Chapter II: Part 2

This genus of Plants must class with Linnæus’s natural order of Succulents, nearly approaching Crassula in habit; but as the Sexual System is the basis of our theory, we cannot admit it under that or any other yet described genus; we have therefore named it after James Vere, Esq. long and well known for his extended and liberal patronage to the professors and cultivators of the science; in whose beautiful and select collection at Kensington Gore, the present species, has for the first time, flowered in this kingdom. Mr. Anderson the gardener informs us, that this plant is a native of Sierra Leone; from whence it was sent to England, by Professor Eld. Elfzelius, in the year 1793; that he has treated it as a tender hot-house plant, keeping it constantly in the tan bed, by which means he has made it flower; but from every appearance of the plant, we should be led to think the common treatment of hot-house Succulents would answer for this. It is easily propagated by cuttings; grows to the height of three or four feet, having when in flower the appearance of a middle sized shrub; blows in the winter months, and thrives best in rich mould.

PLATE XXII.

GOODENIA CALENDULACEA.

_Cape Marygold-leaved Goodenia._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quadrifidum, superum, persistens.

COROLLA monopetala, supra longitudinaliter fissa, genitalia
exferens; limbo quinquefido, secundo.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ lineares.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex. Stigma urceolatum,
ciliatum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, bilocularis, bivalvis; dissepimento
parallelo.

SEMINA plura, scabrida.

EMPALEMENT. Cup four-cleft, above, and remaining.

BLOSSOM of one leaf, cleft longitudinally on the upper side,
exposing the organs of fructification; border five-cleft, leaning
one way.

CHIVES. Five threads fixed into the receptacle. Tips linear.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple. Summit pitcher-shaped, and
fringed.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, with two cells, and two valves;
partition parallel to the valves.

SEEDS many and rough.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Goodenia, foliis obovatis, crassis, scabridis; floribus axilaribus,
cæruleis.

Goodenia with inversely egg-shaped, thick rough leaves; flowers
sitting close to the stem, and blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower with all its parts complete. 2. A Blossom without the organs of fructification. 3. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud (magnified).

The Goodenias are all natives of New Holland, and received their generic name of Dr. J. E. Smith, President of the Linnæan Society; in honour of the Rev. Dr. Goodenough, whose valuable dissertation on the British species of Carex, does him the highest honour, as a botanist. The species of this genus (as yet discovered) are ten, from which we may infer that they are numerous; those only yet introduced to Britain are, the lævigata, ovata, and the present species; the others are described by the President, in the second volume of the Linnæan Transactions. This plant, though not to be ranked amongst the handsomest productions of that country, so replete with novelty, is yet possessed of sufficient merit to give it a place in our collections of greenhouse plants, flowering about the month of August; delighting most in an airy situation, and light soil. It is easily propagated by cuttings. Our figure was taken from a plant which flowered at the Hammersmith nursery, in 1797; where it had been raised from seeds, communicated by Colonel Paterson, then commanding at Port Jackson; to whose assiduous labours in collecting seeds, &c. the cabinets and collections of our natural historians are so very much indebted.

PLATE XXIII.

IXIA CAPITATA. _Var. ovata._

_Bunch-flowering Ixia._ _Var. Egg-shaped purple Petals._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6 petala, patens, æqualis. Stigmata 3, erectiusculo-patula.

BLOSSOM six petals, spreading equal. Summits three, nearly upright,
spreading.

See Ixia reflexa, Plate XIV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia, foliis radicalibus, ensiformibus; floribus capitatis,
consertis, purpureis, petalis basi obscuris.

Ixia with leaves growing from the root, and sword-shaped; blossoms
in close bunches, purple, and dark at the base.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement. 2. A flower cut open, to shew the insertion of Chives. 3. The Chives as attached to the tubular part of the blossom, the border cut off (magnified). 4. The Shaft, Summits, and Seed-bud (magnified).

This fine species of Ixia, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our collections about the year 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, nurserymen; they having raised it from seeds received by them, from the Royal Gardens at Vienna; is certainly amongst the tenderest of its tribe: the root, being extremely subject to injury by wet, it should be dried as soon as it has done flowering. It is one of the earliest Ixias in bloom, being in high perfection about the middle of April; is increased but slowly by the root, thriving best in very sandy peat, or sand only. The figure here given was drawn from a plant which flowered at the nursery, Hammersmith, in 1798, for the first time.

PLATE XXIV.

CINERARIA AURITA.

_Two-coloured-leaved Cineraria._

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

_SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA._ Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Communis, simplex; polyphyllus; foliolis æqualibus.

COROLLA. Composita, radiata. Corollulæ hermaphroditæ, æquales;
numerosæ, in disco. Femineæ ligulatæ;, numero foliorum calycis in
radio.

_Propria_ hermaphroditi, infundibuliformis; limbo quinquefido,
erecto.

_Feminea_ ligulata, lanceolata, apice denticulata.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, filiformia brevia. Antheræ cylindracea,
tubulosa, apice quinquefida.

PISTILLUM, hermaphroditis. Germen oblongum. Stylus filiformis,
longitudine staminum. Stigmata duo erectiuscula.

_Femineis_: Germen oblongum. Stylus filiformis, brevis. Stigmata
duo, oblonga, obtusiuscula, revoluta.

PERICARPIUM nullum. Calyx immutatus.

SEMINA hermaphroditis solitaria, linearia, quadrangula. Pappus
pilosus, copiosus.

RECEPTACULUM nudum, planiusculum.

EMPALEMENT. Common, simple; of many leaves; small leaves equal.

BLOSSOM. Compound, radiate. Florets with chives and pointals equal;
numerous in the centre. Florets with only pointals ligulate; equal
in number to the leaves in the circumference of the empalement.

_Individuals_ with chives and pointals funnel-shaped; border five
cleft, upright.

_Individuals_ with pointals only, liguiate, lance-shaped, toothed
at the point.

CHIVES. Five threads, thread-shaped and short. Tips forming a
hollow cylinder, with five clefts at the top.

POINTAL of florets with chives and pointals. Seed-bud oblong. Shaft
thread-shaped, the length of the chives. Summits two, a little
upright.

Of florets with pointals only. Seed bud oblong. Shaft
thread-shaped, and short. Summits two, oblong, rather blunt, and
rolled back.

SEED-VESSEL none. Cup not changing.

SEEDS of florets with chives and pointals, solitary, linear and
four-sided. Feather, hairy, abundant.

RECEPTACLE naked, rather flat.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Cineraria, foliis cordatis, dentatis, pilosus, subtus
purpurascentibus; petiolis auritis: floribus purpureis.

