[Illustration:
_Vol. =VII=_
_of the_
Botanists Repository
_Comprising
Colour’d Engravings_
of
_New and Rare Plants_
ONLY
With Botanical Descriptions, &c.
---- _in_ ----
_Latin and English,
after the_
Linnæan System,
_by
H. Andrews_
_Botanical Painter Engraver &c._
]
PLATE CCCCXXXIII.
AGAVE AMERICANA.
_Great American Aloe._
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX nullus. Corolla monopetala, sex-partita. Stamina sena,
corolla longiora. Germen inferum. Stylus longior staminibus.
Capsula trilocularis, trivalvis. Semina numerosa.
EMPALEMENT none. Blossom one-petalled, six-parted. Chives six,
longer than the blossom. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft longer than the
chives. Capsule three-celled, three-valved. Seeds many.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
AGAVE, acaulis, foliis dentatis, spinosis: scapo e medio ramoso:
floribus terminalibus in umbellis densissime capitatis: tubo
corollæ læte viridi, e medio angustato: staminibus corolla
longioribus: stylo staminibus longiore.
AGAVE, without a stem; leaves toothed and thorny: flower-stem in
the centre branched: the flowers terminate the branches in
close-headed umbels: the tube of the blossom is greenish, and
narrowed in the centre: the chives are longer than the flowers, and
the style longer than the chives.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A plant in miniature.
2. A flower natural size.
3. The same spread open.
4. Seed-bud cut transversely.
5. The end of a leaf, the upper part scraped
to show its thready fibres.
This tall and stately plant has ever been regarded, in this country, as
an object of sufficient interest and curiosity to merit an exposure in
the form of an exhibition; whilst in the southern parts of Spain and
Portugal they are so abundant as to form hedges, by way of barriers to
repress the inroads of cattle. There are several very slight varieties;
one of whose leaves are edged with yellow, but the same in every other
respect. Miller enumerates one whose paniculated flowers bear a very
different aspect. Cortusus is said to be the first European that
possessed this great Aloe, about the year 1561: in 1714 two flowered at
Hampton Court, and one at the duke of Buckingham’s. At Friedericksberg,
in Denmark, one flowered with 19 branches and 4000 flowers; and one in
the king of Prussia’s garden, said to be 40 feet high. They are now more
frequently found in bloom, as rarely a year passes without one or more
of them being advertised for public inspection. In addition to their
grand exterior, they possess many useful properties: Cavanilles, in his
Natural History of Valentia, mentions their abundance, and the numbers
of people employed in manufacturing them; for, when bruised, separated,
and steeped in water, they yield a strong thread, of which all the bags
are made in which dollars are imported. The juice of the leaves is said
to be used as a succedaneum for soap, and the spungy substance of the
stem for tinder. The points of the leaves are by the Indians made use of
to head their arrows, whose hard consistence is a good substitute for
iron; and the thready character of their fibres furnishes all that is
necessary to fasten them. Linnæus has separated this genus from Aloe,
from the extension of the stamens and style beyond the corolla, and the
resting of the corolla on the germ: they also differ in growth, as all
Agaves have their central leaves closely enfoliating and embracing the
flower-stem, which, forming in the centre, never appears till they are
expanded; it then proceeds with a rapidity that in a few weeks reaches
maturity, and when the flowers are past the plant dies. On the contrary,
the flower-stem of the Aloe comes out from the side annually from the
same plant. Our figure was made from two plants at Kensington Gore, each
bearing 2000 flowers, and about 70 years old, belonging to J. Vere, Esq.
who perfectly recollects them for above half a century: but in those
warmer climes, where they are so abundant, 25 or 30 years are sufficient
to bring them to perfection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXIV.
PULTENÆA NANA.
_Dwarf Pultenæa._
CLASS X. ORDER I.
_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX quinquedentatus, utrinque appendiculatus. Corolla
papilionacea, alis vexillo brevioribus, Legumen uniloculare,
dispermum.
CUP five-toothed, with a hanging prop on each side. Blossom
butterfly-shaped, the wings shorter than the standard. A one-celled
pod, two-seeded.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PULTENÆA, foliis iliciformibus, undulatis, contortis, rigidis,
acutis: floribus minii colore, axillaribus, racemosis. Caulis
humilis.
PULTENÆA, with holly-shaped leaves, waved, twisted, harsh, and
sharp-pointed. Flowers minium-coloured, growing from the insertion
of the leaves in longish bunches. Stem low.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The cup, with its appendages.
2. The standard of the blossom.
3. One of the wings of the same.
4. The two leaves which form the keel.
5. The chives magnified.
6. The pointal, natural size.
7. The same magnified.
8. A ripe seed-pod.
9. The same spread open.
10. A ripe seed.
This lively little Dwarf Pultenæa we have not as yet seen any where but
in the conservatory of G. Hibbert, Esq. where, contrasted with many
large magnificent plants, its minute and diminutive form made a
perfectly unique appearance. When we first observed it, its height did
not exceed an inch and a half. Our figure represents the whole plant,
which for six months was in progressive constant bloom, and after
flowering ripened its seeds freely; an evident proof of the plant being
in a state of perfection. It is now three months since the plant
perfected its seeds, during which period we have not perceived the least
increase in its size. But, notwithstanding this apparent torpidity, it
is now exhibiting the buds of its future blossoms. It has been imagined
by some to be the Chorizema of Billardiere, a new plant found by that
gentleman in New South Wales whilst in search of the unfortunate La
Perouse; but, upon comparing it with the figure in that work, we do not
find a sufficient resemblance to induce us to regard it as the same
plant.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXV.
