[Pg 44][Pg 43][Pg 42]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris muticis, inclusis; floribus solitariis, cernuis; calycibus coloratis; corollis globoso-campanulatis, luteis; foliis quaternis, linearibus, angustissimis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, pedalis, erectus, filiformis; rami et ramuli filiformes, virgati, glabri.
Foliaquaterna, linearia, angusta, glabra, erecta; petiolis brevissimis, adpressis.
Floresterminales, subsolitarii, cernui; pedunculi colorati, bracteis tribus, coloratis, subulatis, instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis ovatis, acuminatis, concavis, adpressis, coloratis.
Corollagloboso-campanulata, lutea; laciniis semi-ovatis, subreflexis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo, capillaria, incurvata. Antheræ muticæ, inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen sub-globosum. Stylus columnaris. Stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Junii, in Augustum.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with beardless tips, within the blossom; flowers grow singly, hanging down; cups coloured; blossoms globularly bell-shaped, and yellow; leaves grow by fours, are linear, and very narrow.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, grows a foot high, upright, and thread-shaped; the greater and smaller branches are thread-shaped, twiggy, and smooth.
Leavesgrow by fours, linear, narrow, smooth, and upright; very short foot-stalks, pressed to the branches.
Flowersgrow mostly solitary, at the end of the smaller branches, hanging down; the foot-stalks are coloured, having three awl-shaped, coloured floral leaves on them.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved, leaflets egg-shaped, pointed, concave, pressed to the blossom, and coloured.
Blossom, globularly bell-shaped, and yellow; the segments half egg-shaped, and a little reflexed.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, curved inwards. Tips beardless, and within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-bud nearly globe-shaped. Shaft pillar-shaped. Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from June, till August.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 48][Pg 47][Pg 46]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris muticis, sub-inclusis; corollis globosis, albidis, tomentosis, tectis calyce magno, hispido, colorato; foliis ternis, pilosis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Cauliserectus, laxus, filiformis, fuseus; rami filiformes, villosi; ramuli capillares, frequentes, tomentosi.
Foliaterna, linearia, obtusa, dorso sulcata, pilis longis hirta; petiolis brevissimis, adpressis.
Floresin extremis ramulis terminales bini, vel terni, cernuo-patenti; pedunculi brevissimi, bracteis tribus, minutis, adpressis, instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis ovatis, concavis, incurvatis maximis, totis densissime hirtis, adpressis, luteo-viridis.
Corollasub-globosa, alba, lanata, in sinu calycis fere recondita.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ muticæ sub-inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen subrotundum, apice pilosum. Stylus filiformis, exsertus. Stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Julii, in Octobrem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with beardless tips, just within the blossoms, which are globular, white and downy, being covered with a large, hairy, coloured cup; leaves grow by threes, and are hairy.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemupright, weak, thread-shaped, and brown; branches thread-shaped, and hairy; small branches like hairs, numerous, and downy.
Leavesgrow by threes, linear, blunt, furrowed at the back, and covered with long, harsh hairs; foot-stalks very short, and pressed to the branches.
Flowersgrow at the extremity of the smaller branches, by twos or threes, spreading out, and nodding; foot-stalks very short, having three small floral leaves, which are pressed to the blossom.
Empalement.Cup of four leaves, which are egg-shaped, concave, turned inwards, very large, quite covered with strong hairs, pressed to the blossoms, and of a yellow-green.
Blossomnearly globular, white and woolly, almost hid within the cup.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, fixed into the receptacle. Tips beardless, and nearly within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-bud nearly round, and hairy at the end. Shaft thread-shaped, and without the blossom. Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from the month of July, till October.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 52][Pg 51][Pg 50]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris muticis, inclusis; corollis tubulato-ventricosis, læte sanguineis, fasciculatis, hispidis; foliis quaternis, rigidis, ciliatis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisflexibilis, erectus, cinereus, sesquipedalis; rami pauci, erecti, raro ramulosi.