Cineraria with heart-shaped, indented, hairy leaves, purple
underneath; the footstalks having lobes: the flowers purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement (natural size). 2. A floret of the ray (magnified). 3. A floret of the disk (magnified). 4. The Chives, Pointal, and Seed-bud of a floret of the disk (magnified).

In the Sert. Anglic. of Mons. L’Heritier, this species of Cineraria has been described and figured under the specific character of Cruenta, from the botanic garden at Kew; where, according to the catalogue, it was first introduced by Mr. F. Masson, from the Canary Islands, about 1777; and by which specific it has hitherto been titled: but from what appearance or part of the plant, he could denominate it bloody, will not be easy to determine; from our idea of colour, he might as well have named it blue. Finding, therefore, a specific character certainly more fixed in the leaf, we have taken the liberty of altering Cruenta to Aurita; though that would not have been done, (as nothing is more contrary to our sentiments, than altering any published name) if there had been any glimpse of affinity to the plant in that title. This is unquestionably the handsomest species of Cineraria yet known, growing to the height of near three feet if encouraged. The specimen from which this figure was taken, and which was sent last March to the author, by Mr. James Colville, King’s road, Chelsea, had attained that size. By night it is extremely fragrant, continuing its blossoms from the month of February, till August; seeding abundantly, by which it may be propagated, producing many varieties; or by the suckers which are thrown up from the roots; thriving best in light mould or peat.

PLATE XXV.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. _Var. Flore albo pleno._

_Double white Camellia._

CLASS XVI. ORDER V.

_MONODELPHIA POLYANDRIA._ Threads united. Many Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX imbricatus, polyphyllus: foliolis interioribus majoribus.

EMPALEMENT tiled, of many leaves: the inner leaves the largest.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF _VAR._

Camellia floribus amplissimis, plenis albidis.

Camellia with large double white flowers.

Though it may be considered by some, as deviating from the botanical rule we prescribed to ourselves, at the outset of this work, not to figure any flower, but what could be systematically ascertained; double flowers, &c. having lost those constituent characters necessary to the Sexual System; yet having seen this most delightful plant in bloom last year, the temptation was too powerful to be resisted, for giving a figure of it in the Botanist’s Repository. This fine variety of the Camellia, was first imported from China about the year 1793, by Captain Connor of the Carnatic East-indiaman, for the gardens of the late I. Slater, Esq. a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit, for the introduction of new plants to this kingdom; indeed, it is to him we owe most of the plants received from China within these few years; he having procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described Chinese plants in that language, with the descriptions translated, and by various hands transmitted it to that country. The finest plants in this kingdom, of the double white Camellia, are now in the collection of Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. P.R.S. This, like the others of this genus, we may consider of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters; being a native of the Japanese isles, where, as well as in China, it was seen by Thunberg. As yet (from its scarcity) that cannot be ascertained; but from the easy method by which it is propagated by cuttings, we are in hopes it soon may. It is at present cultivated as a hot-house plant, where certainly it will be always seen in the greatest perfection; the flowers being of so delicate and brilliant a white, their beauty is easily destroyed, even by watering. Flowers in the autumnal months, and thrives best in rich loam.

PLATE XXVI.

CRASSULA ODORATISSIMA.

_Sweet-scented Crassula._

CLASS V. ORDER V.

_PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Five Chives. Five Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium pentaphyllum; foliolis lanceolatis,
canaliculato-concavis, erectis, acutis, conniventibus in tubum,
persistentibus.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, unguibus longis, linearibus, rectis,
conniventibus, reflexo-patentibus.

_Nectaria_ quinque; singulum squamula minima, emarginata basi
germinis extrorsum annexa.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, subulata, longitudine tubi, unguibus
corollæ inserta. Antheræ simplices.

PISTILLUM. Germina quinque, oblonga, acuminata, desinentia in
stylos subulatos, longitudine staminum. Stigmata obtusa.

PERICARPIUM. Capsulæ quinque, oblongæ, acuminatæ, rectæ, compressæ,
longitudinaliter introrsum dehiscentes.

SEMINA plura, parva.

EMPALEMENT. Cup of five leaves; the small leaves are lance-shaped,
concave and channelled, upright, sharp, formed into a tube, and
remaining.

BLOSSOM. Petals five, claws long, linear, upright, joined together,
bent back, and spreading.

_Honey-cups_ five, each consisting of a small scale notched at the
end, and fixed on the outside the base of each seed-bud.

CHIVES. Five threads, awl-shaped, the length of the tube, fixed
into the claws of the blossom. Tips simple.

POINTAL. Seed-buds five, oblong, pointed, ending in awl-shaped
shafts, the length of the chives. Summits blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Five capsules, oblong, pointed, upright, pressed
together, and opening inwards along the seam.

SEEDS, many, small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Crassula foliis oppositis, amplexicaulibus, ciliatis, linearibus;
floribus capitatis, odoratissimis, luteis.

Crassula with opposite leaves that embrace the stem, fringed and
linear; the flowers grow in bunches, are sweet-scented and yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement.

2. A Blossom cut open to shew the insertion of the threads.

3. One Petal of the blossom.

4. The five Pointals as they stand in the blossom, with their honey-cups attached to the bottom of the Seed-buds.

5. One Pointal (magnified).

The Crassula Odoratissima is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was introduced to our gardens about the year 1794, but did not flower till 1796. The scent of this plant at night is so very powerful, that by many it may be deemed almost offensive, though by others it is considered as most agreeable; the flavour is nearly affined to the tuberose. This is not a very shewy plant, growing about a foot high, and flowers from March, till May or June. It is most easily propagated by cuttings, lives in the common greenhouse with very little care, and in almost any sort of earth. This figure was taken at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, nurserymen, Hammersmith, where the plant was first raised.

PLATE XXVII.

GLADIOLUS RINGENS. _Var. cinereo odorato._

_Gaping Ash-coloured sweet Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6-partita, ringens.

STAMINA adscendentia.

BLOSSOM six divisions, gaping.

CHIVES ascending.

See Plate XI.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus foliis linearibus, costatis; floribus ringentibus,
cineriis, odoratissimis.

Gladiolus with linear, ribbed leaves; the blossoms gaping,
ash-coloured, and very sweet-scented.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open to expose the insertion of the Chives. 3. The Pointal (one Summit magnified). 4. A Seed in its coat.