VERBENA MUTABILIS.
_Changeable-flowered Vervain._
CLASS II. ORDER I.
_DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Two Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA infundibuliformis, sub-æqualis, curva. Calyx unifoliatus,
dentatus, truncatus. Sem. 2, s. 4. nuda. Stam. 2, s. 4.
BLOSSOM funnel-shaped, nearly equal, and curved. Empalement
one-leafed, toothed, and cut off. Seeds 2, sometimes 4, naked.
Chives 2, sometimes 4.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
VERBENA diandra, filamenta quatuor: spica longissima, carnosa,
nuda: foliis ovatis, basi productis, dentatis, scabris, villosis:
floribus imprimis coccineis, denique incarnatis: caule fruticoso.
VERBENA, with two chives and four filaments. Flower-spike very
long, fleshy, and naked. Leaves ovate, lengthened at the base,
toothed, rough, and hairy. Flowers at first scarlet, then going off
in a flesh colour. Stem shrubby.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. A flower cut open.
3. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
The native place of the Verbena mutabilis seems rather enveloped in
obscurity: by some it is supposed to be indigenous to Peru. It is a
beautiful plant, and the most desirable Verbena we are acquainted with,
as it is at least six months in successive bloom. It is one of those
Verbenas that, differing a little from the general character of that
genus, has received various titles from different botanists: by
Professor Vahl, in his Enumeratio Plantarum, it is called
Stachytarpheta. The present species has been recently figured in the
Paradisus Londinensis under the title of Cymburus mutabilis, and
probably at some future period it may again receive another title: but
until we can find some better path to lead us into the open plain or
Information, we shall keep jogging on in the old beaten track, in
preference to every crooked turning that may bewilder us into the mazy
labyrinth of affected Science. Our figure was made from a fine plant in
the nursery of Messrs. Colville.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXVI.
CORRÆA VIRIDIFLORA.
_Green-flowered Corræa._
CLASS VIII. ORDER I.
_OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Eight Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX monophyllus, quadri-dentatus. Corolla petala quatuor. Stamina
octo. Germen superum. Capsula quadrilocularis. Semina quatuor.
EMPALEMENT one-leafed, four-toothed. Blossom four-petalled. Eight
chives. Seed-bud above. Capsule four cells, and four seeds.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
CORRÆA, foliis oblongis, oppositis, undulatis, stellatim hirsutis,
supra viridibus, subtus ferrugineis: foliis junioribus
conniventibus, flores dum parvos obscurantibus, qui postea emergunt
ex axillis foliorum, et dependent. Corolla viridis, leviter
punctata, petalis adhærentibus in forma cylindrica. Rami oppositi,
ferruginei.
CORRÆA, with oblong opposite leaves, waved, and beset with divers
starlike specks; green on the upper surface and rusty beneath: the
younger leaves connive together, and obscure the flowers when
young, which afterwards emerge from the axillæ of the leaves, and
hang down. Blossom green, and lightly dotted, the petals adhering
in the form of a tube. The branches are opposite, and rusty.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. A blossom detached from the cup.
3. A flower spread open.
4. One of the longest chives.
5. One of the shorter ones.
6. Seed-bud and pointal.
7. Seed-bud magnified.
This green-flowered Corræa is by no means so desirable a plant as the
alba, but is the only addition to this genus as yet in cultivation with
us, and as such deserving notice. It has been already figured in the
Exotic Botany of Dr. Smith, but very imperfectly, as it is there
represented with only two divisions in the corolla instead of four, and
six antheræ instead of eight--a deficiency we have not met with: and
although we have examined a number of living and dried specimens, yet we
have always found it perfect in those characters essential to the genus.
The only variation we have ever observed has been sometimes a
super-abundance of petals in the corolla; (instead of a deficiency) five
instead of four, a frequent occurrence in many genera when the plant is
in a state of luxuriant growth: and certainly little illustration, but
much confusion, might probably arise from giving a figure from any
specimen so very defective. We find this genus published by Billardiere
under the title Mazeutoxeron--our present figure under the specific of
rufum--an excellent specific, were it not a striking feature in every
species of this genus, living or dried, that we have as yet seen. Our
figure was made from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXVII.
PROTEA CANALICULATA.
_Channelled-leaved Protea._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4 petala. Antheræ lineares, petalis infra
apicem insertæ. Calyx proprius, nullus. Semina solitaria.
BLOSSOM four-cleft, or four petals. Tips linear, inserted into the
petals below the ends. Cup proper, none. Seeds solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PROTEA, foliis canaliculatis, incurvatis, rigidis, linearibus,
acutis: floribus purpureis, terminalibus: caule rubro.
PROTEA, with channelled leaves, incurved, harsh, linear, and
sharp-pointed: flowers purple, and terminating the branches: stem
red.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. One of the scales of the empalement.
2. The chives magnified.
3. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
This fine Protea is of recent introduction, within the last four or five
years, from the Cape of Good Hope to the gardens of G. Hibbert, Esq.
From the particular strong channel on the back of its leaves we have
adopted its specific title, and have no doubt that a feature so visible
in every stage of the plant will always discriminate it. The leaves are
enlivened by such brilliant red stalks, as, in addition to its flower,
render it an attractive object: nor is it so difficult to preserve as
many of them are; for the greatest of care is requisite to preserve
numbers of this fine tribe from the damps of this island, an enemy they
are so little accustomed to in their native clime.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXVIII.
