The Botanical Magazine, Vol. 03 Or, Flower-Garden Displayed
Chapter 2
It certainly is one of the neatest and most elegant of the genus, is propagated by offsets, and should be planted in a loamy soil, with an Eastern exposure.
[89]
VIOLA PEDATA CUT-LEAV'D VIOLET.
_Class and Order._
SYNGENESIA MONOGAMIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 5-phyllus. _Cor._ 5-petala, irregularis, postice cornuta. _Capsula_ supera, 3-valvis; 1-locularis.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
VIOLA _pedata_ acaulis, foliis pedatis septempartitis. _Lin. Syst. Veget. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 802. Spec. Pl. p. 1323._ _Gronov. Fl. Virg. ed. 2. p. 135._
VIOLA _tricolor_ caule nudo, foliis tenuius dissectis. _Banist. Virg._
VIOLA inodora flore purpurascente specioso, foliis ad modum digitorum incisis. _Clayt. n. 254._
This species of Violet, a native of Virginia, is very rarely met with in our gardens; the figure we have given, was drawn from a plant which flowered this spring in the garden of THOMAS SYKES, Esq. at Hackney, who possesses a very fine collection of plants, and of American ones in particular.
It is more remarkable for the singularity of its foliage than the beauty of its blossoms; the former exhibit a very good example of the _folium pedatum_ of LINNÆUS, whence its name.
MILLER, who calls it _multifida_ from a former edition of LINNÆUS's _Species Plantarum_, says, that the flowers are not succeeded by seeds here, hence it can only be propagated by parting its roots.
The best mode of treating it, will be to place the roots in a pot of loam and bog earth mixed, and plunge the pot into a north border, where it must be sheltered in the winter, or taken up and kept in a common hot-bed frame.
[90]
GORTERIA RIGENS. RIGID-LEAV'D GORTERIA.
_Class and Order._
SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.
_Generic Character._
_Receptaculum_ nudum. _Pappus_ lanatus. _Corollæ_ radii ligulatæ. _Calyx_ imbricatus, squamis spinosis.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
GORTERIA _rigens_ foliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. 783. Sp. Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284._
ARCTOTIS ramis decumbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis. _Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49._
ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis. _Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9._
The GORTERIA, of which there are several species, and most of them, like the present, natives of the Cape, has been named in honour of DAVID DE GORTER, author of the _Flora Zutphanica_ and _Ingrica_; the trivial name of _rigens_ is given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic name of _ringens_; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition of MILLER's _Gard. Dict._
The greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it is only when the sun shines on them that they are fully expanded, exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance.
It flowers in June, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily enough increased by cuttings.
It requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant.
[91]
IRIS SURFING. CHALCEDONIAN IRIS.
_Class and Order._
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Cor._ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
IRIS _Surfing_ barbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro, petalis rotundatis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88._
IRIS Surfing flore maximo et albo nigricante. _Bauh. Pin. 31._
The great Turkey Flower-de-luce. _Park. Parad. 179._
This species, by far the most magnificent of the Iris tribe, is a native of Persia, from a chief city of which it takes the name of Surfing; LINNÆUS informs us, that it was imported into Holland from Constantinople in 1573.
Though an inhabitant of a much warmer climate than our own, it thrives readily in the open borders of our gardens; and, in certain favourable situations, flowers freely about the latter end of May or beginning of June. It succeeds best in a loamy soil and sunny exposure, with a pure air moisture, which favours the growth of most of the genus, is injurious and sometimes even fatal to this species.
As it rarely ripens its seeds with us, it is generally propagated by parting its roots in autumn. These are also usually imported from Holland, and may be had of the importers of bulbs at a reasonable rate.
Being liable to be destroyed by seasons unusually severe, it will be prudent to place a few roots of it in pots, either in the greenhouse or in a hot-bed frame during the winter.
It bears forcing well.
[92]
SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA. STRAWBERRY SAXIFRAGE.
