Part 3
Amongst the numerous introductions of novelty to the gardens of G. Hibbert, esq. the Hesteria section of the genus Polygala (although not splendid) are all of them particularly desirable, from their lively, long, and (of this species) we may say continual bloom; it having been seen in flower throughout the whole year. There is a variety of it with white flowers of equal durability, and so perfect a fac-simile in every other particular, that a separate figure will by no means be requisite, especially as in the winter season the purple flowers are sometimes almost bleached by the cold, and the distinction in consequence less apparent. It is well known by the cultivators under the appellation of _mixta_; a specific given to it from the promiscuous manner in which the flowers and leaves are profusely mixt together.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLVI.
LACHENALIA FLAVA.
_Yellow-flowered Lachenalia._
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 6-petala, infera; petalis 3 interioribus longioribus: stamina erecta: capsula sub-ovata, trialata: semina globosa.
BLOSSOM 6-petalled beneath; the three inner petals the longest: chives erect: capsule nearly egg-shaped, three-winged: seeds globular.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
LACHENALIA foliis geminis, lanceolatis: scapo erecto, colore cinereo-cæruleo in modum marmoris variato: corollis flavis, sub-pendulis, sub-cylindraceis, cum limbo petalorum interiorum permagno et expanso: tria petala exteriora angusta, et apice virescentia.
LACHENALIA with leaves in pairs, and lance-shaped: flower-stem upright, and of a slaty-colour obscurely marbled: blossoms yellow, nearly hanging down, somewhat cylindrical, with the border of the inner petals very large and spreading: the three outer petals are narrow, and greenish at the point.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower spread open. 2. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified. 3. The seed-bud cut transversely, magnified.
This Lachenalia may be regarded as a perfectly new species, there not being a figure of it extant, nor is it enumerated in the Species Plantarum of Willdenow. We were at first inclined to have called it ringens, from the wide-gaping character of the mouth of the flower: but as so many of this genus have received a specific title in reference to their colour, the appellation of flava in the present instance will doubtless be generally as well accepted. The figure was made, from the only plant that has as yet flowered in this country, at the nursery of Mr. Williams of Turnham Green, who informs me that he has had the plant three or four years, but has found it difficult to flower, and slow of increase.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLVII.
BANKSIA SPINULOSA.
_Thorny-leaved Banksia._
CLASS IV. ORDER I.
_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
RECEPTACULUM commune elongatum, squamosum: corolla tetrapetala: stamina limbo inserta: capsula bivalvis, disperma, dissepimento mobili interjecto: semina alata.
COMMON receptacle elongated, scaly: blossom of four petals: chives inserted into the limb of the blossom: capsule with two valves, two seeds, and a moveable partition between them: seeds winged.
See Banksia serrata, Pl. LXXXII. Vol. II.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
BANKSIA foliis linearibus, longis, margine revolutis, sub-apices spinulosis: ramis patentibus, ad basin foliis sparsis, superne fasciculatis.
BANKSIA with long linear leaves, rolled back at the edges, and towards the ends furnished with little thorns: branches spreading, thin of leaves at the base, which are bundled together on the upper part of the branches.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower. 2. A blossom spread open, one chive magnified. 3. The pointal, summit magnified.
The flowers of this Banksia bear a considerable degree of affinity to the B. ericæfolia already figured in Pl. 156, but very distinct in the foliage. From the small thorns on the upper part of the leaves it has acquired the specific title of spinulosa. It is not very often seen in bloom, although an old plant; which is accounted for in the slowness of its growth, and the size it generally attains to before it becomes a flowering plant: and as this character is prevalent through the whole genus, it no doubt prevents them from being so generally cultivated as they would otherwise be; since, when in flower, they are certainly both curious and beautiful. Our figure was taken from a plant in the collection of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, at Sion-House near Brentford; where, under the care of Mr. Hoy, several fine species of this genus are in very great perfection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLVIII.
EUGENIA MALACCENSIS.
_Malay Apple Tree._
CLASS XII. ORDER I.
_ICOSANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Twenty Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, superum; in medio orbiculus, supra quem quadripartitum est: laciniis concavis, persistentibus.
COROLLA. Petala quatuor, calyce duplo majora, obtusa, concava.
STAMINA. Filamenta plurima in orbiculo calyci inserta, longitudine corollæ: antheræ parvæ.
PISTILLUM. Germen turbinatum, inferum. Stylus simplex, longitudine staminum. Stigma simplex.
PERICARPIUM. Drupa quadrangularis, coronata, unilocularis.