Foliaquaterna, ciliata, oblonga, convexa, subtus sulco exerata, petiolis brevibus, adpressis.
Floresmagni, sessiles, aggesti in capitulum, cernui, pedunculi hispidi, bracteis tribus foliis similibus instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis lanceolatis, hispidis, foliis similibus.
Corolla, tubulato-ventricosa, læte sanguinea, hirsuta, ore obsolete quadrifida; pollicaria.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria. Antheræ muticæ, inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen cylindricum, hirsutum. Stylus filiformis, sub-exsertus. Stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Augusti, in Aprilem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with beardless tips, within the blossoms, which are of an inflated tubular shape, of a rich blood colour, hairy, and bundled together; the leaves grow by fours, are harsh, and lashed.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemgrows upright, pliant, ash-coloured, and a foot and a half high; the branches are few, and upright, seldom branching.
TheLeavesgrow by fours, are lashed, oblong, rounded on the upper surface, and deeply furrowed on the under side, with short foot-stalks, pressed to the stems.
TheFlowersare large, growing in close bunches, fixed altogether at the end of the branches, bending downward; the foot-stalks are hairy, having three floral leaves, similar to the other leaves.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved, which are lance-shaped, hairy, and like the other leaves.
Blossom, of an inflated tubular form, hairy, and of a rich red or blood colour, the mouth slightly cut into four segments; an inch long.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads. Tips beardless, and within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-vessel cylinder shape, and hairy. Style thread-shaped, nearly without the blossom. Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from August, till April.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 56][Pg 55][Pg 54]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris cristatis, inclusis; floribus umbellatis, cernuis, secundis, sub-ovatis, pallide-carneis; foliis quaternis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, erectus, pedalis; rami sub-simplices, erecto-patenti.
Foliaquaterna, linearia, obtusa, subtus sulcata, sub-scabrida; petiolis brevissimis, adpressis.
Floresin apice ramorem umbellati, cernui; pedunculi longi, colorati, bracteis tribus, linearibus, instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis minutis, subulatis, ciliatis, coloratis.
Corollasub-ovata, pallide-carnea; laciniis limbi acuminatis, sub-erectis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria apice introrsum declinata. Antheræ cristatæ, inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen turbinatum, fulcatum. Stylus cylindricus, sub-inclusus. Stigma obsolete tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Augusti in Decembrem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with crested tips, within the blossom; the flowers grow in bunches, nodding, all pointing one way, nearly egg-shaped, and of a pale flesh colour; leaves growing by fours.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, upright, and grows a foot high; the branches are almost simple, upright, and spreading.
Leavesgrow by fours, linear, blunt, channelled beneath, and roughish; having very short foot-stalks pressed to the branches.
Flowersgrow in bunches, at the end of the branches, nodding; the foot-stalks are long and coloured, with three linear floral-leaves on them.
Empalement.Cup of four leaves, which are small, awl-shaped, fringed, and coloured.
