Chapter L: Reeve & Co., Ltd., (1)

6, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN.

SOUTH AFRICA:

THE SPECIALITY PRESS OF SOUTH AFRICA, LTD.

P.O. BOX 3958, JOHANNESBURG; P.O. BOX 388, CAPETOWN.

1922

[_All rights reserved._]

TO
SENATOR THE HONOURABLE
CHARLES G. SMITH
OF
DURBAN, NATAL,

TO WHOSE GENEROSITY BOTANICAL SCIENCE IN
SOUTH AFRICA IS MUCH INDEBTED, THIS VOLUME
OF “THE FLOWERING PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA”
IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED.

DIVISION OF BOTANY, PRETORIA,
_September, 1922_.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 41.

ALOE WICKENSII.

_Transvaal._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe ALOINEAE.

ALOE, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 776.

* * * * *

=Aloe Wickensii=, _Pole Evans in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr._ vol. v. p. 29, Pls. 8, 9.

* * * * *

This is one of the most beautiful and showy of the South Africa species of _Aloe_. Specimens were collected by Messrs. Wickens and Pienaar in M‘Phathlele’s Location in the Northern Transvaal, in January, 1914. The species is also found widely distributed in the Oliphants River Bushveld. It is now established in the Garden of the Division of Botany, Pretoria, and in the latter part of July and August when in flower is a source of great admiration to visitors.

In general appearance and habit of growth this _Aloe_ closely resembles _A. Pienaarii_ from the same locality, figured in vol. i. of this work (Plate 27), but it is more commonly found on gentle slopes in bush country, although it may frequently occur in open ground along with _A. Pienaarii_. When the plants are not in flower, those of _A. Wickensii_ can be distinguished from _A. Pienaarii_ by their paler green leaves, which are distinctly incurved.

We propose the name “Wickens’ Aloe” for this species.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1449).

DESCRIPTION:--A stemless succulent herb. _Leaves_ pale glaucous-green, 40-50 in a dense rosette, 50-70 cm. long, 10-13 cm. broad at the base, lanceolate-ensiform, erect, distinctly incurved, rather flat above, convex beneath, beset on the margins with small deltoid black prickles about 2 mm. long and about 6-8 mm. apart. _Inflorescences_ often 2-4 from the same rosette, spreading. _Peduncle_ laterally compressed, naked, with usually two lateral branches, branches arcuateerect, clothed with pale brown scariose broadly ovate-acuminate bracts. _Raceme_ dense-flowered, 17-20 cm. long, conical-cylindric. _Bracts_ reflexed, 5-6 mm. long, ovate-cuspidate, scariose, pellucid. _Pedicels_ recurved, 3-4 mm. long. _Perianth_ 3·5 cm. long, cylindric-ventricose; outer segments free for 16-17 mm., obtuse and recurved at the apex, 3-5-nerved; inner segments obtuse and recurved, 3-nerved. _Stamens_ projecting 11 mm. beyond the perianth and slightly recurved. _Style_ stout, strongly recurved. _Fruit_ 2·5 cm. long, 1·3 cm. in diameter, oblong-ovoid.

* * * * *

PLATE 41.--Fig. 1, entire plant, much reduced; Fig. 2, raceme; Fig.
3, portion of leaf; Fig. 4, transverse section of leaf; Fig. 5,
bract; Fig. 6, open flower; Fig. 7, fruit showing remains of
perianth attached.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

M. Page del.]

PLATE 42.

COMMELINA BENGHALENSIS.

_Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal._

* * * * *

COMMELINACEAE. Tribe COMMELINEAE.

COMMELINA, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 847.

* * * * *

=Commelina benghalensis=, _Linn. Sp. Pl._ 41; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vii. p. 9.

* * * * *

A common species in certain habitats in South Africa, and extending to Tropical Africa, throughout India to Japan, and the Moluccas. On account of its easy cultivation and the exquisite deep shade of blue of the petals, it deserves more recognition from gardeners, and should be at least as great a favourite as species of _Tradescantia_ (The Wandering Jew). The floral structure shows interesting modifications in the stamens, and a study of the method of pollination would certainly bring to light some interesting facts. This plant often produces at the base modified (cleistogamic) flowers which burrow into the ground and produce small capsules.

The original drawing from which our figure has been reproduced was prepared by Miss Page and loaned by the Curator of the Bolus Herbarium. The plants flowered in March and April at the National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch (No. 1232/18), and were sent by Mr. G. Hay from Louis Trichardt, Transvaal.

DESCRIPTION:--A diffuse herbaceous plant. _Stem_ 15-80 cm. long. _Leaves_ 3-8 cm. long, 1·5-3·5 cm. broad, ovate or elliptic-ovate, acute, contracted at the base into a sheath often ciliate with reddish hairs, and usually wavy margins. _Flowers_ partly enclosed in a green hairy spathe, the topmost flower long-exserted. _Sepals_ 3; the two side sepals more or less orbicular; the odd sepal elliptic. _Petals_ 3; the two side petals dark blue, semi-orbicular, produced at the base into a distinct claw; the odd petal small, ovate-elliptic. _Stamens_ 6, divided into three sets; three stamens barren, forming staminodes; the three side stamens blue; one stamen yellow, with two appendages at the back of the anther. _Ovary_ sub-globose, 3-celled; style cylindric; stigma simple. _Fruit_ obovoid, 3-celled. _Seeds_ more or less oblong, wrinkled.

* * * * *

PLATE 42.--Fig. 1, inflorescence in bud; Fig. 2, the same with half
of spathe removed; Fig. 3, side sepal × 2; Fig. 4, odd sepal × 2;
Fig. 5, side petal × 2; Fig. 6, odd petal × 2; Fig. 7, stamens and
pistil × 3; Fig. 8, small anther (blue) × 5; Figs. 9, 10, larger
anthers (yellow), front and back view × 5; Fig. 11, fruit × 4; Fig.
12, transverse section of fruit; Fig. 13, seed, enlarged.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

M. Page del.]

PLATE 43.

HESSEA ZEYHERI.

_Cape Province, Little Namaqualand._

* * * * *

AMARYLLIDACEAE. Tribe AMARYLLIDEAE.

HESSEA, _Herb._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 720.

* * * * *

=Hessea Zeyheri=, _Baker_, _Handb. Amaryllid._ p. 23; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 191.

* * * * *

This is a very rare species here figured for the first time. It was discovered by Carl Zeyher at Hardeveld in little Namaqualand about the year 1847, and appears to have been unrecorded since then until recently collected by Mr. E. B. Watermeyer. The genus _Hessea_ is endemic to South Africa, and contains nine species found in the Cape Province, Little Namaqualand, and one species from the Transvaal. Hitherto none has been recorded from Natal or the Orange Free State. Our specimen differs slightly from the original described in the “Flora Capensis” in having three rather shorter leaves contemporary with the flowers. At first the style is short, but elongates as the flowers mature.

Our illustration was prepared from a drawing by Miss M. Page of specimens which flowered in April at the National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch (No. 1157/16), and collected by Mr. E. B. Watermeyer, Nieuwoudtville, Calvinia Division. The drawing has been kindly loaned by the Curator of the Bolus Herbarium.