This most desirable Gladiolus, is not a perfect novelty in the greenhouse; although extremely scarce, it has been introduced to us constantly from the Cape of Good Hope, but from its great delicacy has been repeatedly lost. The plants now in England, have been imported from Holland, from the collection of Messrs. Voorhelm and Co. who about the year 1793, purchased the largest collection ever formed at the Cape, from a Frenchman who had been many years resident there. The Gladiolus ringens about mid-day has the flavour of violets so powerfully, that a single plant is sufficient to scent a whole greenhouse. It is with difficulty preserved from rotting at the root; therefore should be grown in very sandy peat, and should be exposed to dry as soon as the flower is gone. Is propagated by the root, or by seed, which may be procured by great care not to over-water the bulb after flowering; but herein there is great danger.

PLATE XXVIII.

GERANIUM ELEGANS.

_Round-leaved Geranium._

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

_MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

MONOGYNA. Stigmata 5. Fructus rostratus, 5-coccus.

One POINTAL. Five Summits. Fruit furnished with long awns, 5 dry
berries.

See GERANIUM GRANDIFLORUM, Plate XII.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Geranium pedunculis multifloris; calycibus monophyllis, foliis
orbiculatis, ferratis rigidis, petiolis longissimis; caule
herbaceo.

Geranium, the fruit-stalks supporting many flowers; cups of one
leaf; the leaves round, sawed, and harsh, with very long
foot-stalks; stem herbaceous.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base. 2. The Chives, and Pointal, natural size. 3. The Pointal, magnified.

This truly elegant species of Geranium was introduced to us from the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1795; being raised from seeds, received from thence, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in whose collection it flowered for the first time this year, about the latter end of May, and from which specimen this figure was taken. It is one of those that have in general seven fertile tips, and, therefore, must be placed under Mr. L’Heritier’s genus Pelargonium, by those who follow his new arrangement. It is a hardy plant, and requires only a common greenhouse for its protection, where it will seed; which seems to be the readiest mode of propagating it, as it produces but very few branches; thriving best in rich earth.

PLATE XXIX.

IXIA SPICATA. _Var. viridi nigra._

_Sea-green spiked Ixia._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6 petala, patens, æqualis.

STIGMATA 3, erectiusculo-patula.

BLOSSOM six petals, spreading, equal.

SUMMITS three, nearly upright, spreading.

See IXIA REFLEXA, Plate XIV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia foliis linearibus, costatis; corolla viridi, petalis basi
obscuris; spicis longissimis.

Ixia with linear, ribbed leaves; green blossom, the base of the
petals dark; spikes very long.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.

2. A Blossom cut open, to shew its tubular character, and the insertion of the Chives at the mouth.

3. The Pointal complete, one of its Summits magnified.

The singularity of colour exhibited in this very fine species of Ixia, the extraordinary length of the spikes, the flowers of which are mostly all expanded at the same time; and which grow sometimes to the length of a foot, or more; will certainly entitle it to a place in every collection of exotics. We are indebted to the Hollanders for this plant, as they first introduced it from the Cape; and it is from them we received it but a few years since. It is amongst the hardiest, and easiest propagated of this genus; requiring a small degree of heat when near blowing, to make the flowers expand with lustre; thriving best in peat earth; propagating itself by the bulb; and flowering during the months of May and June.

PLATE XXX.

VACCINIUM ARCTOSTAPHYLLUS.

_Madeira Whortle-berry._

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

_OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium minimum, superum, persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala, campanulata, quadrifida; laciniis revolutis.

STAMINA. Filamenta octo, simplicia. Antheræ bicornes, dorso aristis
duabus patentibus instructæ, apice dehiscentes.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus simplex, staminibus longior.
Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Bacca globosa, umbilicata, quadrilocularis.

SEMINA pauca, parva.

EMPALEMENT. Cup very small, above, and permanent.

BLOSSOM. One petal, bell-shaped, four-cleft; segments rolled back.

CHIVES. Eight threads, simple. Tips with two horns, and furnished
with two spreading awns at the back, opening at the points.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft simple, longer than the chives.
Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. A globular berry, with a hollow dimple, and four
cells.

SEEDS few, and small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Vaccinium, floribus racemosis; foliis crenulatis, ovatis, acutis;
caule arboreo.

Whortle-berry, with flowers growing in bunches; leaves slightly
scollopped, egg-shaped, and pointed; stem woody.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, Pointal, and Chives; the blossom removed. 2. A Chive (magnified). 3. The Shaft, and its Summit (magnified). 4. A ripe Berry (natural size).

Numerous are the difficulties which occur in arranging plants according to any yet invented system; and although the sexual fails in the fewest instances, yet that is sometimes the case. The plant before us, although in habit, fruit, &c. seemingly perfectly allied to Vaccinium, and, from which characters, it has been placed under that genus, yet we doubt whether if Linnæus had examined the flower himself, (as he has accepted it under the name it here bears, and we have no doubt of its being the plant intended;) he would not have classed it in Octandria; for certainly it has in every instance ten chives, with the border of the blossom of five segments; the threads attached to the blossom. But, as it is the professed intention of this work as little as possible to confuse, by the introduction of new names for plants already known by established, and generally accepted ones; though erroneous from incorrectness, or otherwise, in the author who first published them; we shall attempt an alteration but rarely, and that cautiously, or for very glaring reasons; being thoroughly convinced of the difficulty of retaining only one name for each plant. The Vaccinium Arctostaphyllus is a native of the island of Madeira, where it grows to a considerable height: it has not been many years cultivated in our gardens; having been introduced to us first by Mr. F. Masson about the year 1786. The winters in common of this climate are too severe for it, therefore should be protected, although it will survive a mild one: it is best preserved in a pot, and kept as a greenhouse plant, where it is very ornamental; flowering about the months of July and August; thriving best in light mould, or peat; and is propagated by cuttings, or the seed, which it produces in abundance.

PLATE XXXI.

BORBONIA CORDATA.

_Heart-shape leaved Borbonia._

CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.

_DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Threads in two sets. Ten Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquefidum, turbinatum, corolla
dimidio brevius; laciniis lanceolatis, acuminatis, subæqualibus.

COROLLA pentapetala papilionacea.

_Vexillum_ reflexum, obtusum, ungue calycis longitudine.

_Alæ_ semicordatæ, vexillo paulo breviores.

_Carina_ dipetala, lunulata, obtusa.

STAMINA. Filamenta decem, coalita in cylindrum, superne
longitudinaliter dehiscentem, apicibus assurgentia. Antheræ parvæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen subulatum. Stylus brevissimus, adscendens. Stigma
obtusum, emarginatum.

PERICARPIUM. Legumen subrotundum, acuminatum, uniloculare, spina
mucronatum.