Blossom, nearly egg-shaped, of a pale flesh-colour; the segments of the border tapered, and nearly upright.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, bent downward on the inner side. Tips crested, and within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-bud turban-shaped, and channelled. Shaft cylindrical just within the blossom. Summit obscurely four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from August, till December.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 59][Pg 58]
Antecedent to the year 1772, the few species of this, now so numerous Genus, known in our British gardens, were, the E. vulgaris, E. Tetralix, E. cineria and E. vagans natives; the E. Dabœcii, from Ireland; the E. arborea introduced in 1748, from Madeira; the E. herbacea or carnea in 1763, from Switzerland; the E. mediterranea in 1765, from Minorca, and the E. scoparia, E. viridi-purpurea, E. australis, E. ciliaris and E. umbellata, from Portugal, between the years 1768 and 1707. The two other European species we possess, the E. stricta and E. multiflora, natives of Spain, have been but twelve years in cultivation with us. Of the African species, found within the district of the Cape of Good Hope and the adjacent territory, which have swelled the Genus to so great an extent; and which, but as an echo to the general voice, may be said to contribute, by the extreme brilliancy of the flowers of these species, more than any other, to the present splendor of our green-houses, were unknown, till the above æra, to our English botanists, but by name. In the year 1771 seeds of two species were received, at the Hammersmith nursery, from the Cape, both of them vegetated; the first which flowered, proving the E. tubiflora, of the Sp. Plant. of Linnæus; the other, from the resemblance it bears to the Spruce Fir, was then named E. abietina; but since, altered in the Kew catalogue, to E. concinna. Two years subsequent, 1774, Mr. Francis Masson, botanical collector to His Majesty at the Cape, laid the foundation for the celebrity of that superb collection at Kew, which for many years, with unrivalled lustre, far outshone all others, particularly by the number and variety of this most beautiful tribe of plants: for which we refer to the second Vol. of the catalogue of that garden; where the E. curviflora, E. lutea, E. cruenta, E. persoluta, E. baccans, E. marifolia, E. abietina, E. corifolia, E. paniculata, E. empetrifolia, E. spumosa, E. capitata, E. conspicua, E. cerinthoides, E. viscaria, E. Plukenetii, E. Petiveri, and E. petiolata, are all stated to have been of that year’s introduction. From this period, till within these few years, the accession was so rapid, that it would be difficult, nay nearly impracticable, to ascertain the precise date when most of the remaining species were introduced; as many different collectors were about this time, or shortly after, producing in their collections new species to which they each claimed the honour of priority of introduction; the enumeration of these, therefore, in succession would be but a list of names, and in no way illustrate the present subject. It will be nothing relevant to our purpose, to know how many Ericas were enumerated by Petiver, Plukenet, Hermann, Oldenland, Ray, &c. &c.; as, before Linnæus had, by his mode of classification, determined the precise limits of the Genus, the confusion that then pervaded all the elder Botanists is such, that any comment from them, would rather perplex, than elucidate. Wherefore, beginning with the Systema Naturæ of Linnæus, Vol. II. of 1767, including the European species, he there enumerates but 42; and Dahlgren, in 1770, edited a dissertation, under his eye, on the genus, containing a catalogue of 58 names from Bergius, the Mantissa, &c. Thunberg returning from Africa in 1772, added 13 to the number; all of which were inserted in the Supplementum Plantarum of 1781. From this last work, and some other sources, Murray has, in his Syst. Veg. of 1784, made up a Catalogue of 74 names. The last to be noticed, till the appearance of the Hort. Kew. is, the Dissertatio de Erica; published under the inspection of Thunberg, in 1785, with a list and descriptions of 91 species. In the year 1789, a Catalogue of the plants cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Kew, was published by Mr. Aiton; where, 41 Heaths are to be found in the 2d Vol.; and four in the addenda at the end of the 3d, making in all 45. Martyn in his Edition of Miller’s Dictionary, fasciculus of 1795, article Erica, enumerates but 84. Willdenow, collating from all the foregoing, and assisted by his friend Wendland, of the Royal Gardens at Herenhausen, Hanover; has mounted the list to 137, in his Species Plantarum, now publishing in continuation at Berlin. This, however, as will appear by the catalogue, falls far short of the number, we have now, in actual cultivation in Britain. From the great number of beautiful specimens lately received by G. Hibbert, Esq. many of which were accompanied by seeds, now living plants, contributing to the present richness