No 159.No159.
As this plant has very generally obtained in gardens and nurseries the name of yellow Alyssum, we have retained it; for though it is not the only one of the genus which produces yellow flowers, it may still be called yellow by way of eminence, such is the extreme brilliancy and profusion of its blossoms.
It is a native of Crete, and was first cultivated in this country by Mr.Miller, in 1731[3], at Chelsea garden.
It begins to flower about the latter end of April, and continues to blossom through great part of May; and it is not uncommon for it to flower again in autumn.
If it has a pure air and a dry situation, it will grow in almost any soil.
The usual mode of propagating it is by slips, or cuttings. As it is a small, shewy, hardy plant, and not disposed to over-run others, it is very suitable to embellish rock-work.
Pulmonaria Virginica. Virginia Lungwort.
Class and Order.
Pentandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Corollainfundibuliformis fauce pervia.Calyxprismatico-pentagonus.Specific Character and Synonyms.PULMONARIAVirginicacalycibus abbreviatis, foliis lanceolatis obtusiusculis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 187.PULMONARIA non maculosa, floribus tubulosis longis pulcherrimis cæruleis, in panicula pendula congestis, foliis teneribus glabris latis obtusis, ad margines æqualibus, pediculis dilute purpureis infidentibus, radice crassa instar symphyti. Mountain Cowslip.Clayt. Gron. Fl. Virg. p. 25.
Corollainfundibuliformis fauce pervia.Calyxprismatico-pentagonus.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
PULMONARIAVirginicacalycibus abbreviatis, foliis lanceolatis obtusiusculis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 187.
PULMONARIA non maculosa, floribus tubulosis longis pulcherrimis cæruleis, in panicula pendula congestis, foliis teneribus glabris latis obtusis, ad margines æqualibus, pediculis dilute purpureis infidentibus, radice crassa instar symphyti. Mountain Cowslip.Clayt. Gron. Fl. Virg. p. 25.
No 160.No160.
Millerinforms us in his Dictionary, that thePulmonaria Virginicagrows naturally upon mountains in most parts of North-America, that the seeds were sent many years since by Mr.Banister, from Virginia; and some of the plants were raised in the garden of the Bishop of London, at Fulham, where for several years it was growing.
Though a native of Virginia, it ranks with the hardy herbaceous plants of our gardens, and flowers in the open border about the middle of April; the blossoms before their expansion are of a reddish purple colour, when fully blown they become of a light bright blue, the foliage is glaucous, or blueish green; it is said to vary with white and flesh-coloured flowers.
In favourable seasons, the Flower-Garden owes much of its gaiety to this elegant plant, and at a time when ornament is most desirable.
It requires a pure air, and a situation moderately sheltered, as the cold easterly winds which too readily prevail in April, when it is in flower, are apt to deface it.
It is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn, and is a free grower.
Amygdalus Nana. Dwarf Almond.
Class and Order.
Icosandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cal.5-fidus, inferus.Petala5. Drupa nuce poris perforata.Specific Character and Synonyms.AMYGDALUSnanafoliis basi attenuatis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 162.Pallas. Ross. 1. p. 12. t. 6.AMYGDALUS indica nana.Pluk. alm. 28. t. 11. f. 3.ARMENIACA persicæ foliis, fructu exsucco.Amm. Ruth. 273. t. 30.
Cal.5-fidus, inferus.Petala5. Drupa nuce poris perforata.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
AMYGDALUSnanafoliis basi attenuatis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 162.Pallas. Ross. 1. p. 12. t. 6.
AMYGDALUS indica nana.Pluk. alm. 28. t. 11. f. 3.
ARMENIACA persicæ foliis, fructu exsucco.Amm. Ruth. 273. t. 30.
No 161.No161.
The Dwarf Almond, a native of Russia and Tartary, is justly considered as one of our most ornamental shrubs; it rarely rises above the height of three feet, and hence becomes very suitable for the shrubbery of small extent. It flowers about the middle of April, somewhat later than the common Almond.
Millerobserves, that the roots are apt to put out suckers, by which the plant may be increased in plenty; and if those are not annually taken away, they will starve the old plant.
Cultivated in 1683, by Mr.James Sutherland.Ait. Hort. Kew.
Sanguinaria Canadensis. Canada Puccoon, orBloodwort.
Class and Order.
Polyandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cor.8-petala.Cal.2-phyllus. Siliqua ovata, 1-locularis.Specific Character and Synonyms.SANGUINARIACanadensis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 489.CHELIDONIUM majus Canadense acaulon.Corn. Canad. 212.RANUNCULUS Virginiensis albus.Park. Theat. 226.SANGUINARIA flore simplici.Dill. Elth. t. 252.
Cor.8-petala.Cal.2-phyllus. Siliqua ovata, 1-locularis.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
SANGUINARIACanadensis.Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. Murr. p. 489.
CHELIDONIUM majus Canadense acaulon.Corn. Canad. 212.
RANUNCULUS Virginiensis albus.Park. Theat. 226.
SANGUINARIA flore simplici.Dill. Elth. t. 252.
No 162.No162.
Though the Sanguinaria cannot be considered as a handsome shewy plant, yet we scarcely know its equal in point of delicacy and singularity; there is something in it to admire, from the time that its leaves emerge from the ground, and embosom the infant blossom, to their full expansion, and the ripening of its seed vessels.
The woods of Canada, as well as of other parts of North-America, produce this plant in abundance with us it flowers in the beginning of April: its blossoms are fugacious, and fully expand only in fine warm weather. It is a hardy perennial, and is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn; a situation moderately shady, and a soil having a mixture of bog-earth or rotten leaves in it suits it best.
Its knobby roots, when broken asunder, pour forth a juice of a bright red or orange colour, whence its name of Sanguinaria: with this liquid the Indians are said to paint themselves.
Dillenius, has figured it in his admirable work, the Hortus Elthamensis, where three varieties of it are represented, viz. a large one, a small one, and one in which the petals are multiplied, but which can scarcely be called double.
It appears fromMorison[4], that the Sanguinaria was cultivated in this country in 1680, the date of his work.
Phlox Divaricata. Early-Flowering Lychnidea.
Class and Order.
Pentandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Corollahypocrateriformis.Filamentainæqualia.Stigma3-fidum.Cal.prismaticus.Caps.3-locularis, i-sperma.Specific Character and Synonyms.PHLOXdivaricatafoliis lato-lanceolatis: superioribus alternis, caule bifido, pedunculis geminis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab, p. 199.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 206.LYCHNIDEA virginiana, alsines aquaticæ foliis, floribus in ramulis divaricatis.Pluk. Mant. 121?
Corollahypocrateriformis.Filamentainæqualia.Stigma3-fidum.Cal.prismaticus.Caps.3-locularis, i-sperma.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
PHLOXdivaricatafoliis lato-lanceolatis: superioribus alternis, caule bifido, pedunculis geminis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab, p. 199.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 206.
LYCHNIDEA virginiana, alsines aquaticæ foliis, floribus in ramulis divaricatis.Pluk. Mant. 121?
No 163.No163.
Most of the plants of this genus are natives of North-America, and remarkable for their beauty; they were first introduced under the name ofLychnidea, which, though a Latin term, is now familiarized to the English ear.
Mr.Aitonhas given to this species the name of early-flowering, it coming much sooner into blossom than any of the others, beginning to flower in May with the yellow Alyssum; its blossoms, however, are not of so long duration, nor so ornamental as some others of the same family.
It seldom exceeds a foot in height, and, on this account, may be regarded as a suitable rock-plant.
It rarely ripens its seeds with us, but is readily increased either by cuttings or layers; succeeds best in a pure air and a situation moderately dry.
Like most other American plants, it is of modern introduction, was cultivated by Mr.Miller, in 1758, and figured in his Icones.
Ranunculus Gramineus. Grass-Leaved Crowfoot.
Class and Order.
Polyandria Polygnia.
Generic Character.
Calyx5-phyllus.Petala5 intra ungues poro mellifero.Seminanuda.Specific Character and Synonyms.RANUNCULUSgramineusfoliis lanceolato linearibus indivisis, caule erecto lævissimo paucifloro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 515.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 265.RANUNCULUS gramineo folio bulbosus.Bauh. Pin. 181?RANUNCULUS montanus folio gramineo.Bauh. Pin. 180.RANUNCULUS gramineus. Grasse leafed Crowfoot.Park. Parad. p. 218. 221. f. i.
Calyx5-phyllus.Petala5 intra ungues poro mellifero.Seminanuda.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
RANUNCULUSgramineusfoliis lanceolato linearibus indivisis, caule erecto lævissimo paucifloro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 515.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 265.
