, the large and small branches numerous, straddling, and mostly covered with leaves.

LEAVES by threes, linear, obtuse, straight, smooth, flat on the upper surface, furrowed beneath, and rounded at the edges.

FLOWERS grow mostly by threes, spreading, or nodding; footstalks short, coloured, and furnished with three coloured floral leaves; blossoms cylindrical, flesh-coloured; segments of the border of a pale green, and upright: the leaflets of the cup are ovate, coloured, and pressed to the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, two-coloured, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of May till August.

REFERENCE.

1. A leaf.

2. The Empalement magnified.

3. A Chive magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

THE Erica pumila is a new species, and very distinct from any with which we are at present acquainted. Our figure represents the entire plant, just as we received it growing in a pot. It was first raised at the Hibbertian collection in 1805, by Mr. Knight, with whom it has flowered this summer, for the first time in England. From the very small size, and slow growth of all the plants of this species as yet in cultivation with us, we are inclined to think it will not at any future period assume a gigantic appearance; but will most likely, continue to retain a claim to the specific appellation of pumila.

ERICA pygmæa.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: flores ramos terminant in umbellis: foliis ternatis: ramis virgatis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS humilis: rami et ramuli numerosi, filiformes: rami longi, patentes, decumbentes.

FOLIA ternata, glabra, curvata, patentia, acuminata.

FLORES ramos terminant in umbellis: in ramulis plerumque ternis: pedunculis longis, coloratis, pilosis: corolla campanulata, pilosa, saturate purpurea.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii ad Octobrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Corolla expansa.

3. Antheræ et Pistillum, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, within the blossom: flowers terminate the branches in umbels: leaves by threes: branches twiggy.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM low: the large and small branches numerous and thread-shaped: the larger branches are long, spreading, and decumbent.

LEAVES by threes, smooth, curved, spreading, and sharp-pointed.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in umbels: in the smaller branches mostly by threes: footstalks long, coloured, and hairy: blossoms bell-shaped, hairy, and of a deep purple colour.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till October.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Blossom spread open.

3. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

OUR figure represents an entire plant from the nursery of Mr. Lee, the only collection in which we have as yet seen this very distinct species of Erica. It is a dwarf shrub (more curious than beautiful), raised from Cape seed about the year 1810, and called E. _sanguinolenta_; which we have no doubt will be readily superseded by the more appropriate title of _pygmæa_, by which it may be easily recognised either in or out of bloom.

ERICA quadrangularis.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus terminalibus: corollis quadrangularibus: caule erecto.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS sesquipedalis, fruticosus, erectus, ramosus: ramis et ramulis longis.

FOLIA numerosa, sparsa, ensiformia, curvata, adscendentia et patentia, supra plana, subtus sulcata.

FLORES ramulos terminant, terni, quaterni vel quini, erecti vel patentes: corolla bicolorata, supra alba, infra incarnata, tubulosa, quadrata, quatuor valvis vel suturis: oris laciniis revolutis.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Aprili in Junium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Corolla expansa.

3. Anthera una.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips within the blossom: flowers terminal: blossoms quadrangular: stem erect.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot and a half high, shrubby, upright, and branching: the large and small branches long.

LEAVES numerous, scattered, sword-shaped, curved, ascending and spreading, flat on their upper surface, and furrowed beneath.

FLOWERS terminate the smaller branches in threes, fours, or fives, erect or spreading: blossom two-coloured, white above and flesh-coloured beneath, tubular, squared, with four valves or seams: segments of the border rolled back.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of April till June.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. A Blossom spread out.

3. A Chive.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

This new species of Erica is at present but little known: the only collections in which we have seen it are Mr. Rollinson’s at Tooting, and Mr. Lee’s Nursery, where our drawing was taken in 1819. It was first raised from Cape seed in 1812, but is still a scarce plant, and not easily increased by cuttings. It is very handsome when in flower: its blossoms resemble wax, with four seams or valves, very unlike any other species we are at present acquainted with.