SEMINA reniformia.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, cut into five segments, turban-shaped,
shorter by half than the blossom; segments lance-shaped, pointed,
nearly of the same length.

BLOSSOM of five leaves, butterfly-shaped.

_Standard_ bent back, blunt, the claw the length of the cup.

_Wings_ half heart-shaped, a little shorter than the standard.

_Keel_ of two leaves, half moon-shaped, and blunt.

CHIVES. Threads ten, joined in a cylinder, splitting at the upper
side, turned up at the ends. Tips small.

POINTAL. Seed-bud awl-shaped. Shaft short, turned up at the end.
Summit blunt, and bordered.

SEED-VESSEL. Shell roundish, pointed, of one cell, and pointed with
a spine.

SEEDS kidney-shaped.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Borbonia foliis cordatis, multinerviis, integerrimis.

Borbonia with heart-shaped leaves, many-nerved, and very entire.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. The Standard, or upper petal of the Blossom. 3. A Wing, or side petal of the Blossom. 4. The Keel, or lower petals of the Blossom. 5. The Pointal and Chives, natural size. 6. The Seed-vessel, attached to the Empalement.

The Borbonia cordata, with its various synonyms, may be found in the second volume of Linnæus’s Species Plantarum, page 994, from whence our specific character is copied. This plant, as well as most of the genus, are subject to lose their leaves from the lower part of the stem, which gives it rather a naked appearance when not in flower; but that is amply compensated by the very handsome appearance of its magnificent bunch of yellow blossoms. It grows to the height of three or four feet, producing but few branches. This figure was taken from a plant sent to the author, about the beginning of July, in full bloom, by Mr. Colville, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea; who informs him that he raised it about the year 1795, from seeds which he had received from the Cape of Good Hope. The Borbonias are mostly hardy greenhouse plants, and delight in light earth; either peat, or very light dungy earth: they are in general difficult to propagate by cuttings; the surest method is by the seed, which they for the most part perfect in this climate.

PLATE XXXII.

ANTHOLYZA RINGENS.

_Gaping Antholyza._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves, alternatæ, flores distinguentes,
persistentes.

COROLLA. Petalum unicum e tubo sensim dilatatum in faucem
compressam ringentem.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, longa, tenuia, sublabio superiori. Antheræ
acutæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus filiformis, situ et longitudine
stamimun superiorum. Stigma trifidum, capillare, reflexum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula subrotunda, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, triangularia.

EMPALEMENT. Sheath of two valves, alternate, dividing the flowers,
and abiding.

BLOSSOM. One petal, widening in the tube, flattened at the mouth,
and gaping.

CHIVES. Three threads, long, thin, and placed under the upper lip
of the blossom. Tips sharp.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft thread-shaped, in the same place,
and of the same length of the upper chives. Summit cut into three
hair-like divisions, which are bent back.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule nearly round, three cells, three valves.

SEEDS many, triangular.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Antholyza corollæ labiis divaricatis; fauce compressa.

Antholyza with the lips of the blossom in various directions; the
mouth flattened.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives. 3. The Pointal (natural size).

Although this species of Antholyza is not new in our gardens, yet has it been seen in flower but by few, as it blows so seldom; though the roots are by far the largest of any of the genus. The bulb from which this figure was taken, had received a little assistance from heat early in the season, and by that means was (apparently) brought into flower. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has much the appearance of a common flag in the foliage, growing to the height of three feet, or more; requires the same earth as Ixias, propagates by the root, or seed, and flowers in the month of June; at which time a drawing was made from a plant then in bloom at the Hammersmith nursery.

PLATE XXXIII.

DIOSMA LATIFOLIA.

_Broad-leaved Diosma._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quinquepartitum; laciniis tenuibus, acutis,
persistentibus; basi plana.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, ovata, obtusa, sessilia, erecto-patula.

_Nectarium_ coronæ forma, excavatum, quinquesidum, obtusum, germini
impositum.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, subulata. Antheræ subovatæ, erectæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen coronatum nectario. Stylus simplex, longitudine
staminum. Stigma obsoletum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsulæ quinque, ovato-acuminatæ, compressæ, margine
introrsum coalitæ, apicibus distantes, sutura superiori
dehiscentes.

SEMINA solitaria, oblonga.

_Arillus_ elasticus, hinc dehiscens; singulum involvens semen.

EMPALEMENT. Cup of four divisions; segments thin, sharp, and
permanent; smooth at the base.

BLOSSOM. Five petals, egg-shape, blunt, fitting close, erect, and
open.

_Honey-cup_ crown-shaped, hollow, with five divisions, blunt, fixed
on the seed-buds.

CHIVES. Five threads, awl-shaped. Tips nearly egg-shaped, upright.

POINTAL. Seed-bud crowned by the honey-cup. Shaft simple, the
length of the chives. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Five capsules, egg-shaped, pointed, flattened, joined
together by the inner edge, the points standing apart, splitting at
the upper suture.

SEEDS solitary, oblong.

_Seed-coat_ elastic, splitting from hence, and inclosing a single
seed.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Diosma, foliis oppositis, serratis, ovalibus, latissimis; floribus
terminalibus, albidis, sessilibus.

Diosma with opposite leaves, sawed, oval, and very broad; flowers
terminal, white, and sitting close to the branches.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete. 2. The Chives and Pointal, with the surrounding Seed-buds and Honey-cups. 3. The Pointal, natural size, with the Empalement attached. 4. The same magnified. 5. A Seed taken from its coat.

There are few genera of plants more deserving our notice than Diosma; the fragrance of the leaves of most of the species, and the beauty of the flowers of others, has rendered them so common, (being easily propagated by cuttings) that few collections but have a number of the different species. They are all very hardy greenhouse plants, the present species excepted; this, requiring a dry situation, and rather more warmth than the rest. It was sent to the royal gardens at Kew, about the year 1791, by Mr. F. Masson, to whose industry botany stands so much indebted. Of all the Diosmas this is the highest grower, aspiring to three or four feet, or more, if encouraged; delights in peat earth, and flowers about the month of August.

PLATE XXXIV.

CHELONE RUELLIOIDES.

_Scarlet Chelone._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquepartitum, brevissimum,
persistens; laciniis erectis, ovatis.

COROLLA monopetala, ringens; tubus cylindraceus, brevissimus; faux
inflata, oblonga, supra convexa, infra plana; limbus clausus
parvus; labium superius obtusum, emarginatum; limbus inferius cum
superiori fere æquale, lævissime trifidum.

STAMINA. Filamenta quatuor, sub dorso corollæ recondita, quorum duo
lateralia paulo longiora; antheræ incumbentes.