PROTEA SPECIOSA.
_Showy Protea._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4 petala. Antheræ lineares, petalis infra
apices insertæ. Calyx proprius, nullus. Sem. solitaria.
BLOSSOM four-cleft, or of four petals. Tips linear, inserted into
the petals below the points. Cup proper, none. Seeds solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PROTEA, foliis lanceolatis, obliquis, pilosis, undulatis: squamis
calycinis superioribus, lanceolatis, barbatis, luteo-albis; squamis
infra lato-ovatis, tomentosis, barbatis, apice discoloratis: caulis
erectus, tripedalis.
PROTEA, with leaves lance-shaped, oblique, hairy, and waved: the
upper scales of the empalement are lance-shaped, bearded, and of a
yellowish white: the scales beneath are broadly ovate, downy,
bearded, and discoloured towards the ends. Stem erect, and three
feet high.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A blossom, the petals spread to show the situation of the chives.
2. The seed-bud and pointal.
This fine large Protea we believe is not at present in any other
collection in Europe, but that of G. Hibbert, esq. It is enumerated in
the Hortus Kewensis under the name of Protea speciosa, but the plant
itself has been long lost to those gardens. Thunberg, in his
dissertation on Protea, describes our plant exactly, under the
appellation of speciosa: and, that no doubt might remain with respect to
the specific adopted, our figure has been compared with a remarkable
fine specimen in the herbarium of A. B. Lambert, esq., sent by Dr.
Roxburgh from the Cape of Good Hope under the title of “Protea speciosa
of Hottentot Island.” It is undoubtedly one of the grandest of this fine
section of Protea; for as a section of this numerous family it will
always be better understood than it can possibly be as a discriminative
specific. This extended tribe will, we think, admit of at least four or
five partitions, but not Generic divisions, for we can by no means agree
with those who think every slight variation of sufficient consequence to
form new genera; and in this genus think it more objectionable than in
any other. The title of Protea being derived from the God Proteus of
ever-varying form, the more removed this tribe of plants are in their
externa facie from each other, so much the better do they support their
mythologic title.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXXXIX.
STAPELIA ORBICULARIS.
_Orbicular Stapelia._
CLASS V. ORDER II.
_PENTANDRIA DIGYNIA._ Five Chives. Two Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium quinquefidum, acutum, parvum, persistens.
COROLLA. Monopetala, crassa, quinquefida, acuta, contorta.
_Nectaria_ duplicia, stelliformia; superiore genitalia tegente.
STAMINA sub-sessilia, ad nectarium adhærentia. Antheræ bifidæ.
PISTILLA. Germina duo, oblonga, acuminata. Styli duo, subulati. Stigma
utroque commune, magnum, crassum, pentagonum.
PERICARPIUM. Folliculi duo, uniloculares, univalves.
SEMINA numerosa, pappo coronata.
EMPALEMENT. Cup five-cleft, sharp, small, and remaining.
BLOSSOM one-petalled, thick, five-parted, pointed, and twisted.
_Honey-cups_ double and starlike; the upper nectary hiding the
parts of fructification.
CHIVES nearly sessile, and attached to the nectary. Tips two-cleft.
POINTAL. Seed-buds two, oblong, and tapered. Shafts two, awl-shaped.
Summit common to both, large, thick, and five-cornered.
SEED-VESSEL. Two pods, one-celled, one-valved.
SEEDS numerous, and crowned with a feather.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
STAPELIA orbicularis; ramis pluribus, erecto-patentibus,
tetragonis, dentatis; corollis quinquefidis, in medio orbiculatis,
densissime punctatis; laciniis cordatis, rugosis, striatis,
fuscatis.
STAPELIA with orbicular flowers; branches numerous, erect and
spreading, four-sided, and toothed; blossom five-cleft, rounded in
the centre, and closely dotted; segments of the border are
heart-shaped, wrinkled, and striped with brown.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement, nectaries, chives and pointals.
2. The nectaries, chives, and pointals, magnified.
3. A section of the above, magnified.
4. The same shown in a side direction, to expose the
situation of the chives.
5. The seed-buds, shafts, and summit.
This perfectly new Stapelia we have not met with in any other collection
but that of Messrs. Loddige, from whom we received it under the title of
orbicularis, a specific derived from the circular centre of the flower a
very discriminative appellation; and, although not exclusively the
character of this species, is much more distinctly marked in this plant
than in any other we have as yet seen. Upon comparing our figure with
forty-one species described and figured by Mr. F. Masson, not any
affinity could be discerned powerful enough to render a reference by any
means requisite: there is a sombre appearance annexed to almost all the
flowers of this most curious tribe, and they more resemble pieces of
mechanism than the vegetable productions of nature. They require but
little water in summer, and still less in winter; should be carefully
sheltered from rain and frost, and they will succeed very well, and are
easily propagated by slips from the joints, but very rarely seed in this
country. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and are called Stapelias
after a Dutch botanist of the name of Stapel.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXL.
SOPHORA SERICEA.
_Silky-leaved Sophora._
CLASS X. ORDER I.
_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX quinquedentatus, superne gibbus. Corolla papillonacea, alis
longitudine vexilli. Pericarpium, legumen.