ERICA radiata discolor.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus verticillatis: caule fruticoso, erecto.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS bipedalis, erectus, ramosus: ramis subsimplicibus.

FOLIA plerumque quaterna, linearia, patentia, undulata, acuminata.

FLORES in ramulorum sub apicibus verticillati, horizontaliter siti: corolla subcylindracea: oris laciniis recurvatis, cordatis, albis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, villosum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret per menses autumnales.

REFERENTIA.

1. Varietas Ericæ metulæflora discolor.

2. Calyx.

3. Stamen et Pistillum, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with beardless tips within the blossom: flowers grow in whorls: stem shrubby and upright.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM two feet high, upright and branching: the branches nearly simple.

LEAVES mostly by fours, linear, spreading, undulate, and pointed.

FLOWERS grow in whorls near the ends of the branches, standing horizontally; blossom nearly cylinder-shaped: segments of the border recurved, heart-shaped, and white.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, villose, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers during the autumnal months.

REFERENCE.

1. Discoloured variety of Erica Metulæflora.

2. Calyx.

3. Stamen and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THE Ericas _radiata_ and _metulæflora_, figured in the 1st and 3rd volume of this work, are scions from a hybrid production of an Erica known by the specific title of _spuria_. Our figure represents an elegant variety of the E. radiata, raised from Cape seed at the Nursery of Messrs. Rollinson in the autumn of 1826.

Among the dissections we have taken the opportunity of giving a branch with flowers of a similar variation of E. metulæflora, to avoid the necessity for a separate figure.

ERICA recurvata.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris muticis, inclusis, stylo exserto: foliis confertis; floribus terminalibus, umbellatis, declinatis; caule fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, pedalis et ultra: ramulis aggregatis, apice recurvatis.

FOLIA plerumque sena, sparsa, linearia, obtusa, flexuosa; petiolis longis.

FLORES in umbellis terminalibus sex ad novem, declinati.

COROLLA oblonga, albicans; oris laciniis rectis; sub-nigris: stylo rubro, exsertissimo.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum: stylo filiformi, longissimo.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a Mense Aprili in Julium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Corolla.

3. Stamina a Pistilla diducta, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with beardless tips, within the blossom: shaft without: leaves crowded together: flowers terminate the branches in umbels, hanging down: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot or more high; the small branches crowded together, and recurved at the point.

LEAVES mostly by sixes, scattered, linear, blunt, and flexuose: footstalks long.

FLOWERS grow in terminal umbels from six to nine, hanging down.

BLOSSOM oblong, of a whitish colour: segments of the border straight, of a dark-brown colour: shaft red, and very much outside the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries: shaft thread-shaped, and very long.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of April till July.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Blossom.

3. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THROUGHOUT this extensive family there is not one that bears any resemblance to this perfectly new and distinct species; the aggregation of the leaves and branches, joined to the drooping character of its flowers, with long descending pointals that rival the finest purple silk, give it a singularity of appearance that renders it equally interesting with the most splendid species. We have seen it flowering successively from the end of almost every branch. Our figure represents nearly an entire plant, from the nursery of Mr. Lee.

ERICA reflexa.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris cristatis, inclusis: floribus ramulos terminantibus; corolla urceolata: foliis ternis: caule fruticoso: ramulis numerosis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis et ultra, fruticosus, erecto-divaricatus: ramulis numerosis.

FOLIA terna, linearia, obtusa, supra plana, subtus sulcata.

FLORES ramulos terminant in umbellis, plerumque quaterni, cernui: corolla urceolata, carnea, nitida.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii ad Octobrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium.

2. Idem inferum.

3. Stamina a Pistillo diducta, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

6. Flores Varietatum duarum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with crested tips within the blossom; flowers terminate the small branches; blossom pitcher-shaped: leaves by threes: stem shrubby: small branches numerous.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot or more high, shrubby, upright or straggling: smaller branches numerous.

LEAVES by threes, linear, obtuse, flat on their upper surface, and furrowed beneath.

FLOWERS terminate the smaller branches in umbels mostly by fours, nodding: blossom pitcher-shaped, flesh-coloured, and shining.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till October.