_Class and Order._
DECANDRIA DIGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 5-partitus. _Cor._ 5-petala. _Caps._ 2-rostris, 1-locularis, polysperma.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
SAXIFRAGA _sarmentosa_ foliis radicalibus subrotundis cordatis crenatis, sarmentis axillaribus radicantibus, corolla irregulari, racemo composito. _Lin. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. p. 412._ _Suppl. p. 240._
This species of Saxifrage differing so widely from the others, both in its habit and fructification, as to create a doubt in the minds of some, whether it ought not to be considered as a distinct genus, is a native of China, and one of the many plants which have been introduced into our gardens since the time of MILLER.
Its round variegated leaves, and strawberry-like runners, the uncommon magnitude of the two lowermost pendant petals, joined to the very conspicuous glandular nectary in the centre of the flower, half surrounding the germen, render this species strikingly distinct.
It is properly a greenhouse plant; in mild winters indeed it will bear the open air, especially if placed at the foot of a wall, or among rock-work; but, in such situations, it is frequently killed in severe seasons.
It flowers in May and June, but does not produce its blossoms so freely as some others.
No difficulty attends the propagation of it, for it increases so fast by its runners, as to be even troublesome.
[93]
SEMPERVIVUM MONANTHES. DWARF HOUSELEEK.
_Class and Order._
DODECANDRIA DODECAGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 12-partitus. _Petala_ 12. _Capsulæ_ 12. polyspermæ.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
SEMPERVIVUM _monanthes_ foliis teretibus clavatis confertis, pedunculis nudis subunifloris, nectariis obcordatis. _Aiton. Hort. Kew._
It appears from the _Hortus Kewensis_, the publication of which is daily expected, that the plant here figured was first brought to this country from the Canary Islands, by Mr. FRANCIS MASSON, in the year 1777.
It is highly deserving the notice of the Botanist, not only as being by far the least species of the genus, but on account of its Nectaria; these, though not mentioned by LINNÆUS in his character of the genus, have been described by other authors, particularly JACQUIN and HALLER; and though not present in most, and but faintly visible in a few species of _Sempervivum_, in this plant form a principal part of the fructification; they are usually seven in number, but vary from six to eight.
In the specimens we have examined, and which perhaps have been rendered luxuriant by culture, the number of stamina has been from twelve to sixteen; of styles, from six to eight; of flowers on the same stalk, from one to eight.
It flowers during most of the summer months, succeeds very well with the common treatment of a greenhouse plant in the summer, but does best in a dry stove in the winter.
Is readily increased by parting its roots.
[94]
SISYRINCHIUM IRIOIDES. IRIS-LEAV'D SISYRINCHIUM.
_Class and Order._
GYNANDRIA TRIANDRIA.
_Generic Character._
Monogyna. _Spatha_ diphylla. _Petala_ 6 plana. _Capsula_ tri-locularis, infera.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
SISYRINCHIUM _iridioides_ foliis ensiformibus; petalis oblongo-obcordatis, venosis; germinibus pyriformibus, subhirsutis.
SISYRINCHIUM _Bermudiana._ _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 820. var. 2. Spec. Pl. p. 1353._
BERMUDIANA iridis folio, radice fibrosa. _Dill. Elth. 48. t. 41. f. 48._
SISYRINCHIUM _Bermudiana_ foliis gladiolatis amplexicaulibus, pedunculis brevioribus. _Miller's Dict. ed. 6. 4to._
On comparing the present plant with the _Bermudiana graminea flore minore coeruleo_ of DILLENIUS, both of which I have growing, and now in pots before me, the difference appears so striking, that I am induced with him and MILLER to consider them as distinct species; especially as, on a close examination, there appear characters sufficient to justify me in the opinion, which characters are not altered by culture.
It is a native of the Bermudian Islands, and flowers in the open border from May to the end of July; it is not uncommon to keep it in the greenhouse, for which, from its size &c. it is very well adapted; but it is not necessary to treat it tenderly, as it will bear a greater degree of cold than many plants usually considered as hardy.
It may be propagated most readily by seeds, or by parting its roots in the autumn; should be planted on a border with an eastern aspect; soil the same as for bulbs.
[95]
GERANIUM RADULA. RASP-LEAV'D GERANIUM.
_Class and Order._
MONADELPHIA DECANDRIA.