RANUNCULUS gramineo folio bulbosus.Bauh. Pin. 181?
RANUNCULUS montanus folio gramineo.Bauh. Pin. 180.
RANUNCULUS gramineus. Grasse leafed Crowfoot.Park. Parad. p. 218. 221. f. i.
No 164.No164.
This species of Ranunculus, an inhabitant of the dry pastures South of France and Italy, and a hardy herbaceous plant of ready growth, recommends itself by the earliness of its flowering and the delicate glaucous colour of its foliage.Parkinsonfigures it with double flowers, though he describes it with semi-double ones only; we have not observed either of these varieties in the gardens about London, they have most probably fallen victims to the rage for novelty, at the shrine of which many a fair and goodly flower is yearly sacrificed.
It flowers towards the end of April, and is propagated by parting its roots in autumn.
The synonyms of this and other species of Ranunculus described inGerard'sFl. Gallopr.are very inaccurately quoted in ProfessorMurray'sedition of theSyst. Vegetab.
Pelargonium Cordifolium. Heart-Leaved Geranium.
Class and Order.
Monadelphia Heptandria.
Generic Character.
Cal.5-partitus: lacinia suprema, definente in tubulum capilarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem.Cor.5-petala, irregularis.Filam. 10 inæqualia: quorum 3. (raro 5) castrata.Fructus5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia introrsum barbata.Specific Character and Synonyms.PELARGONIUMcordatumumbellis multifloris, foliis cordatis acutis dentatis, petalis inferis linearibus acutis.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 427.GERANIUMcordifolium.Cavan. Diss. p. 240. t. 117. f. 3.
Cal.5-partitus: lacinia suprema, definente in tubulum capilarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem.Cor.5-petala, irregularis.Filam. 10 inæqualia: quorum 3. (raro 5) castrata.Fructus5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia introrsum barbata.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
PELARGONIUMcordatumumbellis multifloris, foliis cordatis acutis dentatis, petalis inferis linearibus acutis.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 427.
GERANIUMcordifolium.Cavan. Diss. p. 240. t. 117. f. 3.
No 165.No165.
Our readers are here presented with the figure of another Geranium of modern introduction, not enumerated byLinnæusorMiller, and which in point of beauty, duration of flowering, and facility of culture, is equal to most.
It was introduced to the Royal Garden, at Kew, from the Cape, by Mr.Masson, in 1774.
There are several varieties of it, but the one here figured is the most beautiful.
It strikes readily from cuttings, by which it is usually propagated.
Requires the same treatment as the more common Geraniums, and flowers, from March to July.
Cheiranthus Maritimus. Mediterranean Stock.
Class and Order.
Tetradynamia Siliquosa.
Generic Character.
Germenutrinque denticulo glandulato.Cal.clausus: foliolis duobus basi gibbis.Seminaplana.Specific Character and Synonyms.CHEIRANTHUSmaritimusfoliis ellipticis obtusis nudis scabriusculis, caule diffuso scabro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 597.Mantiss. p. 568.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 2. p. 395.LEUCOJUM minus flore violaceo.Barr. Ic. 1127.
Germenutrinque denticulo glandulato.Cal.clausus: foliolis duobus basi gibbis.Seminaplana.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
CHEIRANTHUSmaritimusfoliis ellipticis obtusis nudis scabriusculis, caule diffuso scabro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 597.Mantiss. p. 568.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 2. p. 395.
LEUCOJUM minus flore violaceo.Barr. Ic. 1127.
No 166.No166.
Linnæushas described this plant minutely in hisMantissa Plant, so that no doubt remains of its being hismaritimus.
With us, it has been customary for Gardeners and Nurserymen to distinguish this species by the name of Virginia Stock, a name highly improper, as it is found to be a native of the Mediterranean coast.
The blossoms which this plant first puts forth are of a lively red, in a few days they become of a blueish purple colour; to this variety of hues the plant owes its chief beauty.
Being of humble growth, and producing a profusion of bloom, which is of long duration, it is frequently used as an edging to borders, and sometimes sown in little patches with other annuals; in whatever way used, it contributes greatly to enliven the borders of the flower-garden.