DESCRIPTION:--_Bulb_ 5 cm. long, 3·5 cm. in diameter, sub-globose, produced above into a short neck. _Leaves_ 3, contemporary with the flowers, 5·5-11·5 cm. long, 0·8-16 cm. broad, strap-shaped, obtuse, narrowing and channelled at the base. _Peduncle_ arising at the side of the leaves, about 10 cm. long, flattened. _Spathe-valves_ 2 cm. long, linear, acuminate. _Inflorescence_ an umbel of about 25 flowers. _Pedicels_ 2-3 cm. long. _Perianth tube_ 3 mm. long; segments about 1 cm. long, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, united to the staminal tube by the midrib. _Stamens_ of two different lengths, the filaments united below into a tube 4 mm. long; free portions of filaments 8 mm. and 5 mm. long; anthers of long stamens globose, of short stamens oblong. _Ovary_ 1·6 mm. in diameter, globose; style short in bud, lengthening to 15 mm. in older flowers.

* * * * *

PLATE 43.--Fig. 1, section through perianth × 3; Fig. 2, lobe of
perianth × 3.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 44.

CEROPEGIA TRISTIS.

_Cape Province, Natal._

* * * * *

ASCLEPIADACEAE. Tribe CEROPEGIEAE.

CEROPEGIA, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 779.

* * * * *

=Ceropegia tristis=, _Hutchinson_, sp. nov.; affinis _C. Haygarthii_, Schlechter, sed foliis sub anthesi bene evolutis, calyce majori, corollae lobis brevissime stipitatis differt.

_Scandens_; caulis carnosus, glaber. _Folia_ breviter petiolata
matura 3·5-6 cm. longa, 1·5-3·5 cm. lata, late oblonga vel
oblongo-ovata, apice breviter apiculata, basi cordata, glabra;
nervi laterales utrinsecus circiter 4, patuli; petioli circiter 1
cm. longi. _Cymae_ axillares, triflorae; pedicelii usque ad 1·5 cm.
longi, teretes, glabri. _Sepala_ lineari-filiformia, 3-4 mm. longa,
glabra, marginibus leviter hyalinis. _Corolla_ basi subglobosa,
supra basin curvato-erecta, circiter 6 cm. longa, superne
turbinata, apice 2 cm. diametro, extra glabra, maculata, intra
leviter pilosa, lobis e basi lata attenuatis in columnam brevem
cohaerentibus, deinde apice corpusculam globosam 5-fenestratum
ciliatam formantibus. _Corona_ exterior cupularis, lobis 5 latis
emarginatis columna staminalis sequilonga intra pilis longis
gracilibus ciliatis; corona interior erecta, lobis conniventibus
apice recurvatis. _Follicula_ circiter 14 cm. longa,
falcato-recurvata, apice sub-uncinata.--J. H.

* * * * *

In our last number (Plate 39) we figured a species of _Ceropegia Rendallii_, which belongs to a group of the genus characterised by having the corolla-lobes united into an umbrella-like canopy supported by five short stalks. The present species has the corolla-lobes free at the base, then connate into a slender column, again becoming free and then connate at the tips, forming a small terminal cage-like body.

It shares this character with _Ceropegia Haygarthii_, Schlechter, and in this respect the two species are unique amongst the South African species. In _C. Haygarthii_, however, the corolla is very widely globose at the base, the calyx lobes are longer, and the peculiar stalk to the corolla lobes is at least three or four times as long. These differences seem to warrant the description of a new species. The curiously shaped flowers should make this species an object of interest in the greenhouse.

DESCRIPTION:--A climber. _Stem_ fleshy, glabrous. _Leaves_ shortly petioled, 3·5-6 cm. long, 1·5-3·5 cm. broad, broadly oblong or oblong-ovate, apex rounded and shortly pointed, cordate at the base, glabrous; lateral nerves about four on each side; petiole about 1 cm. long. _Inflorescence_ a 1-3-flowered axillary cyme; pedicels 1·2-1·5 cm. long, terete, glabrous. _Sepals_ 4-5 mm. long, subulate, glabrous. _Corolla_ abruptly bent at a right angle near the base; tube (following the bend) 2·6 cm. long, globosely inflated at the base, widening upwards and about 2 cm. in diameter at the mouth, glabrous without, finely pilose within; lobes free at the base, abruptly inflexed over the mouth of the tube and produced beneath into broad triangular partition-like green plates or keels, meeting at the centre and connate into a slender erect column about 2-3 mm. long, then again becoming free and expanding into elliptic-lanceolate replicate segments, connate at the tips, forming a small apical ellipsoid cage-like body, 5-8 mm. long, ciliate on the margins. _Outer corona_ cupular, with five broad emarginate lobes arising to the level of the staminal column, ciliate and hairy within with long fine hairs; inner corona lobes about 2·5 mm. long, linear, connivent-erect over the staminal column, with revolute tips. _Follicles_ about 14 cm. long, strongly falcate, recurved at the tips.

* * * * *

PLATE 44.--Fig. 1, portion of stem with leaves and flowers, nat.
size; Fig. 2, calyx; Fig. 3, lobe of corolla; Fig. 4, outer and
inner corona; Fig. 5, staminal column; Fig. 6, pollinia; Fig. 7,
follicles, nat. size. All enlarged with the exceptions of Figs. 1
and 7.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

M. Page del.]

PLATE 45.

WATSONIA GALPINII.

_Cape Province._

* * * * *

IRIDACEAE. Tribe IXIEAE.

WATSONIA, _Mill._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. viii. p. 705.

* * * * *

=Watsonia Galpinii=, _L. Bolus. Ann. Bolus Herb._ vol. iii. p. 11.

* * * * *

We have pleasure in figuring in this number, through the kindness of the Curator of the Bolus Herbarium, our first species of one of the most popular of South African genera, namely, _Watsonia_. Species of this genus have long been known in European Gardens, where they were introduced by the early botanical collectors from the Cape. The genus is represented in South Africa by about twenty species, and with the exception of a species which occurs in Madagascar, are confined to the sub-continent. The Watsonias lend themselves to hybridising, and some very fine garden hybrids have been produced.

The species here figured was first discovered by Mr. E. E. Galpin at Lottering Bush, Zitzikama (_Galpin_ No. 4698), and re-collected at Knysna by Miss A. V. Duthie, who sent corms to the National Botanic Gardens, where they flowered in March, 1919 (No. 239/18).

The general name of “pijpie” is applied to almost all species of _Watsonia_ and also to some species of _Gladiolus_.

DESCRIPTION:--_Corm_ 2 cm. in diameter, depressed-globose, oblique at the base. _Stem_ 75 cm. long, racemose. _Leaves_ 4-8, radical, up to 35 cm. long, 1-1·5 cm. broad, linear, acute, acuminate, with the median and marginal nerves somewhat subprominent. _Inflorescence_ simple or branched. _Spathe-valves_ herbaceous or submembranous at the apex; the outer 0·6-3·2 cm. long, lanceolate, setaceous acuminate; the inner 0·8-1·4 cm. long, ovate or broadly ovate, acuminate. _Perianth-tube_ 2 cm. long, constricted about the middle; the lower half filiform, scarcely 1·5 mm. in diameter; the upper half infundibuliform, 7 mm. in diameter near the throat; lobes spreading, 1·5 cm. long; the outer up to 8 mm. broad, suboblong, subacute, minutely apiculate; the inner 1 cm. broad, oblong-obovate. _Stamens_ almost as long as the perianth lobes; anthers 9 mm. long. _Ovary_ about 5 mm. long, subobconic; style 2·9 cm. long; primary branches 9 mm. long; stigmas about 2 mm. long. _Fruit_ 1 cm. long, obconic.

