Chap. XIX.Iris bulbosa.The bulbous Flowerdeluce.The Flowerdeluces that haue bulbous rootes are of two sorts, the one greater then the other: the greater bearing larger and broader leaues and flowers, and the lesser narrower. But before I giue you the descriptions of the vsuall greater kindes, I must needes place one or two in the fore-front that haue no fellowes; the one is called of Clusius, his broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and the other a Persian, somewhat like vnto it, which although they differ notably from the rest, yet they haue the nearest resemblance vnto those greater kindes, that come next after them.{Two that have no fellows}Iris bulbosa prima latifolia Clusij.Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce.This Flowerdeluce hath diuers long and broad leaues, not stiffe, like all the other, but soft and greenish on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath; among which rise vp sometimes seuerall small, short, slender stalkes, and sometimes but one, not aboue halfe a foote high, bearing at the top one flower a peece, somewhat like vnto a Flowerdeluce, consisting of nine leaues, whereof those three that stand vpright, are shorter and more closed together, then in other sorts of Flowerdeluces; the other three that fall downe, turne vp their ends a little, and those three, that in other Flowerdeluces doe couer them at the bottome, stand like the vpright leaues of other Flowerdeluces, but are parted into two ends, like vnto two small eares: the whole flower is of a faire blew, or pale skie colour in most, with a long stripe in the middle of each of the three falling leaues, and in some white, but more seldome: the roote is reasonable great, round and white, vnder the blackish coates wherewith it is couered, hauing many long thicke white rootes in stead of fibres, which make them seeme to be Asphodill rootes. The flower is very sweete.Iris bulbosa Persica.The Persian bulbous Flowerdeluce.This Persian Flowerdeluce is somewhat like vnto the former, both in roote and in leafe, but that the leaues are shorter and narrower, and the flower being much about the same fashion, is of a pale blew russetish colour, each of the three lower falling leaues are almost wholly of a browne purple colour, with a yellow spot in the middle of them: this as it is very rare, so it seldome beareth flowers with vs.The Place.The first groweth in many places of Spaine and Portugall, from whence I and others haue often had it for our Gardens, but by reason of the tendernesse thereof, it doth hardly endure the sharpnesse of our cold Winters, vnlesse it be carefully preserued.The other is said to come from Persia, and therefore it is so entituled, and is as tender to be kept as the other.The Time.The first flowreth most vsually not vntill May with vs, yet many times sooner: but in Ianuary and February, as Clusius saith, in the naturall places thereof.The other is as early oftentimes when it doth flower with vs.The Names.Because Clusius by good iudgement referreth the first to the greaterkindes of Flowerdeluces, and placeth it in the fore ranke, calling itIris bulbosa latifolia prima, that is, The first broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and all others doe the like, I haue (as you see) in the like manner put it before all the other, and keepe the same name. The Spaniards, as he saith, called itLirio espadanal, and they of Corduba,Lirios azules.The other hath no other name then as it is in the title.{Bulbous Flowerdeluce with broader leaves}1.Iris bulbosa maior siue Anglica cærulea.The blew English bulbous Flowerdeluce.This bulbous Flowerdeluce riseth vp early, euen in Ianuary oftentimes, with fiue or six long and (narrow, in comparison of any great breadth, but in regard of the other kinde) broad whitish green leaues, crested or straked on the backside, and halfe round, being hollow like a trough or gutter, white all along the inside of the leafe, and blunt at the end; among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, a cubit or two foot high, at the toppe whereof, out of a skinnie huske, commeth forth one or two flowers, consisting of nine leaues a peece, three whereof that are turned downewards, are larger and broader then the other, hauing in each of them a yellow spot, about the middle of the leafe, other three are small, hollow, ridged or arched, couering the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, turning vp their ends, which are diuided into two parts, other three stand vpright, and are very small at the bottome of them, and broader toward the toppe: the whole flower is of a faire blew colour; after the flowers are past, come vp three square heads, somewhat long, and lanke, or loose, containing in them round yellowish seede, which when it is ripe, will rattle by the shaking of the winde in the dry huskes: the roote of this kinde is greater and longer then any of the smaller kindes with narrow leaues, couered with diuers browne skinnes, which seeme to be fraught with long threeds like haires, especially at the small or vpper end of the roote, which thing you shall not finde in any of the smaller kindes.2.Iris bulbosa maior purpurea & purpuro violacea.The paler or deeper purple great bulbous Flowerdeluce.These purple Flowerdeluces differ not from the last described, either in roote or leafe: the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers, which in these are somewhat larger then in the former, and in the one of a deepe blew or Violet purple colour, and in the other of a deepe purple colour, in all other things alike.Flore cinereo.There is also another, in all other things like vnto the former, but only in the flower, which is of a pale or bleake blew, which we call an ash-colour.3.Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata siue striata.The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is another of the purple kinde, whose flower is purple, but with some veines or stripes of a deeper Violet colour, diuersly running through the whole leaues of the flower.Flore cinereo striata purpureo.And another of that bleake blew or ash-colour, with lines and veines of purple in the leaues of the flowers, some more or lesse then other.Flore purpureo orbe cinereo.And againe another, whose flower is of a purple colour like vnto the second, but that round about that yellow spot, in the middle of each of the three falling leaues (as is vsuall in all the bulbous Flowerdeluces) there is a circle of a pale blew or ash-colour, the rest of the leafe remaining purple, as the other parts of the flower is.4.Iris bulbosa maior flore rubente.The great peach coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is another of these greater kindes, more rare then any of the former, not differing in roote, leafe, or flower, from the former, but onely that the flower in this is of a pale reddish purple colour, comming somewhat neare vnto the colour of a peach blossome.5.Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia alba.The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce.The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce, riseth not vp so early out of the ground as the blew or purple doth, but about a moneth or more after, whose leaues are somewhat larger, and broader then of the others: the stalke is thicker and shorter, bearing vsually two very large and great flowers, one flowring a little before the other, yet oftentimes both in flower together in the end, of a bleake blewish white colour, which wee call a siluer colour, while they are in the budde, and before they be blowne open, but then of a purer white, yet with an eye or shew of that siluer colour remaining in them, the three falling leaues being very large, and hauing that yellow spot in the middle of each of them: the seedes are likewise inclosed in heads, like vnto the blew or purple kindes, but larger, and are of a reddish yellow colour like them: the roote likewise is not differing, but greater.6.Iris bulbosa maior alba variegata.The great white stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.This white stript Flowerdeluce, is in roote, leafe, and flower, and in manner of growing, like vnto the former white Flowerdeluce; the onely difference is in the marking of the flower, being diuers from it: for this hath in the white flower great veines, stripes, or markes, of a Violet blew colour, dispersed through the leaues of the flower very variably, which addeth a superexcellent beauty to the flower.7.Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia versicolor.The great party coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is no difference in this from the former, but in the flower, which is of a whitish colour in the three falling leaues, hauing a circle of ash-colour about the yellow spot, the three rigged leaues being likewise whitish, but ridged and edged with that ash-colour, and the three vpright leaues of a pale blewish white colour, with some veines therein of a blewish purple.Varietas.There hath beene brought vnto vs diuers rootes of these kindes, with the dryed flowers remaining on them, wherein there hath beene seene more varieties, then I can well remember to expresse, which variety it is very probable, hath risen by the sowing of the seeds, as is truely obserued in the narrower leafed kinde of Flowerdeluce, in the Tulipa, and in some other plants.Flore luteo.Wee haue heard of one of this kinde of broad leafed Flowerdeluces, that should beare a yellow flower, in the like manner as is to be seene in the narrow leafed ones: but I haue not seene any such, and therefore I dare report no further of it, vntill time hath discouered the truth or falshood of the report.Page 175: Flowerdeluce.1Iris bulbosa latifolia prima Clusii.Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce.2Iris bulbosa maior cærulea siue Anglica.The great blew of English bulbous Flowerdeluce.3Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata.The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.4Iris bulbosa angustifolia maior alba.The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.5Iris bulbosa angustifolia versicolor.The party coloured narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.6Iris bulbosa angustifolia Africana.The purple African bulbous narrow leafed Flowerdeluce.The Place.Lobelius is the first reporter, that the blew Flowerdeluce or first kinde of these broad leafed Flowerdeluces, groweth naturally in the West parts of England; but I am in some doubt of the truth of that report: for I rather thinke, that some in their trauels through Spaine, or other parts where it groweth, being delighted with the beauty of the flower, did gather the rootes, and bring them ouer with them, and dwelling in some of the West parts of England, planted them, and there encreasing so plentifully as they doe, they were imparted to many, thereby in time growing common in all Countrey folkes Gardens thereabouts. They grow also, and all the other, and many more varieties, about Tholouse, from whence Plantinianus Gassanus both sent and brought vs them, with many other bulbous rootes, and rare plants gathered thereabouts.The Time.These doe flower vsually in the end of May, or beginning of Iune, and their seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or August.The Names.Lobel calleth the first English blew Flowerdeluce,Hyacinthus Poetarum flore Iridis, & propter Hyacinthinum colorem, id est violaceum dictus: but I know not any great good ground for it, more then the very colour; for it is neither of the forme of a Lilly, neither hath it those mourning markes imprinted in it, which the Poet faineth to bee in his Hyacinth. It is most truely called anIris, or Flowerdeluce (and there is great difference betweene a Lilly and a Flowerdeluce, for the formes of their flowers) because it answereth thereunto very exactly, for the flower, and is therefore called vsually by most, eitherIris bulbosa Anglica, orIris bulbosa maior siue latifolia, for a difference betweene it, and the lesser with narrow leaues: In English, eyther The great English bulbous Flowerdeluce, or the great broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce, which you will, adding the other name, according to the colour.{Bulbous Flowerdeluce with narrow leaves}And thus much for these broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much as hath come to our knowledge. Now to the seuerall varieties of the narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much likewise as we haue been acquainted with.Iris bulbosa minor siue angustifolia alba.The smaller white or narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.This first Flowerdeluce, which beareth the smaller flower of the two white ones, that are here to bee described, springeth out of the ground alwaies before Winter, which after breaketh forth into foure or fiue small and narrow leaues, a foote long or more, of a whitish greene on the inside, which is hollow and chanalled, and of a blewish greene colour on the outside, and round withall: the stalke of this kinde is longer and slenderer then the former, with some shorter leaues vpon it, at the toppe whereof, out of short skinny leaues, stand one or two flowers, smaller, shorter, and rounder then the flowers of the former broad leafed Flowerdeluces, but made after the same proportion with nine leaues, three falling downewards, with a yellow spot in the middle, other three are made like a long arch, which couer the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, and turne vp at the ends of them, where they are diuided into two parts: the other three stand vpright, betweene each of the three falling leaues, being somewhat long and narrow: the flower is wholly, (sauing the yellow spot) of a pure white colour, yet in some hauing a shew of some blew throughout, and in others towards the bottome of the three vpright leaues: after the flowers are past, there rise vp so many long cods or seede vessels, as there were flowers, which are longer and smaller then in the former, and a little bending like a Corner, with three round squares, and round pointed also, which diuiding it selfe when the seede is ripe into three parts, doe shew six seuerall cells or places, wherein is contained such like round reddish yellow seedes, but smaller then the former: the roote is smaller and shorter then the former, and without any haires or threeds, couered with browne thin skinnes, and more plentifull in giuing encrease.Iris bulbosa angustifolia alba flore maiore.The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.I shall not neede to make a seuerall description to euery one of these Flowerdeluces that follow, for that were but to make often repetition of one thing, which being once done, as it is, may well serue to expresse all the rest, and but onely to adde the especiall differences, either in leafe or flower, for bignesse, colour, or forme, as is expedient to expresse and distinguish them seuerally. This greater white bulbous Flowerdeluce is like vnto the last described in all parts, sauing that it is a little larger and higher, both in leafe, stalke, and flower, and much whiter then any of these mixed sorts that follow, yet not so white as the former: the roote hereof is likewise a little bigger and rounder in the middle.Albescens.Milke white.There is another, whose falling leaues haue a little shew of yellownesse in them, and so are the middle ridges of the arched leaues, but the vpright leaues are more white, not differing in roote or leafe from the first white.Argentea.Siluer colour.And another, whose falls are of a yellowish white, like the last, the arched leaues are whiter, and the vpright leaues of a blewish white, which we call a siluer colour.Albida.Whitish.Another hath the fals yellowish, and sometimes with a little edge of white about them, and sometimes without; the vpright leaues are whitish, as the arched leaues are, yet the ridge yellower.Albida labris luteis.White with yellow fals.Another hath his fals yellow, and the vpright leaues white, all these flowers are about the same bignesse with the first.Albida angustior.The narrow white.But we haue another, whose flower is smaller, and almost as white as the second, the lower leaues are small, and doe as it were stand outright, not hauing almost any fal at all, so that the yellow spot seemeth to be the whole leafe, the arched leaues are not halfe so large as in the former, and the vpright leaues bowe themselues in the middle, so that the tops doe as it were meete together.And another of the same, whose falling leaues are a little more eminent and yellow, with a yellower spot.Aurea siue lutea Hispanica.The Spanish yellow.We haue another kinde that is called the Spanish yellow, which riseth not vp so high, as ordinarily most of the rest doe, and is wholly of a gold yellow colour.Pallide lutea.Straw colour.There is another, that vsually riseth higher then the former yellow, and is wholly of a pale yellow, but deeper at the spot.Albida lutea.Pale Straw colour.There is also another like vnto the pale yellow, but that the falling leaues are whiter then all the rest of the flower.Mauritanica flaua serotina minor.The small Barbary yellow.There is a smaller or dwarfe kinde, brought from the backe parts of Barbary, neare the Sea, like vnto the yellow, but smaller and lower, and in stead of vpright leaues, hath small short leaues like haires: it flowreth very late, after all others haue almost giuen their seede.Versicolor Hispanica cærulea labris albis.The party coloured Spanish.We haue another sort is called the party coloured Spanish bulbous Flowerdeluce, whose falling leaues are white, the arched leaues of a whitish siluer colour, and the vpright leaues of a fine blewish purple.Diuersitas.The diuersity or variation of this flower.Yet sometimes this doth vary; for the falling leaues will haue either an edge of blew, circling the white leaues, the arched leaues being a little blewer, and the vpright leaues more purple.Or the fals will be almost wholly blew, edged with a blewer colour, the arched leaues pale blew, and the vpright leaues of a purplish blew Violet colour.Or the fals white, the arched leaues pale white, as the vpright leaues are.Of not of so faire a blewish purple, as the first sort is.Some of them also will haue larger flowers then others, and be more liberall in bearing flowers: for the first sort, which is the most ordinary, seldome beareth aboue one flower on a stalke, yet sometimes two. And of the others there are some that will beare vsually two and three flowers, yet some againe will beare but one. All these kindes smell sweeter then many of the other, although the most part are without sent.Cærulea siue purpurea minor Lusitanica præcox.The small early purple Portugall.There is another kinde, that is smaller in all the parts thereof then the former, the stalke is slender, and not so high, bearing at the toppe one or two small flowers, all wholly of a faire, blewish purple, with a yellow spotin euery one of the three falling leaues, this vsually flowreth early, euen with the first bulbous Flowerdeluces.Purpurea maior.The greater purple.We haue another purple, whose flower is larger, and stalke higher, and is of a very reddish purple colour, a little aboue the ground, at the foote or bottome of the leaues and stalke: this flowreth with the later sort of Flowerdeluces.Purpurea serotina.The late purple.There is another, whose flower is wholly purple, except the yellow spot, and flowreth later then any of the other purples.Purpurea rubescens labris cæruleis.A reddish purple with blew fals.There is yet another purple, whose vpright leaues are of a reddish purple, and the falling leaues of a blew colour.Purpurea rubescens labris albido cæruleis.A reddish purple with whitish blew fals.And another of a reddish purple, whose falling leaues are of a whitish blew colour, in nothing else differing from the last.Purpurea labris luteis.Party coloured purple & yellow.Another hath his falling leaues of a faire gold yellow, without any stripe, yet in some there are veines running through the yellow leaues, and some haue an edge of a sullen darke colour about them: the vpright leaues in euery of these, are a