REFERENCE.

1. A Leaf.

2. The same shown from the under side.

3. The Stamens detached from the Pointal, one tip magnified.

4 Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

6. Flowers of two Varieties.

OF this species of Erica there are three; one with white, another with delicate red flowers, and a third or intermediate variation with blossoms extremely pale.

Our figure represents the full blush variety, not only as best calculated to represent advantageously on paper, but as further removed in its appearance from the E. nitida figured in Vol. III., at present so very scarce, that the white-flowered reflexa is frequently sold for it, although the flowers in the one resemble a porringer, and the others are exactly pitcher-shaped.

Our drawing was made from plants in the summer of 1822 at the Hammersmith Nursery, where we have noticed them for the last ten years as most luxuriant ornamental greenhouse shrubs.

ERICA refulgens.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis; stylo exerto: foliis quaternis: floribus terminalibus: caule fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, sesquipedalis, erectus, ramulis numerosis.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, longa, patenti-adscendentia.

FLORES in ramulis terminales, plerumque quaterni, cernui: corolla cylindracea, lucida, ima parte læte rubra, apice viridi.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, superne villosum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii ad Octobrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina a Pistillo diducta, anthera unica lente aucta.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

5. Varietates floribus minoribus.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: shaft without: leaves by fours: flowers terminal: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot and half high, and upright, with numerous small branches.

LEAVES by fours, linear, long, and between erect and spreading.

FLOWERS terminate the small branches, mostly by fours, nodding: blossom cylindrical and shining, the lower part of a bright red colour, the mouth green.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped and furrowed, hairy on the upper part, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of July till October.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud magnified.

5. Smaller-flowered varieties.

OUR figure was taken in 1819 from plants in the Hammersmith collection, and considered as a seminal variety of the E. _versicolor_, though it certainly more resembles the E. _hirta_: but from these and every other species of Erica it may be always distinguished just previously to flowering, by the empalements forming a terminal cone at the end of each flower-branch of a rich deep red colour, which only separate to allow the bright green ends of the buds to make their first approach towards maturity: it is therefore beautiful in every stage of inflorescence.

ERICA regerminans.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: floribus in umbellis terminalibus, confertis, sæpe germinantibus; corolla campanulata, odorata: ramis numerosis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis, fruticosus: rami et ramuli numerosi.

FLORES ramos terminant in umbellis confertis, sæpe germinantes: corolla parva, campanulata, pallidè purpurea, odorata: calycis foliolis parvis, lanceolatis, adpressis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Decembris in Junium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Corolla.

3. Stamina à Pistillo diducta, antherâ unâ lente auctâ.

4. Germen et Pistillum lente aucta.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, within the blossoms: flowers terminate the branches in umbels, crowded together, often budding: blossom bell-shaped and sweet-scented: branches numerous.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high, shrubby: the large and small branches numerous.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in crowded umbels, often budding: blossom small, bell-shaped, of a pale purple, and sweet-scented: the leaflets of the cup are lance-shaped, small, and pressed to the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of December till June.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Blossom.

3. The Chives detached from the Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal magnified.

THIS sweet-scented species whilst flowering produces fresh buds in the centre of the umbels, which, as the surrounding flowers decay, supply their place, and by that means the plant remains a long time in bloom. It resembles the E. caffra in many particulars. It is amongst the early importations from the Cape of Good Hope; and although not equally estimated with the numerous splendid species of recent introduction, the abundant succession of the flowers, their agreeable fragrance, and easy culture, will always render it an object worthy the attention of cultivators.

ERICA ruber-calyx.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris muticis, inclusis: flores ramulos terminant: foliis quaternis: caule fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis: ramis et ramulis numerosis, flexuosis, filiformibus.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, recta, obtusa, erecto-patentia.

FLORES ramulos terminant, plerumque quaterni, patentes: calyce et pedunculis rubris: corolla metulæformi, pellucida, imprimis alba, denique rosea: oris laciniis erectis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Januarii ad Maium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Antheræ et Pistillum.