Mrs. Bolus remarks, “Distinguished from the rest of the section ‘Eu-Watsonia’ by the more slender habit, the smaller spathe-valves, the shorter perianth-tube and relatively long segments.”

* * * * *

PLATE 45.--Fig. 1, flower, perianth laid open; Fig. 2, portion of
fruiting spike; Fig. 3, capsule, dehisced, about natural size; Fig.
4, seed × 2.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

S. Gower del.]

PLATE 46.

MASSONIA LATIFOLIA.

_Cape Province, Little Namaqualand._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe ALLIEAE.

MASSONIA, _Thunb._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 806.

* * * * *

=Massonia latifolia=, _Linn. fil._ Suppl. 193; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 416.

* * * * *

All the species of _Massonia_, an endemic Cape genus of the _Liliaceae_, have fragrant hyacinthoid flowers, arising in a sessile cluster from between two broad prostrate leaves. The name was given to the genus by Carl Thunberg to commemorate the name of Francis Masson, who was sent to the Cape in 1772 as collector for the Royal Gardens at Kew, and who was responsible for introducing a large number of Cape plants into cultivation. The first 20 volumes of Curtis’s _Botanical Magazine_, which contain 786 plates, have nearly one-third devoted to figures of Cape species, mostly sent to Kew Gardens by Masson.

The genus _Massonia_ is very imperfectly known, as about 24 out of the 33 species described in the “Flora Capensis” have never been collected within the last 50 years, or are only known from figures in botanical publications. It is, therefore, with some pleasure that we publish our first plate representing a species of the genus, collected by Mrs. E. Rood, of Van Rhynsdorp, in the hope that it may stimulate others to forward specimens to the Division of Botany, Pretoria, for illustration in future numbers of this work.

This particular species was figured by Jacquin in 1803. Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1450).

DESCRIPTION:--_Bulb_ 3·5 cm. long, 3 cm. broad, ovoid-ellipsoid, with brown membranous tunics. _Leaves_ 2, lying flat on the ground, somewhat fleshy, 12 cm. long, 14·5 cm. broad, somewhat orbicular, narrowed and channelled at the base, glabrous. _Inflorescence_ an abbreviated raceme. _Bracts_ 3·5 cm. long, 1 cm. broad, lanceolate, acuminate, acute, about 5-nerved, glabrous. _Pedicels_ 6 mm. long, 4 mm. broad, fleshy. _Perianth-tube_ 7 mm. long, 6 mm. in diameter at the throat; lobes 1·2 mm. long, 4 mm. broad, oblong, minutely tufted at the apex, membranous. _Filaments_ inserted at mouth of perianth-tube, 1·4 cm. long, ovate and connate at the base, becoming linear above; anthers 3 mm. long, linear, versatile. _Ovary_ 5 mm. long, 7 mm. in diameter above, obovoid; style 2 cm. long, subterete; stigma simple.

* * * * *

PLATE 46.--Fig. 1, plant viewed from eye-level; Fig. 2, bract with
flower; Fig. 3, section of flower; Fig. 4, flower, showing the
filaments connate at the base; Fig. 5, apex of perianth lobe; Fig.
6, bract; Fig. 7, plant viewed from above. All enlarged with the
exception of Figs. 1 and 7.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 47.

KNIPHOFIA ALOOIDES.

_Cape Province, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Basutoland, Natal._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe HEMEROCALLEAE.

KNIPHOFIA, _Moench._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 775.

* * * * *

=Kniphofia alooides=, _Moench. Meth._ 632; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p.
283. _Tritoma Uvaria_, _Gawl. in Bot. Mag._ t. 758; _Kniphofia
Uvaria_, _Hook. Bot. Mag._ t. 4816.

* * * * *

We may perhaps be excused for figuring this species, which has appeared as a plate more than once in Curtis’s _Botanical Magazine_. It is, however, still such a favourite with cultivators that it is deemed worthy of a figure in a South African publication. Like other of our native plants it was known in European gardens many years ago, and is recorded as having flowered at Kew Gardens in 1707. As a cultivated plant it was known under the name of _Tritoma Uvaria_, which was later changed to _Kniphofia Uvaria_. It was also described by Linnaeus about the year 1735 as an _Aloe_. Specimens of the plant in cultivation may be seen in many South African gardens. It is the most robust and most variable species of the genus. In the coastal districts of Natal two varieties, _nobilis_ and _maxima_, are found, but our figure and description apply to the typical form. The common name is the “Red-hot poker.” The natives of Natal know the plant as “i-Cacane.”

The plate was drawn from a specimen collected near Durban in July, 1914.

DESCRIPTION:--A perennial stemless plant with radical leaves, and long naked peduncles, bearing a short spike of flowers at their apices. _Rootstock_ thickened, not tuberous. _Leaves_ 30-45 cm. long, 1·5-1·8 cm. broad low down, strap-shaped, acuminate, sheathing at the base, green, strongly and acutely keeled, with smooth margins. _Peduncle_ a little shorter than the leaves, terete. _Inflorescence_ 5 cm. long, dense, more or less cylindric. _Bracts_ 0·3-1·2 cm. long, 3-6 mm. broad, ovate, obtuse or acute. _Perianth-tube_ 3-4 cm. long, 5 mm. in diameter at the throat, more or less cylindric, 6-veined; lobes 2 mm. long, ovate, obtuse. _Stamens_ 6, not all lengthening at the same time, exserted in the lower flowers. _Ovary_ 3-celled, with many (12 or more) ovules in each cell; style exserted in the lower flowers; stigma obtuse.

* * * * *

PLATE 47.--Fig. 1, plant, reduced; Fig. 2, inflorescence; Fig. 3,
flower with subtending bract; Fig. 4, leaf; Fig. 6, gynaecium;
Figs. 6 and 7, stamens, front and back view; Fig. 8, cross-section
through the ovary.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 48.

HELIOPHILA SCANDENS.

_Natal._

* * * * *

CRUCIFERAE. Tribe SISYMBRIEAE.

HELIOPHILA, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. Gen. Plant._ vol. i. p. 81.

* * * * *

=Heliophila Scandens=, _Harv. Thes. Cap._ vol. ii. p. 43, t. 166; _Bot. Mag._ t. 7668.

* * * * *

Harvey first described and figured this remarkable species of _Heliophila_ in 1863, from specimens which he received from Mr. M‘Ken. The late Dr. Medley Wood sent a plant of it to Kew in 1885, which flowered in the succulent house the following year, and has continued to do so about mid-winter ever since. From the plant which flowered at Kew a plate was prepared for the _Botanical Magazine_, t. 7668.

According to the Kew authorities, in the whole of the large Natural Order _Cruciferae_, embracing about 180 genera, only two are recorded as having scandent species. They are the South African _Heliophila_ and the Peruvian _Cremolobus_, and the scandent habit is exceptional in these two genera.