Violet purple.Purpurea labris ex albido cærulea & luteo mixtis.Party coloured purple with stript yellow fals.Another is altogether like this last, but that the falling leaues are of a pale blew and yellow, trauersing one the other, and the arched leaues of a pale purplish colour.Subpurpurea labris luteis.Pale purple with yellow fals.Another hath his vpright leaues of a paler purple, and the falling leaues yellow.A paler purple.And another little differing from it, but that the arched leaues are whitish.Subcærulea labris luteis.Party coloured blew and yellow.Another whose vpright leaues are of a pale blew, and the falling leaues yellow.And another of the same sort, but of a little paler blew.Crinis coloris elegantioris.A faire haire colour.We haue another sort, whose vpright leaues are of a faire brownish yellow colour, which some call aFuille mort, and others an haire colour; the falling leaues yellow.Altera obsoletior.A dull haire colour.And another of the same colour, but somewhat deader.Iris bulbosa Africana serpentriæ caule.The purple or murrey bulbous Barbary Flowerdeluce.This Flowerdeluce as it is more strange (that is, but lately knowne and possessed by a few) so it is both more desired, and of more beauty then others. It is in all respects, of roote, leafe, and flower, for the forme like vnto the middle sort of these Flowerdeluces, onely the lowest part of the leaues and stalke, for an inch or thereabouts, next vnto the ground, are of a reddish colour, spotted with many spots, and the flower, being of a meane size, is of a deepe purplish red or murrey colour the whole flower throughout, except the yellow spot in the middle of the three lower or falling leaues, as is in all others.Purpurea cærulea obsoleta labris fuscis.The duskie party coloured purple.And lastly, there is another sort, which is the greatest of all these narrow leafed Flowerdeluces, in all the parts of it; for the roote is greater then any of the other, being thicke and short: the leaues are broader and longer, but of the same colour: the stalke is stronger and higher then any of them, bearing two or three flowers, larger also then any of the rest, whose falling leaues are of a duskie yellow, and sometimes with veines and borders about the brimmes, of another dunne colour, yet hauing that yellow spot that is in all: the arched leaues are of a sullen pale purplish yellow, and the vpright leaues of a dull or duskie blewish purple colour: the heads or hornes for seede are likewise greater, and so is the seede also a little.The Place.These Flowerdeluces haue had their originall out of Spaine and Portugall, as it is thought, except those that haue risen by the sowing, and those which are named of Africa.The Time.These flower in Iune, and sometimes abide vnto Iuly, but vsually not so early as the former broad leafed kindes, and are soone spoiled with wet in their flowring.The Names.The seuerall names, both in Latine and English, are sufficient for them as they are set downe; for we know no better.The Vertues.There is not any thing extant or to be heard, that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes, and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious.{Conclusion}And thus much for these sorts of bulbous Flowerdeluces, and yet I doubt not, but that there are many differences, which haue risen by the sowing of the seede, as many may obserue from their owne labours, for that euery yeare doth shew forth some variety that is not seene before. And now I will conuert my discourse a while likewise, to passe through the seuerall rankes of the other kindes of tuberous rooted Flowerdeluces, called Flagges.
Chap. XIX.Iris bulbosa.The bulbous Flowerdeluce.The Flowerdeluces that haue bulbous rootes are of two sorts, the one greater then the other: the greater bearing larger and broader leaues and flowers, and the lesser narrower. But before I giue you the descriptions of the vsuall greater kindes, I must needes place one or two in the fore-front that haue no fellowes; the one is called of Clusius, his broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and the other a Persian, somewhat like vnto it, which although they differ notably from the rest, yet they haue the nearest resemblance vnto those greater kindes, that come next after them.{Two that have no fellows}Iris bulbosa prima latifolia Clusij.Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce.This Flowerdeluce hath diuers long and broad leaues, not stiffe, like all the other, but soft and greenish on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath; among which rise vp sometimes seuerall small, short, slender stalkes, and sometimes but one, not aboue halfe a foote high, bearing at the top one flower a peece, somewhat like vnto a Flowerdeluce, consisting of nine leaues, whereof those three that stand vpright, are shorter and more closed together, then in other sorts of Flowerdeluces; the other three that fall downe, turne vp their ends a little, and those three, that in other Flowerdeluces doe couer them at the bottome, stand like the vpright leaues of other Flowerdeluces, but are parted into two ends, like vnto two small eares: the whole flower is of a faire blew, or pale skie colour in most, with a long stripe in the middle of each of the three falling leaues, and in some white, but more seldome: the roote is reasonable great, round and white, vnder the blackish coates wherewith it is couered, hauing many long thicke white rootes in stead of fibres, which make them seeme to be Asphodill rootes. The flower is very sweete.Iris bulbosa Persica.The Persian bulbous Flowerdeluce.This Persian Flowerdeluce is somewhat like vnto the former, both in roote and in leafe, but that the leaues are shorter and narrower, and the flower being much about the same fashion, is of a pale blew russetish colour, each of the three lower falling leaues are almost wholly of a browne purple colour, with a yellow spot in the middle of them: this as it is very rare, so it seldome beareth flowers with vs.The Place.The first groweth in many places of Spaine and Portugall, from whence I and others haue often had it for our Gardens, but by reason of the tendernesse thereof, it doth hardly endure the sharpnesse of our cold Winters, vnlesse it be carefully preserued.The other is said to come from Persia, and therefore it is so entituled, and is as tender to be kept as the other.The Time.The first flowreth most vsually not vntill May with vs, yet many times sooner: but in Ianuary and February, as Clusius saith, in the naturall places thereof.The other is as early oftentimes when it doth flower with vs.The Names.Because Clusius by good iudgement referreth the first to the greaterkindes of Flowerdeluces, and placeth it in the fore ranke, calling itIris bulbosa latifolia prima, that is, The first broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and all others doe the like, I haue (as you see) in the like manner put it before all the other, and keepe the same name. The Spaniards, as he saith, called itLirio espadanal, and they of Corduba,Lirios azules.The other hath no other name then as it is in the title.{Bulbous Flowerdeluce with broader leaves}1.Iris bulbosa maior siue Anglica cærulea.The blew English bulbous Flowerdeluce.This bulbous Flowerdeluce riseth vp early, euen in Ianuary oftentimes, with fiue or six long and (narrow, in comparison of any great breadth, but in regard of the other kinde) broad whitish green leaues, crested or straked on the backside, and halfe round, being hollow like a trough or gutter, white all along the inside of the leafe, and blunt at the end; among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, a cubit or two foot high, at the toppe whereof, out of a skinnie huske, commeth forth one or two flowers, consisting of nine leaues a peece, three whereof that are turned downewards, are larger and broader then the other, hauing in each of them a yellow spot, about the middle of the leafe, other three are small, hollow, ridged or arched, couering the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, turning vp their ends, which are diuided into two parts, other three stand vpright, and are very small at the bottome of them, and broader toward the toppe: the whole flower is of a faire blew colour; after the flowers are past, come vp three square heads, somewhat long, and lanke, or loose, containing in them round yellowish seede, which when it is ripe, will rattle by the shaking of the winde in the dry huskes: the roote of this kinde is greater and longer then any of the smaller kindes with narrow leaues, couered with diuers browne skinnes, which seeme to be fraught with long threeds like haires, especially at the small or vpper end of the roote, which thing you shall not finde in any of the smaller kindes.2.Iris bulbosa maior purpurea & purpuro violacea.The paler or deeper purple great bulbous Flowerdeluce.These purple Flowerdeluces differ not from the last described, either in roote or leafe: the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers, which in these are somewhat larger then in the former, and in the one of a deepe blew or Violet purple colour, and in the other of a deepe purple colour, in all other things alike.Flore cinereo.There is also another, in all other things like vnto the former, but only in the flower, which is of a pale or bleake blew, which we call an ash-colour.3.Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata siue striata.The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is another of the purple kinde, whose flower is purple, but with some veines or stripes of a deeper Violet colour, diuersly running through the whole leaues of the flower.Flore cinereo striata purpureo.And another of that bleake blew or ash-colour, with lines and veines of purple in the leaues of the flowers, some more or lesse then other.Flore purpureo orbe cinereo.And againe another, whose flower is of a purple colour like vnto the second, but that round about that yellow spot, in the middle of each of the three falling leaues (as is vsuall in all the bulbous Flowerdeluces) there is a circle of a pale blew or ash-colour, the rest of the leafe remaining purple, as the other parts of the flower is.4.Iris bulbosa maior flore rubente.The great peach coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is another of these greater kindes, more rare then any of the former, not differing in roote, leafe, or flower, from the former, but onely that the flower in this is of a pale reddish purple colour, comming somewhat neare vnto the colour of a peach blossome.5.Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia alba.The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce.The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce, riseth not vp so early out of the ground as the blew or purple doth, but about a moneth or more after, whose leaues are somewhat larger, and broader then of the others: the stalke is thicker and shorter, bearing vsually two very large and great flowers, one flowring a little before the other, yet oftentimes both in flower together in the end, of a bleake blewish white colour, which wee call a siluer colour, while they are in the budde, and before they be blowne open, but then of a purer white, yet with an eye or shew of that siluer colour remaining in them, the three falling leaues being very large, and hauing that yellow spot in the middle of each of them: the seedes are likewise inclosed in heads, like vnto the blew or purple kindes, but larger, and are of a reddish yellow colour like them: the roote likewise is not differing, but greater.6.Iris bulbosa maior alba variegata.The great white stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.This white stript Flowerdeluce, is in roote, leafe, and flower, and in manner of growing, like vnto the former white Flowerdeluce; the onely difference is in the marking of the flower, being diuers from it: for this hath in the white flower great veines, stripes, or markes, of a Violet blew colour, dispersed through the leaues of the flower very variably, which addeth a superexcellent beauty to the flower.7.Iris bulbosa maior siue latifolia versicolor.The great party coloured bulbous Flowerdeluce.There is no difference in this from the former, but in the flower, which is of a whitish colour in the three falling leaues, hauing a circle of ash-colour about the yellow spot, the three rigged leaues being likewise whitish, but ridged and edged with that ash-colour, and the three vpright leaues of a pale blewish white colour, with some veines therein of a blewish purple.Varietas.There hath beene brought vnto vs diuers rootes of these kindes, with the dryed flowers remaining on them, wherein there hath beene seene more varieties, then I can well remember to expresse, which variety it is very probable, hath risen by the sowing of the seeds, as is truely obserued in the narrower leafed kinde of Flowerdeluce, in the Tulipa, and in some other plants.Flore luteo.Wee haue heard of one of this kinde of broad leafed Flowerdeluces, that should beare a yellow flower, in the like manner as is to be seene in the narrow leafed ones: but I haue not seene any such, and therefore I dare report no further of it, vntill time hath discouered the truth or falshood of the report.Page 175: Flowerdeluce.1Iris bulbosa latifolia prima Clusii.Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce.2Iris bulbosa maior cærulea siue Anglica.The great blew of English bulbous Flowerdeluce.3Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata.The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.4Iris bulbosa angustifolia maior alba.The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.5Iris bulbosa angustifolia versicolor.The party coloured narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.6Iris bulbosa angustifolia Africana.The purple African bulbous narrow leafed Flowerdeluce.The Place.Lobelius is the first reporter, that the blew Flowerdeluce or first kinde of these broad leafed Flowerdeluces, groweth naturally in the West parts of England; but I am in some doubt of the truth of that report: for I rather thinke, that some in their trauels through Spaine, or other parts where it groweth, being delighted with the beauty of the flower, did gather the rootes, and bring them ouer with them, and dwelling in some of the West parts of England, planted them, and there encreasing so plentifully as they doe, they were imparted to many, thereby in time growing common in all Countrey folkes Gardens thereabouts. They grow also, and all the other, and many more varieties, about Tholouse, from whence Plantinianus Gassanus both sent and brought vs them, with many other bulbous rootes, and rare plants gathered thereabouts.The Time.These doe flower vsually in the end of May, or beginning of Iune, and their seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or August.The Names.Lobel calleth the first English blew Flowerdeluce,Hyacinthus Poetarum flore Iridis, & propter Hyacinthinum colorem, id est violaceum dictus: but I know not any great good ground for it, more then the very colour; for it is neither of the forme of a Lilly, neither hath it those mourning markes imprinted in it, which the Poet faineth to bee in his Hyacinth. It is most truely called anIris, or Flowerdeluce (and there is great difference betweene a Lilly and a Flowerdeluce, for the formes of their flowers) because it answereth thereunto very exactly, for the flower, and is therefore called vsually by most, eitherIris bulbosa Anglica, orIris bulbosa maior siue latifolia, for a difference betweene it, and the lesser with narrow leaues: In English, eyther The great English bulbous Flowerdeluce, or the great broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce, which you will, adding the other name, according to the colour.{Bulbous Flowerdeluce with narrow leaves}And thus much for these broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much as hath come to our knowledge. Now to the seuerall varieties of the narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much likewise as we haue been acquainted with.Iris bulbosa minor siue angustifolia alba.The smaller white or narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.This first Flowerdeluce, which beareth the smaller flower of the two white ones, that are here to bee described, springeth out of the ground alwaies before Winter, which after breaketh forth into foure or fiue small and narrow leaues, a foote long or more, of a whitish greene on the inside, which is hollow and chanalled, and of a blewish greene colour on the outside, and round withall: the stalke of this kinde is longer and slenderer then the former, with some shorter leaues vpon it, at the toppe whereof, out of short skinny leaues, stand one or two flowers, smaller, shorter, and rounder then the flowers of the former broad leafed Flowerdeluces, but made after the same proportion with nine leaues, three falling downewards, with a yellow spot in the middle, other three are made like a long arch, which couer the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, and turne vp at the ends of them, where they are diuided into two parts: the other three stand vpright, betweene each of the three falling leaues, being somewhat long and narrow: the flower is wholly, (sauing the yellow spot) of a pure white colour, yet in some hauing a shew of some blew throughout, and in others towards the bottome of the three vpright leaues: after the flowers are past, there rise vp so many long cods or seede vessels, as there were flowers, which are longer and smaller then in the former, and a little bending like a Corner, with three round squares, and round pointed also, which diuiding it selfe when the seede is ripe into three parts, doe shew six seuerall cells or places, wherein is contained such like round reddish yellow seedes, but smaller then the former: the roote is smaller and shorter then the former, and without any haires or threeds, couered with browne thin skinnes, and more plentifull in giuing encrease.Iris bulbosa angustifolia alba flore maiore.The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.I shall not neede to make a seuerall description to euery one of these Flowerdeluces that follow, for that were but to make often repetition of one thing, which being once done, as it is, may well serue to expresse all the rest, and but onely to adde the especiall differences, either in leafe or flower, for bignesse, colour, or forme, as is expedient to expresse and distinguish them seuerally. This greater white bulbous Flowerdeluce is like vnto the last described in all parts, sauing that it is a little larger and higher, both in leafe, stalke, and flower, and much whiter then any of these mixed sorts that follow, yet not so white as the former: the roote hereof is likewise a little bigger and rounder in the middle.Albescens.Milke white.There is another, whose falling leaues haue a little shew of yellownesse in them, and so are the middle ridges of the arched leaues, but the vpright leaues are more white, not differing in roote or leafe from the first white.Argentea.Siluer colour.And another, whose falls are of a yellowish white, like the last, the arched leaues are whiter, and the vpright leaues of a blewish white, which we call a siluer colour.Albida.Whitish.Another hath the fals yellowish, and sometimes with a little edge of white about them, and sometimes without; the vpright leaues are whitish, as the arched leaues are, yet the ridge yellower.Albida labris luteis.White with yellow fals.Another hath his fals yellow, and the vpright leaues white, all these flowers are about the same bignesse with the first.Albida angustior.The narrow white.But we haue another, whose flower is smaller, and almost as white as the second, the lower leaues are small, and doe as it were stand outright, not hauing almost any fal at all, so that the yellow spot seemeth to be the whole leafe, the arched leaues are not halfe so large as in the former, and the vpright leaues bowe themselues in the middle, so that the tops doe as it were meete together.And another of the same, whose falling leaues are a little more eminent and yellow, with a yellower