Rudimentum quinti filamenti, mucronis instar, intra superius
staminum par.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum. Stylus filiformis, situ, et longitudine
staminum. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovata, bilocularis, calyce longior.

SEMINA plurima, sub rotunda, margine membranaceo cincta.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, five divisions very short, permanent;
segments upright and egg-shaped.

BLOSSOM. One petal, gaping; tube cylindrical, very short; mouth
swelled, oblong, rounded on the upper, and flat on the lower part;
border shut, and small; upper lip blunt, bordered; lower lip nearly
as long as the upper, slightly divided into three at the end.

CHIVES. Threads four, hid under the upper part of the blossom; of
which the two side ones are a little longer than the others. Tips
fixed sideways to the threads.

The rudiment of a fifth thread, like a sharp point is placed equal
with, and between the upper chives.

POINTAL. Seed-vessel egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped, of the same
length, and place as the chives. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule egg-shaped, two cells longer than the
empalement.

SEEDS many, nearly round, bound at the edge by a thin skin.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Chelone foliis inferioribus spathulatis, glabris; superioribus
lanceolatis, oppositis; corollis cernuis, coccineis; labiis
inferioribus barbatis.

Chelone with spathulate, smooth leaves on the lower part of the
stem; and lance-shaped, opposite ones on the upper; blossoms
hanging down, and scarlet; the lower lips bearded.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Leaf from the lower part of the Stem. 2. The Empalement. 3. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives, and the imperfect rudiments of a fifth. 4. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).

The Chelone Ruellioides is a native of Chili, South America, and was introduced to the royal gardens at Kew in the year 1793, by Mr. Boutelow, the son of the gardener to the King of Spain, who was then in England pursuing his botanical studies. It is (apparently) a hardy plant, and fit to endure the open borders, but, as yet, we have not had a sufficient trial to ascertain it; hitherto it has been treated as a greenhouse plant. Being herbaceous, it is propagated by parting the roots, which should be done in spring, about the month of March. The proper season of its flowering cannot well be determined, as it has undergone such various treatment. The plant from which this figure was made was in full bloom at the gardens of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, in the month of June 1797, where it was seen to flower, for the first time in this country. The soil it seems to thrive in most, is a composition of loam, and rotten dung.

PLATE XXXV.

IXIA CRISPIFOLIA. _Var. flore cæruleo._

_Crisped-leaved Ixia. Blue Variety._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6-petala, patens, æqualis. Stigmata 3, erectiusculo-patula.

BLOSSOM six petals, spreading equal. Summits three, nearly upright,
and spreading.

See IXIA REFLEXA, Plate XIV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia foliis crispis; scapus ramosus, flexuosus, spithamæus;
floribus sub-umbellatis, cæruleis.

Ixia with crisped leaves; flower-stem branched, waved, and a span
high; flowers grow in partial umbels, and are blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives. 3. A Chive (magnified). 4. The Pointal, one of the divisions of the Summit detached, and magnified.

This singular species of Ixia, is one amongst the many given by the Dowager Lady De Clifford to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith, in the year 1794; at which time, her ladyship had just received the bulbs in a present from the Cape. It is described by Thunberg, in his Dissertatio de Ixia, published in 1783. The root of this plant is of a most curious shape, having the appearance of being the half, rather than the whole; it is very delicate, is easily destroyed by moisture, therefore (except when in flower) should be kept very dry; it propagates by the root, the old one generally producing two; flowering about the month of June, or July, but requires the warmth of a moderate hothouse to expand its blossoms. Like other Cape bulbs, it should be planted in sandy peat.

PLATE XXXVI.

RHODODENDRON PUNCTATUM.

_Dotted-leaved Rhododendron._

CLASS X. ORDER I.

_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX 5-partitus. Corolla rotato-infundibuliformis. Stamina
declinata. Capsula 5-locularis.

EMPALEMENT of five divisions. Blossom of a rounded funnel-shape.
Chives bent downward. Capsule of five cells.

See RHODODENDRON DAURICUM, Plate IV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rhododendron foliis glabris, subtus punctatis; viminibus laxis;
corollis crispis, violaceo-purpureis.

Rhododendron with smooth leaves, dotted on the under part; slender
loose branches; blossoms crisped, and of a blueish purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom. 2. The Chives, and Pointal (natural size); one tip detached (magnified). 3. The Seed-vessel, and Pointal, (natural size).

It is to the industrious researches of J. Frasier, nurseryman, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, we are indebted for this charming species of Rhododendron, who introduced it in the year 1792 from the back settlements of Carolina, North America, where it is native. This species is by far the most delicate of any yet discovered on that continent; grows to the height of three, or four feet, and of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters in the open ground; a slight protection insures its flowering, as our late frosts are apt to injure the buds, which are very often without that assistance destroyed. The best method of propagating this shrub is by layers, which should be taken off in autumn, and protected the first winter. It flowers about the month of July, at which season this year a drawing was made from a plant, in the nursery of Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It (like most American plants) delights in sandy peat.

PLATE XXXVII.

GERANIUM FRAGILE.

_Brittle-stalked Geranium._

CLASS XVI. ORDER II.

_MONODELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Threads united. Ten Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

MONOGYNA. Stigmata 5. Fructus rostratus, 5-coccus.

ONE POINTAL. Summits five. Fruit furnished with long awns, five dry
berries.

See GERANIUM GRANDIFLORUM, Plate XII.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Geranium foliis carnosis, pinnatis; caulis fruticosus, ramosus,
fragilis; petalis linearibus, pedunculis erectis.

Geranium with fleshy winged leaves; stem shrubby, branched and
brittle; petals linear, fruit-stalks upright.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement cut open, to shew its tubular shape to its base. 2. The Chives, and Pointal, (natural size). 3. The Pointal, (magnified).

The Geranium fragile has in general seven fertile tips, and thus comes under Linnæus’s first arrangement; and Mons. L’Heritier’s Genus Pelargonium. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in the year 1792. This plant seldom grows more than a foot high, but during the months of July, August, and September, it is covered with blossoms, which are of a pale yellow, striped at the bottom with red, standing nearly upright. It is rather a tender plant, requiring a dry stove, or hothouse, to preserve it in winter, being very subject to damp in the leaves; is easily propagated by cuttings, and thrives best in rich mould.

PLATE XXXVIII.

GLADIOLUS PRÆCOX. _Var. flore rubro._

_Red early-flowering Gladiolus._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6-partita, ringens.

STAMINA adscendentia.

BLOSSOM six divisions, gaping.