The plant may be found in shady places amongst shrubs along the coast near Durban and also at Inanda. The present plate was prepared from specimens gathered near Durban in July, 1914. The species is popularly known as the “Bridal Wreath.”

DESCRIPTION:--A climbing plant. _Stem_ brown; branches green, terete, glabrous. _Leaves_ 2·5-5 cm. long, 1·2-2·5 cm. broad, oblong to lanceolate, tapering at both ends, obtuse or acute, gradually passing into a thickened, channelled and usually recurved petiole, glabrous. _Flowers_ in axillary and terminal racemes; pedicels 1·2-2·5 cm. long. _Sepals_ oblong, obtuse; the two lateral ones with thickened dorsal wings. _Petals_ 0·8-1·2 cm. long, obovate-spathulate. _Long stamens_ half as long as the petals; short stamens 4 mm. long; anthers ovate. _Ovary_ globose; style short; stigma capitate. _Fruit_ 4-5 cm. long, elliptic-oblong, flat, tipped by a short straight style, 1-2-seeded.

* * * * *

PLATE 48.--Fig. 1, portion of plant, nat. size; Fig. 2, flower;
Figs. 3, 4, and 5, stamens; Fig. 6, petal; Fig. 7, gynaecium; Fig.
8, fruit. All enlarged with the exception of Fig. 1.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 49.

HOLMSKIOLDIA SPECIOSA.

_Transvaal._

* * * * *

VERBENACEAE. Tribe VITICEAE.

HOLMSKIOLDIA, _Retz._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 1156.

* * * * *

=Holmskioldia speciosa=, _Hutchinson et Corbishley in Kew Bull._ 1920, p. 332, Fig. 1.

* * * * *

This beautiful and showy plant was first collected by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans at Komati Poort in November, 1917, and specimens sent to Kew were reported to be an undescribed species of the genus. Sir Wm. Hoy, the General Manager of the South African Railways, presented two living specimens to the Division of Botany, Pretoria, and our plate was prepared from these plants when they flowered.

The plant is a large bush 10-20 ft. high, and when in full bloom is one of the most conspicuous objects in the veld. The calyx in this species very soon becomes almost fully developed, and the young corolla is at first only visible as a minute ball at the base of the saucer-shaped calyx.

_Holmskioldia_ is a small genus with a curious distribution. A handsome species, _H. sanguinea_, Retz, occurs in the foothills of the Himalaya mountains of India at an altitude of 3000-5000 ft. _H. tettensis_, _H. spinescens_, and _H. mucronata_, Vatke, are found in the basin of the Lower Zambesi and Shire Rivers, and there is an unnamed species in Madagascar. The genus is very closely related to _Clerodendron_, largely represented in all these areas.

DESCRIPTION:--_Branchlets_ woody, terete, shortly and softly pubescent, marked with pale lenticels; internodes about 2 cm. long. _Leaves_ broadly ovate, triangular at the apex, broadly wedge-shaped at the base, 2·5-4 cm. long, 2-3 cm. broad, coarsely crenate, with few (about three) rounded teeth, very shortly setulose above, paler below and conspicuously glandular and shortly pubescent; lateral nerves about three on each side of the midrib; petiole 7 mm. long, densely pubescent. _Flowers_ few, arranged in axillary cymes about 4 cm. long; peduncles slender, softly pubescent; lower bracts more or less leafy, spathulate-obovate, up to 7 mm. long; pedicels up to 1·2 cm. long, with two small opposite linear bracteoles above the middle. _Calyx_ pink-coloured, gradually enlarging, broadly top-shaped, glandular-pubescent outside; tube 1 cm. long, with broadly rounded lobes, the latter rigidly membranous in the fruiting stage and expanding to 2·5 cm. _Corolla_ purple, 2-2·5 cm. long, glandular and softly pubescent outside; tube up to 1·5 cm. long. _Stamens_ long exserted; filaments glabrous. _Ovary_ hairy in the upper part; style a little longer than the stamens, slender, glabrous. _Fruit_ truncate, 4-horned, included by the accrescent calyx.--J. HUTCHINSON.

* * * * *

PLATE 49.--Fig. 1, calyx; Fig. 2, corolla bud; Fig. 3, stamen; Fig.
4, pistil; Fig. 5, young fruit.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 50.

RHAMPHICARPA TUBULOSA.

_Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal._

* * * * *

SCROPHULARIACEAE. Tribe GERARDIEAE.

RHAMPHICARPA, _Benth._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 969.

=Rhamphicarpa tubulosa=, _Benth. in Hook. Comp. Bot. Mag._ i. 368; _Harv. Thes. Cap._ i. 36, t. 57; _Fl. Cap._ vol. iv. sect. 2, p. 399.

* * * * *

This species belongs to a small genus of plants which are probably parasitic or semi-parasitic herbs. Three species are known in South Africa, and a few from Tropical Africa, East India, and Australia. _R. tubulosa_ also occurs in Tropical, and is the most widely distributed member of the genus in South Africa. In Natal it is always found in moist ground, edges of pools, and similar habitats.

The plate was prepared from plants collected by the late Dr. Medley Wood on the Berea Flats near Durban, Natal.

DESCRIPTION:--A herbaceous plant 12-60 cm. high. _Stem_ erect; simple or occasionally sparsely branched, terete, sometimes furrowed on two sides, glabrous or nearly so. _Leaves_ opposite or subopposite, exstipulate, sessile or nearly so, 2·6-7·5 cm. long, up to 1·2 cm. broad, linear, slightly narrowed at both ends, with entire margins and a prominent midrib, glabrous. _Inflorescence_ a few-flowered raceme; pedicels 1·5-2·5 cm. long. _Calyx-tube_ 1·2 cm. long; lobes spreading, lanceolate, a little shorter than the tube, keeled. _Corolla-tube_ about 2 cm. long, narrowly subcylindric, more or less curved, glabrous or minutely puberulous; lobes 1·5 cm. long, 0·8 cm. broad, obovate, rounded, the upper 2 connate high up. _Stamens_ 4, in 2 pairs; filaments clothed with long hairs, the upper pair shorter than the lower pair; anthers 1-celled, oblong, dorsifixed. _Ovary_ oblong-ovoid; style terete; stigma thickened. _Capsule_ 1·2 cm. long, 8 mm. in diameter, obliquely ovoid, obliquely beaked at the apex, glabrous.

* * * * *

PLATE 50.--Fig. 1, plant, natural size; Fig. 2, corolla, front
view; Fig. 3, corolla, back view; Fig. 4, stamens; Fig. 5, corolla
laid open; Fig. 6, gynaecium; Fig. 7, cross-section of ovary; Fig.
8, calyx; Fig. 9, capsule. All enlarged except Fig. 1.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

S. Gower del.]

PLATE 51.

GAZANIA SUBULATA.

_Cape Province._

* * * * *

COMPOSITAE. Tribe ARCTOTIDEAE.

GAZANIA, _Gaertn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 459.

=Gazania subulata=, _R. Br. in Ait. Hort. Kew._ ed. II. vol. v. p. 140; _Fl. Cap._ vol. iii. p. 473.

* * * * *

The native species of _Gazania_ receive perhaps more attention from gardeners than other groups of South African _Compositae_. This is due to their easy cultivation and the brightness of their “flowers.” The general names “Gousblom” and “Marigolds” are applied indiscriminately to various species of _Gazania_, _Arctotis_ and _Dimorphotheca_.

