Chapter 3

This new species of Gladiolus, of whose magnificence our figure can exhibit but an imperfect idea, was introduced into this country from Holland, a few years since, by Mr. GRAFFER, at present Gardener to the King of Naples; and first flowered with Messrs. LEWIS and MACKIE, Nurserymen, at Kingsland; a very strong plant of it flowered also this summer at Messrs. GRIMWOODS and Co. which divided at top into three branches, from one of which our figure was drawn.

It obviously differs from the other more tender plants of this genus, in the colour of its flowers, which are of a fine scarlet, with large white somewhat rhomboidal spots, on several of the lowermost divisions of the Corolla; strong plants will throw up a stem three or four feet high.

It is most probably a native of the Cape, flowers with us in July and August, and is increased by offsets from the bulbs; must be treated like the Ixias and other similar Cape plants.

[136]

PELARGONIUM TETRAGONUM. SQUARE STALKED GERANIUM.

_Class and Order._

MONADELPHIA HEPTANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 5-partitus, lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _Cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _Filamenta_ 10, inæqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _Fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ spiralia, introrsum barbata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

PELARGONIUM _tetragonum_ pedunculis bifloris, ramis tetragonis carnosis, corollis tetrapetalis, _L'Herit. n. 72. t. 23._

GERANIUM _tetragonum_. _Linn. Suppl. p. 305._

A vein of singularity runs through the whole of this plant, its stalks are unequally and obtusely quadrangular, sometimes more evidently triangular; its leaves few, and remarkably small; its flowers, on the contrary, are uncommonly large, and what is more extraordinary have only four petals; previous to their expansion they exhibit also an appearance somewhat outrè, the body of the filaments being bent so as to form a kind of bow, in which state we have represented one of the blossoms in our figure.

When it flowers in perfection, which it is not apt to do in all places, the largeness of its blossoms renders it one of the most ornamental of the genus.

There is a variety of it with beautifully coloured leaves, of which we have availed ourselves in its representation.

It flowers from June, to August, and September; requires the same treatment as the more common Geraniums, and is readily propagated by cuttings.

Was first introduced to the Royal Garden at Kew, by Mr. MASSON, in 1774, from the Cape, of which, it is a native. _Ait. Hort. Kew._

[137]

HYPERICUM BALEARICUM. WARTY ST. JOHN'S-WORT.

_Class and Order._

POLYADELPHIA POLYANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Calyx_ 5-phyllus. _Petala_ 5. _Nectarium_ 0. _Capsula_.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

HYPERICUM _balearicum_ floribus pentagynis, caule fruticoso foliis ramisque cicatrizatis. _Linn. Syst. Veget. p. 102._

MYRTO-CISTUS pennæi _Clus. Hist. 1. p. 68._

Is according to LINNÆUS a native of _Majorca_; MILLER says that it grows naturally in the Island of _Minorca,_ from whence the seeds were sent to England by Mr. SALVADOR, an Apothecary at Barcelona, in the year 1718.

The stalks of this species are usually of a bright red colour, and covered with little warts; the leaves are small with many depressions on their upper sides like scars; the flowers are not always solitary, but frequently form a kind of Corymbus.

It is a hardy green-house plant, and readily propagated by cuttings.

It flowers during most of the Summer.

CLUSIUS informs us in his _Hist. pl. rar. p. 68._ that he received from THOMAS PENNY, a Physician of London, in the year 1580, a figure of this elegant plant, and who the next year shewed a dried specimen of the same in London, which had been gathered in the Island of Majorca, and named by him [Greek: murto kison], or Myrtle-Cistus[2] it appears therefore that this plant has long been known, if not cultivated in this country.

We may remark that CLUSIUS's figure of this plant is not equally expressive with many of his others.

[138]

KALMIA HIRSUTA. HAIRY KALMIA.

_Class and Order._

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Calyx_ 5-partitus. _Corolla_ hypocrateriformis: limbo subtus quinquecorni _Caps._ 5-locularis.

_Specific Character._

KALMIA _hirsuta_ foliis ovato-lanceolatis hirsutis sparsis, floribus racemosis.

This new species of Kalmia which we have called _hirsuta,_ the stalk, leaves, and calyx, being covered with strong hairs, was imported from Carolina in the Spring of 1790, by Mr. WATSON, Nurseryman at Islington, with whom several plants of it flowered this present Autumn, about the middle of September, from one of which our drawing was made.

