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.
[Illustration: _59._
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.
* * * * *
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.
[Illustration: _60._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 60.
SPARAXIS GRANDIFLORA.
_Cape Province._
* * * * *
IRIDACEAE. Tribe IXIEAE.
SPARAXIS, _Ker_; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 708.
* * * * *
=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.
[Illustration: _61._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 61.
CORYCIUM CRISPUM.
_Cape Province, Little Namaqualand._
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
PLATE 61.--Fig. 1, bract; Fig. 2, petal; Fig. 3, dorsal sepal; Fig.
4, lip; Fig. 5, ovary; Fig. 6, column showing anthers; Fig. 7,
column showing stigmas; Fig. 8, side view of column.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _62._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 62.
ALOE EXCELSA.
_Rhodesia._
* * * * *
LILIACEAE. Tribe ALOINEAE.
ALOE, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 776.
* * * * *
=Aloe excelsa=, _Berger in Notizblatt. Berl. Bot. Gart. u. Museums_, vol.
iv. (1906) 247; _Das Pflanzenreich_, vol. iv. 38, p. 314.
* * * * *
This arborescent Aloe forms one of the most conspicuous features of the
vegetation of the Matoppos in Rhodesia in July and August, when it
brightens up the Kopjes with its crimson flowers. Full-grown plants vary
in height from 15-20 feet, and one of their chief characteristics is the
graceful recurving of the ends of the leaves. Our illustration is made
from one of the many plants of this species which adorn the rockeries of
the Union Buildings, and which were collected by Mr. J. Wickens on the
Matoppos. The plants thrive well in Pretoria, and attract consideration
through their deep carmine inflorescence. They flower in Pretoria during
August and September.
Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium (Herb. No. 1453).
DESCRIPTION:--Aborescent up to 5-6·3 m. high. _Stems_ about 3-4 cm. in
diameter. _Leaves_ crowded and forming a rosette at the end of the stem
up to 0·2 m. long, 8-9 cm. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to the
apex, lanceolate-ovate, acuminate, with the uppermost third gracefully
recurved, deeply channelled above, convex beneath, with spines along the
margin and with spines on the under surface; spines 4 mm. long, 5 mm.
apart below and about 2·6 cm. apart on the upper portion of the leaf.
_Inflorescence_ a panicle; peduncle 13-16 cm. long, compressed, convex
on both surfaces, with a prominent ridge on either side. _Bracts_ ovate,
acute, membranous. _Ultimate racemes_ 22-25 cm. long, 5·5 cm. in
diameter, cylindric, densely many-flowered. _Floral-bracts_ brown,
about 5 mm. long, 5 mm. broad at the base, ovate, acute. _Flowers_
subsessile; perianth-tube 1 cm. long, 5 mm. in diameter, oblong in
outline; lobes 1·8 cm. long, 0·6 mm. broad, oblong, obtuse, 3-nerved,
the outer with a small rostrate body just below the apex; the inner
perianth-segments free to the base. _Ovary_ 5 mm. long, 3 mm. broad,
oblong; style 2·7 cm. long, cylindric; stigma simple.
* * * * *
PLATE 62.--Fig. 1, plant much reduced; Fig. 2, stamens; Fig. 3,
perianth-segments; Fig. 4, apices of outer and inner
perianth-segments; Fig. 5, flower; Fig. 6, bract; Fig. 7, leaf;
Fig. 8, transverse section of leaf.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _63._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 63.
GLADIOLUS ALATUS, _var._ NAMAQUENSIS.
_Cape Province._
* * * * *
IRIDACEAE. Tribe IXIEAE.
GLADIOLUS, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 709.
* * * * *
=Gladiolus alatus, var. namaquensis=, _Baker in Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 159;
_G. namaquensis, Ker. in Bot. Mag._ t. 592.
* * * * *
This plant is a variety of the Cape “Kalkoentje” (_Gladiolus alatus_),
and might conveniently be called the “Namaqua Kalkoentje.” This
particular variety has been known for almost 200 years, and in the
Banksian Herbarium in the British Museum is a well-preserved specimen
which was collected by Masson in Namaqualand. A figure of the plant
prepared from specimens which flowered in England was published in the
_Botanical Magazine_ in 1801.
In the veld groups of plants are usually found together, each forming a
corm which has developed as an offshoot from the parent corm. This
character would render the plant easy of propagation.