of the extensive and superb Collection of that Gentleman at Clapham, and brought from the Cape of Good Hope by Mr. Niven, who was employed for the only purpose, of amassing the vegetable treasures of that country, to enrich the Clapham gardens, and herbarium; as well as, from the numberless importations, by different hands, of seeds, since we have been in possession of that territory; a fair conjecture may be made, that the Genus is not bounded, by double the number of species with which we are at present acquainted. Few, if any, of the species but have been increased by cuttings; which has occasioned the total disuse of propagation by layers; wherefore, the only methods we shall treat of, is this, and from the seed. The process for the making, and planting of the cuttings, is as follows. Let a middle sized pot be prepared by filling it, within three inches of the margin, with small broken potsherds, or some such matter; to the end that, a constant and ready drain may be gained for the water, which it will be necessary to give the cuttings, at any time the earth, &c. shall appear dry on the surface. Then consulting the list given with Volume 1st, take a sufficient quantity of sandy loam, sandy peat, or common sand, or a mixture of any of them finely sifted, to fill the pot up to the margin, and press it lightly with the hand; thus prepared it is fit to receive the cuttings. These must be taken about an inch long, or shorter, according to the nature and season of the plants making their fresh branches, from the smallest and tenderest shoots; cutting off the leaves from two-thirds of their length close to the shoot; for which a pair of small scissars is the most convenient. When a few are thus made ready, for not many should be cut at a time, lest they wither before they can be planted, with a small piece of wood, tapered to a point, dibble them into the pot; fixing the lower end of the cutting as firm as possible. When the pot has been thus filled with them, at about half an inch distance each way, leaving a clear half inch from the inner edge; cover them with a small bell-glass, procured as near as possible to fit within its inner rim, then place it under a large hand-glass, or frame, where it must be kept from the stronger rays of the sun, until the cuttings are rooted. Some time after this has taken place, which will be known by their growth, the small bell-glass must be first removed; about a week after, the pot may be taken from under the large hand-glass, and the plants exposed to the open air, in the shade of a north wall, or in winter put in the shady part of the green-house, to protect them from the sun and wind, till they are removed into separate pots. The seeds of some species, which ripen in this country, as well as those which may be procured from the Cape, may be sown about the middle of March, in pots, prepared in the same way as directed for cuttings; with this exception, that the earth be invariably sandy peat finely sifted; the seeds should be covered so slightly, that they may be but just concealed; when covered, they must be watered with a watering-pot whose rose, or head should admit of a passage for the water, only as a light dew; lest the seeds be all thrown together, or washed over the side of the pot. Both plants from cuttings, and seedlings, may be removed with greater safety whilst quite young, than after they have acquired a considerable size. The smallest pots that can be procured, are the best for the first transplanting; in which they should remain, till the pots are quite filled with roots. The earth in which all Heaths thrive most is a soft, loose, sandy peat. That nothing may be wanting, which we can contribute, to the illustration of the Genus; a list is subjoined, communicated by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of all those species cultivated by them at their nursery, Hammersmith; unquestionably, the most extensive collection, of living plants, of every denomination, now in Europe.
Antecedent to the year 1772, the few species of this, now so numerous Genus, known in our British gardens, were, the E. vulgaris, E. Tetralix, E. cineria and E. vagans natives; the E. Dabœcii, from Ireland; the E. arborea introduced in 1748, from Madeira; the E. herbacea or carnea in 1763, from Switzerland; the E. mediterranea in 1765, from Minorca, and the E. scoparia, E. viridi-purpurea, E. australis, E. ciliaris and E. umbellata, from Portugal, between the years 1768 and 1707. The two other European species we possess, the E. stricta and E. multiflora, natives of Spain, have been but twelve years in cultivation with us. Of the African species, found within the district of the Cape of Good Hope and the adjacent territory, which have swelled the Genus to so great an extent; and which, but as an echo to the general voice, may be said to contribute, by the extreme brilliancy of the flowers of these species, more than any other, to the present splendor of our green-houses, were unknown, till the above æra, to our English botanists, but by name. In the year 1771 seeds of two species