_Generic Character._
Monogyna. _Stigmata_ 5. _Fructus_ rostratus, 5-coccus.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
GERANIUM _revolutum_ pedunculis subbifloris, foliis multifidis linearibus scabris ad oras revolutis, caule arboreo. _Jacq. ic. 133. collect. 1. p. 84._
GERANIUM _Radula._ _Cavanill. Diss. 4. p. 262. t. 101. f. 1._
This is one of the numerous tribe of _Geraniums_ introduced from the Cape since the time of MILLER: it takes the name of _Radula_, which is the Latin term for a rasp or file, from the rough rasp-like surface of the leaves.
There are two varieties of it, a _major_ and a _minor_, which keep pretty constantly to their characters; and as this species is readily raised from seeds, it affords also many seminal varieties.
As a Botanist, desirous of seeing plants distinct in their characters, we could almost wish it were impossible to raise these _foreign Geraniums_ from seeds; for, without pretending to any extraordinary discernment, we may venture to prophecy, that in a few years, from the multiplication of seminal varieties, springing from seeds casually, or perhaps purposely impregnated with the pollen of different sorts, such a crop will be produced as will baffle all our attempts to reduce to species, or even regular varieties.
Such as are partial to this tribe, will no doubt wish to have this species in their collection; the blossoms are pretty, and the foliage is singular, but it remains but a short time in flower.
It is readily propagated by cuttings.
[96]
LANTANA ACULEATA. PRICKLY LANTANA.
_Class and Order._
DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 4-dentatus obsolete. _Stigma_ uncinato-refractum. _Drupa_ nucleo 2-loculari.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
LANTANA _aculeata_ foliis oppositis, caule aculeato ramoso spicis hemisphæricis. _Lin. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. p. 566._
According to MILLER, this species grows naturally in _Jamaica_, and most of the other Islands in the _West-Indies_, where it is called _wild Sage_; the flowers, which are very brilliant, are succeeded by roundish berries, which, when ripe, turn black, having a pulpy covering over a single hard seed.
It is readily propagated by cuttings.
Different plants vary greatly in the colour of their blossoms, and the prickliness of their stalks; the prickles are seldom found on the young shoots.
This plant will bear to be placed abroad in the warmest summer months, the rest of the year it requires artificial heat. It is usually placed in the dry stove, to which, as it is seldom without flowers, it imparts great brilliancy.
[97]
FUCHSIA COCCINEA. SCARLET FUCHSIA.
_Class and Order._
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 1-phyllus, coloratus, corollifer, maximus. _Petala_ 4, parva, _Bacca_ infera, 4-locularis, polysperma.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
FUCHSIA _coccinea_ foliis oppositis ovatis denticulatis; petalis obovatis, obtusis. _Hort. Kew._
THILCO _Feuillée it. 3. p. 64. t. 47._
The present plant is a native of _Chili_, and was introduced to the royal gardens at Kew, in the year 1788, by Capt. FIRTH; it takes the name of _Fuchsia_ from _Fuchs_ a German Botanist of great celebrity, author of the _Historia Stirpium_ in _folio_, published in 1542, containing five hundred and sixteen figures in wood; and which, though mere outlines, express the objects they are intended to represent, infinitely better than many laboured engravings of more modern times.
Every person who can boast a hot-house will be anxious to possess the _Fuchsia_, as it is not only a plant of peculiar beauty, but produces its rich pendant blossoms through most of the summer; the petals in the centre of the flower are particularly deserving of notice; they somewhat resemble a small roll of the richest purple-coloured ribband.
Though this plant will not succeed well in the winter, nor be easily propagated unless in a stove, it will flower very well during the summer months, in a good greenhouse or hot-bed frame, and though at present from its novelty it bears a high price, yet as it is readily propagated, both by layers, cuttings, and seeds, it will soon be within the purchase of every lover of plants.
Mr. LEE, of Hammersmith, we understand first had this plant for sale.
[98]
TROPÆOLUM MINUS. SMALL TROPÆOLUM, OR INDIAN-CRESS.