EMPALEMENT five-toothed, the upper ones gibbose, or gouty. Blossom
butterfly-shaped, with the wings the length of the standard.
Seed-vessel, a pod.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
SOPHORA, foliis sericeis, oblongis, alternatis, pilo mollissimo
lucido omnino tectis, apice acutis, revolutis, ad basin stipulis
parvis; floribus simplicibus, axillaribus, pallide purpureis;
caulis argenteus.
SOPHORA with silky leaves, oblong, alternate, and entirely covered
by a very soft shining hair, sharp-pointed, and rolled back, with
small stipulæ at their base; flowers grow singly from the axillae
of the leaves, and of a pale purple; stem silvery.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. The standard.
3. One of the wings.
4. The keel.
5. The chives and pointal.
6. The same magnified.
7. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
This delicate Sophora may literally be said to be an old plant with a
new face, as we have been long familiar with the foliage, but entirely
unacquainted with its flowers, till very lately we found it in luxuriant
bloom (and we believe for the first time in this country) in the
conservatory of G. Hibbert, esq. this month (December), probably not the
regular period of its inflorescence, but the effect of casualty assisted
by the uncommon mildness of the season. It would be a vain endeavour to
attempt to do justice to the beautiful shining silky appearance of the
leaves; and when aided by its delicate purple flowers, its attraction is
equal, if not superior, to any of the genus. The want of freedom in its
flowering is a defect not entirely confined to this species only, but is
in some degree attached to most Sophoras. It is a native of the Cape of
Good Hope, and requires as much air as can with safety be administered
to it in this country.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLI.
EPIDENDRUM FUSCATUM.
_Brown-flowered Epidendrum._
CLASS XX. ORDER I.
_GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA._ Chives on the Pointals. Two Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
NECTARIUM turbinatum, obliquum, reflexum.
HONEY-CUP top-shaped, oblique, and reflexed. See Pl. XIII. Vol. I.
Epidendrum cochleatum.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
EPIDENDRUM, foliis lanceolatis, caulem vagina alterne tegentibus,
contortis, atro-purpureo discoloratis; floribus umbellatis
terminalibus fuscatis, leviter punctatis, vel striatis.
EPIDENDRUM, with lance-shaped leaves, alternately sheathing the
stem, twisted, and discoloured with a deep purple; flowers
terminate the branches in umbels, of a brownish colour, dotted or
striped.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The nectary, or honey-cup.
2. The blossom detached.
3. The seed-bud, chives, and pointal, the hood
lifted up that covers the chives.
4. The same magnified.
Amongst this numerous parasitic tribe there are many whose claim to
beauty is by no means powerful, and certainly the present figure has
little to boast of in that particular: but the singular and curious
structure of their flowers will always render every new species and even
distinct varieties desirable, particularly as they are an essential
connecting link in the interesting family of the Orchidiæ. We were at
first inclined to regard it as the E. fuscatum of Dr. Smith on rare
plants; but on comparison with that figure we found it in foliage nearly
the same, but so different both in the size and colour of its flowers,
that, if it might be regarded as a variety, it must certainly be a very
distinct one. It is a native of Jamaica, and as such requires the
protection of the stove. From a plant plunged in the tan-bed our drawing
was made at the gardens of G. Hibbert, esq.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLII.
PROTEA PULCHELLA, _Var. speciosa_.
_Waved-leaved Protea, Speciosa Variety._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4 petala. Antheræ lineares, petalis infra
apices insertæ. Calyx proprius, nullus. Sem. solitaria.
BLOSSOM four-cleft, or four petals. Tips linear, inserted into the
petals below the points. Cup proper, none. Seeds solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PROTEA, foliis lanceolatis, undulatis, rubro marginatis, pilosis;
squamis calycis tricoloratis; capitulo-erecto, terminali: caule
ramoso, bipedali.
PROTEA, with lance-shaped leaves, waved, margined with red, and
hairy; scales of the cup three-coloured: flower-head upright, and
terminal: stem branching, and two feet high.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement and chives.
2. Seed-bud and pointal.
Our figure represents so evident a variation of the Protea pulchella,
that it probably should be only regarded as a fine large flowering
variety; but as it exhibits a strong affinity in the flowers to that
fine section of Protea called Speciosa, it is certainly better to
denominate it a variety of that species, than to adhere too closely to
the appellation of its original, whose specific is of too
indiscriminative a character to be adopted any further than the
acceptation of it already may have rendered necessary. The only method
to avoid confusion in this extended varying tribe in future, will be to
make as few species as possible in addition to those already made,
unless they can be founded upon some apparent leading feature in the
plant. Our drawing was made from the Hibbertian collection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLIII.
ERYTHRINA SPECIOSA.
_Showy Erythrina._
CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.
_DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Chives in two sets. Ten chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, integrum, tubulosum, ore superne
emarginatum, inferne poris melliferis instructum.
COROLLA. Papilionacea.
_Vexillum_ lanceolatum, lateribus deflexum, adscendens,
longissimum.
_Alæ_ sub-ovatæ, calyce vix longiores, extra tubum vexilli vix
eminentes, minimæ.
_Carina_ recta, longitudine alarum, dipetala, emarginata.
STAMINA. Filamenta diadelpha, filamenta decem, inferne connata,
parum incurva, longitudine dimidii vexilli, inequalia, sagittata.
PISTILLUM. Germen pedicellatum, subulatum, attenuatum in stylum
subulatum, longitudine staminum. Stigma terminale, simplex.