3. Stamen unum, anthera lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with beardless tips within the blossom: flowers terminate the smaller branches: leaves by fours: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high: the large and smaller branches numerous, flexuose, and thread-shaped.

LEAVES by fours, linear, straight, obtuse, and between erect and spreading.

FLOWERS terminate the smaller branches, mostly by fours, spreading: empalement and footstalks red: blossom skittle-shaped, transparent, white at first, then dying off a rose colour: segments of the border upright.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of January till May.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal.

3. A Chive, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

This species of Erica in the mutability of its flowers resembles the blossoms of the _E. colorans_. It was first raised from Cape seed at the Hammersmith Nursery in the summer of 1825, under the appellation of _ruber-calyx_: a specific title of one word would have been preferable, but it is very characteristic of the plant when in bloom, which is a recommendation not often to be met with where the best specific titles are already occupied. It is a handsome dwarf shrub, with abundance of successive bloom.

ERICA rugosa.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris bicornibus, sub-exertis: floriribus sub-terminalibus, rugosis, rubris: foliis linearibus: ramulis numerosis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, erectus, bipedalis: ramulis ternis, verticillatis.

FOLIA irregulariter verticillata, 3 vel 5 linearia; parum curvata, patentia: petiolis longis.

FLORES sub-terminales: corolla sub-tubulosa, patens, rugosa, saturate rubra; oris laciniis patentibus: pedunculi longi, colorati.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin rubrum, cum nectariis melliferis, supernè villosum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Junii in Augustum.

REFERENTIA.

1. Stamina et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

2. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

3. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with tips two-horned at their base, just without the blossom; flowers nearly terminal, wrinkly, and red: leaves linear: branches many.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, upright, two feet high: branches grow by threes, in whorls.

LEAVES in irregular whorls, of 3 to 5 linear, slightly curved, and spreading; footstalks long.

FLOWERS nearly terminal: blossom nearly tubular, spreading, wrinkly, and of a deep red colour; segments of the border spreading: footstalks long and coloured.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, red at the base, with honey-bearing nectaries, villose on the upper part.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of June till August.

REFERENCE.

1. Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

2. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

3. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS curious species of Erica was raised from seed at the nursery of Mr. Rollinson about the year 1806, from which period it has flowered abundantly; but all attempts to increase it have hitherto proved abortive; and whether the wrinkly character of its blossoms would be continued were it to seed with us, is certainly doubtful, as it appears to be a contraction in the flowers bordering upon monstrosity; and we at first declined figuring it, expecting the wrinkles would not appear when next it bloomed; but for four successive summers it has still retained its strange appearance, more singular than beautiful, but probably more interesting by its oddity.

ERICA rupestris _rubra_.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris cristatis, inclusis: floribus lateralibus, terminalibus, campanulatis, nutantibus: foliis ternis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS erectus, sesquipedalis: ramulis plerumque ternis, ad basin procumbentibus, in medio patentibus, superne adscendentibus.

FOLIA ternata, crassa, obtusa, recta, subtus sulcata, marginibus rotundatis.

FLORES ad apices ramorum ramulorumque in umbellis irregularibus, cernuis: corolla campanulata, rubra, oris laciniis patentibus: calyce lanceolato, adpresso.

GERMEN tiaræforme, bicoloratum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat in Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Februarii ad Novembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum, antherâ unâ lente auctâ.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with crested tips, within the blossom; flowers lateral, terminal, bell-shaped, and nodding: leaves by threes.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM upright, a foot and a half high: smaller branches mostly by threes, hanging down at the base of the plant, in the middle spreading out, and ascending towards the top.

LEAVES by threes, thick, blunt, straight, and furrowed beneath, with roundish edges.