SEMINA. Nux subrotunda, glabra.
EMPALEMENT. Cup of one leaf, above: in the middle is a little circle, above which it is four-divided: the segments are hollow, and remaining.
BLOSSOM. Petals four, twice the size of the calyx, obtuse, and hollow.
CHIVES. Threads many in a little circle inserted into the calyx: tips small.
POINTAL. Seed-bud top-shaped, beneath. Shaft simple, the length of the stamens. Summit simple.
SEED-VESSEL. A berry four-angled, coronet-shaped, and one-celled.
SEED. A nut nearly round, and smooth.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
EUGENIA foliis oppositis, alternis, latis, ovalibus, apice acuto, leviter torto, glabris, lucidis. Caulis erectus. Ramuli superiores dumosi, cortice rugoso, colore pulliginoso: ramis floriferis oppositis, alternis, rectis: corollis alternatim oppositis, purpureis.
EUGENIA with opposite alternate leaves, broad, and of an oval form, with an acute point, slightly twisted, smooth, and shining. Stem upright. The branches above are bushy. The bark is wrinkled, and of a light brown colour. The flower-branches are opposite, alternate, and straight out. The blossoms are alternately opposite, and purple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A petal. 2. A chive, one tip magnified. 3. The empalement and pointal. 4. A half-ripe fruit.
The figure of this Eugenia was made from the finest plant in this country in the hot-house of G. Hibbert, esq. where we were in hopes it would have perfected its fruit; but were disappointed, as in a very forward state towards ripening it fell off. But, as far as it was advanced, we have represented it, as in this climate it might probably never arrive at greater maturity, unless a larger house were constructed for it: otherwise the degree of heat necessary to preserve the smaller tropical plants would always be subject to injure those of a large size, from the natural extension of their roots approaching too near the flues. But although so much care is required for it in this clime, in the warmer regions of Macassar, Amboyna, and the Moluccas, where it is indigenous, not the least attention is necessary; for, such is the extreme indolence of the natives, that it is imagined, if any care had been requisite for its preservation, it would soon have been lost for want of it. In the Hortus Malabaricus of Rheede there is an uncoloured figure of it, with descriptions, in which it is said to be a fruit-tree of great general utility to the country from its extreme abundance, grateful taste, and salubrious quality, flowering twice in the year. The fruit in an unripe state is of a bitterish and rather astringent character; but, when ripe, of a fine flavour, exceedingly wholesome, and beneficial as an allayer of inflammation in feverish habits. The flowers are by the Dutch at Amboyna preserved, and frequently eaten by way of salad. It is said to form a tall umbrageous tree, and when in fine bloom must certainly be an object of great beauty.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLIX.
LASIOPETALUM QUERCIFOLIUM.
_Oak-leaved Lasiopetalum._
CLASS V. ORDER I.
_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX triphyllum, tomentosum, persistens. Corolla monopetala, lanuginosa, 5-fida. Filamenta 5, germinis basi affixa. Germen superum. Capsula 3-locularis, 3-valvis.
EMPALEMENT 3-leaved, downy, and remaining. Blossom one-leafed, woolly, and five-cleft. Threads 5, fixed to the base of the seed-bud. Seed-bud above. Capsule 3-celled, 3-valved.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
LASIOPETALUM quercifolium, ternatum: foliis duobus ad basin minoribus; supra viridibus, subtus nervosis, ferrugineis, stellatim setis tectis: racemis floriferis longis, foliis oppositis: corollis purpureis. Rami et ramuli, pedunculi, &c. setis stellatim tecti, ferruginei. Caulis humilis.
WOOLLY flower with oak-shaped leaves, by threes; two at the base are smallest; green on their upper surface, veined beneath, of a rusty iron colour, and beset with hairy star-like specks. Flower-branches long, and opposite to the leaves. Blossoms purple. The small and larger branches, footstalks, &c. are beset with star-like specks, and of a rusty colour. Stem low.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement. 2. Seed-bud, chives, and pointal. 3. A chive magnified. 4. The same shown from the outer side. 5. Seed-bud and pointal.
Throughout almost all the plants as yet introduced from New South Wales, there is a strong marked leading feature that proclaims them of Botany Bay extraction, either in the upright strictness of their habit, a hard harsh character in the foliage, or a rough and rusty exterior. Of the last description is our present figure; but it is nevertheless a very handsome plant, and the only addition (to this otherwise solitary genus) as yet in cultivation with us. Labillardiere, in his Description of New South Wales, has given a figure of a plant under the title of Lasiopetalum triphyllum, very much resembling our quercifolium--probably a variety of it--or, if intended to represent the same plant, there must be a considerable inaccuracy in the delineation. Our figure was taken from a plant at the nursery of Messrs. Colville.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLX.