PERICARPIUM. Legumen longissimum, ac seminis nondum tumidis
acuminate terminatum, uniloculare.
SEMINA reniformia.
Obs. _E._ Herbacea staminibus decem distinctis.
EMPALEMENT. Cup one-leafed, entire and tubular, emarginated on the upper
part, the part beneath with little pores containing honey.
BLOSSOM. Butterfly-shaped.
_Standard_ lance-shaped, bowing sideways, ascending, and very long.
_Wings_ nearly egg-shaped and scarcely longer than the tube of the
empalement, outside the standard and very small.
_Keel_ straight out, the length of the wings, two-petalled and
emarginated.
CHIVES. Threads in two sets, ten threads joined together beneath,
slightly turned inwards, half the length of the standard, unequal, and
arrow-headed.
POINTAL. Seed-bud with a footstalk awl-shaped, and tapering into the
shaft, which is awl-shaped, and of the length of the stamens. Summit
terminating simple.
SEED-VESSEL. A very long pod, and before the seeds are swelled out
terminated with a sharp point; of one cell.
SEEDS kidney-shaped.
Obs. E. Herbacea has ten distinct stamens.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
ERYTHRINA speciosa, foliis magnis, ternatis; foliolis cordatis,
subtus nervosis aculeatis. Caulis tripedalis, erectus, spinosus,
viridis.
ERYTHRINA with showy flowers, leaves large and three-divided;
leaflets heart-shaped, with prickly nerves on the under side. Stem
three feet high, upright, thorny, and green.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. A blossom spread open.
3. The standard.
4. One of the wings.
5. The keel.
6. The chives spread open.
7. Seed-bud and pointal.
This superb Erythrina was communicated to the author by A. B. Lambert,
esq., with whom it flowered in the month of November, for the first time
in this kingdom. It is at present treated as a hot-house plant, but Mr.
Lambert informs us that it is perfectly hardy, and strikes so freely
that, although at present it is a nondescript and very rare plant, it
will, doubtless, soon make its appearance in most collections: its
splendid flowers and easy culture will soon recommend it into general
notice. There are but five species of this genus yet known; the present
subject will therefore be a valuable addition to the number. The falling
off of the leaves is its only defect, which we have no doubt but a
hardier mode of treatment will remove. It is supposed to be a native of
South America.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLIV.
LOBELIA HIRSUTA.
_Hairy Lobelia._
CLASS XIX. ORDER VI.
_SYNGENESIS MONOGAMIA._ Tips united. Flowers simple.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX 5-fidus. Corolla 1-petala, irregularis. Capsula infera 2-seu
3-locularis.
CUP 5-cleft. Blossom, 1-petalled, irregular. Capsule beneath, 2 or
3 celled.
See Pl. CCLXXIII. Vol. IV. Lobelia pinifolia.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
LOBELIA foliis hirsutis, inferioribus oblongis, dentatis, hirsutis;
floribus albis, solitariis axillaribus; pedunculis elongatis;
stigmatibus obtusis, pilosis; caule fruticosa, pilosa, petente.
LOBELIA with hairy leaves; the lower ones are oblong, toothed and
hirsute: flowers white, and grow singly from the base of the
leaves: foot-stalks lengthened: summits blunt, and hairy: Stem
shrubby, hairy, and spreading.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The flower and chives spread open and magnified.
2. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
The Lobelias are an extensive family, but in a very confused state at
present; not many of them having been described, and almost all that
have been figured are blue flowers, a scarce colour in most genera,
although so prevalent in this, and most probably to the attraction of
this colour is chiefly owing the notice already taken of them: for, as
beautiful little annuals, they have an irresistible claim to our
attention. Our present subject does not possess the charm of colour, but
from its lively white flowers and constant succession of bloom it is
well deserving a place in the green-house. Our figure represents an
entire plant, taken from the Cape Nursery of Messrs. Middlemist and
Wood, near Shepherd’s Bush on the Edgware Road.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLV.
EPIDENDRUM LINEARE.
_Linear-leaved Epidendrum._
CLASS XX. ORDER I.
_GYNANDRIA DIANDRIA._ Chives on the Pointal. Two Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
NECTARIUM turbinatum, obliquum, reflexum.
HONEY-CUP top-shaped, oblique, and reflexed. See Pl. XIII. Vol. I.
Epidendrum cochleatum.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
EPIDENDRUM, foliis linearibus, caulem vagina alterne tegantibus,
apice crenatis: floribus terminalibus, spicatis, alternatis,
purpureis; caulis juncinus, longus, gracilis.
EPIDENDRUM, with linear leaves, alternately sheathing the stem, and
notched at the end: flowers terminate the branches in a spike,
alternate, and purple: stem rush-like, long, and slender.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The blossom without the honey-cup, spread open to show the chives.
2. The same magnified.
3. The honey-cup magnified.
4. The pointal magnified.
In the Icones of Jacquin we find a figure of this Epidendrum, under the
appellation we have adopted, but evidently taken from a dried specimen,
with a reference to the Icones of Father Plumier 182, fig. 1. under the
title of Heleborine; but on comparison we find no affinity sufficiently
powerful to induce us to regard them as representing the same plant. In
Plumier’s figure there is no incisure at the end of the leaves, a
specific character in our plant; the rest of the figure is also too
obscure to admit of comparison. The plant, from its long and slender
stalks, acquires a graceful bend when in flower. As a native of Jamaica
it requires the tan-bed of the hot-stove for its protection; and, like
many other tropical plants, is subject to lose much of its beauty by the
loss of the leaves on the lower part of the stem. Our figure was made
from the Hibbertian Collection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLVI.