were received, at the Hammersmith nursery, from the Cape, both of them vegetated; the first which flowered, proving the E. tubiflora, of the Sp. Plant. of Linnæus; the other, from the resemblance it bears to the Spruce Fir, was then named E. abietina; but since, altered in the Kew catalogue, to E. concinna. Two years subsequent, 1774, Mr. Francis Masson, botanical collector to His Majesty at the Cape, laid the foundation for the celebrity of that superb collection at Kew, which for many years, with unrivalled lustre, far outshone all others, particularly by the number and variety of this most beautiful tribe of plants: for which we refer to the second Vol. of the catalogue of that garden; where the E. curviflora, E. lutea, E. cruenta, E. persoluta, E. baccans, E. marifolia, E. abietina, E. corifolia, E. paniculata, E. empetrifolia, E. spumosa, E. capitata, E. conspicua, E. cerinthoides, E. viscaria, E. Plukenetii, E. Petiveri, and E. petiolata, are all stated to have been of that year’s introduction. From this period, till within these few years, the accession was so rapid, that it would be difficult, nay nearly impracticable, to ascertain the precise date when most of the remaining species were introduced; as many different collectors were about this time, or shortly after, producing in their collections new species to which they each claimed the honour of priority of introduction; the enumeration of these, therefore, in succession would be but a list of names, and in no way illustrate the present subject. It will be nothing relevant to our purpose, to know how many Ericas were enumerated by Petiver, Plukenet, Hermann, Oldenland, Ray, &c. &c.; as, before Linnæus had, by his mode of classification, determined the precise limits of the Genus, the confusion that then pervaded all the elder Botanists is such, that any comment from them, would rather perplex, than elucidate. Wherefore, beginning with the Systema Naturæ of Linnæus, Vol. II. of 1767, including the European species, he there enumerates but 42; and Dahlgren, in 1770, edited a dissertation, under his eye, on the genus, containing a catalogue of 58 names from Bergius, the Mantissa, &c. Thunberg returning from Africa in 1772, added 13 to the number; all of which were inserted in the Supplementum Plantarum of 1781. From this last work, and some other sources, Murray has, in his Syst. Veg. of 1784, made up a Catalogue of 74 names. The last to be noticed, till the appearance of the Hort. Kew. is, the Dissertatio de Erica; published under the inspection of Thunberg, in 1785, with a list and descriptions of 91 species. In the year 1789, a Catalogue of the plants cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Kew, was published by Mr. Aiton; where, 41 Heaths are to be found in the 2d Vol.; and four in the addenda at the end of the 3d, making in all 45. Martyn in his Edition of Miller’s Dictionary, fasciculus of 1795, article Erica, enumerates but 84. Willdenow, collating from all the foregoing, and assisted by his friend Wendland, of the Royal Gardens at Herenhausen, Hanover; has mounted the list to 137, in his Species Plantarum, now publishing in continuation at Berlin. This, however, as will appear by the catalogue, falls far short of the number, we have now, in actual cultivation in Britain. From the great number of beautiful specimens lately received by G. Hibbert, Esq. many of which were accompanied by seeds, now living plants, contributing to the present richness of the extensive and superb Collection of that Gentleman at Clapham, and brought from the Cape of Good Hope by Mr. Niven, who was employed for the only purpose, of amassing the vegetable treasures of that country, to enrich the Clapham gardens, and herbarium; as well as, from the numberless importations, by different hands, of seeds, since we have been in possession of that territory; a fair conjecture may be made, that the Genus is not bounded, by double the number of species with which we are at present acquainted. Few, if any, of the species but have been increased by cuttings; which has occasioned the total disuse of propagation by layers; wherefore, the only methods we shall treat of, is this, and from the seed. The process for the making, and planting of the cuttings, is as follows. Let a middle sized pot be prepared by filling it, within three inches of the margin, with small broken potsherds, or some such matter; to the end that, a constant and ready drain may be gained for the water, which it will be necessary to give the cuttings, at any time the earth, &c. shall appear dry on the surface. Then consulting the list given with Volume 1st, take a sufficient quantity of sandy loam, sandy peat, or common sand, or a mixture of any of them finely sifted, to fill the pot up to the margin, and press it lightly with the hand; thus prepared it is fit to receive the cuttings. These must be taken about an inch long, or shorter, according to the nature and season of the plants making their fresh branches, from the smallest and tenderest shoots; cutting off the leaves from two-thirds of their