We are indebted to Mrs. E. Rood of van Rhynsdorp for specimens which
were received by the Division of Botany in September, 1921. They are
preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1468).
DESCRIPTION:--_Corm_ covered with fibrous tunics. _Stem_ with a basal
sheath 2·5-3·5 cm. long. _Leaves_ four, decreasing in size upwards; the
outermost leaf 13-15 cm. long, 2·5-3 cm. broad; upper leaves 7-12 cm.
long, ·5-2·1 cm. broad, all lanceolate, acuminate, clasping and equitant
at the base, 5-nerved, with reddish margins; the innermost almost wholly
clasping. _Visible peduncle_ about 11 cm. long, 3-flowered.
_Outer-bracts_ 4 cm. long, 2 cm. broad, boat-shaped, acuminate, sharply
keeled, with keel and margins reddish-brown; inner similar to the outer
but bifid at the apex. _Perianth-tube_ 1 cm. long, cylindric below,
campanulate above; upper segments 2·5 cm. long, 2·2 cm. broad, ovate,
subacuminate; 2 lower segments 2 cm. long, 5 mm. broad above, obovate,
narrowed into a long linear claw; the lowermost segment 1·1 cm. broad,
ovate, subacuminate. _Filaments_ 1·5 cm. long, cylindric; anthers 1·3
cm. long, linear. _Ovary_ 8 mm. long, 2·5 mm. in diameter, narrowly
ellipsoid; style 3 cm. long, filiform; lobes 5 mm. long, linear,
slightly broadened above, rounded and bifid at the apex.
* * * * *
PLATE 63.--Fig. 1, corm; Fig. 2, lower perianth-segment; Fig. 3,
lateral perianth segment; Fig. 4, stamens, front and side view;
Fig. 5, style and stigmas.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _64._
S. Gower del.]
PLATE 64.
GAZANIA PYGMAEA.
_Transvaal._
* * * * *
COMPOSITAE. Tribe ARCTOTIDEAE.
GAZANIA, _Gaertn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 459.
* * * * *
=Gazania pygmaea=, _Sond. in Linnaea_, vol. xxiii. p. 69; _Fl. Cap._ vol.
iii. p. 478.
* * * * *
During the month of September the veld round Pretoria is carpeted with
the white flowers of this little _Gazania_. It is one of the first, if
not the first plant to flower on burnt veld, and the contrast in colour
between the white flowers and the young green grass is very striking.
While so extremely common during the spring months, this species appears
to be little known botanically. It was evidently first collected by the
botanist Karl Zeyher on the Magaliesberg about the year 1841, and the
description in the _Flora Capensis_ based on Zeyher’s specimen is the
most recent published information we have about this species. The plants
are tufted, several underground stems arising from a stout tap-root.
The present plate was prepared from specimens collected by Mr. D. Fouche
on the outskirts of Pretoria. Specimens are preserved in the National
Herbarium, Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION:--Acaulescent plants with several subterranean stems from
the apex of the deep tap-root. _Leaves_ crowded, radical, 2·5-6·5 cm.
long, 3-5 mm. broad, linear, with an acute callous at the apex,
attenuated at the base, somewhat channelled above, hispid on the upper
surface, woolly-canescent beneath except on the midrib, entire,
spinulose-ciliate. _Heads_ many to each root. _Peduncle_ about 3·5 cm.
long, sparsely woolly, especially beneath the involucre, or subglabrous.
_Involucral-tube_ 7 mm. long, 6 mm. in diameter, turbinate; lobes in 4
rows; outer lobes 6 mm. long, 1 mm. broad, linear, obtuse,
spinulose-ciliate; inner lobes 4 mm. long, 2 mm. broad, ovate, obtuse
with reddish-brown membranous margins. _Ray-florets_ neuter, white with
a purplish band beneath; corolla tube 7 mm. long, cylindric; limb 1·7
mm. long, 4·5 mm. broad, lanceolate, bifid at the apex, with each lobe
minutely 2-toothed, about 7-nerved and distinctly 2-keeled beneath.
_Disc-florets_ hermaphrodite; corolla-tube 6 mm. long, subcylindric,
somewhat 5-angled, glabrous; lobes 1·5 mm. long, ·5 mm. broad,
lanceolate, obtuse. _Pappus_ of hyaline linear scales 1·5 mm. long.
_Ovary_ covered with long silky hairs; style 7 mm. long, cylindric
(lengthening with age); stigmas ·75 long, linear, obtuse.