DOLICHOS HIRTUS.
_Hairy-stemmed Dolichos._
CLASS XVII. ORDER IV.
_DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA._ Chives in two sets. Ten Chives.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
VEXILLUM callis duobus ad basin, parallelis, oblongis, alis subtus
comprimentibus.
STANDARD with two callosities at the base; parallel, and of an
oblong form; the wings beneath binding together.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
DOLICHOS hirtus; caule volubili, tecto ferrugineis pilosis;
floribus luteis striatis rubris; foliis ternatis; foliolis
sub-cordatis, subtus pilosis; stipulis duabus ad basin; radice
tuberosa.
DOLICHOS with a hairy stem: the stalk is twining, and covered with
rusty hairs: flowers are yellow, and striped with red: leaves
ternate; leaflets nearly heart-shaped, and hairy beneath, with two
stipulæ at their base: root tuberous.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The cup.
2. The standard.
3. One of the wings shown from the inside.
4. The keel.
5. The chives and pointal.
6. The chives spread open.
7. The seed-bud and pointal.
This handsome twining plant was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope to
the gardens of G. Hibbert, esq. about the year 1802, and flowered very
luxuriantly, but did not perfect any of its seeds nor make any approach
towards it, as the flowers with their empalements all fell off together
immediately after flowering; and for the last three or four years the
plant (although apparently in a healthy state) has not indicated the
least appearance of bloom; and we are inclined to think it might
possibly succeed better with the careful treatment of the dry stove than
with its present situation in the hot-house; and if upon experiment it
should prove successful, it would then doubtless become a plant in
request by many cultivators who whilst it remains a hot-house plant
cannot give it a place in their collection.
This genus approaches so near to that of Phaseolus, that we cannot help
thinking one generic title would have been sufficient for them both.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLVII.
PROTEA ARGENTIFLORA.
_Silvery-flowered Protea._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4 petala. Antheræ lineares, petalis infra
apices insertæ. Calyx proprius, nullus. Sem. solitaria.
BLOSSOM four-cleft, or of four petals. Tips linear, inserted into
the petals below the points. Cup proper, none. Seeds solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PROTEA argentiflora; floribus paniculatis, densissime
confertissimis, parvis rotundatis capitatis, fragrantibus,
nitidissimis; foliis bipinnatis, linearibus, apice acutis,
erecto-patentibus.
PROTEA with silvery flowers: the flowers grow in panicles, closely
crowded together, in little round heads, sweet-scented and very
shining: leaves twice divided, linear, sharp-pointed, and between
erect and spreading.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. One of the scales.
2. A blossom detached from the umbel.
3. A section of it magnified.
4. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
5. The cone with the scales attached.
6. The same without the scales.
7. The naked cone.
From the shining silvery appearance of this Protea we have drawn its
specific title, although aware of the insurmountable difficulty of doing
justice to it: but in so extended a genus it will be frequently
impossible to give a discriminating or unoccupied specific from its
foliage:--our title may always be ascertained when the plant is in
bloom, whether in perfection or not, as the flowers living or dead
always retain a shining silvery aspect. It also possesses a most
exquisite sweet scent; but its superior fragrance only exists whilst the
flowers are in perfection; as after that period it grows fainter, and is
at last scentless. Our figure was made from the collection of G.
Hibbert, esq.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLVIII.
PÆONIA SUFFRUTICOSA; _Var. flore purpureo_.
_Shrubby Pæony; Purple-flowered Variety._
CLASS XIII. ORDER V.
_POLYANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Many Chives. Five Pointals.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX 5-phyllus. Petala 5. Styli 0. Capsulæ polyspermæ.
CUP 5-leaved. Petals 5. Pointal none. Capsules many-seeded.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PÆONIA caule suffruticoso, tripedali, ramoso: folia alternatim
bipinnata, pedalia et ultra, bifida et trifida, subtus glauca:
petiolis longis, canaliculatis, amplexicaulibus: floribus
semi-duplicibus, purpureis, splendentibus.
PÆONY with a shrubby stem, three feet high, and branching: leaves
alternately two-winged, a foot or more in length, two-and
three-cleft, glaucous beneath; the petioles are long, channelled,
and embracing the stem: flowers semi-double, purple, and very
splendid.
This elegant plant is the purple variety mentioned in our last Vol. Pl.
373. and flowered at the same time, with completely double flowers, and
so equal in point of beauty, that we hesitated some time before we could
determine to which we should give the preference. But had we seen the
purple one in its present semi-double state, it would undoubtedly have
claimed precedence, as well from its preserved botanic character, as its
superior beauty. The singular versatility of these plants we were
entirely unacquainted with when we figured the rose-coloured one; as,
since that period, we have seen them in bloom with single flowers, the
following year with double ones; and again the year after we found this
purple one in the semi-double state which our figure represents, the
plant then bearing five-and-twenty flowers in full perfection, forming a
coup-d’œil superior to any shrub we have ever seen.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCXLIX.
LINUM TRIGYNUM.
_Three-styled Golden Flax._
CLASS V. ORDER V.
_PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Five Chives. Five Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium pentaphyllum, lanceolatum, erectum, persistens.
COROLLA. Petala infundibuliformia quinque, oblonga, superne sensim
latiora, obtusa, patentia.