LACHENALIA SESSILIFLORA.
_Sessile-flowered Lachenalia._
CLASS VI. ORDER I.
_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 6-petala, infera; petalis 3 interioribus longioribus: stamina erecta: capsula sub-ovata, trialata: semina globosa.
BLOSSOM 6-petaled beneath; the three inner petals the longest: chives erect: capsule nearly egg-shaped, three-winged: seeds globular.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
LACHENALIA sessiliflora: foliis geminis, lanceolatis: scapo erecto, semi-pedali: floribus prope apices confertis, purpureis: petalis exterioribus cuneatis: interioribus duplo longioribus, angustis, truncatis.
LACHENALIA with sessile flowers: leaves by pairs: stem upright, half a foot high: flowers grow crowded together near the top, and are of a purple colour: the outer petals are wedge-shaped: the inner ones twice the length, narrow, and appearing cut off at the end.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower spread open. 2. The inside of the same. 3. Seed-bud and pointal, summit magnified.
This Lachenalia is perfectly new, an attraction that may counterbalance its want of speciosity. From the total absence of footstalks to the flowers we have derived its unoccupied specific title. Professor Jacquin has figured many handsome species of this genus not yet introduced to this country, and amongst the number two equally sessile with our plant, but in no other particular resembling it. From a drawing made for the collection of G. Hibbert, esq. in 1803 our figure was taken; since which period we have not seen any vestige of the plant, and therefore imagine that, like many other Cape bulbs, it is lost to us for the present: but it probably may soon reappear amongst the frequent importations we are in the constant habit of receiving from that inexhaustible botanic mine.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXI.
PROTEA TERETIFOLIA.
_Cylindric-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 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 teretifolia, foliis obtusis: junioribus adscendentibus, senioribus patentibus: floribus luteis, capitatis, terminalibus, foliis circumsessis: post florescentiam conus formatur.
PROTEA with cylindrical leaves blunt-ended: the younger ascending, and the older ones spreading: flowers yellow, headed, terminal, and surrounded by the leaves: and after flowering a cone is formed.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower. 2. A chive magnified. 3. Seed-bud and pointal. 4. Flower-branch of a small variety.
This little Protea is more desirable, by way of contrast to those splendid imbricated species, than for any beauty it possesses, and exhibits powerfully the great diversity of character annexed to this numerous genus. Attached to the dissections is part of the branch of a minor variety, and which is by some considered as specifically distinct: and were extension our object, it certainly might be made a separate species, from the difference of its character after flowering, the larger one forming a cone the size of an egg; which the lesser one does not. It also differs in the manner of its growth; but only in the dried specimens which we have seen that have been collected from old plants at the Cape; and in them the small variety forms its branches after the manner of a corymbus, and the plant has thence received the appellation of corymbosa. But had we given a separate figure of it, we could not (without making an awkward apology) have adopted a specific title whose characteristic appearance it might never acquire in this climate, and which our figure would not have possessed. By placing it amongst the variations these objections are obviated, and the appearance of repetition avoided: a desirable object in a genus so extended as Protea; and we shall take every opportunity of abbreviating as much as possible the number of slight varieties, particularly when their attractions are not considerable. Our drawing was made from plants in the Hibbertian collection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXII.
MALUS JAPONICA.
_Scarlet-flowering Japan Apple._
CLASS XII. ORDER V.
_ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Twenty Chives. Five Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, concavum, quinquefidum, persistens.
COROLLA. Petala quinque, subrotunda, concava.
STAMINA. Filamenta viginti, subulata, corollâ breviora, calyci inserta. Antheræ simplices.
PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Styli 5. Filum longitudine staminum. Stigmata simplicia.
PERICARPIUM. Pomum subrotundum, umbilicatum, carnosum, membranaceum: loculis quinquelocularibus.
SEMINA. Nonnulla oblonga, obtusa, basi acuminata, hinc convexa, inde plana.
EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, hollow, five-parted, and remaining.
BLOSSOM. Five petals, nearly round, and hollow.
CHIVES. Twenty, awl-shaped, and shorter than the blossom, and inserted into the cup. Tips simple.
POINTALS. Seed-bud beneath. Shafts 5. Thread the length of the stamens. Summit simple.