* * * * *
PLATE 64.--Fig. 1, young flower head; Fig. 2, section through
involucre; Fig. 3, flower head just before opening; Fig. 4, surface
view of flower head; Fig. 5, corolla of ray-florets; Fig. 6, disc
floret; Fig. 7, leaf; all variously enlarged.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _65._
K.A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 65.
ORNITHOGALUM THUNBERGIANUM.
_Cape Province._
* * * * *
LILIACEAE. Tribe SCILLEAE.
ORNITHOGALUM, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p.
815.
* * * * *
=Ornithogalum Thunbergianum=, _Baker in Journ. Linn. Soc._ vol. xiii. p.
269; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 497.
* * * * *
_Ornithogalum Thunbergianum_, the “Yellow Chinkerichee,” is found in the
Malmesbury, Paarl, and Van Rhynsdorp Districts of Cape Province. It was
found by Carl Thunberg at Saldana Bay about the year 1772, and named by
him _O. maculatum_, but as this specific name had already been given to
a plant figured by Jacquin, the late Mr. Baker redescribed the species
here dealt with and named it after Thunberg, although there is some
doubt as to whether the plant figured by Jacquin is specifically
distinct from _O. Thunbergianum_.
The perianth is a beautiful “flame scarlet” colour with a black mark at
the tip of the three outer segments. The species should be grown by all
lovers of our native flora, and would well repay cultivation.
We are indebted to Mrs. E. Rood, Van Rhynsdorp, for specimens which
enabled us to prepare the present plate. Specimens are preserved in the
National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1469).
DESCRIPTION:--_Bulb_ 2-3 cm. long, 2-3 cm. in diameter, ovoid or
compressed-globose, covered with thin membranous tunics. _Leaves_
withering at time of flowering, 5-10 cm. long, 1 cm. broad below,
ovate-linear, tapering to an acute apex, glabrous, glaucous-green.
_Peduncle_ 12-38 cm. long, terete, rigid, glabrous. _Inflorescence_
2-6-flowered. _Bracts_ membranous, 2·3-2·5 cm. long, linear-oblong,
acuminate, more or less clasping and equalling the pedicel. _Pedicels_
1·7 cm. long, terete, the lower somewhat arcuate. _Perianth segments_
2-2·3 long, ·8-1 cm. broad; the outer obovate-oblanceolate, subacute,
with a black mark at the apex; the inner ovate-lanceolate. _Filaments_ 7
mm. long, cylindric, slightly narrowing above; anthers 3 mm. long.
_Ovary_ 8 mm. long, 5 mm. in diameter, ellipsoid; style 2 mm. long;
stigma trigonous.
* * * * *
PLATE 65.--Fig. 1, stamens; Fig. 2, gynaecium; Fig. 3, bract.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _66._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 66.
FERRARIA ANTHEROSA.
_Cape Province._
* * * * *
IRIDACEAE. Tribe MOROEEAE.
FERRARIA, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 692.
* * * * *
=Ferraria antherosa=, _Ker. in Bot. Mag._ 751; _Fl. Cap._ vol. vi. p. 29.
* * * * *
Our species was first figured in Curtis’ _Botanical Magazine_ in 1804
from a plant which was raised in Salisbury’s garden at Brompton,
England. It is not at all a well-known plant, as it is only recorded in
the _Flora Capensis_ as having been collected by Zeyher in the
Clanwilliam District, and by Ecklon at Groenkloof in the Malmesbury
District. The plant from which our plate was prepared was sent to the
Division of Botany, Pretoria, by Mrs. E. Rood from Van Rhynsdorp. The
genus _Ferraria_ is represented in South Africa by six species, and by
one species in Angola. The flowers last only for a very short time after
opening, but a succession of flowers appears on each plant. None of the
species can be called ornamental from a gardener’s point of view, but
the structure of the flower is very beautiful and the colouring quaint.
Plants would only be grown as a botanical curiosity, and not for their
beauty. Specimens are preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria
(Herb. No. 1471).