It is one of those annuals whose seeds should be sown in the autumn, as it thereby comes much forwarder into bloom, and its blossoms are more lively than those arising from seeds sown in the spring; by varying the time of sowing, it may be had to flower in spring, summer, and autumn.
Small pots of it in bloom have a pretty appearance, and may be used to decorate the windows of those who reside in cities or great towns, where the pleasures of the garden are not to be enjoyed.
Sophora Tetraptera. Winged-Podded Sophora.
Class and Order.
Decandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Calyx5-dentatus, superne gibbus.Cor.papilionacea: alis-longitudine vexilli.Legumen.Specific Character and Synonyms.SOPHORAtetrapterafoliis pinnatis foliolis numerosis (17—19) lanceolato-oblongis villosiusculis: leguminibus membranaceo-quadrangulis, caule arboreo.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 43.SOPHORAtetraptera. Job. Miller ic. tab. 1.
Calyx5-dentatus, superne gibbus.Cor.papilionacea: alis-longitudine vexilli.Legumen.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
SOPHORAtetrapterafoliis pinnatis foliolis numerosis (17—19) lanceolato-oblongis villosiusculis: leguminibus membranaceo-quadrangulis, caule arboreo.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 43.
SOPHORAtetraptera. Job. Miller ic. tab. 1.
No 167.No167.
The magnificent and highly curious species of Sophora here represented, is one of the many plants discovered by SirJoseph Banksat New-Zealand, where it forms a tree of a considerable size.
A finer sight can scarcely be imagined than a tree of this sort, extending to a great breadth on a wall with a western aspect, in the Apothecaries Garden at Chelsea, where it was planted by Mr.Forsythabout the year 1774, and which at this moment (April 28, 1791) is thickly covered with large pendulous branches of yellow, I had almost said golden flowers; for they have a peculiar richness, which it is impossible to represent in colouring; in the winter care is taken to cover it carefully with mats, least it should suffer from any extraordinarily severe weather.
It usually produces a few seed vessels of an uncommon form, having four wings, whence its name oftetraptera; from some of the seeds which have ripened in this country plants have been raised, and by these the plant is found to be propagated with the most success; it may also be increased by cuttings and layers.
Iris Pavonia. Peacock Iris.
Class and Order.
Triandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cor.6-petala inæqualis,Petalisalternis geniculato-patentibus,Stigmatapetaliformia; cucullato-bilabiata.Specific Character and Synonyms.IRISpavoniaimberbis folio lineari glabro, scapo subunifloro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 92.
Cor.6-petala inæqualis,Petalisalternis geniculato-patentibus,Stigmatapetaliformia; cucullato-bilabiata.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
IRISpavoniaimberbis folio lineari glabro, scapo subunifloro.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 92.
No 168.No168.
We have our doubts whether the plant here figured be thepavoniaof theSystema Vegetabilium, as it does not accord so well with the description there given, as we could wish; as such however it has been regarded by some here, and it must be allowed to answer extremely well to the name.
It is a small delicate Iris, about a foot and a half high, with very narrow leaves, bearing on the top of the stalk one or at most two flowers, three of the petals are large and white, with a brilliant blue spot at the base of each, edged on the outer side with deep purple; the delicacy of the flower, and the eye-like spot at the base of three of the petals, render at one of the most striking plants of the genus.
The figure here given was drawn from a plant which flowered with Messrs.Grimwoodand Co. last June, who received it from Holland, and treat it in the same way as their Cape bulbs, of which country it is said to be a native.
It is not mentioned either in Mr.Miller'sGardener's Dictionary, or theHortus Kewensis.
Ixora Coccinea. Scarlet Ixora.
Class and Order.
Tetrandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cor.1-petala, infundibuliformis, longa, supera,Staminasupra faucem.Bacca4-sperma.Specific Character and Synonyms.IXORAcoccineafoliis ovalibus semiamplexicaulibus, floribus fasciculatis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 148.JASMINUM indicum, lauri folio, inodorum umbellatum, floribus coccineis.Pluk. alm. 196. t. 59. s. 2.CERASUS zeylanica humilis sylvestris, floribus holosericeis intense rubris umbellatim congestis, fructibus nigris.Mus. Zeyl. p. 15.FLAMMA SYLVARUMRumph. Amb. 4. p. 105. t. 46.
Cor.1-petala, infundibuliformis, longa, supera,Staminasupra faucem.Bacca4-sperma.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
IXORAcoccineafoliis ovalibus semiamplexicaulibus, floribus fasciculatis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 148.