spot.Aurea siue lutea Hispanica.The Spanish yellow.We haue another kinde that is called the Spanish yellow, which riseth not vp so high, as ordinarily most of the rest doe, and is wholly of a gold yellow colour.Pallide lutea.Straw colour.There is another, that vsually riseth higher then the former yellow, and is wholly of a pale yellow, but deeper at the spot.Albida lutea.Pale Straw colour.There is also another like vnto the pale yellow, but that the falling leaues are whiter then all the rest of the flower.Mauritanica flaua serotina minor.The small Barbary yellow.There is a smaller or dwarfe kinde, brought from the backe parts of Barbary, neare the Sea, like vnto the yellow, but smaller and lower, and in stead of vpright leaues, hath small short leaues like haires: it flowreth very late, after all others haue almost giuen their seede.Versicolor Hispanica cærulea labris albis.The party coloured Spanish.We haue another sort is called the party coloured Spanish bulbous Flowerdeluce, whose falling leaues are white, the arched leaues of a whitish siluer colour, and the vpright leaues of a fine blewish purple.Diuersitas.The diuersity or variation of this flower.Yet sometimes this doth vary; for the falling leaues will haue either an edge of blew, circling the white leaues, the arched leaues being a little blewer, and the vpright leaues more purple.Or the fals will be almost wholly blew, edged with a blewer colour, the arched leaues pale blew, and the vpright leaues of a purplish blew Violet colour.Or the fals white, the arched leaues pale white, as the vpright leaues are.Of not of so faire a blewish purple, as the first sort is.Some of them also will haue larger flowers then others, and be more liberall in bearing flowers: for the first sort, which is the most ordinary, seldome beareth aboue one flower on a stalke, yet sometimes two. And of the others there are some that will beare vsually two and three flowers, yet some againe will beare but one. All these kindes smell sweeter then many of the other, although the most part are without sent.Cærulea siue purpurea minor Lusitanica præcox.The small early purple Portugall.There is another kinde, that is smaller in all the parts thereof then the former, the stalke is slender, and not so high, bearing at the toppe one or two small flowers, all wholly of a faire, blewish purple, with a yellow spotin euery one of the three falling leaues, this vsually flowreth early, euen with the first bulbous Flowerdeluces.Purpurea maior.The greater purple.We haue another purple, whose flower is larger, and stalke higher, and is of a very reddish purple colour, a little aboue the ground, at the foote or bottome of the leaues and stalke: this flowreth with the later sort of Flowerdeluces.Purpurea serotina.The late purple.There is another, whose flower is wholly purple, except the yellow spot, and flowreth later then any of the other purples.Purpurea rubescens labris cæruleis.A reddish purple with blew fals.There is yet another purple, whose vpright leaues are of a reddish purple, and the falling leaues of a blew colour.Purpurea rubescens labris albido cæruleis.A reddish purple with whitish blew fals.And another of a reddish purple, whose falling leaues are of a whitish blew colour, in nothing else differing from the last.Purpurea labris luteis.Party coloured purple & yellow.Another hath his falling leaues of a faire gold yellow, without any stripe, yet in some there are veines running through the yellow leaues, and some haue an edge of a sullen darke colour about them: the vpright leaues in euery of these, are a Violet purple.Purpurea labris ex albido cærulea & luteo mixtis.Party coloured purple with stript yellow fals.Another is altogether like this last, but that the falling leaues are of a pale blew and yellow, trauersing one the other, and the arched leaues of a pale purplish colour.Subpurpurea labris luteis.Pale purple with yellow fals.Another hath his vpright leaues of a paler purple, and the falling leaues yellow.A paler purple.And another little differing from it, but that the arched leaues are whitish.Subcærulea labris luteis.Party coloured blew and yellow.Another whose vpright leaues are of a pale blew, and the falling leaues yellow.And another of the same sort, but of a little paler blew.Crinis coloris elegantioris.A faire haire colour.We haue another sort, whose vpright leaues are of a faire brownish yellow colour, which some call aFuille mort, and others an haire colour; the falling leaues yellow.Altera obsoletior.A dull haire colour.And another of the same colour, but somewhat deader.Iris bulbosa Africana serpentriæ caule.The purple or murrey bulbous Barbary Flowerdeluce.This Flowerdeluce as it is more strange (that is, but lately knowne and possessed by a few) so it is both more desired, and of more beauty then others. It is in all respects, of roote, leafe, and flower, for the forme like vnto the middle sort of these Flowerdeluces, onely the lowest part of the leaues and stalke, for an inch or thereabouts, next vnto the ground, are of a reddish colour, spotted with many spots, and the flower, being of a meane size, is of a deepe purplish red or murrey colour the whole flower throughout, except the yellow spot in the middle of the three lower or falling leaues, as is in all others.Purpurea cærulea obsoleta labris fuscis.The duskie party coloured purple.And lastly, there is another sort, which is the greatest of all these narrow leafed Flowerdeluces, in all the parts of it; for the roote is greater then any of the other, being thicke and short: the leaues are broader and longer, but of the same colour: the stalke is stronger and higher then any of them, bearing two or three flowers, larger also then any of the rest, whose falling leaues are of a duskie yellow, and sometimes with veines and borders about the brimmes, of another dunne colour, yet hauing that yellow spot that is in all: the arched leaues are of a sullen pale purplish yellow, and the vpright leaues of a dull or duskie blewish purple colour: the heads or hornes for seede are likewise greater, and so is the seede also a little.The Place.These Flowerdeluces haue had their originall out of Spaine and Portugall, as it is thought, except those that haue risen by the sowing, and those which are named of Africa.The Time.These flower in Iune, and sometimes abide vnto Iuly, but vsually not so early as the former broad leafed kindes, and are soone spoiled with wet in their flowring.The Names.The seuerall names, both in Latine and English, are sufficient for them as they are set downe; for we know no better.The Vertues.There is not any thing extant or to be heard, that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes, and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious.{Conclusion}And thus much for these sorts of bulbous Flowerdeluces, and yet I doubt not, but that there are many differences, which haue risen by the sowing of the seede, as many may obserue from their owne labours, for that euery yeare doth shew forth some variety that is not seene before. And now I will conuert my discourse a while likewise, to passe through the seuerall rankes of the other kindes of tuberous rooted Flowerdeluces, called Flagges.
The Flowerdeluces that haue bulbous rootes are of two sorts, the one greater then the other: the greater bearing larger and broader leaues and flowers, and the lesser narrower. But before I giue you the descriptions of the vsuall greater kindes, I must needes place one or two in the fore-front that haue no fellowes; the one is called of Clusius, his broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and the other a Persian, somewhat like vnto it, which although they differ notably from the rest, yet they haue the nearest resemblance vnto those greater kindes, that come next after them.
This Flowerdeluce hath diuers long and broad leaues, not stiffe, like all the other, but soft and greenish on the vpperside, and whitish vnderneath; among which rise vp sometimes seuerall small, short, slender stalkes, and sometimes but one, not aboue halfe a foote high, bearing at the top one flower a peece, somewhat like vnto a Flowerdeluce, consisting of nine leaues, whereof those three that stand vpright, are shorter and more closed together, then in other sorts of Flowerdeluces; the other three that fall downe, turne vp their ends a little, and those three, that in other Flowerdeluces doe couer them at the bottome, stand like the vpright leaues of other Flowerdeluces, but are parted into two ends, like vnto two small eares: the whole flower is of a faire blew, or pale skie colour in most, with a long stripe in the middle of each of the three falling leaues, and in some white, but more seldome: the roote is reasonable great, round and white, vnder the blackish coates wherewith it is couered, hauing many long thicke white rootes in stead of fibres, which make them seeme to be Asphodill rootes. The flower is very sweete.
This Persian Flowerdeluce is somewhat like vnto the former, both in roote and in leafe, but that the leaues are shorter and narrower, and the flower being much about the same fashion, is of a pale blew russetish colour, each of the three lower falling leaues are almost wholly of a browne purple colour, with a yellow spot in the middle of them: this as it is very rare, so it seldome beareth flowers with vs.
The Place.The first groweth in many places of Spaine and Portugall, from whence I and others haue often had it for our Gardens, but by reason of the tendernesse thereof, it doth hardly endure the sharpnesse of our cold Winters, vnlesse it be carefully preserued.The other is said to come from Persia, and therefore it is so entituled, and is as tender to be kept as the other.
The first groweth in many places of Spaine and Portugall, from whence I and others haue often had it for our Gardens, but by reason of the tendernesse thereof, it doth hardly endure the sharpnesse of our cold Winters, vnlesse it be carefully preserued.
The other is said to come from Persia, and therefore it is so entituled, and is as tender to be kept as the other.