FLOWERS grow at the ends of the larger and smaller branches, in irregular umbels, nodding all one way. Blossom bell-shaped and red; segments of the border spreading. Empalement lance-shaped, and pressed to the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, two-coloured, with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of February till November.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

4. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS Erica was raised from British seed gathered from the E. rupestris, in the autumn of 1807, by Mr. Knight, nurseryman, in the King’s Road, Chelsea, and is the only one, out of a number sown, that vegetated. Its first year’s growth exhibited a strong resemblance to the habit of the original species, spreading and hanging over the sides of the pot. The second year it began to lose its pendulous appearance, and the third summer it acquired a handsome pyramidal form, instead of the straggling dwarf character of the mother plant.

It may be found in bloom in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

ERICA Russeliana.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, inclusis: floribus terminalibus: pedunculis longis: foliis quaternis: caulis fruticosus.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS sesquipedalis, virgatus, flexuosus: ramulis erecto-patentibus.

FOLIA quaterna, trigona, leviter curvata, acuta, lucida.

FLORES in apicibus ramorum, plerumque terni, cernui: corolla urceolata, rubra: laciniis oris patentibus, cordatis, carneis, acutis: pedunculis rubris, longis, bracteis tribus minoribus: calyx oblongus, acutus.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret per menses æstivales, iterumque in mensibus autumnalibus.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium lente auctum.

2. Calyx.

3. Stamina a Pistillo diducta, anthera una lente aucta.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, within the blossom: flowers terminal: peduncles long: leaves by fours: stem shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot and a half high, twiggy and flexuose: branches between erect and spreading.

LEAVES by fours, three-sided, slightly curved, pointed and shining.

FLOWERS terminate the ends of the branches, mostly by threes, nodding: blossom pitcher-shaped, red: segments of the border spreading, heart-shaped, flesh-coloured, and pointed: footstalks red, long, and furnished with three small floral leaves: empalement oblong, and pointed.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers in the summer months, and again in autumn.

REFERENCE.

1. A Leaf, magnified.

2. The Empalement.

3. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS fine new species of Erica was first raised from Cape seed in the nursery of Mr. Lee at Hammersmith, in the summer of 1824, and named in compliment to His Grace the Duke of Bedford. It bears very little if any resemblance to any other species as yet in cultivation with us; it flowers early in summer, and again in autumn.

ERICA Sainsburyana.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris inclusis, aristatis: floribus umbellatis, terminalibus, in pedunculis longissimis: foliis ternis, linearibus, longis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, sesquipedalis: ramis longis, simplicibus, adscendentibus.

FOLIA terna, linearia, longa, subtus sulcata: petiolis longis, adpressis.

FLORES ramos terminant in umbellis: corolla metulæformis, saturate carnea: pedunculi longissimi, filiformes, rubri, bracteis tribus distantibus lanceolatis instructi: calycis foliolis lanceolatis, coloratis, adpressis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, longum, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Junii in Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum, antherâ unâ lente auctâ.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with tips within the blossom, bearded: flowers terminate the branches in umbels upon very long footstalks: leaves by threes, linear, and long.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM shrubby, a foot and a half high: with long, simple, ascending branches.

LEAVES by threes, linear, long, and furrowed beneath: footstalks long, and pressed to the stem.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in umbels: blossom skittle-shaped and of a deep flesh colour: footstalks very long, thread-shaped, and red, with three lance-shaped floral leaves set at a distance on them: leaflets of the cup lance-shaped, coloured, and pressed to the blossom.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, long, furrowed, and furnished with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of June till September.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THIS fine species of Erica is one of the recent novelties raised from Cape seed; and being very distinct from any hitherto delineated, we have named it in honour of Miss Sainsbury, a great admirer of this beautiful tribe of plants. Our figure was drawn at the nursery of Mr. Rollinson of Lower Tooting, in September 1810.

ERICA Salisburia.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris muticis, subinclusis: stylo exerto: floribus spicatis, confertis, prope ramorum apices: corolla clavata: ramis longissimis: foliis senis vel octonis, erectis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS erectis, tetrapedalis: ramis plerumque simplicibus.

FOLIA verticillata, sena vel octona, erecta, lanceolata, intus plana, exterius sulcata: foliis ad basin angustioribus, acuminatis, patentibus.