JASMINUM indicum, lauri folio, inodorum umbellatum, floribus coccineis.Pluk. alm. 196. t. 59. s. 2.
CERASUS zeylanica humilis sylvestris, floribus holosericeis intense rubris umbellatim congestis, fructibus nigris.Mus. Zeyl. p. 15.
FLAMMA SYLVARUMRumph. Amb. 4. p. 105. t. 46.
No 169.No169.
It will appear strange, we presume, to most of our readers, when they are informed, that theIxora coccinea, a plant at present in few hands, and which a short time since was sold in some of our nurseries for five guineas, should have been known in this country a hundred years ago; and yet Mr.Aiton, who has so laudably exerted himself, in ascertaining the precise period, when most of the exotics cultivated in the royal garden at Kew first made their appearance in Great-Britain, informs us on very respectable authority, that this plant was introduced by Mr.Bentickin 1690.
There is every reason to suppose, that this splendid exotic did not long survive its introduction; on inquiry, we learn that it was reintroduced about fifteen years ago, by the late Dr.John Fothergill, a name, to medicine and botany ever dear, in whose rich and magnificent collection at Upton was first known to flower; about the same time, the late Mr.Thoburn, Nurseryman at Brompton, raised a few Ixoras from foreign seeds, and from these (an accident having happened to the plant which was Dr.Fothergill's) are said to have arisen the plants at present in this country.
BothRheedeandRumphiusdescribe and figure this plant in their respective works, theHortus MalabaricusandHerbarium Amboinense; it is mentioned also by several other authors: from their various accounts we discover, that in different parts of India, where it grows wild, it forms a slender shrub, or tree, about six feet high, rising generally with a single stem; that its clusters of flowers, seen from afar are so brilliant as to resemble a burning coal, especially in a dark wood, whence its name ofFlamma Sylvarum; that it grows in the woods, and flowers in September and October, producing a black fruit, the size of small cherries, on which the peacocks are supposed to feed, and from whence they have obtained the name ofCerasa Pavonina. The Chinese call itSantanhoa; with them it produces flowers and fruit the year through, and they hold the blossoms in such veneration, as to use them in the sacrifices they make to their idolIxora, whenceLinnæushas taken the name applied by him to this genus. The root is said to possess some acrimony, and to be made use of by the natives in curing the toothach.
It is customary in this country, to treat theIxoraas a stove plant; perhaps it may be less tender than we are aware of; it flowers in July and August, but has not been known to produce fruit; is increased from cuttings, without much difficulty.
Our drawing was taken from a small but very healthy plant in the stove of Mr.Whitley(lateThoburnandWhitley, Brompton).
Linnæusdescribes, and some authors figure this plant with stipulæ, which our plant had not, not being arrived at an age, perhaps, to produce them.
Draba Aizoides. Sengreen Draba, or
Whitlow-Grass.
Class and Order.
Tetradynamia Siliculosa.
Generic Character.
Siliculaintegra, ovali-oblonga: valvis planiusculis, dissepimento parallelis.Stylusnullus.Specific Character and Synonyms.DRABAaizoidesscapo nudo simplici, foliis ensiformibus carinatis ciliatis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. Murr. p. 372.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 2. p. 372.SEDUM alpinum hirsutum luteum.Bauh. Pin. 284.LEUCOJUM luteum aizoides montanum.Col. Ecphr. 2. p. 62.
Siliculaintegra, ovali-oblonga: valvis planiusculis, dissepimento parallelis.Stylusnullus.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
DRABAaizoidesscapo nudo simplici, foliis ensiformibus carinatis ciliatis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. Murr. p. 372.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 2. p. 372.
SEDUM alpinum hirsutum luteum.Bauh. Pin. 284.
LEUCOJUM luteum aizoides montanum.Col. Ecphr. 2. p. 62.
No 170.No170.
The plant here figured, a native of the German Alps, is one of those whose beauty cannot be shewn in a small detached piece of it; to be admired, it must be seen in a tuft of some considerable size, which it is much disposed to form when growing among rock-work, for which, like many other small Alpine plants, it is well suited; thus elevated above the surface of the ground, the various beauties of this humble race are more distinctly seen, and their curious structure more readily inspected.