_Class and Order._
OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Cal._ 1-phyllus, calcaratus. _Petala_ 5, inæqualia. _Bacca_ tres, siccæ.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
TROPÆOLUM _minus_ foliis peltatis repandis, petalis acuminato-setaceis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 357._
Indian-Cresses, or yellow Larke's-heeles. _Park. Parad. p. 280._
This species of _Tropæolum_ (which like the _majus_ already figured in this work, is a native of _Peru_) has long been an inhabitant of our gardens; it was the only species we had in the time of PARKINSON, by whom it is figured and described; it appears indeed to have been a great favourite with that intelligent author, for he says this plant "is of so great beauty and sweetnesse withall, that my garden of delight cannot bee unfurnished of it, and again the whole flower hath a fine small sent, very pleasing, which being placed in the middle of some Carnations or Gilloflowers (for they are in flower at the same time) make a delicate Tussimusie, as they call it, or Nosegay, both for sight and sent."
As the _Passiflora cærulea_, from its superior beauty and hardiness, has in a great degree supplanted the _incarnata_, so has the _Tropæolum majus_ the _minus_; we have been informed indeed that it was entirely lost to our gardens till lately, when it was reintroduced by Dr. J. E. SMITH, who by distributing it to his friends, and the Nurserymen near London, has again rendered it tolerably plentiful.
Like the _majus_ it is an annual, though by artificial heat it may be kept in a pot through the winter, as usually is the variety of it with double flowers; but as it will grow readily in the open air, in warm sheltered situations, it should be raised on a hot-bed, like other tender annuals, if we wish to have it flower early in the summer, continue long in blossom, and produce perfect seeds.
[99]
ANTIRRHINUM PURPUREUM. PURPLE TOAD-FLAX.
_Class and Order._
DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 5-phyllus. _Corollæ_ basis deorsum prominens, nectarifera. _Capsula_ 2-locularis.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
ANTIRRHINUM purpureum foliis quaternis linearibus, caule erecto spicato. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 555._
LINARIA purpurea major odorata. _Bauh. Pin. 213._
LINARIA altera purpurea. _Dod. Pempt. 183._
Though not so beautiful as many of the genus, this species is a common inhabitant of the flower-garden, in which it continues to blossom, during most of the summer.
It is a native of Italy, and delights in a dry soil and situation; it will even flourish on walls, and hence will serve very well to decorate the more elevated parts of rock-work.
When once introduced it comes up spontaneously from seeds.
[100]
LATHYRUS TINGITANUS. TANGIER PEA.
_Class and Order._
DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.
_Generic Character._
_Stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior, _Cal._ laciniæ superiores 2-breviores.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
LATHYRUS _tingitanus_ pedunculis bifloris, cirrhis diphyllis, foliolis alternis lanceolatis glabris, stipulis lunatis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 663._
LATHYRUS tingitanus, filiquis orobi, flore amplo ruberrimo. _Moris, hist. 2. p. 55._
The Tangier Pea, a native of Morocco, cannot boast the agreeable scent, or variety of colours of the sweet Pea; nor does it continue so long in flower; nevertheless there is a richness in the colour of its blossoms, which entitles it to a place in the gardens of the curious, in which it is usually sown in the spring, with other hardy annuals.
It flowers in June and July.
The best mode of propagating it, is to, sow the seeds on the borders in patches, where the plants are to remain; thinning them when they come up, so as to leave only two or three together.
[101]
ALYSSUM HALIMIFOLIUM. SWEET ALYSSUM.
_Class and Order._
TETRADYNAMIA SILICULOSA.
_Generic Character._
_Filamenta_ quædam introrsum denticulo notata. _Silicula_ emarginata.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
ALYSSUM _halimifolium_ caulibus suffruticosis, diffusis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis integerrimis, villosiusculis, staminibus simplicibus, siliculis subrotundis integris. _Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 381._
ALYSSUM halimifolium caulibus procumbentibus, perennantibus, foliis lanceolato-linearibus, acutis, integerrimis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 590._
Thlaspi halimi folio sempervirens. _Herm. lugd. 594. t. 595._
Grows spontaneously in dry situations, in the southernmost parts of Europe, where it is shrubby; and in similar situations it is so in some degree with us; but on our flower-borders, where it is usually sown, it grows so luxuriantly, that the stalks becoming juicy and tender, are generally destroyed by our frosts; hence it is an annual from peculiarity of circumstance; as such, it is very generally cultivated; the flowers exhibit a pretty, innocent appearance, and strongly diffuse an agreeable honey-like smell. They continue to blow through most of the summer months.