FLORES spicati, conferti, prope apices ramorum: corollis clavatis, coccineis, erecto-patentibus: pedunculis coloratis, bracteis tribus instructis.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Octobris ad Februarium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium ad basin plantæ.

2. Calyx.

3. Corolla.

4. Antheræ et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

6. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with beardless tips, just within the blossom: shaft without: flowers growing in a spike, crowded together near the end of the branch: blossoms club-shaped: branches very long: leaves by six or eight, upright.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM upright, four feet high: branches mostly simple.

LEAVES grow in whorls of six to eight, upright, and lance-shaped, flat on the inner and furrowed on the outer side: leaves at the base of the plant are narrower, pointed, and spreading.

FLOWERS grow in crowded spikes near the end of the branches: blossoms club-shaped, and of a scarlet colour, between erect and spreading: footstalks coloured, and furnished with three floral leaves.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of October till February.

REFERENCE.

1. A Leaf from the base of the plant.

2. The Empalement.

3. A Blossom.

4. The Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

5. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

6. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS new species of Erica was first raised at the Hammersmith nursery about the year 1815, and is named after R. Salisbury, Esq., a most able botanist, and Vice-president of the Linnæan Society. Our drawing was made from a plant four feet high, with only one flower-stem, and without any collateral branches.

ERICA serpyllifolia.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris muticis inclusis: stylo exerto: stigmate magno: foliis ternatis: caule debili, fruticoso.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS subpedalis, tenuis: ramis et ramulis filiformibus, numerosis, flexuosis.

FOLIA terna, cordata, patentia, supra subplana, setis minutis instructa, subtus glauca, marginibus revolutis.

FLORES terni vel seni, in ramos terminant: corolla parva, campanulata, pallide carnea; stigmate magno, patente, tetragono, peltato, incluso.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, villosum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii ad Novembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Folium.

2. Idem auctum.

3. Corolla.

4. Eadem aucta.

5. Stamen et Pistillum.

6. Eadem lente aucta.

7. Germen auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with beardless tips within the blossom: shaft without: summit large: leaves ternate: stem weak and shrubby.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM near a foot high and slender: the large and smaller branches are thread-shaped, numerous, and flexuose.

LEAVES by threes, heart-shaped, and spreading, nearly flat on their upper surface, and furnished with minute setæ or bristles; glaucous beneath, with the edges rolled back.

FLOWERS grow by threes or sixes, terminating the branches; blossom small, bell-shaped, and of a pale flesh-colour; stigma large, spreading, with four corners, inclosed in a shield.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped, furrowed, villose, and furnished at the base with honey-bearing nectaries.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from July till November.

REFERENCE.

1. A leaf.

2. The same magnified.

3. A blossom.

4. The same magnified.

5. Chive and Pointal.

6. The same magnified.

7. Seed-bud magnified.

THE Erica serpyllifolia resembles two very opposed and distinct species of Heaths, the E. thymifolia and E. peltata. The former similarly nomenclated; resembling the latter in shape, colour, abundance of flowers, and enlarged stigma, the expansion of which is so rare and peculiar to the E. peltata; and is also a most prominent feature in the physiology of the present figure, but when out of bloom; and the Ericas _thymifolia_ and _maryfolia_ are the only species that can claim the least affinity.

It was first raised from Cape seed at the nursery of Messrs. Loddiges, Hackney. Our drawing is from a plant at Mr. Lee’s, in the summer of 1826.

ERICA Shannonea.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA antheris basi bicornibus, inclusis: stylo sub-exserto: floribus terminalibus, ampullaceis: pedunculis longissimis: foliis ternis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis, erectus: rami longi, sub-simplices.

FOLIA terna, trigona, subulata, recta, acuta, supra plana, subtus carinata.

FLORES terminales in umbellis quinis vel octonis, cum pedunculis longissimis rubris: corollis pallide carneis, glutinosissimis, magnis, ad sum mitatem cylindraceis, ad basin inflatis: ore arctato, laciniis expansis, ovatis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, sulcatum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat in Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Julii in Septembrem.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Stamina et Pistillum, antherâ unâ lente auctâ.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH with tips two-horned at the base, within the blossom: shaft just without: flowers terminal, flask-shaped: footstalks very long: leaves by threes.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot high, upright: branches long, and nearly simple.