length close to the shoot; for which a pair of small scissars is the most convenient. When a few are thus made ready, for not many should be cut at a time, lest they wither before they can be planted, with a small piece of wood, tapered to a point, dibble them into the pot; fixing the lower end of the cutting as firm as possible. When the pot has been thus filled with them, at about half an inch distance each way, leaving a clear half inch from the inner edge; cover them with a small bell-glass, procured as near as possible to fit within its inner rim, then place it under a large hand-glass, or frame, where it must be kept from the stronger rays of the sun, until the cuttings are rooted. Some time after this has taken place, which will be known by their growth, the small bell-glass must be first removed; about a week after, the pot may be taken from under the large hand-glass, and the plants exposed to the open air, in the shade of a north wall, or in winter put in the shady part of the green-house, to protect them from the sun and wind, till they are removed into separate pots. The seeds of some species, which ripen in this country, as well as those which may be procured from the Cape, may be sown about the middle of March, in pots, prepared in the same way as directed for cuttings; with this exception, that the earth be invariably sandy peat finely sifted; the seeds should be covered so slightly, that they may be but just concealed; when covered, they must be watered with a watering-pot whose rose, or head should admit of a passage for the water, only as a light dew; lest the seeds be all thrown together, or washed over the side of the pot. Both plants from cuttings, and seedlings, may be removed with greater safety whilst quite young, than after they have acquired a considerable size. The smallest pots that can be procured, are the best for the first transplanting; in which they should remain, till the pots are quite filled with roots. The earth in which all Heaths thrive most is a soft, loose, sandy peat. That nothing may be wanting, which we can contribute, to the illustration of the Genus; a list is subjoined, communicated by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, of all those species cultivated by them at their nursery, Hammersmith; unquestionably, the most extensive collection, of living plants, of every denomination, now in Europe.
[Pg 60]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris muticis, sub-inclusis, stylus exsertus; flores in sumitate ramorem, verticillati, clavati, curvati, coccinei; foliola calycis acuta; foliis senis, incurvis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Cauliserectus, cinereo-fuscus, pedalis; rami verticillati, erecto-patentes, raro ramulosi.
Foliasena, incurvata, acuta, glabra, sub-glauca; petiolis adpressis.
Floresin summite ramorum verticillati, conserti, brevissime pedunculati, bracteæ calyciformes.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis subulatis, marginibus membranaceis, acutis, carinatis.
Corollacurvata, elevata, pubescens, sanguinea; oris laciniis erectis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria, longitudine tubi. Antheræ muticæ, sub-inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen turbinatum, sulcatum. Stylus filiformis, exsertus. Stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Augusti, in Decembrem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with beardless tips, just within the blossom, shaft without; the flowers grow at the end of branches in whorls, club-shaped, curved, and of a scarlet colour; the leaves of the cup are sharp-pointed; the leaves grow by sixes, and are turned inwards.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemupright, of a brownish ash-colour, growing a foot high; branches grow in whorls, upright, and spreading, seldom branching.
Leavesgrow by sixes, turned inwards, sharp-pointed, smooth, and of a bluish green; the leaf-stems pressed to the branches.
Flowersgrow in close whorls at the top of the branches; the foot-stalks very short, the floral leaves appearing like a second cup.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved, which are awl-shaped, skinny at the edges, sharp-pointed, and keel-shaped.
Blossomcurved, club-shaped, downy, and of a blood colour; the segments of the mouth are upright.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, the length of the tube. Tips beardless, and just within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-bud turban-shaped, and furrowed. Shaft thread-shaped, and without the blossom. Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from August, till December.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 64][Pg 63][Pg 62]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris basi bicornibus, exsertis; corollis clavatis, sesquipollicaribus, luteis; foliis quaternis, glabris, obtusis, crassis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, erectus, tripedalis, ramosus; ramulis verticillatis, brevibus.
Foliaquaterna, obtusa, linearia, crassa; petiolis brevissimis, adpressis.