Our plate was prepared from plants flowering at the Division of Botany, Pretoria. The plant is acquiescent and forms a compact clump about 2 feet in diameter. It flowers freely and is easily propagated. We hope in future numbers to illustrate all the better known kinds of “Gousblom,” especially some of the beautiful Namaqualand species.

Our specimen bears out Harvey’s statement that this species and _G. longiscapa_ are scarcely distinct, as it agrees with _G. subulata_ in having the peduncle pilose and with _G. longiscapa_ in the cartilaginous-ciliate leaves which are glabrous on the mid-rib below.

Specimens of the plant figured are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1447).

DESCRIPTION:--An acaulescent plant. _Leaves_ radical, crowded, 10-40 cm. long, 2-6 mm. broad, linear, subacute, with a short spine at the apex, narrowed and channelled below and sheathing at the base, dark green and glabrous above, white tomentose beneath, except on the midrib, with the margins spinulose-ciliate. _Peduncle_ 24 cm. long, terete, hollow, pilose on the uppermost third, with 1 or 2 bracts. _Involucral scales_ connate at the base; tube 1 cm. long, 7 mm. in diameter, glabrous, intruse at the base; scales in three rows, 1-1·5 cm. long; the outer linear-acuminate, acute, with spinulose margins; the inner ovate, acuminate, acute, with membranous margins. _Receptacle_ convex, honeycombed. _Ray-florets_ neuter, 3·2 cm. long; the limb 1·2 cm. broad, obovate-oblong, obtuse, with a broad mouse-coloured band beneath and about 15-veined. _Disc florets_ hermaphrodite, 1-2 cm. long; tube 5-angled; lobes 4 mm. long, linear-oblong, obtuse. _Anthers_ minutely tailed at the base. _Pappus_ of delicate linear acuminate scales hidden by the long hairs which cover the ovary. _Ovary_ densely villous; style with a thickened ring about the middle; lobes linear, obtuse.

* * * * *

PLATE 51.--Fig. 1, flowers and leaves; Fig. 2, upper portion of
style; Fig. 3, stamens; Fig. 4, longitudinal section of capitulum
with hairs from ovary removed; Fig. 5, corolla laid open; Fig. 6,
disc-floret, showing pappus, with hairs from the ovary removed;
Fig. 7, plant, much reduced.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

S. Gower del.]

PLATE 52.

PELARGONIUM CRASSICAULE.

_South-West Africa._

* * * * *

GERANIACEAE. Tribe PELARGONIEAE.

PELARGONIUM, _L’Her._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. i. p. 273.

* * * * *

=Pelargonium crassicaule=, _L’Her. Ger._ t. 36; _Fl. Cap._ vol. i. p. 299.

* * * * *

This species of _Pelargonium_ is one of the many botanical curiosities found in the arid regions of South-West Africa, where the native plants have to contend against very adverse conditions. In the dry season the plant loses its leaves and assumes a knobby appearance due to the thick rather woody stems. The leaves appear after the rains and are more or less crowded at the ends of the branches.

The species was first discovered by Mr. Ant. Hove in 1786 in South-West Africa, and was introduced by him into Kew Gardens the same year. In 1799 a figure was published in the _Botanical Magazine_ (t. 477) prepared from a plant which flowered with Messrs. Grimwood & Co., Kensington, London. Though this figure does not quite agree with our specimen in the markings of the petals, we have no doubt that it represents the plant here illustrated, which can only be considered as a variety.

Our plant was collected by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans, C.M.G., who states that it is common on rocky outcrops in the Nabib Desert at Luderitzbuch. It has been established and flowered at the Gardens of the Division of Botany, Pretoria. Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1452).

DESCRIPTION:--_Stems_ woody and swollen, with blackish bark. _Leaves_ crowded at the apex of the branches; petioles 4-11 cm. long, semiterete, finely pilose with reflexed hairs; lamina 2-5 cm. long, 2-4·5 cm. broad, rounded-ovate, slightly 3-lobed, rounded above, cuneate at the base and merging into the petiole, with crinkled bluntly dentate margins and prominent veins beneath, finely pilose above and below; stipules brown, 4 mm. long, acuminate from an ovate base. _Peduncle_ 7·5 cm. long, terete, finely pilose with reflexed hairs, branching above. _Involucral bracts_ 1·2 cm. long, lanceolate, acute, pilose. _Umbel_ 6-flowered; pedicels about 1-2 cm. long. _Flowers_ faintly sweet scented. _Petals_ 1·25 cm. long, 6 mm. broad, obovate, rounded or truncate at the apex; the three lower produced into a linear claw 2 mm. long; the two upper slightly connate. _Calyx-tube_ 2 mm. long, terete, pilose; sepals all pilose; upper sepal erect, 8 mm. long, 2·5 mm. broad, ovate-lanceolate, obtuse; lower and lateral sepals reflexed, 8 mm. long, 1·5-2 mm. broad, lanceolate, obtuse. _Stamens_ 7, in three rows of 2, 3 and 2; filaments linear, 4·7 mm. long, connate at the base; anthers 1·75 mm. long, oblong; staminodes 3, shorter than the filaments. Ovary 1·5 mm. long, densely pilose above; styles united for 1·5 mm. and then separating into 6 stigmas 1·5 mm. long.

* * * * *

PLATE 52.--Fig. 1, plant as it appears in dry seasons; Fig. 2,
plant with leaves and flowers; Fig. 3, lamina of leaf; Fig. 4,
involucre at base of flowers; Fig. 5, back view of flower; Fig. 6,
petals; Fig. 7, calyx with stamens; Fig. 8, filaments and
staminodes; Fig. 9, gynaecium.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 53.

ANDROCYMBIUM MELANTHIOIDES.

_Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe ANGUILLARIEAE.

* * * * *

ANDROCYMBIUM, _Willd._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 822.

* * * * *

=Androcymbium melanthioides=, _Willd. in Ges. Naturf. fr. Berl. Mag._ vol. ii. p. 21; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 517.

* * * * *

The genus _Androcymbium_ is represented by about eighteen species, two of which are known from the Mediterranean Region and two from Tropical Africa, the remainder of the species being confined to South Africa.

Our plate was prepared from specimens collected by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans at Silverton, near Pretoria, in May, 1921, and represents the best known and most widely distributed species of the genus. The plant shows the characteristic habit of all the species, viz. stemless, with the flower head hidden by large bracts which may be white, green, or purplish. In cultivation it does not lend itself to planting out, but makes a striking and pleasing object when placed singly in pots.

Specimens of the plant figured are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1451).