STAMINA. Filamenta quinque subulata, erecta, longitudine calycis
(rudimenta filorum insuper 5, alternantia). Antheræ simplices,
sagittatæ.
PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum. Styli 5, filiformes, erecti, longitudine
staminum. Stigmata simplicia, reflexa.
PERICARPIUM. Capsula globosa, pentagona, decemlocularis,
quinquevalvis.
SEMINA solitaria, ovato-planiuscula, acuminata, glabra.
EMPALEMENT. Cup five-leaved, lance-shaped, upright, and remaining.
BLOSSOM. Funnel-shaped petals five, oblong, widening upwards by
degrees, obtuse, and spreading.
CHIVES. Five filaments, awl-shaped, upright, the length of the
calyx (there are five alternate slight rudiments of threads).
Anthers simple, and arrow-shaped.
POINTAL. Seed-bud ovate. Shafts 5, thread-shaped, and upright, the
length of the stamens. Summits simple, and reflexed.
SEED-VESSEL. Capsule globular, five-sided, ten-celled, five-valved.
SEEDS solitary, of a flattish oval form, sharp-pointed, and smooth.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
LINUM trigynum, foliis alternis, ovatis, glabris, apice acuminatis:
floribus in ramis simpliciter terminalibus: corolla aurea, magna:
ramulis alternis, numerosis, viridibus.
FLAX with three pointals; leaves alternate, ovate, and smooth,
pointed at the end: flowers terminate the branches singly: blossoms
gold colour, and large: the smaller branches alternate, numerous,
and green.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. One of the petals.
3. Chives and pointals.
4. A chive magnified.
5. Seed-bud and pointals, a summit magnified.
6. The seed-bud cut transversely, magnified.
This perfectly new Linum is by far the most showy of the genus, and
illumines all the gloomy months of winter with its fine large flowers,
whose brilliance is not often surpassed even in the height of summer,
when Flora reigns with undiminished lustre. It has been hitherto
regarded as a hot-house plant, but is now found to succeed much better
with the careful treatment of the green-house. It is published by Capt.
Hardwicke in his enumeration of the plants of Sireenagur in the Asiatic
Annual Register of 1800, and was found by that gentleman on the sides of
the mountains in fine bloom in the month of December, and from whom it
received the specific title of trigynum. Its provincial name is said to
be Gul Ashorfee; from Gul a flower and Ashorfee gold, a coin current in
India of the value of 2_l._ sterling. There is a figure of this Linum in
the Exotic Botany of Dr. Smith, copied from a drawing, and represented
with deeply serrated leaves; a character very different from any of the
living plants we have as yet seen in bloom, not one of them exhibiting
the slightest vestige of a serrature on their foliage. Our figure was
made from a plant in luxuriant bloom at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley
and Brames.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCL.
ALBUCA FASTIGIATA.
_Level-topped Albuca._
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX nullus.
COROLLA hexapetala; tribus interioribus conniventibus, exterioribus
patulis.
STAMINA. Filamenta sex, apice inflexa, basi dilatata. Antheræ
oblongæ, in medio affixæ. Stylus triqueter. Stigma triquetrum.
PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, angulata, 3-locularis, 3-valvis.
SEMINA numerosa, plana.
OBS. In quibusdam speciebus tria stamina sterilia sunt.
EMPALEMENT none.
BLOSSOM. Six petals; the three inner ones conniving together, the
outer ones spreading.
CHIVES. Six threads turned inwards at the points, and widened at
the base. Tips oblong, and fastened in the centre. Shaft
three-sided. Summit three-cornered.
SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong, angular, 3-celled, 3-valved.
SEEDS many, flat.
OBS. In some species three of the stamens are sterile.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
ALBUCA foliis lanceolato-ensiformibus: floribus erectis,
paniculatis, fastigiatis, pedunculis longissimis: corollis albis,
in medio lineâ viridi: petalis interioribus apice fornicatis,
stamina includentibus, quæ sunt omnia fertilia.
ALBUCA with leaves between lance-and sword-shaped: flowers upright,
and grow paniculated and level: footstalks very long: blossoms
white, with a stripe of green in the centre; the inner petals
forming an arch at the end, and enclosing the stamens, which are
all fertile.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. One of the flower-props.
2. The chives and pointal.
3. One of the outer chives.
4. One of the inner ones.
5. Seed-bud and pointal.
This genus approaches so near to Ornithogalum, that they may easily be
mistaken for each other; the only visible distinction resting in the
unexpanding character of the three inner petals, or calyx; for opinions
vary with respect to their denomination--Jussieu, an able botanist
(through all the divisions of this family), regarding that as the
empalement which we, following Linnæus, describe as petals. In the
Species Plantarum of Willdenow we find our plant enumerated under the
specific title of fastigiata, with a technical description annexed to
it. From a plant in the garden of G. Hibbert, esq. about three years
ago, we made a drawing of this Albuca, but are inclined to think it
rather scarce, not having seen it since that period.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLI.
DIOSMA ERICÆFOLIA.
_Heath-leaved Diosma._
CLASS V. ORDER I.
_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 5-petala. Nectaria 5 supra germen. Caps. 3. s. 5, coalitæ.
Semina tecta.
BLOSSOM. Five petals. Five nectaries above the seed-bud.
Seed-vessels 3 or 5, joined together. Seeds covered.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
DIOSMA foliis alternis, linearibus, acutis, notatis: floribus in
umbellis paniculatis, parvis, albis.