Floresin apicibus ramulorum terminales, nutantes, pedunculis brevibus, bracteis tribus spathulatis.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum; foliolis obtusis, glabris, sub-ovatis.
Corollaclavata, sesquipollicaris, lutea, basi attenuata; oris laciniis magnis, revolutis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria, receptaculo inserta; antheris bifidis, basi bicornibus, exsertis.
Pistillum.Germen cylindricum, sulcatum. Stylus filiformis. Stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mense Junii in Augustum.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with tips two-horned at their base, and without the blossom: the blossoms are club-shaped, an inch and a half long, yellow: the leaves grow by fours, are smooth, blunt, and thick.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, upright, grows three feet high, and branching: the smaller branches are short, and grow in whorls.
Leavesgrow by fours, are blunt, linear, thick, and have short foot-stalks pressed to the branches.
Flowersare terminal at the summit of the smaller branches, waving, having short foot-stalks, with three spathula-shaped floral leaves.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved: leaves blunt, smooth, and nearly egg-shaped.
Blossomclub-shaped, an inch and a half long, yellow, and tapering to the base: the segments of the mouth are large, and rolled back.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, fixed to the receptacle: the tips are cleft, two-horned at their base, and without the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-vessel cylinder-shaped, and furrowed. Shaft thread-shaped. Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from June till August.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 68][Pg 67][Pg 66]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris aristatis, inclusis; corollis cylindrico-clavatis, speciosissimis; foliis octonis seu spiraliter sparsis, truncatis, arcuatis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, erectus, bipedalis, basi simplicissimus, rami pauci, simplices, longi.
Foliaoctona, linearia, obtusa, supra scabra, subtus sulcata, attenuata in petiolos longos capillares.
Floresplures, subterminales, simpliciter verticillati, conserti, viscosi; pedunculi longi recurvati, bracteis tribus instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis lanceolatis, viscosis, adpressis.
Corollacylindrico-clavata, pollicaria, apice recurvata, ima parte profunde carnea, apice viridie, ore arctata, laciniis rectis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria; receptaculo inserta. Antheræ aristatæ, inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen clavatum, sulcatum. Stylus filiformis, subexsertus. Stigma peltatum, concavum, viride.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a Februarii, in Aprilem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with bearded tips, within the blossoms, which are cylindrically club-shaped and very shewy; the leaves grow by eights or spirally scattered, appear cut off at the ends and arched.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, erect, grows two feet high, simple at the base, with but few branches, which are simple, and long.
Leavesgrow by eights, are linear, blunt, rough on their upper, and furrowed on their under surface, tapering into long hair-like foot-stalks.
TheFlowersare numerous, nearly terminating the branches, in simple whorls, crowded together, and clammy; the foot-stalks are long, bent backward, with three floral leaves.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved, leaflets lance-shaped, clammy, and pressed to the blossom.
Blossomcylindrically club-shaped, an inch long, bent back at the point, the lower part of a strong flesh colour, the end green, compressed at the mouth, whose segments are straight.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads fixed into the receptacle. Tips bearded, and within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-vessel club-shaped, and furrowed. Shaft thread-shaped, almost without the blossom. Summit shield-shaped, concave, and green.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from February, till April.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 72][Pg 71][Pg 70]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris muticis, inclusis; stylo exserto; corollis sub-cylindraceis, incarnatis, costatis; foliis pubescentibus, ternis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, bipedalis, erectus ramosus; ramuli frequentissimi.
Foliacaulina, terna, recta, linearia, obtusa, pubescentia; folia ramea, erectiora, ovata, sub-serrata, acuminata; petiolis adpressis.
Floresplures, tres, quatuorve ramuli terminates; pedunculi brevissimi.
Calyx.Perianthium duplex;interius, tetraphyllum, foliolis sub-ovatis, acuminatis, serratis, coloratis, apice sulcatis, adpressis;exteriustriphyllum, priori brevioribus, virescentibus.