CHIVES ascending.

See Plate XI. GLADIOLUS ROSEUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus foliis ensiformibus, apicibus tortis, lineari-cruciatis;
corollis sub-campanulatis, rubris; petalis acuminatis.

Gladiolus with sword-shaped leaves, twisted at the ends, linear,
and cross-shaped; blossoms nearly bell-shaped, and red; petals
sharp-pointed.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives. 3. The Pointal, one of the Summits magnified. 4. A Seed.

Of all the species of this numerous Genus, this is the first to expand its blossoms, seldom flowering later than April; is extremely hardy, scarce requiring the warmth of a greenhouse for its protection, although a native of the Cape. About the year 1791, the bulbs of this plant were purchased of Messrs. Voorhelm, and Co. of Haarlem, in Holland, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, at whose nursery it has repeatedly flowered, and where this figure was taken. It is propagated by the root, as other Gladiolus, and requires the same earth, a light sandy peat.

PLATE XXXIX.

ECHIUM FEROCISSIMUM.

_Prickly Viper’s Bugloss._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA irregularis, fauce nuda.

BLOSSOM irregular, mouth naked.

See ECHIUM GRANDIFLORUM, Plate XX.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Echium caule fruticoso; ramis, foliisque aculeatis; floribus
spicatis, violaceis; corollis sub-æqualibus.

Viper’s Bugloss, with a shrubby stem; branches and leaves covered
with sharp prickles; flowers growing in spikes, and violet
coloured; blossoms nearly equal.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives in the tube. 3. The Shaft and its Summit, magnified.

Although there are few species of this genus, but are rough, or hairy; yet this by far exceeds any of them, or almost any other plant not actually spiny, for its extreme coarseness to the touch; nevertheless it is a very handsome shewy greenhouse plant, growing to the height of two feet, and blowing freely. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy in 1794; at whose nursery it flowered for the first time, this year, in the month of July. The only method of propagating the Cape Echiums is by cuttings, and that is done with great difficulty; of course, this, as well as the other species, are very scarce: they delight most in rich light mould.

PLATE XL.

CHELONE CAMPANULOIDES.

_Bell-flowered Chelone._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX 5-partitus. Rudimentum filamenti quinti inter suprema
stamina. Capsula bilocularis.

EMPALEMENT of five divisions. The rudiment of a fifth thread is
found placed between the upper chives. Capsule of two cells.

See Plate XXXIV. CHELONE RUELLIOIDES.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Chelone foliis oppositis, sessilibus, acuminatis, profunde
serratis; corollis campanulatis, purpureis.

Chelone with opposite leaves fitting close to the stem, tapering to
the point, and deeply sawed; blossoms bell-shaped, and purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom cut open, to shew the situation of the four Chives, and station of the fifth imperfect thread. 2. The Pointal, (natural size). 3. The Seed-vessel, with the Empalement and Shaft still remaining attached.

This species of Chelone is of the same date in our gardens as the Chelone Ruellioides, and was introduced through the same medium: it is a native of Mexico in South America; will make a pretty addition to our greenhouse exotics; and is described and engraved by A. J. Cavanilles, in his first volume of Spanish plants. It seems to thrive best in rich, dungy earth, and is easily propagated by cuttings, or seeds; of which latter it produces abundance; but does not appear to be long lived. The plant from which this figure was taken, flowered (as we suppose for the first time in England) in the collection of B. Robertson, Esq. of Stockwell in Surry, and kindly communicated by him to the author.

PLATE XLI.

LACHENALIA PENDULA.

_Drooping-flowered Lachenalia._

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX, nullus.

COROLLA monopetala, cylindracea, sexpartita; tubus gibbus; laciniis
tribus exterioribus brevioribus.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, subulata, longitudine corollæ, inserta basi
laciniarum corollæ. Antheræ oblongæ, incumbentes.

PISTILLUM. Germen trigonum, trisulcum. Stylus simplex, corolla
paulo longior. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula triquetra, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plurima, globosa.

EMPALEMENT, none.

BLOSSOM one leaf, cylindrical, divided into six; tube gouty; the
three outer divisions the shortest.

CHIVES. Threads six, awl-shaped, the length of the blossom, fixed
into the base of the divisions of the blossom. Tips oblong, laying
on the threads.

POINTAL. Seed-bud three-sided, three-furrowed. Shaft simple, a
little longer than the blossom. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule three-sided, three cells, three valves.

SEEDS many, globular.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Lachenalia foliis longissimis, ovato-oblongis, immaculatis;
corollis speciocissimis, maximis, tricoloratis, pedunculatis,
cernuis.

Lachenalia with very long egg-shaped oblong leaves, without spots;
blossoms very shewy, large, three-coloured, having foot-stalks, and
nodding.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower spread open, to shew the insertion of the Chives. 2. The same, exhibiting the character of the outer Petals. 3. The Pointal, natural size.

The genus Lachenalia is certainly an infringement on Hyacinthus; the small distinction on which this new genus is founded can, at most, be considered but of sufficient consequence to form a specific character, so thought Linnæus: the son of Professor Jacquin has thought otherwise, having called it after a botanist of the name of De la Chenal; and under which it is now generally known; therefore we have not replaced it under its old title, though we have authority of such weight to corroborate our opinion. The Lachenalias are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, yet are of so hardy a nature as to require no farther protection than shelter from the severe frosts. Our species is the handsomest yet known, flowering about September; was, according to the Kew catalogue, introduced there by Mr. F. Masson in the year 1774. It was from a plant in the extensive collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham Common (to whose kind communications the author acknowledges himself much indebted), that this figure was taken, the latter end of September this year. No plant is more easy or certain to increase than this; the young offsets are produced in such abundance from the old bulb, which delights in a light soil; but its flowering is not so certain.

PLATE XLII.

ORCHIS CILIARIS.

_Fringed Orchis._

CLASS XX. ORDER I.

_GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA._ Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ vagæ. Spadix simplex. Perianthium nullum.

COROLLA. Petala quinque; tria exteriora; duo interiora sursum
conniventia in galeam.

_Nectarium_ monophyllum, a latere inferiore inter divisuram
petalorum receptaculo affixum. Labio superiore erecto, brevissimo.
Labio inferiore magno, patente, lato. Tubo postice corniformi,
nutante.

STAMINA. Filamenta duo, tenuissima, brevissima, pistillo
insidentia. Antheræ obovatæ, erectæ, tectæ duplicatura biloculari
labii superioris nectarii.