The Time.The first flowreth most vsually not vntill May with vs, yet many times sooner: but in Ianuary and February, as Clusius saith, in the naturall places thereof.The other is as early oftentimes when it doth flower with vs.
The first flowreth most vsually not vntill May with vs, yet many times sooner: but in Ianuary and February, as Clusius saith, in the naturall places thereof.
The other is as early oftentimes when it doth flower with vs.
The Names.Because Clusius by good iudgement referreth the first to the greaterkindes of Flowerdeluces, and placeth it in the fore ranke, calling itIris bulbosa latifolia prima, that is, The first broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and all others doe the like, I haue (as you see) in the like manner put it before all the other, and keepe the same name. The Spaniards, as he saith, called itLirio espadanal, and they of Corduba,Lirios azules.The other hath no other name then as it is in the title.
Because Clusius by good iudgement referreth the first to the greaterkindes of Flowerdeluces, and placeth it in the fore ranke, calling itIris bulbosa latifolia prima, that is, The first broad leafed Flowerdeluce, and all others doe the like, I haue (as you see) in the like manner put it before all the other, and keepe the same name. The Spaniards, as he saith, called itLirio espadanal, and they of Corduba,Lirios azules.
The other hath no other name then as it is in the title.
This bulbous Flowerdeluce riseth vp early, euen in Ianuary oftentimes, with fiue or six long and (narrow, in comparison of any great breadth, but in regard of the other kinde) broad whitish green leaues, crested or straked on the backside, and halfe round, being hollow like a trough or gutter, white all along the inside of the leafe, and blunt at the end; among which riseth vp a stiffe round stalke, a cubit or two foot high, at the toppe whereof, out of a skinnie huske, commeth forth one or two flowers, consisting of nine leaues a peece, three whereof that are turned downewards, are larger and broader then the other, hauing in each of them a yellow spot, about the middle of the leafe, other three are small, hollow, ridged or arched, couering the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, turning vp their ends, which are diuided into two parts, other three stand vpright, and are very small at the bottome of them, and broader toward the toppe: the whole flower is of a faire blew colour; after the flowers are past, come vp three square heads, somewhat long, and lanke, or loose, containing in them round yellowish seede, which when it is ripe, will rattle by the shaking of the winde in the dry huskes: the roote of this kinde is greater and longer then any of the smaller kindes with narrow leaues, couered with diuers browne skinnes, which seeme to be fraught with long threeds like haires, especially at the small or vpper end of the roote, which thing you shall not finde in any of the smaller kindes.
These purple Flowerdeluces differ not from the last described, either in roote or leafe: the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers, which in these are somewhat larger then in the former, and in the one of a deepe blew or Violet purple colour, and in the other of a deepe purple colour, in all other things alike.
Flore cinereo.
There is also another, in all other things like vnto the former, but only in the flower, which is of a pale or bleake blew, which we call an ash-colour.
There is another of the purple kinde, whose flower is purple, but with some veines or stripes of a deeper Violet colour, diuersly running through the whole leaues of the flower.
Flore cinereo striata purpureo.
And another of that bleake blew or ash-colour, with lines and veines of purple in the leaues of the flowers, some more or lesse then other.
Flore purpureo orbe cinereo.
And againe another, whose flower is of a purple colour like vnto the second, but that round about that yellow spot, in the middle of each of the three falling leaues (as is vsuall in all the bulbous Flowerdeluces) there is a circle of a pale blew or ash-colour, the rest of the leafe remaining purple, as the other parts of the flower is.
There is another of these greater kindes, more rare then any of the former, not differing in roote, leafe, or flower, from the former, but onely that the flower in this is of a pale reddish purple colour, comming somewhat neare vnto the colour of a peach blossome.
The great white bulbous Flowerdeluce, riseth not vp so early out of the ground as the blew or purple doth, but about a moneth or more after, whose leaues are somewhat larger, and broader then of the others: the stalke is thicker and shorter, bearing vsually two very large and great flowers, one flowring a little before the other, yet oftentimes both in flower together in the end, of a bleake blewish white colour, which wee call a siluer colour, while they are in the budde, and before they be blowne open, but then of a purer white, yet with an eye or shew of that siluer colour remaining in them, the three falling leaues being very large, and hauing that yellow spot in the middle of each of them: the seedes are likewise inclosed in heads, like vnto the blew or purple kindes, but larger, and are of a reddish yellow colour like them: the roote likewise is not differing, but greater.
This white stript Flowerdeluce, is in roote, leafe, and flower, and in manner of growing, like vnto the former white Flowerdeluce; the onely difference is in the marking of the flower, being diuers from it: for this hath in the white flower great veines, stripes, or markes, of a Violet blew colour, dispersed through the leaues of the flower very variably, which addeth a superexcellent beauty to the flower.
There is no difference in this from the former, but in the flower, which is of a whitish colour in the three falling leaues, hauing a circle of ash-colour about the yellow spot, the three rigged leaues being likewise whitish, but ridged and edged with that ash-colour, and the three vpright leaues of a pale blewish white colour, with some veines therein of a blewish purple.
Varietas.
There hath beene brought vnto vs diuers rootes of these kindes, with the dryed flowers remaining on them, wherein there hath beene seene more varieties, then I can well remember to expresse, which variety it is very probable, hath risen by the sowing of the seeds, as is truely obserued in the narrower leafed kinde of Flowerdeluce, in the Tulipa, and in some other plants.
Flore luteo.
Wee haue heard of one of this kinde of broad leafed Flowerdeluces, that should beare a yellow flower, in the like manner as is to be seene in the narrow leafed ones: but I haue not seene any such, and therefore I dare report no further of it, vntill time hath discouered the truth or falshood of the report.
Page 175: Flowerdeluce.1Iris bulbosa latifolia prima Clusii.Clusius his first great bulbous Flowerdeluce.2Iris bulbosa maior cærulea siue Anglica.The great blew of English bulbous Flowerdeluce.3Iris bulbosa maior purpurea variegata.The great purple stript bulbous Flowerdeluce.4Iris bulbosa angustifolia maior alba.The greater white narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.5Iris bulbosa angustifolia versicolor.The party coloured narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce.6Iris bulbosa angustifolia Africana.The purple African bulbous narrow leafed Flowerdeluce.
The Place.Lobelius is the first reporter, that the blew Flowerdeluce or first kinde of these broad leafed Flowerdeluces, groweth naturally in the West parts of England; but I am in some doubt of the truth of that report: for I rather thinke, that some in their trauels through Spaine, or other parts where it groweth, being delighted with the beauty of the flower, did gather the rootes, and bring them ouer with them, and dwelling in some of the West parts of England, planted them, and there encreasing so plentifully as they doe, they were imparted to many, thereby in time growing common in all Countrey folkes Gardens thereabouts. They grow also, and all the other, and many more varieties, about Tholouse, from whence Plantinianus Gassanus both sent and brought vs them, with many other bulbous rootes, and rare plants gathered thereabouts.
Lobelius is the first reporter, that the blew Flowerdeluce or first kinde of these broad leafed Flowerdeluces, groweth naturally in the West parts of England; but I am in some doubt of the truth of that report: for I rather thinke, that some in their trauels through Spaine, or other parts where it groweth, being delighted with the beauty of the flower, did gather the rootes, and bring them ouer with them, and dwelling in some of the West parts of England, planted them, and there encreasing so plentifully as they doe, they were imparted to many, thereby in time growing common in all Countrey folkes Gardens thereabouts. They grow also, and all the other, and many more varieties, about Tholouse, from whence Plantinianus Gassanus both sent and brought vs them, with many other bulbous rootes, and rare plants gathered thereabouts.
The Time.These doe flower vsually in the end of May, or beginning of Iune, and their seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or August.
These doe flower vsually in the end of May, or beginning of Iune, and their seede is ripe in the end of Iuly or August.