The plants were brought over with their roots enclosed in balls of the earth in which they naturally grew, which on being examined appeared of a blackish colour, and full of glittering particles of sand; similar indeed to the bog-earth which we find on our moors and heaths; there is therefore little doubt (for no account accompanied the plants) but this Kalmia grows on moorish heaths, or in swamps.

In its general appearance it bears some resemblance to the _Andromeda Daboecii_; from the specimens we have seen its usual height would appear to be from two to three feet; it grows upright; the flowers which are about the size of those of the _Kalmia glauca_, are of a purple colour, and contrary to all the other known Kalmia's grow in racemi.

It is propagated by layers, and requires the same treatment as the rest of the genus, that is, to be planted in bog-earth, on a north border: as this however is a new, and of course a dear plant, it will be most prudent till we know what degree of cold it will bear, to keep it in a pot of the same earth, plunged in the same situation, which may be removed in the Winter to a green-house or hot-bed frame.

[139]

ALSTROEMERIA PELEGRINA. SPOTTED-FLOWER'D ALSTROEMERIA.

_Class and Order._

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Corolla_ 6-petala, supera, irregularis. _Stamina_ declinata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

ALSTROEMERIA _Pelegrina_ caule erecto, corollis campanulatis rectis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis sessilibus. _Linn. Syst. Veg. p. 338. ed. Murr._ _Amoen. Acad. 6. p. 247. cum icone._

HEMEROCALLIS floribus purpurascentibus maculatis vulgo Pelegrina. _Feuill. Peruv. 2. p. 711. t. 5._

Father FEUILLEE[3] figures and describes three species of _Alstroemeria_, viz. _Pelegrina_, _Ligtu_, and _Salsilla_, common names by which they are severally distinguished in Peru: the present species, which is much valued by the natives on account of its beauty, he informs us is found wild on a mountain to the north of, and a mile distant from Lima.

From Peru, as might be expected, the present plant found its way into Spain, from whence by the means of his beloved friend ALSTROEMER, LINNÆUS first received seeds of it; the value he set on the acquisition is evident from the great care he took of the seedling plants, preserving them through the winter in his bed-chamber.

According to Mr. AITON, this species was introduced to the Royal Garden at Kew, by Messrs. KENNEDY and LEE, as long ago as the year 1753.

Being a mountainous plant, it is found to be much more hardy than the _Ligtu_ already figured, and is generally treated as a green-house plant; it is found, however, to flower and ripen its seeds better under the glass of a hot-bed frame, where air is freely admitted.

It flowers from June to October, and, though a perennial, is generally raised from seeds, yet may sometimes be increased by parting its roots, which somewhat resemble those of the asparagus: the seeds should be sown in the spring, in a pot of light earth, on a gentle hot-bed, either of dung or tan.

[140]

LUPINUS LUTEUS. YELLOW LUPINE.

_Class and Order._

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Calyx_ 2-labiatus. _Antheræ_ 5 oblongæ, 5 subrotundæ. _Legumen_ coriaceum.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LUPINUS _luteus_ calycibus verticillatis appendiculatis: labio superiore bipartito; inferiore tridentato. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 656._

LUPINUS sylvestris, flore luteo. _Bauh. Pin. 348._

The Yellow Lupine. _Park. Parad. p. 336._

The present, with many other species of Lupine, is very generally cultivated in flower gardens, for the sake of variety, being usually sown in the spring with other annuals; where the flower-borders are spacious, they may with propriety be admitted, but as they take up much room, and as their blossoms are of short duration, they are not so desirable as many other plants.

It is a native of Sicily, and flowers in June and July.

We have often thought that the management of the kitchen garden, in point of succession of crops, might be advantageously transplanted to the flower garden; in the former, care is taken to have a regular succession of the annual delicacies of the table, while in the latter, a single sowing in the spring is thought to be all-sufficient; hence the flower garden, which in August, September, and part of October, might be covered with a profusion of bloom, exhibits little more than the decayed stems of departed annuals.

[141]

HELIOTROPIUM PERUVIANUM. PERUVIAN TURNSOLE.

_Class and Order._

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Corolla_ hypocrateriformis, 5-fida, interjectis dentibus: fauce clausa fornicibus.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

HELIOTROPIUM _peruvianum_ foliis lanceolato-ovatis, caule fruticoso, spicis numerosis aggregato-corymbosis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 184._

HELIOTROPIUM foliis ovato-lanceolatis, spicis plurimis; confertis, caule fruticoso. _Mill. Dict. ed. 6. 4to. Icon. t. 143._

This plant recommends itself by its fragrance rather than its beauty, so delicious indeed is the odour it diffuses, that it is considered as essential to every green-house and stove.