DESCRIPTION:--_Corms_ several arranged one on top of the other, discoid,
about 3·5 cm. in diameter. _Plant_ about 23 cm. high. _Leaves_ three,
17-26 cm. long, linear and 1 cm. broad above, subacute, equitant and
clasping the stem below. _Bracts_ subtending the inflorescences,
resembling the leaves. _Bracts_ subtending the ultimate inflorescence
5-8 cm. long, 1·6-2·6 cm. broad, elliptic, boat-shaped, with membranous
margins. _Perianth segments_ 2·5 cm. long, forming a campanulate portion
1·5 cm. long and 1·3 cm. in diameter, then spreading into a horizontal
portion; the spreading portion 1·4 cm. long, 1·4 broad, ovate, subacute,
with frilled margins. _Staminal tube_ 1·6 cm. long, cylindric, anther
lobes diverging. _Ovary_ cylindric, with a beak 3 cm. long; stigmas
long-fimbriated.
* * * * *
PLATE 66.--Fig. 1, corms; Fig. 2, flower; Fig. 3, top of style
showing stigmas and anthers; Fig. 4, stigma.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _67._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 67.
HARVEYA SQUAMOSA.
_Cape Province, Natal, Little Namaqualand._
* * * * *
SCROPHULARIACEAE. Tribe GERARDIEAE.
HARVEYA, _Hook._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. ii. p. 967.
* * * * *
=Harveya squamosa=, _Steud. Nomencl. Bot. ed._ 2, i. 723: _Fl. Cap._ iv.
sect 2, p. 413.
* * * * *
The Genus _Harveya_ contains 27 species, all of which are parasitic on
the roots of other plants. In South Africa 21 species are recorded, the
remainder being found in Tropical Africa and the Mascarene Islands. The
name was given by Sir William Hooker in commemoration of Dr. Harvey, who
was one of the pioneers of South African systematic botany. The plant
belongs to a group known as total parasites, _i.e._ it is wholly
dependent on its host for its food supply. Specialised roots technically
known as “haustoria” penetrate the roots of the host plant and absorb
the requisite food material.
The species here figured occurs in the Cape Peninsula, all along the
western coastal districts to Clanwilliam and Van Rhynsdorp and into
Little Namaqualand. It has also been recorded from the sand-dunes near
Durban in Natal. The specimens from which our plate was prepared were
collected by Mrs. E. Rood at Van Rhynsdorp, and are preserved in the
National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. No. 1456).
DESCRIPTION:--A herbaceous plant about 13 cm. high. _Scale leaves_ 8 mm.
long, 1 cm. broad, ovate, acuminate, pubescent without. _Inflorescence_
racemose, densely many-flowered, 2·5 cm. in diameter, more or less
cylindric; axis 1 cm. in diameter near base, narrowing upwards. _Bracts_
1-2 cm. long, ·5-·9 cm. broad, oblong or obovate-spathulate, obtuse,
glandular pilose without; bracteoles 2, opposite at base of the calyx, 3
cm. long, 1·5 mm. broad, linear, glandular-pilose. _Pedicels_ 1 cm.
long, fleshy. _Calyx-tube_ 2·5 cm. long, 7 mm. in diameter, tubular,
glandular-pilose without, glabrous within; lobes 1·5-1·7 cm. long, 3
mm. broad at the base, gradually tapering from a triangular base.
_Corolla-tube_ 3 cm. long, 4 mm. in diameter, tubular, glandular-pilose
without and also within about the middle; lobes 4 mm. long, 5 mm. broad,
semiorbicular, rounded above, somewhat concave, glandular-pubescent
without. _Stamens_ attached to the middle of the corolla tube; filaments
of 2 different lengths; the longer 1·6 cm. long; the shorter 1·3 cm.
long; all sparsely covered with glandular hairs; anthers with one
fertile lobe and one unfertile lobe. _Ovary_ 5 mm. long, 4 mm. in
diameter; style 2·5 cm. long, terete, sparsely covered with a few
glandular hairs; stigma clavate, faintly 2-lobed.
* * * * *
PLATE 67.--Fig. 1, showing haustoria attached to portion of host;
Fig. 2, single flowers showing bract and bracteoles; Fig. 3, bract;
Fig. 4, bracteole; Fig. 5, calyx laid open; Fig. 6, corolla; Fig.
7, corolla laid open; Fig. 8, stigma; Figs. 9, 10, portion of
filaments with anther; Fig. 11, style and ovary.
F.P.S.A., 1922.
[Illustration: _68._
K. A. Lansdell del.]
PLATE 68.
GLADIOLUS PRITZELII.
_Cape Province._
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IRIDEAE. Tribe IXIEAE.
GLADIOLUS, _Linn._; _Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant._ vol. iii. p. 709.
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=Gladiolus Pritzelii=, _Diels in Engl. Bot. Jahrb._ vol. xliv. p. 118.
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