The Names.Lobel calleth the first English blew Flowerdeluce,Hyacinthus Poetarum flore Iridis, & propter Hyacinthinum colorem, id est violaceum dictus: but I know not any great good ground for it, more then the very colour; for it is neither of the forme of a Lilly, neither hath it those mourning markes imprinted in it, which the Poet faineth to bee in his Hyacinth. It is most truely called anIris, or Flowerdeluce (and there is great difference betweene a Lilly and a Flowerdeluce, for the formes of their flowers) because it answereth thereunto very exactly, for the flower, and is therefore called vsually by most, eitherIris bulbosa Anglica, orIris bulbosa maior siue latifolia, for a difference betweene it, and the lesser with narrow leaues: In English, eyther The great English bulbous Flowerdeluce, or the great broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce, which you will, adding the other name, according to the colour.
Lobel calleth the first English blew Flowerdeluce,Hyacinthus Poetarum flore Iridis, & propter Hyacinthinum colorem, id est violaceum dictus: but I know not any great good ground for it, more then the very colour; for it is neither of the forme of a Lilly, neither hath it those mourning markes imprinted in it, which the Poet faineth to bee in his Hyacinth. It is most truely called anIris, or Flowerdeluce (and there is great difference betweene a Lilly and a Flowerdeluce, for the formes of their flowers) because it answereth thereunto very exactly, for the flower, and is therefore called vsually by most, eitherIris bulbosa Anglica, orIris bulbosa maior siue latifolia, for a difference betweene it, and the lesser with narrow leaues: In English, eyther The great English bulbous Flowerdeluce, or the great broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluce, which you will, adding the other name, according to the colour.
And thus much for these broad leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much as hath come to our knowledge. Now to the seuerall varieties of the narrow leafed bulbous Flowerdeluces, so much likewise as we haue been acquainted with.
This first Flowerdeluce, which beareth the smaller flower of the two white ones, that are here to bee described, springeth out of the ground alwaies before Winter, which after breaketh forth into foure or fiue small and narrow leaues, a foote long or more, of a whitish greene on the inside, which is hollow and chanalled, and of a blewish greene colour on the outside, and round withall: the stalke of this kinde is longer and slenderer then the former, with some shorter leaues vpon it, at the toppe whereof, out of short skinny leaues, stand one or two flowers, smaller, shorter, and rounder then the flowers of the former broad leafed Flowerdeluces, but made after the same proportion with nine leaues, three falling downewards, with a yellow spot in the middle, other three are made like a long arch, which couer the lower part next the stalke of those falling leaues, and turne vp at the ends of them, where they are diuided into two parts: the other three stand vpright, betweene each of the three falling leaues, being somewhat long and narrow: the flower is wholly, (sauing the yellow spot) of a pure white colour, yet in some hauing a shew of some blew throughout, and in others towards the bottome of the three vpright leaues: after the flowers are past, there rise vp so many long cods or seede vessels, as there were flowers, which are longer and smaller then in the former, and a little bending like a Corner, with three round squares, and round pointed also, which diuiding it selfe when the seede is ripe into three parts, doe shew six seuerall cells or places, wherein is contained such like round reddish yellow seedes, but smaller then the former: the roote is smaller and shorter then the former, and without any haires or threeds, couered with browne thin skinnes, and more plentifull in giuing encrease.
I shall not neede to make a seuerall description to euery one of these Flowerdeluces that follow, for that were but to make often repetition of one thing, which being once done, as it is, may well serue to expresse all the rest, and but onely to adde the especiall differences, either in leafe or flower, for bignesse, colour, or forme, as is expedient to expresse and distinguish them seuerally. This greater white bulbous Flowerdeluce is like vnto the last described in all parts, sauing that it is a little larger and higher, both in leafe, stalke, and flower, and much whiter then any of these mixed sorts that follow, yet not so white as the former: the roote hereof is likewise a little bigger and rounder in the middle.
Albescens.Milke white.There is another, whose falling leaues haue a little shew of yellownesse in them, and so are the middle ridges of the arched leaues, but the vpright leaues are more white, not differing in roote or leafe from the first white.
Albescens.Milke white.
There is another, whose falling leaues haue a little shew of yellownesse in them, and so are the middle ridges of the arched leaues, but the vpright leaues are more white, not differing in roote or leafe from the first white.
Argentea.Siluer colour.And another, whose falls are of a yellowish white, like the last, the arched leaues are whiter, and the vpright leaues of a blewish white, which we call a siluer colour.
Argentea.Siluer colour.
And another, whose falls are of a yellowish white, like the last, the arched leaues are whiter, and the vpright leaues of a blewish white, which we call a siluer colour.
Albida.Whitish.Another hath the fals yellowish, and sometimes with a little edge of white about them, and sometimes without; the vpright leaues are whitish, as the arched leaues are, yet the ridge yellower.
Albida.Whitish.
Another hath the fals yellowish, and sometimes with a little edge of white about them, and sometimes without; the vpright leaues are whitish, as the arched leaues are, yet the ridge yellower.
Albida labris luteis.White with yellow fals.Another hath his fals yellow, and the vpright leaues white, all these flowers are about the same bignesse with the first.
Albida labris luteis.White with yellow fals.
Another hath his fals yellow, and the vpright leaues white, all these flowers are about the same bignesse with the first.
Albida angustior.The narrow white.But we haue another, whose flower is smaller, and almost as white as the second, the lower leaues are small, and doe as it were stand outright, not hauing almost any fal at all, so that the yellow spot seemeth to be the whole leafe, the arched leaues are not halfe so large as in the former, and the vpright leaues bowe themselues in the middle, so that the tops doe as it were meete together.
Albida angustior.The narrow white.
But we haue another, whose flower is smaller, and almost as white as the second, the lower leaues are small, and doe as it were stand outright, not hauing almost any fal at all, so that the yellow spot seemeth to be the whole leafe, the arched leaues are not halfe so large as in the former, and the vpright leaues bowe themselues in the middle, so that the tops doe as it were meete together.
And another of the same, whose falling leaues are a little more eminent and yellow, with a yellower spot.
Aurea siue lutea Hispanica.The Spanish yellow.We haue another kinde that is called the Spanish yellow, which riseth not vp so high, as ordinarily most of the rest doe, and is wholly of a gold yellow colour.
Aurea siue lutea Hispanica.The Spanish yellow.
We haue another kinde that is called the Spanish yellow, which riseth not vp so high, as ordinarily most of the rest doe, and is wholly of a gold yellow colour.
Pallide lutea.Straw colour.There is another, that vsually riseth higher then the former yellow, and is wholly of a pale yellow, but deeper at the spot.
Pallide lutea.Straw colour.
There is another, that vsually riseth higher then the former yellow, and is wholly of a pale yellow, but deeper at the spot.
Albida lutea.Pale Straw colour.There is also another like vnto the pale yellow, but that the falling leaues are whiter then all the rest of the flower.
Albida lutea.Pale Straw colour.
There is also another like vnto the pale yellow, but that the falling leaues are whiter then all the rest of the flower.
Mauritanica flaua serotina minor.The small Barbary yellow.There is a smaller or dwarfe kinde, brought from the backe parts of Barbary, neare the Sea, like vnto the yellow, but smaller and lower, and in stead of vpright leaues, hath small short leaues like haires: it flowreth very late, after all others haue almost giuen their seede.
Mauritanica flaua serotina minor.The small Barbary yellow.
There is a smaller or dwarfe kinde, brought from the backe parts of Barbary, neare the Sea, like vnto the yellow, but smaller and lower, and in stead of vpright leaues, hath small short leaues like haires: it flowreth very late, after all others haue almost giuen their seede.
Versicolor Hispanica cærulea labris albis.The party coloured Spanish.We haue another sort is called the party coloured Spanish bulbous Flowerdeluce, whose falling leaues are white, the arched leaues of a whitish siluer colour, and the vpright leaues of a fine blewish purple.
Versicolor Hispanica cærulea labris albis.The party coloured Spanish.
We haue another sort is called the party coloured Spanish bulbous Flowerdeluce, whose falling leaues are white, the arched leaues of a whitish siluer colour, and the vpright leaues of a fine blewish purple.
Diuersitas.The diuersity or variation of this flower.Yet sometimes this doth vary; for the falling leaues will haue either an edge of blew, circling the white leaues, the arched leaues being a little blewer, and the vpright leaues more purple.Or the fals will be almost wholly blew, edged with a blewer colour, the arched leaues pale blew, and the vpright leaues of a purplish blew Violet colour.Or the fals white, the arched leaues pale white, as the vpright leaues are.Of not of so faire a blewish purple, as the first sort is.Some of them also will haue larger flowers then others, and be more liberall in bearing flowers: for the first sort, which is the most ordinary, seldome beareth aboue one flower on a stalke, yet sometimes two. And of the others there are some that will beare vsually two and three flowers, yet some againe will beare but one. All these kindes smell sweeter then many of the other, although the most part are without sent.