This species is the more to be esteemed, as it flowers very early in the spring, in March, and the beginning of April, and continues in blossom about six weeks.
Linnæusoriginally confounded it with a similar plant, theDraba alpina, a mistake since rectified in hisMantissa Plant. p. 91.
Ixia Chinensis. Chinese Ixia.
Class and Order.
Triandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cor.6-partita, campanulata, regularis.Stigmata3.Specific Character and Synonyms.IXIAchinensisfoliis ensiformibus; floribus remotis, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis.Linn. Sp. Pl. v. i. p. 52.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. i. p. 62.MORÆAchinensiscaule compresso, foliis ensiformibus, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis.Murr. Syst. Vegetab. p. 93.
Cor.6-partita, campanulata, regularis.Stigmata3.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
IXIAchinensisfoliis ensiformibus; floribus remotis, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis.Linn. Sp. Pl. v. i. p. 52.Ait. Hort. Kew. v. i. p. 62.
MORÆAchinensiscaule compresso, foliis ensiformibus, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis.Murr. Syst. Vegetab. p. 93.
No 171.No171.
In that elaborate and inestimable work, theHortus Malabaricus, we have a good figure of the plant here exhibited, accompanied by a minute description; the author informs us that it grows spontaneously in India, attaining the height even of five or six feet, and affecting a sandy soil; the natives consider it as an antidote to poisons in general, and regard the bruised root as peculiarly efficacious in curing the bite of the serpent, called Cobra de Copella.
We raised plants of it last year from seeds imparted to us byJ. Ibbettson, Esq. of the Admiralty; this year, during the months of August and September, many of them have flowered, and capsules are forming which have every appearance of producing perfect seeds; the root of this plant is yellow, and tuberous like that of the Iris, the leaves also greatly resemble those of that tribe, it grows to the height of about three feet, and produces a considerable number of flowers in succession each of which is of short duration.
The root and radical leaves as represented on the plate are much smaller than in plants which have been long established.
Our plants stood in pots in the open ground through the winter of 1790-1 without injury, but it must be remembered, that the weather during that period was uncommonly mild; it will be safest therefore to consider it as a tender herbaceous plant.
It differs so much in its fructification from many others of the genus, that Prof.Murrayhas considered it as aMoræa, with which, in our humble opinion, it has scarcely any affinity.
Lamium Orvala. Balm-Leaved Archangel, orDead-Nettle.
Class and Order.
Didynamia Gymnospermia.
Generic Character.
Corollælabium superius integrum, fornicatum; lab. infer. 2-lobum; faux utrinque margine dentata.Specific Character and Synonyms.LAMIUMOrvalafoliis cordatis inæqualiter arguteque serratis, corollis fauce inflata, caulibus coloratis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 534.LAMIUM maximum sylvaticum alterum.Bauh. Pin. 231.GALEOPSIS maxima pannonica.Clus. hist. 2. p. 35.Hungary Dead-Nettle, or the Dragon Flower.Park. Parad. p. 385.
Corollælabium superius integrum, fornicatum; lab. infer. 2-lobum; faux utrinque margine dentata.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
LAMIUMOrvalafoliis cordatis inæqualiter arguteque serratis, corollis fauce inflata, caulibus coloratis.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 534.
LAMIUM maximum sylvaticum alterum.Bauh. Pin. 231.
GALEOPSIS maxima pannonica.Clus. hist. 2. p. 35.Hungary Dead-Nettle, or the Dragon Flower.Park. Parad. p. 385.
No 172.No172.
Few of the plants of this genus have been thought to possess sufficient beauty for the flower-garden, the present one excepted, the magnificence of whose blossoms justly entitles it to rank with the more curious, if not the most beautiful of the vegetable tribes.
Though not common in our gardens, it has long been introduced, having been cultivated and accurately described, though badly figured, byParkinsonin hisParad. terr.
It grows spontaneously in the woods of Italy and Hungary, and flowers with us about the latter end of April, at which time, if cold winds prevail, it is apt to be injured, unless placed in a sheltered part of the garden.
It may be propagated either by seeds, or by parting its roots in autumn, is a hardy plant and grows readily.
Aitonia Capensis. Cape Aitonia.
Class and Order.
Monadelphia Octandria.
Generic Character.