DESCRIPTION:--A stemless plant. _Bulb_ about 1·5 cm. in diameter, globose, covered with more or less hardened black tunics. _Leaves_ 2-3, 14-22 cm. long, linear from an ovate base, acutely acuminate, glabrous. _Bracts_ white or purplish, several, 3-8·5 cm. long, ·8-3·5 cm. broad, oblong, ovate-oblong or ovate, obtuse or sometimes apiculate at the apex, sometimes acuminate, many nerved (up to 50-nerved). _Head_ about 6-flowered, hidden and overtopped by the bracts. _Bracts_ subtending the flowers about 3·5 cm. long, lanceolate, acute, 5-nerved. _Pedicel_ 3 mm. long, 2·5 mm. broad above, obovoid, fleshy. _Perianth segments_ produced into a distinct claw; claw 5 mm. long, 1 mm. broad, with a more or less distinct keel; blade 6 mm. long, 3 mm. broad, ovate, cucullate, acuminate, 3-keeled. _Stamens_ inserted at the junction of the claw and blade; filaments 9 mm. long, terete; anthers 3 mm. long, elliptic. _Ovary_ 6 mm. long, 2·5 mm. in diameter, ellipsoid, subtrigonous; styles free, 8 mm. long, terete; stigma simple,

* * * * *

PLATE 53.--Fig. 1, plant viewed from above (reduced); Fig. 2,
inflorescence; Fig. 3, flower with bract; Fig. 4, perianth segment
with stamen, front view; Fig. 5, perianth segment with stamen, side
view; Fig. 6, gynaecium.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

S. Gower del.]

PLATE 54.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM ALOIDES.

_Bechuanaland._

* * * * *

FICOIDEAE. Tribe MEBEMBRYANTHEMEAE.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f._ vol. i. p. 853.

* * * * *

=Mesembryanthemum aloides=, _Haw. Suppl._ p. 88; _Fl. Cap._ vol. ii. p. 396.

* * * * *

This extremely rare plant, which was first found by Burchell at Metlowing and at Jabirn Fontein, near Takun in Bechuanaland, in 1812, was recently rediscovered by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans near Postmas Berg, and has been established in the garden of the Division of Botany, Pretoria. In the _Journal of the Linnean Society_ (vol. xlv. p. 123) for 1920, Mr. N. E. Brown gives a fuller description of the species based mainly on a coloured drawing of the plant made by Burchell, who states that the roots are “eaten by natives as a substitute for better food.”

The specimen from which the present plate was prepared flowered at Pretoria in August, and has enabled us to draw up a more complete description.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium.

DESCRIPTION:--A stemless plant. _Root_ thick and woody. _Leaves_ tufted, 8-12 in a cluster, forming a rosette about 9 cm. in diameter, 3-5·5 cm. long, 1-1·7 cm. broad in the widest part, lanceolate-spathulate viewed from above, acuminate, obtuse, mucronate at the apex and shaped like the bow of a boat, slightly narrowed at the base and sheathing, flat above, keeled beneath, dotted with white spots on both surfaces. _Flowers_ lemon-yellow, sessile between the leaves. _Calyx-tube_ 2·2 cm. long, widening from a cylindrical base to 1·2 cm. in diameter above, sparsely pustulate above; lobes of two different lengths, pustulate; the longer 1·7 cm. long, ovate, acuminate; the shorter 9 mm. long with membranous margins. _Corolla_ 2·5 cm. in diameter when expanded; petals up to 1 cm. long, 1 mm. broad, linear, obtuse. _Filaments_ about 5 mm. long, hairy at the base. _Ovary_ 10-celled; styles 10 free. _Fruit_ not seen.

* * * * *

PLATE 54.--Fig. 1, calyx and calyx lobes; Fig. 2, petal; Fig. 3,
stamen; Fig. 4, top of ovary showing styles; Fig. 5, transverse
section of ovary; Fig. 6, longitudinal section of leaf; Fig. 7,
transverse section of leaf near the apex; Fig. 8, apex of leaf.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 55.

ALOE STRIATA.

_Cape Province._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe ALOINEAE.

ALOE, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 776.

* * * * *

=Aloe striata=, _Haw. in Trans. Linn. Soc._ vol. vii. p. 18; _Syn._ p. 81; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 311.

* * * * *

This is the well-known “Coral Aloe” of South Africa. It is typical of both the Upper and Lower Karroo regions and also of the Namaqualand region. The species is generally found on dry rocky slopes, and the plants assume a subdecumbent position, very rarely growing erect. It is the only South African species of _Aloe_ which bears leaves without prickly teeth. In the dry summer season the leaves lose their bluish-grey colour and become a copper-red, which gives the plants a very characteristic appearance in the veld. A large number of hybrids have been raised by crossing this species with others belonging to the _Saponaria_ group, and a hybrid, described as _Aloe Lynchii_, was obtained between this and _Gasteria verrucosa_.

The late Prof. MacOwan states that sun-birds (_Nectarineae_) are the pollinating agents of _Aloe striata_ and some other species of _Aloe_, and if the birds are kept away by covering the inflorescence with wire netting, few or no capsules are produced.

Our specimen was collected by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans at Dassie Deur near Port Elizabeth, and flowered in the garden of the Division of Botany, Pretoria, in August.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium.

DESCRIPTION:--_Stem_ underground. _Leaves_ about 13, crowded in a basal rosette, up to 30 cm. long, 6-11·5 cm. broad, oblong, oblong-lanceolate, or the inner ovate, acuminate, flat, bluish-grey, glaucous, faintly many-nerved, with pink margins. _Peduncle_ about 24 cm. long, branched above; at the base flat on one side, convex on the other; in the upper portion semiterete. _Inflorescence_ a panicle of racemes, the ultimate racemes 6-9 cm. long, lax. _Bracts_ subtending the racemes about 1 cm. long, membranous, ovate, acuminate. _Floral bracts_ 3 mm. long, ovate, acuminate, acute, membranous. _Pedicels_ about 1 cm. long, spreading. _Flowers_ more or less pendulous. _Perianth-tube_ in mature flowers 2 cm. long, globose at the base, then slightly constricted, then gradually widening into a tube 6 mm. in diameter at the throat; lobes about 3 mm. long, ovate, rounded at the apex. _Stamens_ included or slightly exserted; filaments attached at the base of the perianth-tube, 1·7 cm. long; anthers about 1 mm. long. _Ovary_ 5 mm. long, oblong; style 1·7 cm. long, terete; stigma faintly 3-lobed. _Immature fruit_ 2 cm. long, 1·1 cm. in diameter, ellipsoid, subtrigonous.

* * * * *

PLATE 55.--Fig. 1, plant showing characteristic habit; Fig. 2,
transverse section of leaf; Fig. 3, flower; Fig. 4, bract; Fig. 5,
stamen; Fig. 6, young fruit.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

S. Gower del.]

PLATE 56.

POLYXENA HAEMANTHOIDES.

_Cape Province._

* * * * *

LILIACEAE. Tribe SCILLEAE.

POLYXENA, _Kunth._; _Benth. et Hook. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 807.

* * * * *

=Polyxena haemanthoides=, _Baker in Hook. Ic._ t. 1727; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 420.

* * * * *

This rare species was recently collected by Dr. Marloth in the Calvinia Division, and to our knowledge has not been collected since the late Dr. Bolus discovered it on the Nieuwveld Mountains near Fraserburg over thirty years ago. _Polyxena_ is a small endemic genus of about a dozen species, the majority of which are very little known, as most of them have not been collected since they were first found by the early Cape botanical collectors. Baker, who described and figured this species in Hooker’s _Icones_, remarks, “The affinity of this interesting novelty is evidently close with _Massonia rugulosa_ of Lichtenstein and _M. marginata_ of Willdenow, of neither of which we possess specimens in the Kew Herbarium.” Both of them fall under the genus _Polyxena_, as defined in the _Genera Plantarum_. Specimens preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1448).