Diuersitas.The diuersity or variation of this flower.
Yet sometimes this doth vary; for the falling leaues will haue either an edge of blew, circling the white leaues, the arched leaues being a little blewer, and the vpright leaues more purple.
Or the fals will be almost wholly blew, edged with a blewer colour, the arched leaues pale blew, and the vpright leaues of a purplish blew Violet colour.
Or the fals white, the arched leaues pale white, as the vpright leaues are.
Of not of so faire a blewish purple, as the first sort is.
Some of them also will haue larger flowers then others, and be more liberall in bearing flowers: for the first sort, which is the most ordinary, seldome beareth aboue one flower on a stalke, yet sometimes two. And of the others there are some that will beare vsually two and three flowers, yet some againe will beare but one. All these kindes smell sweeter then many of the other, although the most part are without sent.
Cærulea siue purpurea minor Lusitanica præcox.The small early purple Portugall.There is another kinde, that is smaller in all the parts thereof then the former, the stalke is slender, and not so high, bearing at the toppe one or two small flowers, all wholly of a faire, blewish purple, with a yellow spotin euery one of the three falling leaues, this vsually flowreth early, euen with the first bulbous Flowerdeluces.
Cærulea siue purpurea minor Lusitanica præcox.The small early purple Portugall.
There is another kinde, that is smaller in all the parts thereof then the former, the stalke is slender, and not so high, bearing at the toppe one or two small flowers, all wholly of a faire, blewish purple, with a yellow spotin euery one of the three falling leaues, this vsually flowreth early, euen with the first bulbous Flowerdeluces.
Purpurea maior.The greater purple.We haue another purple, whose flower is larger, and stalke higher, and is of a very reddish purple colour, a little aboue the ground, at the foote or bottome of the leaues and stalke: this flowreth with the later sort of Flowerdeluces.
Purpurea maior.The greater purple.
We haue another purple, whose flower is larger, and stalke higher, and is of a very reddish purple colour, a little aboue the ground, at the foote or bottome of the leaues and stalke: this flowreth with the later sort of Flowerdeluces.
Purpurea serotina.The late purple.There is another, whose flower is wholly purple, except the yellow spot, and flowreth later then any of the other purples.
Purpurea serotina.The late purple.
There is another, whose flower is wholly purple, except the yellow spot, and flowreth later then any of the other purples.
Purpurea rubescens labris cæruleis.A reddish purple with blew fals.There is yet another purple, whose vpright leaues are of a reddish purple, and the falling leaues of a blew colour.
Purpurea rubescens labris cæruleis.A reddish purple with blew fals.
There is yet another purple, whose vpright leaues are of a reddish purple, and the falling leaues of a blew colour.
Purpurea rubescens labris albido cæruleis.A reddish purple with whitish blew fals.And another of a reddish purple, whose falling leaues are of a whitish blew colour, in nothing else differing from the last.
Purpurea rubescens labris albido cæruleis.A reddish purple with whitish blew fals.
And another of a reddish purple, whose falling leaues are of a whitish blew colour, in nothing else differing from the last.
Purpurea labris luteis.Party coloured purple & yellow.Another hath his falling leaues of a faire gold yellow, without any stripe, yet in some there are veines running through the yellow leaues, and some haue an edge of a sullen darke colour about them: the vpright leaues in euery of these, are a Violet purple.
Purpurea labris luteis.Party coloured purple & yellow.
Another hath his falling leaues of a faire gold yellow, without any stripe, yet in some there are veines running through the yellow leaues, and some haue an edge of a sullen darke colour about them: the vpright leaues in euery of these, are a Violet purple.
Purpurea labris ex albido cærulea & luteo mixtis.Party coloured purple with stript yellow fals.Another is altogether like this last, but that the falling leaues are of a pale blew and yellow, trauersing one the other, and the arched leaues of a pale purplish colour.
Purpurea labris ex albido cærulea & luteo mixtis.Party coloured purple with stript yellow fals.
Another is altogether like this last, but that the falling leaues are of a pale blew and yellow, trauersing one the other, and the arched leaues of a pale purplish colour.
Subpurpurea labris luteis.Pale purple with yellow fals.Another hath his vpright leaues of a paler purple, and the falling leaues yellow.
Subpurpurea labris luteis.Pale purple with yellow fals.
Another hath his vpright leaues of a paler purple, and the falling leaues yellow.
A paler purple.And another little differing from it, but that the arched leaues are whitish.
A paler purple.
And another little differing from it, but that the arched leaues are whitish.
Subcærulea labris luteis.Party coloured blew and yellow.Another whose vpright leaues are of a pale blew, and the falling leaues yellow.And another of the same sort, but of a little paler blew.
Subcærulea labris luteis.Party coloured blew and yellow.
Another whose vpright leaues are of a pale blew, and the falling leaues yellow.
And another of the same sort, but of a little paler blew.
Crinis coloris elegantioris.A faire haire colour.We haue another sort, whose vpright leaues are of a faire brownish yellow colour, which some call aFuille mort, and others an haire colour; the falling leaues yellow.
Crinis coloris elegantioris.A faire haire colour.
We haue another sort, whose vpright leaues are of a faire brownish yellow colour, which some call aFuille mort, and others an haire colour; the falling leaues yellow.
Altera obsoletior.A dull haire colour.And another of the same colour, but somewhat deader.
Altera obsoletior.A dull haire colour.
And another of the same colour, but somewhat deader.
This Flowerdeluce as it is more strange (that is, but lately knowne and possessed by a few) so it is both more desired, and of more beauty then others. It is in all respects, of roote, leafe, and flower, for the forme like vnto the middle sort of these Flowerdeluces, onely the lowest part of the leaues and stalke, for an inch or thereabouts, next vnto the ground, are of a reddish colour, spotted with many spots, and the flower, being of a meane size, is of a deepe purplish red or murrey colour the whole flower throughout, except the yellow spot in the middle of the three lower or falling leaues, as is in all others.
Purpurea cærulea obsoleta labris fuscis.The duskie party coloured purple.
And lastly, there is another sort, which is the greatest of all these narrow leafed Flowerdeluces, in all the parts of it; for the roote is greater then any of the other, being thicke and short: the leaues are broader and longer, but of the same colour: the stalke is stronger and higher then any of them, bearing two or three flowers, larger also then any of the rest, whose falling leaues are of a duskie yellow, and sometimes with veines and borders about the brimmes, of another dunne colour, yet hauing that yellow spot that is in all: the arched leaues are of a sullen pale purplish yellow, and the vpright leaues of a dull or duskie blewish purple colour: the heads or hornes for seede are likewise greater, and so is the seede also a little.
The Place.These Flowerdeluces haue had their originall out of Spaine and Portugall, as it is thought, except those that haue risen by the sowing, and those which are named of Africa.
These Flowerdeluces haue had their originall out of Spaine and Portugall, as it is thought, except those that haue risen by the sowing, and those which are named of Africa.
The Time.These flower in Iune, and sometimes abide vnto Iuly, but vsually not so early as the former broad leafed kindes, and are soone spoiled with wet in their flowring.
These flower in Iune, and sometimes abide vnto Iuly, but vsually not so early as the former broad leafed kindes, and are soone spoiled with wet in their flowring.
The Names.The seuerall names, both in Latine and English, are sufficient for them as they are set downe; for we know no better.
The seuerall names, both in Latine and English, are sufficient for them as they are set downe; for we know no better.
The Vertues.There is not any thing extant or to be heard, that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes, and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious.
There is not any thing extant or to be heard, that any of these kindes of Flowerdeluces hath been vsed to any Physicall purposes, and serue onely to decke vp the Gardens of the curious.
And thus much for these sorts of bulbous Flowerdeluces, and yet I doubt not, but that there are many differences, which haue risen by the sowing of the seede, as many may obserue from their owne labours, for that euery yeare doth shew forth some variety that is not seene before. And now I will conuert my discourse a while likewise, to passe through the seuerall rankes of the other kindes of tuberous rooted Flowerdeluces, called Flagges.