LEAVES by threes, three-sided, awl-shaped, straight and pointed, flat on the upper surface, and keeled beneath.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in umbels of 5 to 8, with very long red footstalks: blossoms of a pale flesh-colour, very glutinous, and large, cylindrical on the upper part, and swelled out at the base: narrowed at the mouth, with the segments spreading and egg-shaped.

SEED-BUD turban-shaped and furrowed, with honey-bearing nectaries at the base.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from July till September.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. Chives and Pointal, one tip magnified.

3. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

THIS Erica was raised from Cape seed brought over by Niven in 1808. It is a fine addition to this extensive family, and may be increased by cuttings, but not so freely as many other species; which joined to the short period of only three years since it was first raised from seed, makes it at present rather scarce, and in but few collections. Our figure represents a plant in the nursery of Mr. Rollinson, where we found it under the specific title of Shannonea, in compliment to the Earl of Shannon.

ERICA Solandroides.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, sub-exertis: floribus capitatis, aggregatis, cernuis: foliis confertis, pilosis, obtusis: ramis longis, simplicibus: caule erecto.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS pedalis et ultra: ramis simplicibus, longis, erectis, vel flexuosis.

FOLIA irregularia, plerumque quatuor, aggregata, pilosa, linearia obtusa, adscendentia: foliis ad basin patentibus.

FLORES capitatim terminales, aggregati: corolla parva, albente, tubo-campanulata: calyce duplici, exteriore trifoliato, subulato, piloso, adpresso: pedunculo brevi.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Maio in Julium.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx lente auctus.

2. Flos.

3. Stamen unum lente aucto.

4. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

5. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

HEATH, with bearded tips, just without the blossom: flowers grow in crowded heads, nodding: leaves crowded, hairy, and obtuse: branches long and simple: stem upright.

DESCRIPTION.

STEM a foot or more high: branches simple, long, upright, or flexuose.

LEAVES irregular, mostly by fours, crowded together, hairy, linear obtuse, and ascending: leaves at the base of the plant spreading.

FLOWERS terminate the branches in crowded heads: blossom small, whitish, tubularly bell-shaped: cup double, the outer one three-leaved awl-shaped, hairy, and pressed to the blossom: footstalk short.

Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Flowers from the month of May till July.

REFERENCE.

1. The Empalement.

2. A Flower.

3. A Chive magnified.

4. Seed-bud and Pointal, summit magnified.

5. Seed-bud magnified.

THIS Erica has been so often baptized, that we are under the necessity of detailing the order of their succession. First it was called E. Solandra after the late Dr. Solander; secondly, another plant of a similar appearance, but bearing purple flowers, was named after that gentleman. This plant was then for some years called the old Solandra; but has recently been named Erica stellata, which we cannot retain, having already occupied that specific title. No other way remained to avoid confusion, but again to rename it something like the first, and not unlike the second, by which means we hope to keep it in its proper sphere--at least to make it recognised for what it has been, by what it now is called.

Our drawing was made from plants at the Hammersmith Nursery.

ERICA splendens.

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ERICA, antheris aristatis, inclusis: stylo sub-exerto: floribus cylindraceis, tomentosis: foliis quaternis.

DESCRIPTIO.

CAULIS fruticosus, erectus, pedalis et ultra: rami numerosi, tomentosi.

FOLIA quaterna, linearia, obtusa, tomentosa, adscendentia.

FLORES plerumque quaterni, patentes, terminales: corollis uncialibus, ovato-cylindraceis, villosis, coccineis: oris laciniis erecto-patulis.

GERMEN tiaræforme, villosum, ad basin nectariis melliferis instructum.

Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.

Floret a mense Maii ad Augustum.

REFERENTIA.

1. Calyx.

2. Anthera una lente aucta.

3. Germen et Pistillum, stigmate lente aucto.

4. Germen lente auctum.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.