DESCRIPTION:--_Bulb_ about 3-4 cm. in diameter, ovoid. _Leaves_ two, lying flat on the ground, 7 cm. long, 2·5-3 cm. broad, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, narrowing at the base, glabrous, about 10-nerved, with scabrous margins. _Inflorescence_ a contracted raceme, about 12-flowered. _Bracts_ white, 5 mm. long, ovate, acuminate. _Flowers_ sessile; perianth-tube 1·3 cm. long, 3·5 mm. in diameter, slightly compressed; lobes in 2 rows, 9 mm. long, 3 mm. broad, lanceolate-oblong, obtuse, glandular at the apex. _Stamens_ in a single row; filaments united into a tube at the base, 1·5 cm. long; anthers 3 mm. long, linear, versatile. _Ovary_ 6 mm. long, oblong in outline; style 1·5 cm. long, terete; stigma simple.

* * * * *

PLATE 56.--Fig. 1, leaf; Fig. 2, inflorescence showing coma; Fig.
3, flower; Fig. 4, flower in longitudinal section; Fig. 5, upper
portion of perianth showing stamens and style; Fig. 6, apex of
perianth lobe.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 57.

DIMORPHOTHECA SPECTABILIS.

_Transvaal._

* * * * *

COMPOSITAE. Tribe CALENDULACEAE.

DIMORPHOTHECA, _Moench._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 453.

* * * * *

=Dimorphotheca spectabilis=, _Schltr. in Journ. Bot._ vol. xxxv. p. 220 (1897).

* * * * *

For quite a considerable time this common and well-known _Dimorphotheca_ was placed in herbaria under the name of _Dimorphotheca Ecklonis_, and Harvey, who examined specimens of this plant collected by Burke and Zeyher on the Aapies River and Magaliesberg, also included it under _D. Ecklonis_. Dr. Schlechter first recognised that the Transvaal plant was an undescribed species, but apparently did not realise that Burke and Zeyher had collected the plant close on a hundred years ago, as he founded his description on specimens collected by Mr. E. E. Galpin, F.L.S., in 1887, on the Saddleback Mountains, Barberton.

_Dimorphotheca spectabilis_ is a spring flowering plant, and is common around Pretoria during the months of September and October. It is a well-grown plant with large mauve flowers, and if introduced into cultivation would be an acquisition to any garden. The plant sets seed freely, and could easily be raised by this means. The species is poisonous, and in experiments carried out by the Division of Veterinary Research, the plant was found to cause death in sheep fed on it.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1470).

DESCRIPTION:--An herbaceous plant 24-40 cm. high with one or more stems arising from the apex of a stout deep underground root. _Stem_ terete, faintly furrowed, covered with short glandular hairs. _Leaves_ 2-4 cm. long, ·6-1 cm. broad, lanceolate or lanceolate-ovate, obtuse, tapering upwards from a broad base, sometimes slightly narrowed at the base, with a prominent midrib and two faint lateral nerves more distinct on the upper surface, punctate-glandular on both surfaces, and with glandular hairs beneath, ciliate with glandular hairs. _Flower head_ solitary at the ends of the stems. _Peduncle_ 6-10 cm. long, terete, furrowed, glandular-pubescent. _Involucral-scales_ in 2 rows, somewhat connate at the base, 1·3-2 cm. long, ovate, acuminate, acute with membranous margins, glandular-pubescent. _Receptacle_ 7 mm. broad, convex, hollow. _Ray florets_ female. _Corolla-tube_ 2 mm. long, cylindric, glandular-pilose; limb 2 cm. long, 4 mm. broad, linear, 3-toothed at the apex, glandular-pilose on the back at the base. _Style_ as long as the corolla-tube. _Disc florets_ hermaphrodite. _Corolla-tube_ 5 mm. long, cylindric, constricted and narrower near the base, sparsely covered with glandular hairs on the broader portion of the tube; lobes 2 mm. long, almost 1 mm. broad, lanceolate, obtuse. _Filaments_ 4 mm. long, linear; anthers 3·5 mm. long, with deep golden-yellow pollen. _Pappus_ none. _Ovary_ 3 mm. long, flattened, winged and 2-horned at the apex; style 6 mm. long, cylindric; lobes 1 mm. long, truncate at the apex. _Fruit_ 1·5 cm. long, flattened, orbicular, with a circular wing.

* * * * *

PLATE 57.--Fig. 1, whole plant showing habit (reduced); Fig. 2,
flower bud; Fig. 3, disk flower; Fig. 4, ray flower with ovary
removed.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 58.

MIMETES CAPITULATA.

_Cape Province._

* * * * *

PROTEACEAE. Tribe PROTEAE.

MIMETES, _Salisb._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 171 (partly).

* * * * *

=Mimetes capitulata=, _R. Br. in Trans. Linn. Soc._ vol. x. p. 106; _Fl. Cap._ vol. v. sect. i. p. 644.

* * * * *

The genus _Mimetes_ constitutes a small group of South African Proteaceae of nine species, all confined to the South-Western area of the Cape Province. The genus was first founded by Salisbury, but for over one hundred years afterwards plants belonging to two other distinct genera were placed under the name _Mimetes_. One of these, _Orothamnus Zeyheri_, we figured on Plate 38 of this work. Like a great many other groups of South African plants the species of _Mimetes_ have not been extensively collected, and we are indebted to Mr. T. P. Stokoe, of Cape Town, who has rediscovered so many interesting plants on the Hottentot Hollands Mountains, for the opportunity of figuring the present species. The examination of the fresh material has enabled us to add a few descriptive details to the description given in the _Flora Capensis_.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1457).

DESCRIPTION:--_Branches_ villous. _Leaves_ 1·2-3 cm. long, ·5-1·5 cm. broad, lanceolate, lanceolate-ovate or ovate, gradually narrowed to an obtuse callous apex, a little narrowed at the base, entire, coriaceous, indistinctly 3-nerved, densely adpressed-villous with silky hairs. _Heads_ sessile, 2·5-3·3 cm. long, 10-16 flowered, in the axils of the leaves at the ends of the branches. _Involucral-bracts_ 5-6-seriate, varying from linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, more or less narrowed at the base, membranous, pubescent outside, long-ciliate. _Receptacle_ long-setose. _Perianth-segments_ free or nearly so, 2·5-3 cm. long, linear-filiform, slightly widened for about 5 mm. at the base, plumose, limb about 4 mm. long, linear-lanceolate, subacute, long-villous on the back. _Anthers_ subsessile, about 2 mm. long, linear, with a lanceolate, subacute, concave apical gland. _Hypogynous scales_ 1 mm. long, linear, obtuse, white. _Ovary_ 2 mm. long, oblong in outline, pubescent; style 4 cm. long, subcylindric above, furrowed on the lower half and usually twisted at the junction with the ovary, swollen with an ellipsoid portion below the stigma, glabrous; stigma about 4 mm. long, furrowed, with an oblique ovoid acuminate subacute apex and with a distinct collar at the base.

* * * * *

PLATE 58.--Fig. 1, capitulum; Fig. 2, a single flower showing
portion of hairy receptacle; Fig. 3, perianth segment; Fig. 4,
pistil.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 59.