It is a very proper plant for a wall or piece of rock-work; care must be taken, however, not to sow too much of the seed in one pot, as it spreads wide, but it may easily be reduced at any period of its growth, as it does not creep at the root.
The specific description in the _Hortus Kewensis_ above referred to, admirably characterizes the plant, but surely at the expence of its generic character.
[102]
CAMPANULA SPECULUM. VENUS'S LOOKING-GLASS.
_Class and Order._
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ campanulata, fundo clauso valvis staminiferis. _Stigma_ trifidum. _Capsula_ infera, poris lateralibus dehiscens.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
CAMPANULA Speculum caule ramosissimo, diffuso; foliis oblongis subcrenatis, floribus solitariis, capsulis prismaticis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 209._
ONOBRYCHIS arvensis f. Campanula arvensis erecta. _Bauh. Pin. 215._
Grows wild among the corn in the South of Europe, is an annual, and, like the _Sweet Alyssum_, generally cultivated in our gardens, and most deservedly so indeed, for when a large assemblage of its blossoms are expanded by the rays of the sun, their brilliancy is such as almost to dazzle the eyes of the beholder.
Those annuals which bear our winter's frosts without injury, are advantageously sown in the autumn; for by that means they flower more early, and their seeds ripen with more certainty; the present plant is one of those: it usually sows itself, and is therefore raised without any trouble.
It begins to flower in May and June, and continues to enliven the garden till August or September.
[103]
PELARGONIUM ACETOSUM. SORREL CRANE'S-BILL.
_Class and Order._
MONADELPHIA HEPTANDRIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _Cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _Filam._ 10. in æqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _Fructus_, 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia, introrsum barbata. _L'Herit. Geran._
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
PELARGONIUM _acetosum_ umbellis paucifloris, foliis obovatis crenatis glabris carnosis, petalis linearibus. _L'Herit. Monogr de Geran. n. 97._
GERANIUM _acetosum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis glabris obovatis carnosis crenatis, caule fruticoso laxo. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 613. Sp. Pl. p. 947._
GERANIUM Africanum frutescens, folio crasso et glauco acetosæ sapore. _Comm. præl. 51. t. 1._
Mons. L'HERITIER, the celebrated French Botanist, who in the number, elegance, and accuracy of his engravings, appears ambitious of excelling all his contemporaries, in a work now executing on the family of _Geranium_, has thought it necessary to divide that numerous genus into three, viz. _Erodium_, _Pelargonium_, and _Geranium_.
The _Erodium_ includes those which LINNÆUS (who noticing the great difference in their appearance, had made three divisions of them) describes with five fertile stamina, and calls Myrrhina; the _Pelargonium_ those with seven fertile stamina, his _Africana_; the _Geranium_, those with ten fertile stamina, his _Batrachia_.
They are continued under the class _Monadelphia_, in which they now form three different orders, according to the number of their stamina, viz. _Pentandria_, _Heptandria_, and _Decandria_. If the principles of the Linnæan system had been strictly adhered to, they should perhaps have been separated into different classes; for though the _Pelargonium_ is Monadelphous, the _Geranium_ is not so; in consequence of this alteration, the _Geranium peltatum_ and _radula_, figured in a former part of this work, must now be called _Pelargonium peltatum_, and _radula_, and the _Geranium Reichardi_ be an _Erodium_.
The leaves of this plant have somewhat the taste of sorrel, whence its name, it flowers during most of the summer, and is readily propagated by cuttings. MILLER mentions a variety of it with scarlet flowers.
It is a native of the Cape, and known to have been cultivated in Chelsea Garden, in the year 1724.
[104]
LYSIMACHIA BULBIFERA. BULB-BEARING LOOSESTRIFE.
_Class and Order._
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ rotata. _Capsula_ globosa, mucronata, 10-valvis.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
LYSIMACHIA _stricta_ racemis terminalibus, petalis lanceolatis patulis, foliis lanceolatis sessilibus. _Hort. Kew. p. 199._