Monogyna.Cal.4-partitus.Cor.4-petala.Baccasicca, 4-angularis, 1-locularis, polysperma.Specific Character and Synonyms.AITONIACapensis.Linn. Suppl. Pl. p. 303.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 612.COTYLEDON foliis linearibus, flore quadrifido, fructu subrotundo.Burm.Afric. 53. t. 21. s. 2.
Monogyna.Cal.4-partitus.Cor.4-petala.Baccasicca, 4-angularis, 1-locularis, polysperma.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
AITONIACapensis.Linn. Suppl. Pl. p. 303.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 612.
COTYLEDON foliis linearibus, flore quadrifido, fructu subrotundo.Burm.Afric. 53. t. 21. s. 2.
No 173.No173.
This genus, of which there is only one known species, has been named by the youngerLinnæus, in honour of Mr.William Aiton, author of theHortus Kewensis, and Botanic Gardener to his Majesty. The great length of time[5], Mr.Aitonhas been engaged in the cultivation of plants, the immense numbers which have been the constant objects of his care through every period of their growth, joined to his superior discernment, give him a decided superiority in theprima facieknowledge of living plants over most Botanists the present day; his abilities in the other line of his profession, are displayed in the eulogies of all who have seen the royal collection at Kew, which he has the honour to superintend.
The Aitonia is a native of the Cape, and was introduced by Mr.Masson, in the year 1774.
It is a greenhouse shrub of slow growth, seldom exceeding three feet in height; producing, when of sufficient age, flowers and fruit through most of the year; the fruit is a large dry angular berry, of a fine red colour.
Our drawing was made from a very fine plant, formerly Dr.Fothergill's, now in the collection of Messrs.Grimwoodand Co. Kensington.
It is only to be raised from seeds, which are sparingly produced in this country.
Buddlea Globosa. Round-Headed Buddlea.
Class and Order.
Tetrandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Cal.4-fidus.Cor.4-fida.Staminaex incifuris.Caps.2-fulca, 2-locularis, polysperma.Specific Character and Synonyms.BUDDLEAglobosafoliis lanceolatis, capitulis solitariis.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 150. V. 1.BUDLEJAglobosa.Hope in Act. Harlem, V. 20. part. 2. p. 417. t. 11.PALQUINFeuil. it. 3. p. 51. t. 38.
Cal.4-fidus.Cor.4-fida.Staminaex incifuris.Caps.2-fulca, 2-locularis, polysperma.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
BUDDLEAglobosafoliis lanceolatis, capitulis solitariis.Ait. Hort. Kew. p. 150. V. 1.
BUDLEJAglobosa.Hope in Act. Harlem, V. 20. part. 2. p. 417. t. 11.
PALQUINFeuil. it. 3. p. 51. t. 38.
No 174.No174.
Mr.Adam Buddle, in honour of whom the present genus has been originally named by Dr.Houston, was an ingenious English Botanist, cotemporary with, and the friend ofPetiver; his name is often mentioned in theSynopsisof Mr.Rayand hisHortus Siccus, or dried collection of British plants, preserved in the British Museum, still resorted to in doubtful cases.
The present species not enumerated either byLinnæusorMiller, is a native of Chili, and according to theHort. Kew.was introduced by Messrs.KennedyandLee, in 1774.
It has been customary, in consideration of its native place of growth, to treat it here as a greenhouse plant, for which situation it soon becomes unfit from its magnitude; some have ventured to plant it in the open borders in warm sheltered situations, where it has been found to succeed very well, producing its beautiful yellow blossoms in abundance; care must be taken, however, to guard it carefully from severe frosts, which are apt to destroy it.
It flowers in May and June, and is usually propagated by cuttings or layers.
Kalmia Latifolia. Broad-Leav'd Kalmia.
Class and Order.
Decandria Monogynia.
Generic Character.
Calyx5-partitus.Cor.hypocrateriformis: limbo subtus quinquecorni.Caps.5-locularis.Specific Character and Synonyms.KALMIAlatifoliafoliis ovato-ellipticis ternis sparsisque, corymbis terminalibus.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 64. ed. 14. Murr.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 64.ANDROMEDA foliis ovatis obtusis, corollis corymbosis infundibuliformis, genitalibus declinatis.Fl. Virg. 160.CHAMÆDAPHNE foliis tini, floribus bullatis.Catesb. Car. 11. t. 98.CISTUS chamærhododendros Mariana laurifolia, floribus expansis, summo ramulo in umbellam plurimis.Pluk. mant. 49. t. 379. s. 6.The common Laurel,vulgarly called Ivy.