ERYTHRINA CAFFRA.

_Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal._

* * * * *

LEGUMINOSAE. Tribe PHASEOLEAE.

ERYTHRINA, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. i. p. 531.

* * * * *

=Erythrina caffra=, _Thunb. Fl. Cap._ p. 559; _Fl. Cap._ vol. ii. p. 236; _Wood, Natal Plants_, pl. 542.

* * * * *

This species is a common tree in the eastern parts of the Cape Province and also in the coastal and midland districts of Natal. The plant is known as the “Kaffir Boom,” and to children in Natal as “Cookie Doodles.” The Zulu name for the tree is “Umsini.”

The wood is very soft, and the only use to which it is put is for fencing poles, as it easily takes root and is free from the attack of termites. The scarlet seeds are strung as necklaces.

In various parts of the country the tree may be seen in cultivation, and when in full bloom the bright scarlet flowers make it extremely ornamental. The tree is deciduous and the flowers appear in spring while the plant is still leafless, but occasionally leaves and flowers may be produced at the same time.

Our plate was prepared from material collected by Miss K. A. Lansdell on the Berea, Durban, Natal. Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1456).

DESCRIPTION:--A tree 6-17 m. high. _Branches_ pale-coloured, rugose, prickly, the prickles dark-coloured, up to 7 mm. or more long, broad at the base, usually a little curved, very sharp. _Leaves_ clustered near the ends of the twigs, trifoliolate: common petiole up to 21 cm. long, unarmed; terminal leaflet 6·5-9 cm. long, 9-11·5 cm. broad, ovate or sometimes sub 3-lobed, usually acuminate, more or less cuneate at the base, glabrous with two small glands at the base of the petiolule; lateral leaflets 6·5-9 cm. long, 6·5-9 cm. broad, similar in shape to the terminal leaflet, usually acuminate, glabrous. _Inflorescence_ a many-flowered dense raceme, 4·6 cm. long; flowers pendulous: peduncle dark brown, 7·5-15 cm. long, terete, velvety. _Calyx_ up to 1 cm. long, more or less tubular campanulate, 2-lipped, velvety-brown outside. _Vexillum_ up to 5 cm. long, 2·5 cm. broad when expanded, conduplicate, falcate; alae yellow-green, 4-8 mm. long, oblong, curved; carina equalling the alae. _Stamens_ 10, exserted; the vexillary filament free to the base. _Ovary_ stalked, villous; stigma simple. _Legume_ few-seeded, constricted between the seeds. _Seeds_ scarlet, with a black hilum.

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PLATE 59.--Fig. 1, vexillum; Fig. 2, carina; Fig. 3, wing; Fig. 4,
calyx; Fig. 5, stamens; Fig. 6, gynaecium; Fig. 7, fruit, showing
one seed.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 60.

SPARAXIS GRANDIFLORA.

_Cape Province._

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IRIDACEAE. Tribe IXIEAE.

SPARAXIS, _Ker_; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 708.

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=Sparaxis grandiflora=, _Ker in Konig and Sims’ Ann._ i. 225; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 116.

* * * * *

The plant here figured was introduced into Kew Gardens in the year 1758. Though it has been more than once illustrated in botanical publications, we do not apologise for reproducing this coloured illustration of one of the common bulbs found in so many gardens at the Cape. The species _grandiflora_ is represented by many colour varieties, and is probably the same as the plant described as _Spiraxis tricolor_, which only appears to differ from it in the colour markings on the perianth. The variety here figured is probably the form originally described under the name _Spiraxis atropurpurea_.

The specimens were collected by Dr. R. Marloth, who forwarded them to the Division of Botany, Pretoria, where they flowered in August. They are preserved in the National Herbarium (Herb. No. 1454).

DESCRIPTION:--_Bulb_ 1·3 cm. long, 1·3 cm. in diameter, covered with light-coloured fibrous tunics. _Leaves_ about 10 to a bulb, distichous; the lower leaves about 5 cm. long and 4 mm. broad; the upper up to 26 cm. long and 1·2 cm. broad; all linear, acuminate, acute, with a distinct midrib and the inner margin membranous, sheathing at the base, glabrous. _Inflorescence_ shorter than the upper leaves; peduncle about 12 cm. long, clasped and hidden by the inner leaves. _Flowers_ about 6 to an inflorescence, purple. _Bracts_ membranous, 1 cm. long, awned or lacerated with the awns up to 1·2 cm. long. _Perianth-tube_ 9 mm. long, cylindric in the lower half, campanulate in the upper half; lobes 1·5 cm. long, 7 mm. broad, spathulate-obovate. _Stamens_ attached to the throat of the perianth-tube; filaments 9 mm. long; anthers 1·3 cm. long, linear, eared at the base. _Ovary_ 4 mm. long, 2·5 mm. in diameter, oblong; style 1·5 cm. long, terete; stigmas 8 mm. long.

* * * * *

PLATE 60.--Fig. 1, perianth laid open; Fig. 2, bract; Fig. 3,
stamen; Fig. 4, style and stigmas.

F.P.S.A., 1922.

K. A. Lansdell del.]

PLATE 61.

CORYCIUM CRISPUM.

_Cape Province, Little Namaqualand._

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ORCHIDACEAE. Tribe OPHRYDEAE.

CORYCIUM, _Sw._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 683.

* * * * *

=Corycium crispum=, _Sw. in Vet. Acad. Handl. Stockh._, 1800, 222; _Bolus, Orchids of South Africa_, vol. i. t. 45; _Fl. Cap._ vol. v. sect. 3, p. 286.

* * * * *

This extremely pretty little orchid was sent to us by Mrs. E. Rood from Van Rhynsdorp in August. Though the late Dr. Bolus published a figure of this species in his “Orchids of South Africa,” we again reproduce a plate of the plant, and it is the first member of the family _Orchidaceae_ to appear in this work. The species is fairly common in the Cape Province extending from the Cape Peninsula up to Clanwilliam and Van Rhynsdorp and into Little Namaqualand. It has been known to botanical science for a considerable time, and was first described under its present name over 100 years ago.

The species belongs to the large group of terrestrial orchids which are characteristic of the south-western region of the Cape Province, the few epiphytic orchids which are found in South Africa being mostly confined to the forest regions of the Eastern Province and the Northern Transvaal.

Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1467).

DESCRIPTION:--_Plant_ up to 18 cm. high. _Tuber_ 3 cm. long, 1·5 cm. in diameter, egg-shaped. _Leaves_ cauline, somewhat spreading and imbricate, 8-10 cm. long, 2·5 cm. broad, linear-lanceolate to ovate, very acuminate, with undulate margins. _Inflorescence_ 9-10 cm. long, many-flowered. _Bracts_ 2 cm. long, 1·7 cm. broad, ovate, shortly acuminate, as long as the ovary. _Flowers_ sessile. _Dorsal sepal_ 8 mm. long, linear; lateral sepals connate into a bilobed limb, erect in young flowers, becoming deflexed in older flowers. _Side petals_ 8 mm. long, 6 mm. broad above, deeply concave and saccate at the base; lip adnate to the column, horizontal, with a limb 5 mm. broad from a distinct claw. _Arms of rostellum_ rounded, recurved and projecting into the concavity of the side petals.

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