"It grows naturally in Peru, from whence the seeds were sent by the younger Jussieu to the royal garden at Paris, where the plants produced flowers and seeds; and from the curious garden of the Duke d'Ayen, at St. Germain's, I was supplied with some of the seeds, which have succeeded, in the Chelsea garden, where the plants have flowered and perfected their seeds for some years." _Miller's Gard. Dict._

You may consider it either as a stove or a green-house plant, the former is more congenial to it in the winter season.

A pure atmosphere is essential to its existence, as I experienced at Lambeth-Marsh, where I in vain endeavoured to cultivate it.

It is propagated by cuttings as easily as any Geranium, and requires a similar treatment; in hot weather it must be well supplied with water, and in winter carefully guarded against frost, so fatal to most of the natives of Peru.

[142]

SCORZONERA TINGITANA. TANGIER SCORZONERA, or POPPY-LEAV'D VIPERS GRASS.

_Class and Order._

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA ÆQUALIS.

_Generic Character._

_Receptaculum_ nudum. _Pappus_ plumosus. _Calyx_ imbricatus, squamis margine scariosis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

SCORZONERA _tingitana_ foliis omnibus runcinatis amplexicaulibus. _Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 711._

SONCHUS tingitanus papaveris folio _Raii Suppl. 137._

CHONDRILLA tingitana, floribus luteis papaveris hortensis folio. _Herm. lugdb. 657. t. 659._

I am indebted for seeds of this plant to my very worthy and liberal friend NICH. GWYN, M. D. of Ipswich, to whose penetrating genius, and learned researches, Botany owes much.

As its name implies, it is a native of the province of Tangier, on the Barbary coast; appears to have been cultivated here, according to the _Hort. Kew._ in 1713, but is not mentioned in the 6th 4to. edit. of MILLER's Dictionary.

It may be considered as forming a valuable addition to our stock of annuals, being a beautiful plant, and easily cultivated: it thrives best on a moderately dry soil, warmly situated: should be sown in the spring with other annuals.

I have observed, that in the middle of summer, a hot unclouded sun, which is favourable to the expansion of most of the flowers of this class, is too powerful for those of the present plant, which then appear to the greatest advantage in warm hazy weather.

[143]

PELARGONIUM GLUTINOSUM. CLAMMY CRANE'S BILL.

_Class and Order._

MONADELPHIA HEPTANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Calyx_ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillare nectariferum fecus pedunculum decurrentem. _Corolla_ pentapetala, irregularis. _Filamenta_ 10 inæqualia, quorum 3 raro 5 castrata. _Fructus_ pentacoccus, rostratus, rostra spiralia introrsum barbata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

PELARGONIUM _glutinosum_ umbellis paucifloris foliis cordatis hastato-quinquangulis viscosis. _L'Herit. Ger. Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 2. p. 426._

GERANIUM _glutinosum_. _Jacq. ic. collect. 1. p. 85._

GERANIUM _viscosum_. _Cavanill. Diss. 4. p. 246. t. 108. f. 2._

The leaves of this species exhibit, on being touched, a manifest viscidity, or clamminess, which, independent of their shape, serves to characterize the species; the middle of the leaf is also in general stained with purple, which adds considerably to its beauty; but this must be regarded rather as the mark of a variety, than of the species.

With most of its congeners, it is a native of the Cape, and of modern date in this country, being introduced to the royal garden at Kew, by Messrs. KENNEDY and LEE, in the year 1777.

It flowers from May to September; is readily propagated by cuttings, and sometimes raised from seeds, from whence several varieties have been produced.

[144]

FERRARIA UNDULATA. CURLED FERRARIA.

_Class and Order._

GYNANDRIA TRIANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

Monogyna. _Spathtæ_ unifloræ. _Petala_ 6, undulato-crispata. _Stigmata_ cucullata. _Caps._ 3-locularis, infera.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

FERRARIA _undulata_ caule multifloro. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 820. ed. 14._ _Murr. Ait. Kew. p. 305. v. 3._

FLOS INDICUS e violaceo fuscus radice tuberosa. _I. B. Ferrar. Flora, ed. nov. p. 167. t. 171._

GLADIOLUS INDICUS e violaceo fuscus radice tuberosa nobis. _Moris. hist. f. 4. t. 4. f. 7._

NARCISSUS INDICUS flore saturate purpureo. _Rudb. Elys. 2. t. 49. f. 9._

IRIS stellata cyclamine radice pullo flore. _Barrel. Icon. 1216._

The old Botanists appear to have been wonderfully at a loss to what family they should refer this very singular plant, as will appear on consulting the synonyms; BURMAN at length made a distinct genus of it, naming it _Ferraria_ in honour of JOH. BAPTISTA FERRARIUS, by whom it was described, and very well figured, in his _Flora feu de Florum Cultura_, published at Amsterdam, in 1646.