PISTILLUM. Germen oblongum, contortum, inferum. Stylus adnatus
labio superiori nectarii, brevissimus. Stigma compressum, obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, unilocularis, tricarinata, trivalvis;
sub carinis trifariam dehiscens, apice et basi cohærens.

SEMINA numerosa, minima.

EMPALEMENT. Sheaths scattered. Fruit-stalk simple. Cup none.

BLOSSOM. Petals five; three outer ones; two inner ones approaching
upwards in form of a helmet.

_Honey-cup_ one leaf, fixed by the lower side to the receptacle
betwixt the division of the petals. Upper lip upright, and very
short. Lower lip large, spreading, broad. Tube standing behind,
shaped like a horn, and hanging down.

CHIVES. Two threads, very slender, and very short, fixed on the
pointal. Tips inversely egg-shaped, upright, covered by a folding
of the upper lip of the honey-cup, forming two cells.

POINTAL. Seed-bud oblong, twisted, and beneath. Shaft fixed to the
upper lip of the honey-cup, very short. Summit flattened, and
blunt-ended.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, of one cell, three keels, three
valves; splitting in three places under the keels; fastened at the
point, and the base.

SEEDS numerous, very small.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER

Orchis radicibus subpalmatis, expansis; nectarii labio lanceolato,
ciliato, cornu torto, longissimo; floribus luteis.

Orchis with roots nearly hand-shaped, spreading; lip of the
honey-cup lance-shaped, and fringed, horn twisted, very long;
flowers yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Honey-cup with its Horn. 2. The upper Petal. 3. A side Petal. 4. One of the inner Petals. 5. The Chives, and Pointal attached to the horn of the Honey-cup. 6. The Chives, and Pointal, magnified; with the Chives drawn from their cells.

This handsome Orchis is a native of North America, and is found in all the states from Virginia as far north as Canada: it has been treated of by Ray, Morison, Gronovius, Royen, Linnæus, and others; but although so long known by name, it was not introduced to our gardens before the year 1796; having been sent that year from Philadelphia by Mr. J. Lyons, from the gardens of J. Hamilton, Esq. to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith; at whose nursery it flowered this year, in the month of July, when the drawing was made. It is a hardy herbaceous plant, thriving best in a shady border, and should be planted in a mixture of loam and peat earth. The propagation of this plant, like most of the genus, is difficult, the seeds being too small to be collected, and the root seldom producing more than one bud.

PLATE XLIII.

BIGNONIA LEUCOXYLON.

_Oleander-flowered Trumpet Flower._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, erectum, cyathi-forme,
quinquefidum.

COROLLA monopetala, campanulata; tubus minimus, longitudine
calycis; faux longissima, subtus ventricosa; limbus quinque
partitus; laciniis duabus superioribus reflexis; inferioribus
patulis.

STAMINA. Filamenta quatuor, subulata, corolla breviora, quorum duo
reliquis longiora. Antheræ reflexæ, oblongæ, velut duplicatæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen oblongum. Stylus filiformis, situ et figura
staminum. Stigma capitatum.

PERICARPIUM. Siliqua bilocularis, bivalvis.

SEMINA plurima, imbricata, compressa, utrinque membranaceo alata.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, upright, cup-shaped, and cut into five
divisions.

BLOSSOM of one bell-shaped petal; tube small, the length of the
cup; mouth very long, swelled at the bottom; border of five
divisions; the two upper segments reflexed, the lower ones
spreading.

CHIVES. Threads four, awl-shaped, shorter than the blossom, two of
which are longer than the others. Tips bent back, oblong, and
appear doubled.

POINTAL. Seed-bud oblong. Shaft thread-shaped, of the same
situation and shape as the chives. Summit headed.

SEED-VESSEL. Pod of two cells, and two valves.

SEEDS many, laying one over the other, flat, and winged at each
side.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Bignonia foliis digitatis; foliolis integerrimis, ovatis,
acuminatis; caule erecto, arboreo; floribus nerii; alato semine.

Trumpet Flower with fingered leaves; the small leaves entire,
egg-shaped, tapered; stem upright, growing to a tree; with flowers
like the oleander; seed winged.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Blossom cut open, shewing the proportionate length of the Chives to the Blossom, and their insertion; one of the Tips detached, and magnified. 3. The Pointal, (natural size); the Summit detached, and magnified.

This species of Bignonia is well known in most collections of hothouse plants, and was first introduced to the Chelsea gardens by Mr. P. Miller, the then gardener, in 1759, and may be found described in his Dictionary; but, notwithstanding its frequency, few have seen its blossoms. Owing to the naked appearance of the stem, and its growing to so considerable a height before it flowers, and that but rarely, has rendered it a plant but of little consideration; though perhaps, from the great beauty of its blossoms, it deserves more attention. Being a native of the West Indies, it does not flourish without the assistance of tan heat; but will live in any situation of the hothouse; thriving best in a mixture of loam and peat, and is readily propagated by cuttings. It was from a plant in the select and valuable collection at Paddington, belonging to the Hon. Dowager Lady De Clifford (to whom the author, as well as all the cultivators and professors of the science, stand much indebted for the zeal and patronage which her ladyship has shewn, in her endeavours to promote it), that this figure was taken in July this present year 1798.

PLATE XLIV.

IXIA CINNAMOMEA.

_Cinnamon-smelling Ixia._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6-petala, patens, æqualis. Stigmata tria, erectiusculo
patula.

BLOSSOM six petals, spreading, and equal. Summits three, nearly
upright, spreading.

See IXIA REFLEXA, Plate XIV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia foliis falcatis, crispis; floribus alternis, noctiflorens,
cinnamomi odore.

Ixia with scimitar-shaped leaves, waved at the edge; flowers
alternate, blowing at night, and smelling of cinnamon.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached. 3. The Chives, attached to the tubular part of the Blossom, the border cut off, (magnified). 4. The Shaft, Summit, and Seed-bud, (magnified).

Amongst this most extensive genus no species stands more distinct than this. The extreme sweetness and delicacy of its blossoms, which expand only by night, and close in the morning, give it a decided superiority over many of its congeners. Thunberg, who saw it at the Cape, has described it under the name it here bears; but till the year 1792 we had no knowledge of it, when it was first introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith, from the Cape of Good Hope; at whose nursery it flowered the following year; where it continues to blow annually, and whence this figure was taken. It is rather a tender bulb, small, and easily rotted; should therefore be placed in the warmest part of the greenhouse, and kept dry when out of flower; is rather difficult to increase, as each bulb seldom produces more than one offset, nor that always, and rarely seeds.

PLATE XLV.

IRIS LONGIFOLIA.