DIOSMA with alternate leaves, linear, sharp-pointed, and marked.
Flowers grow in paniculated umbels, small, and white.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A leaf magnified.
2. The empalement magnified.
3. Seed-buds, honey-cups, chives, and pointal.
4. A chive magnified.
5. The honey-cups magnified.
6. Seed-buds and pointal, magnified.
This new species of Diosma so nearly resembles the genus Erica in its
foliage, that, regarding it as an unequivocally good specific reference,
we have adopted it. The only place in which we have as yet seen it was
at the Cape nursery last December, where we observed several plants in
fine bloom; and although not showy, they are certainly estimable from
their neat and delicate appearance, particularly at a season when so
many of the beauties of vegetation are in a state of quiescence. Upon
comparing our figure with a fine dried specimen of the D. hirsuta in the
herbarium of A. B. Lambert, esq., we find so powerful a resemblance as
induces us to regard our plant as only a variation of culture, more
especially as in the magnifier slight vestiges of the hairs on the edges
of the leaves are still discernible. But no fear need be entertained of
any mode of culture rendering our present specific term impervious to
the naked eye. There is a dotted or punctured character which pervades
the under surface of the foliage of most Diosmas, many of which, when
rubbed, emit a powerful odour. The present subject, although deficient
in both those respects, still possesses a peculiarity that we have
thought deserving a magnified place in the dissections. It is a hardy
green-house plant, and a native of the Cape of Good Hope.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLII.
ACHANIA MOLLIS.
_Soft-haired-leaved Achania._
CLASS XVI. ORDER VI.
_MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA._ Threads united. Many Chives.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX duplex. Interior monophyllus, semi-striatus,
sub-cylindraceus, quinquefidus, persistens. Exterior octophyllus,
basi leviter coalitus.
COROLLA sub-clavata, convoluta. Petala quinque, basi uno latere
alternatim auriculata, lobis columnam staminum convolventibus.
STAMINA. Filamenta plurima, ad basin in tubum corolla longiorem
torta, in partem superiorem tubi coalita, cujus apex liberatus est.
PISTILLUM. Germen sub-globosum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma
decemfidum.
PERICARPIUM. Bacca sub-globosa, quinque-locularis.
SEMINA solitaria.
EMPALEMENT double. The inner one-leafed, half-striped, nearly
cylindrical, five-cleft, and remaining. The outer eight-leaved, and
slightly attached at the base.
BLOSSOM nearly club-shaped, and folded together. Petals five,
alternately eared on one side of the base, the lobes of which are
rolled round the columnar shaft of the stamens.
CHIVES. Threads numerous, united at the base into a tube longer
than the blossom, twisted, and united near the upper part of the
tube, the point of which is liberated.
POINTAL. Seed-bud nearly round. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit
ten-cleft.
SEED-VESSEL. A berry nearly round, with five cells.
SEEDS solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
ACHANIA foliis tomentosis, cordatis, trilobatis, dentatis. Calyx
exterior revolutus, pubescens. Flores solitarii, axillares. Corolla
sub-clavata. Petala convoluta, sub-inclusa, læte coccinea, nervosa,
tomentosa. Caulis fruticosus, villosus, sub-tripedalis.
ACHANIA with downy leaves, heart-shaped, three-lobed, and toothed.
The outer cup is revolute, and hairy. Flowers grow solitary from
the axillæ of the leaves. Blossom nearly club-shaped. The petals
are folded together and nearly closed, of a bright scarlet colour,
nerved, and downy. Stem shrubby, hairy, and near three feet high.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement.
2. A blossom spread open.
3. A petal detached, shown from the outside.
4. The chives spread open.
5. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
This handsome hot-house plant is certainly an old one, having been a
sojourner with us near thirty years, but has not as yet been figured in
any publication that we know of:--a neglect most probably resulting from
the singularity of its unclosing flowers; so uncommon a character
naturally conveying an idea that the plant was in an imperfect state.
Under this prejudice it has lost the charm of novelty, and many a less
attractive object has been preferred before it. This genus approaches so
close to the genera of Hibiscus, Althea, Malva, &c. that it must
certainly be considered as a very near relation to that family. Its
foliage is frequently deciduous on the lower part of the stem; a defect
to which stove plants in general are but too subject. It is a native of
South America and the West India Islands, was found by Dr. Houston in
Jamaica in 1731, and introduced by B. Bewick, esq. in 1780. It flowers
from July till the end of the year.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLIII.
PROTEA REPENS.
_Creeping Protea._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4-petala. Antheræ lineares, petalis infra
apices insertæ. Calyx proprius, nullus. Sem. solitaria.
BLOSSOM four-cleft, or of four petals. Tips linear, inserted into
the petals below the points. Cup proper, none. Seeds solitary.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
PROTEA repens, foliis sub-amplexicaulibus, cordatis, undulatis,
apice reflexis, acutis, marginibus rubris: floribus sub basin:
interius squamarum calycis læte carneum, exterius fusco-purpureum,
villosum.
PROTEA with a creeping stem, and leaves nearly surrounding it,
which are heart-shaped, waved, bent back at the end, sharp-pointed,
and red at the edges: flowers grow towards the base of the plant:
the inside of the scales of the empalement are of a bright flesh
colour, and the outside of a purply brown, and hairy.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The blossom complete, and one of the chives magnified.
2. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.