SEED-VESSEL. An apple nearly round, navelled, fleshy, skinny: partitions five loculaments.
SEEDS. Some oblong, obtuse, pointed at the base, convex on the side, and then flat.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
MALUS japonica, foliis alternis, lanceolatis et spathulatis, glabris, et lucidis: marginibus serrulatis, suffruticibus, et interdum arborescentibus. Rami et ramuli alterni, recti, ad basin nodosi, colore schisti: floribus fasciculatis, plerumque quaternis, læte coccineis: petalis concavis, quinque vel decem. Floret in Martio et Aprili.
JAPAN Apple, with alternate leaves lance-and spathula-shaped, smooth, and shining: with finely sawed margins, shrubbyish, and sometimes growing to a tree. The small and large branches are alternate and straight out, knotty at the base, and of a slaty colour. Flowers grow in bunches mostly of four together, of a bright scarlet colour. The petals are concave, and from five to ten in number. Flowers in March and April.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A petal. 2. The empalement, chives, and pointals. 3. The same spread open, one tip magnified. 4. Seed-bud and pointals, summit magnified.
This handsome fruit-tree will doubtless soon become an object of general cultivation in this country, from the brilliance and duration of its fine scarlet blossoms. It is perfectly hardy, but flowers with most freedom in the shelter of the green-house. The fruit is about the size and shape of a walnut. Why or wherefore Pyrus is the generic title adopted for Apple we were at first at a loss to conjecture, but upon investigation find it built on the egotism too inseparable from human nature, and must confess ourselves very sorry to be under the necessity of placing the defect to its original source; the celebrated Linnæus, who it appears altered it from Malus (the genus of Tournefort) to Pyrus, for no other reason but that his own system (unquestionably the best in almost every other particular) might not bear any resemblance to that of Tournefort. Jussieu in the Introduction to his Genera Plantarum, commenting on this very subject, concludes with this most excellent remark: “Such is the love of undivided praise!” We have therefore returned the genus back to its old standard, not through any desire to alter, but absolute necessity; regarding the absurdity of its nomination under the generic title of Pyrus as already too long retained; for whilst the tree is known by its fruit, that fruit should certainly be called by its name.
For the introduction of this fine plant we are indebted to the Hon. C. Greville, in whose conservatory at Paddington it first flowered, and from whence our figure was taken.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXIII.
PÆONIA PAPAVERACEA.
_Poppy-like Pæony._
CLASS XIII. ORDER VI.
_POLYANDRIA HEXAGYNIA._ Many Chives. Six 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 ramoso: folia alternatim bipinnata, subtus glauca: petiolis longis, canaliculatis, amplexicaulibus: floribus semi-duplicibus, albis, ad basin eleganter purpureo radiatis: capsula orbiculata, continens sex loculamenta, in quibus singulis sunt duo semina.
PÆONY with a shrubby stem branching beneath: leaves alternately two-winged, and glaucous beneath, with long footstalks, channelled, and embracing the stem. Flowers semi-double, white, but elegantly radiated at the base with a purple colour: capsule orbicular, containing six cells, with two seeds in each.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The seed-vessel. 2. The same cut transversely.
For this beautiful species of Pæonia we are indebted to Lady Hume, in whose select collection at Wormley-bury, Herts, it flowered for the first time in this country. When we figured the fine purple variety, we little thought of having so soon to compare it with a rival of such magnitude, and of equal beauty. The bright radiated purple at the base is a great relief to the surrounding whiteness of the petals, that would otherwise stand in much greater need of the assistance of art for a strength of shadow, that would unavoidably injure their delicacy. The more we become acquainted with this attractive genus, the greater latitude of growth we find attached to it, which appears to defy all systematic rule, varying in some species from Digynia, or two pointals, up to six or more. The present one differs more than all the rest, having six pointals and seed-buds attached together, and enshrined within a globular exterior, resembling a Poppy, and from whence we have drawn its specific title; for, as a distinct species it may certainly be considered with great propriety; and most likely the distinction will by some be thought of sufficient consequence to license a generic division: but in a genus so mutable, were the alteration still greater, whilst it could be recognised as a Pæony, we should regret to meet it under any other title.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXIV.
DIOSMA OVATA.
_Oval-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 ovata, foliis alternis, oppositis, odoris, supra glabris, infra punctatis, patentibus: floribus plerumque duobus, axillaribus, in medio ramulorum, albis. Caulis erectus: ramis simplicibus.