_Long-leaved Iris._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves, flores distinguentes, persistentes.

COROLLA sexpartita; petala oblonga, obtusa, tria exteriora reflexa,
tria interiora erecta, acutiora; omnia unguibus conata.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, subulata, petalis reflexis incumbentia.
Antheræ oblongæ, rectæ, depressæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum, oblongum. Stylus simplex, brevissimus.
Stigma maximum, tripartitum, laciniis petala mentientibus, latis,
reflexis, stamina et petala alterna deprimentibus, apicibus
bifidis.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, angulata, trilocularis, trivalvis.

SEMINA plurima, ovata, glabra.

EMPALEMENT. Sheaths of two valves, separating the flowers,
permanent.

BLOSSOM with six divisions; petals oblong, blunt, the three outer
ones reflexed, the three inner ones upright, and sharper; all
connected by the claws.

CHIVES. Threads three, awl-shaped, laying on the reflexed petals.
Tips oblong, straight, depressed.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath, oblong. Shaft simple, very short. Summit
very large, divided into three segments, resembling petals, broad,
bent back, and alternately pressing down the chives and petals,
cleft at the ends.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, angular, of three cells, and three
valves.

SEEDS many, egg-shaped, and smooth.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Iris foliis linearibus, canaliculatis, longissimis, glaucis; scapus
teres, multiflorus; radix bulbosus.

Iris with linear, channelled leaves, very long, and bluish;
flower-stem cylindrical, with many flowers; the root bulbous.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two Sheaths of the Empalement. 2. The Chives as attached to the Seed-bud. 3. The Pointal complete.

This Iris is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced to us from the collection of Messrs. Voorhelm and Schnevoght, of Haarlem in Holland, about the year 1792. The leaves of this delicate Iris grow sometimes to the length of three feet, giving it a very singular appearance: it should be treated like the Cape Ixias, and protected from the weather, whilst in bloom, as the flower is injured by the lightest wind, and the duration of each blossom is but a few hours; there is, however, a good succession, which rise diurnally from the same sheath, seldom more than one at a time. This figure was taken in the month of June 1797 at the Hammersmith nursery. It has a singular mode of propagating itself; the old root dying, two young ones are formed above it, from whence the flower-stem arises: seldom ripe seeds are produced.

PLATE XLVI.

MASSONIA VIOLACEA.

_Purple-flowered Massonia._

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX, nullus.

COROLLA sex-petala. Petala nectario imposita, lanceolata, patentia.

_Nectarium_ inferum, cylindricum, membranaceum.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, nectarii dentibus inserta, filiformia
declinata, petalis paulo longiora. Antheræ ovatæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen (respectu nectarii) superum. Stylus subulatus,
declinatus, longitudine, staminum. Stigma simplex, acutum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula triquetra, glabra, trilocularis, trivalvis,
angulis dehiscens.

SEMINA plurima, globosa, glabra, magnitudine seminum sinapios.

EMPALEMENT none.

BLOSSOM six-petals. Petals placed on the honey-cup, are
lance-shaped and spreading.

_Honey-cup_ beneath, cylindrical and skinny.

CHIVES. Six threads, fixed into the teeth of the honey-cup,
thread-shaped, bent downward, and a little longer than the petals.
Tips egg-shaped.

POINTAL. Seed-bud (with regard to the honey-cup) above. Shaft
awl-shaped, and bent downward the length of the chives. Summit
simple, and pointed.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule three-sided, and smooth, of three cells and
three valves, splitting at the angles.

SEEDS many, globular, smooth, the size of a mustard seed.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Massonia, foliis spathulatis, glabris; scapus filiformis, erectus,
bipollicaris; flores pedunculati, violacei, sparsi, pedunculi
uniflori.

Massonia with spatula-shaped, and smooth leaves; flower-stalk
thread-shaped, upright, two inches high; the flowers have
foot-stalks, are of a violet colour, and grow scattered; the
foot-stalks have each but one flower.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower complete. 2. The same cut open, to shew the insertion of the Chives. 3. The Pointal.

This genus of plants perpetuates the name, as a botanist, (would it could likewise the mild, unassuming, and universally allowed amiableness of character) of Mr. Francis Masson, botanical collector to his Majesty; now exploring the untrod regions of North America, to add to the extensive collections of his royal and munificent Master, which stand so much indebted to his indefatigable industry for their present splendour. The Massonias are all rather tender, and require the same situation as Hæmanthus &c; that is, a dry stove; they are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, or, at least, grow within that point of Africa generally so called, but at some distance from the Cape town, near a mountain (according to Thunberg) of the name of Bocklands Berg. The root of this species is very subject to rot when the leaves are decayed, if watered at that time; therefore, like the Ixias, should be put aside, or taken out of the pot for two or three months, after flowering. It is very difficult to propagate, as the seeds are seldom perfected, and rarely makes any offsets; flowering in September, about the beginning of which month this figure was taken, from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham Common. It appears to thrive best in a mixture of peat and sandy loam.

PLATE XLVII.

MUSA COCCINEA.

_Scarlet-flowered Plantain-tree._

CLASS XXIII. ORDER I.

_POLYGAMIA MONOECIA._ Various dispositions. Upon one Plant.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Hermaphroditi feminei flores._

CALYX. Spatha partialis ovato-oblonga, plano-concava, magna.

COROLLA inæqualis, ringens; petalo constituente labium superins,
nectario vero labium inferius.

_Petalum_ erectum, ligulatum, quinquedentatum, basi antice
connivens.

_Nectarium_ monophyllum, naviculare, petalo, brevius, intra sinum
petali insertum.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, subulata erecta, petalo dimidio breviora.
Antheræ abortivæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen infra receptaculum floris, maximum, longissimum.
Stylus erectus, longitudine petali. Stigma capitatum, subrotundum.

PERICARPIUM. Bacca carnosa, corio tecta, longissima, pulpa
trifariam, absque dissepimentis.

SEMINA plurima, globosa.

_Hermaphroditi masculi flores._

CALYX ut in feminæo.

COROLLA ut in feminæo.

STAMINA. Filamenta ut in feminæo, at longiora, tenuiora. Antheræ
lineares, sulcatæ, erectæ, magnæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen ut in feminæo, ut minus. Stylus, et stigma ut in
fæmineo, at minora.

PERICARPIUM abortit.

_Hermaphrodite flowers, where the female parts are perfect._

EMPALEMENT. Partial sheath oblong, egg-shaped, smoothly-concave,
and large.

BLOSSOM unequal and gaping; the petal forming the upper lip, the
honey-cup the under.