Corollasub-cylindracea, apice paulula curvata, incarnata, costata; oris laciniis erectis, albidis, obtusis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo, ima parte spathulata, receptaculo inserta. Antheræ inclusæ, muticæ.
Pistillum.Germen sub-cylindricum, sulcatum. Stylus attenuatus, exsertus, apice curvatus. Stigma tetragonum virescens.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a Februarii, in Junium.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, with beardless tips, within the blossom; pointal without; blossoms nearly cylindrical, flesh-coloured, and ribbed; leaves downy, growing by threes.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, grows two feet high, upright, and branching; the smaller branches are numerous.
TheLeavesof the stem grow by threes, straight out, linear, blunt, and downy; those on the smaller branches, more upright, egg-shaped, a little sawed at the edges, and sharp pointed; the foot-stalks pressed to the branches.
TheFlowersare numerous, growing by threes, or fours, at the end of the smaller branches; foot-stalks very short.
Empalement.Cup double; theinnerfour-leaved; leaves almost egg-shaped, pointed, sawed, coloured, furrowed at the point, and pressed to the blossom; theouterthree-leaved, shorter than the former, and greenish.
Blossomnearly cylindrical, curved a little at the end, of a flesh colour, and ribbed; the segments of the mouth are upright, white and blunt.
Chives.Eight threads, spathula-shaped at the base, and fixed into the receptacle. Tips within the blossom, and beardless.
Pointal.Seed-vessel almost cylinder-shaped, and furrowed. Shaft tapered, without the blossom, and curved at the end. Summit four-cornered, and green.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from February, till June.
REFERENCE.
[Pg 76][Pg 75][Pg 74]
CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.
Erica, antheris aristatis, sub-inclusis, foliis quaternis, corollis sub-ternis, glabris, clavato-cylindricis, pollicaribus; saturate sanguineis.
DESCRIPTIO.
Caulisfruticosus, bipedalis, erectus; rami erecti, ramulosi; ramulis brevissimis, frequentissimis.
Foliaquaterna, linearia, glabra, nitida, saturate viridia, petiolis brevissimis, adpressis.
Floresin ramulis terminales, prope caulis summitatem, racemum quali formantes longum; pedunculi longi, bracteis tribus ad basin instructi.
Calyx.Perianthium tetraphyllum, foliolis lanceolatis, serratis, adpressis.
Corollaclavato-cylindrica, glabra, cruenta, pollicaris; oris laciniis rectis, obtusis.
Stamina.Filamenta octo capillaria, receptaculo inserta; antheræ aristatæ, sub-inclusæ.
Pistillum.Germen sub-ovatum, sulcatum, pubescens; stylus exsertus; stigma tetragonum.
Habitat ad Caput Bonæ Spei.
Floret a mensi Augusti, in Decembrem.
REFERENTIA.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Heath, whose tips are bearded, and just within the blossom; the leaves grow by fours, the flowers mostly by threes, and are smooth, cylindrically club-shaped, an inch long, and of a deep blood colour.
DESCRIPTION.
Stemshrubby, grows two feet high, and upright; the branches grow upright, having many smaller branches, which are thick set, and very short.
TheLeavesgrow by fours, are linear, smooth, shining, and of a deep green, having very short foot-stalks, pressed to the stem.
TheFlowersterminate the shorter branches near the summit of the stem, forming as it were a long bunch; the foot-stalks are long, having three floral leaves at their base.
Empalement.Cup four-leaved, which are lance-shaped, sawed, and pressed to the blossom.
TheBlossomis cylindrically club-shaped, smooth, blood colour, and an inch long; the segments of the mouth are obtuse, and straight.
Chives.Eight hair-like threads, fixed into the receptacle; the tips are bearded, and just within the blossom.
Pointal.Seed-vessel nearly egg-shaped, furrowed, and downy; Shaft without the blossom; Summit four-cornered.
Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
Flowers from August, till December.
REFERENCE.