DIOSMA with oval leaves, alternate, opposite, and full of scent, smooth above, dotted beneath, and spreading. Flowers grow mostly two together from the axillæ of the leaves, about the middle of the branches, and are white. Stem upright. Branches simple.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement. 2. Seed-buds, honey-cups, chives, and pointal. 3. A petal. 4. A chive magnified. 5. Seed-bud and pointal.
Among the scented foliage characteristic of so many of the Diosmas the present species is by far the most powerful, and is the plant called Buku, so much used by the Hottentots, at the Cape of Good Hope, by way of perfume. They mix it with grease, and anoint themselves with it so profusely that a stranger can scarcely endure the effluvia of it. The D. serrata also possesses a similar scent, and is most likely used occasionally for the same purpose by the natives. Its scent, when rubbed, remains a long time, and by some is thought very pleasant, by others as disagreeable: a difference of opinion in general attending all very strong perfumes. The foliage has a very neat appearance, and the clear white flowers give it a lively aspect. Like several others of the genus, it blooms in winter and spring. Our figure was made from the Clapham collection.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXV.
PROTEA DIVARICATA.
_Straddling-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 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 divaricata, foliis multifidis, longis, linearibus, teretibus, patentibus: floribus glomeratis, luteis.
PROTEA with straddling leaves, many-cleft, long, linear, round, and spreading. Flowers grow in close round heads of a yellow colour.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A flower. 2. A chive magnified. 3. Seed-bud and pointal.
This very distinct species of Protea we have not seen in any other collection than that of G. Hibbert, esq. nor is it as yet amongst the numerous fine dried specimens in the herbarium of A. B. Lambert, esq. and certainly may be considered at present as a rare plant. From the firm luxuriance of the foliage, and woody character of its stem, we should be inclined to regard it as a plant not difficult to preserve; and considering the abundance of its leaves, the flowers are comparatively few: and very likely this circumstance may best account for its present scarcity; for, amongst the various beauties of this extensive tribe, numerous flowers, or speciosity of appearance, are the best recommendations to particular attention.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXVI.
GOODENIA TENELLA.
_Slender Goodenia._
CLASS V. ORDER I.
_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
COROLLA 5-fida, supra longitudinaliter fissa, genitalia exserens. Stigma urceolatum, ciliatum.
BLOSSOM five-cleft, longitudinally cloven on the upper side, exposing the organs of generation. Summit cup-shaped, and fringed.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
GOODENIA tenella, foliis prostratis, spathulatis, margine leviter pilosis. Flores plures, germinantes a duabus bracteis oppositis; corollis luteis: petalis duobus superioribus maculatis. Rami graciles, longi, emergentes a radice, terram comprimunt, et postea adscendunt.
GOODENIA with slender stems, prostrate leaves which are spathula-shaped, with lightly haired margins. Flowers numerous, branching out from two opposite floral leaves. Blossoms yellow: the two upper petals are spotted. Branches slender, long, and emerging from the root, press the earth, and afterward ascend.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The empalement. 2. A blossom spread open. 3. Seed-bud, chives, and pointal, magnified.
This delicate new Goodenia represents the entire plant, as communicated to the author by the Comtesse de Vandes, in whose choice collection near Bayswater it flowered for the first time. It is certainly one of the most graceful plants hitherto introduced from New South Wales. Its general exterior approaches very near a generic division of Goodenia called Velleia, and is by Labillardiere figured under the title Velleia trinervis. The abundance and succession of its bright yellow blossom, joined to its light an airy appearance, will no doubt insure it a place in most collections.
[Illustration]
PLATE CCCCLXVII.
LYTHRUM FRUTICOSUM.
_Shrubby Lythrum._
CLASS XII. ORDER I.
_DODECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Twelve Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, cylindraceum: denticulis duodecim, alternis minoribus.
COROLLA. Petala sex, oblonga, obtusiuscula, patentia: unguibus in incisuras calycis insertis.
STAMINA. Filamenta 12, longitudine calycis, supra: infra breviora. Antheræ simplices, incumbentes.
PISTILLUM. Germen oblongum. Stylus subulatus, longitudine staminum, declinatus. Stigma orbiculatum.
PERICARPIUM. Capsula oblonga, acuminata, loculamentis duobus tecta.
SEMINA numerosa, parva.
EMPALEMENT. Cup one-leaved, cylindrical, twelve-toothed: the alternate ones the smallest.
BLOSSOM. Petals six, oblong, bluntish, and spreading: the ungues or claws are inserted into the divisions of the calyx.
CHIVES 12 filaments the length of the calyx, above, shorter beneath. Tips simple, and lying on them.