Mr. MILLER informs us, that he received roots of this plant from Dr. JOB BASTER, F. R. S. of Zirkzee, who obtained it from the Cape, of which it is a native.

In the vegetable line, it is certainly one of the most singular and beautiful of nature's productions; much it is to be regretted that its flowers are of very short duration, opening in the morning and finally closing in the afternoon of the same day; a strong plant will, however, throw out many blossoms in succession.

In its structure and oeconomy, it approaches very near to the _Sisyrinchium_.

It flowers very early in the spring, from February to May, and is usually propagated by offsets, which its bulbs produce in tolerable plenty. It requires a treatment similar to the Ixias and other Cape bulbs. Our figure was drawn from a plant which flowered this spring, in the possession of R. FORSTER, Esq. of Turnham-Green.

INDEX.

In which the Latin Names of the Plants contained in the _Fourth Volume_ are alphabetically arranged.

_Pl._

134 Adonis vernalis. 125 Alstroemeria Ligtu. 139 ------------ Pelegrina. 126 Alyssum deltoideum. 130 ------- utriculatum. 129 Amaryllis vittata. 123 Anemone hortensis. 117 Campanula carpatica. 131 Catesbæa spinosa. 112 Cistus ladaniferus. 113 Convolvulus purpureus. 144 Ferraria undulata. 135 Gladiolus cardinalis. 141 Heliotropium peruvianum. 122 Hyacinthus racemosus. 133 ---------- comosus. 137 Hypericum balearicum. 124 Iberis gibraltarica. 127 Ixia flexuosa. 138 Kalmia hirsuta. 111 Lathyrus tuberosus. 115 -------- sativus. 109 Lavatera trimestris. 116 Limodorum tuberosum. 140 Lupinus luteus. 110 Mimosa verticillata. 121 Narcissus incomparabilis. 136 Pelargonium tetragonum. 143 ----------- glutinosum. 132 Rubus arcticus. 128 Scilla campanulata. 142 Scorzonera tingitana. 118 Sedum Anacampseros. 114 Silene pendula. 119 Strelitzia Reginæ.

INDEX.

In which the English Names of the Plants contained in the _Fourth Volume_ are alphabetically arranged.

_Pl._

134 Adonis Spring. 125 Alstroemeria striped-flowered. 139 ------------ spotted-flowered. 129 Amaryllis superb. 130 Alyssum bladder-podded. 126 ------- purple. 123 Anemone star. 117 Bell-flower Carpatian. 113 Bindweed purple. 132 Bramble dwarf. 124 Candy-tuft Gibraltar. 114 Catchfly pendulous. 131 Catesbæa thorny. 112 Cistus gum. 143 Crane's-bill clammy. 121 Daffodil peerless. 144 Ferraria curled. 136 Geranium square-stalked. 135 Gladiolus superb. 122 Hyacinth starch. 133 -------- two-coloured. 127 Ixia bending-stalked. 138 Kalmia hairy. 111 Lathyrus tuberous. 115 -------- blue-flowered. 109 Lavatera annual. 116 Limodorum tuberous-rooted. 140 Lupine yellow. 110 Mimosa whorl'd-leaved. 118 Orpine evergreen. 142 Scorzonera Tangier. 137 St. John's-wort warty. 119 Strelitzia Canna-leaved. 128 Squill bell-flowered. 141 Turnsole peruvian.

FOOTNOTES

[1] From the gaiety of its flowers, which, from their stripes, appear like an object decorated with ribbands.--_Vitta_, a ribband; _vittata_, dressed with ribbands. _Ainsw._

[2] The leaves being somewhat like those of the Myrtle, and a gummy substance exuding from the plant as in the Gum Cistus.

[3] In his Journal des Observations Physiques, Mathematiques, et Botaniques, faites sur les Côtes Orientales de l'Amerique meridionale, &c. printed in 1714.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Botanical Magazine, Vol. 4, by William Curtis