Calyx5-partitus.Cor.hypocrateriformis: limbo subtus quinquecorni.Caps.5-locularis.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
KALMIAlatifoliafoliis ovato-ellipticis ternis sparsisque, corymbis terminalibus.Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 64. ed. 14. Murr.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 64.
ANDROMEDA foliis ovatis obtusis, corollis corymbosis infundibuliformis, genitalibus declinatis.Fl. Virg. 160.
CHAMÆDAPHNE foliis tini, floribus bullatis.Catesb. Car. 11. t. 98.
CISTUS chamærhododendros Mariana laurifolia, floribus expansis, summo ramulo in umbellam plurimis.Pluk. mant. 49. t. 379. s. 6.The common Laurel,vulgarly called Ivy.
No 175.No175.
ProfessorKalm(in honour of whomLinnæus, as before has been observed, named this genus of plants) in his travels into North-America, published in English by Mr.Forster, relates that he found this species in various provinces of that extensive continent, as Pensylvania, New-Jersey, and New-York, growing most commonly on the sides of hills, sometimes in woods; that it flourished most on the northern sides of the hills, especially where they were intersected by rivulets; he observes, that when all the other trees had lost their ornaments, this enlivened the woods by the verdure of its foliage, and that about the month of May, it was covered with a profusion of blossoms of unrivalled beauty.
Cytisus Laburnum. Common Laburnum.
Class and Order.
Diadelphia Decandria.
Generic Character.
Cal.2-labiatus: ⅔.Legumenbasi attenuatum.Specific Character and Synonyms.CYTISUSLaburnumracemis simplicibus pendulis, foliolis ovato-oblongis.Linn. Syst. Veg. p. 666. ed. 14. Murr.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 3. p. 49.LABURNUM arbor trifolia anagyridi similis.Bauh. hist. 2. p. 361.LABURNUM. Beane Trefoile.Park. Parad. p. 438.
Cal.2-labiatus: ⅔.Legumenbasi attenuatum.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
CYTISUSLaburnumracemis simplicibus pendulis, foliolis ovato-oblongis.Linn. Syst. Veg. p. 666. ed. 14. Murr.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 3. p. 49.
LABURNUM arbor trifolia anagyridi similis.Bauh. hist. 2. p. 361.
LABURNUM. Beane Trefoile.Park. Parad. p. 438.
No 176.No176.
Of the Laburnum, our nurseries afford two principal varieties, the broad and narrow-leav'd; the latter (which is the one here figured) Mr.Millerwas induced to make a species of under the name ofalpinum; it certainly differs very materially from the broad-leav'd one, yet is most probably only a seminal variety; the Laburnum figured in its wild state by ProfessorJacquin, in hisFlora Austriaca, has much broader leaves than ours, no mention is made by him of its being subject to vary.
BothMillerandHanburyrecommend the Laburnum to be cultivated not only as an ornamental but as a timber tree, the wood having a very close grain, a good colour, and bearing a high polish;[6]they urge in its favour, that it is very hardy, a quick grower, and one that will thrive in almost any soil; the latter says, it will become a timber tree of more than a yard in girt: whatever success may attend its cultivation for the more useful purposes, as a hardy, deciduous, ornamental tree, it has long been the pride of our shrubberies and plantations.
It blossoms in May, and is usually very productive of seeds, by which it may be propagated most readily.
Hares and rabbits being fond of its bark, do great damage to plantations of Laburnum, especially in severe weather; I remember somewhere to have read, that these animals will not touch a tree if soot has been placed about it; perhaps, a circle drawn round the base of the tree with the new coal tar, which has a powerful smell of long duration, might keep off these noxious animals.
The Professor does not mention the precise height which he had observed these trees to attain in North-America, but it is evident that they acquire a considerable thickness, as the wood of the root as well as the body of the tree is manufactured into various utensils by the natives, and by the Indians into spoons in particular, whence it has obtained the name of theSpoon Tree.
The leaves have been found to prove poisonous to kine, horses, and sheep, but the deer are observed to brouse on them with impunity.
Peter Collinson, Esq. who was highly instrumental in enriching this country with the native plants of North-America, is said to have introduced this elegant species about the year 1734.
With us it succeeds best when planted with a northern aspect, well sheltered, in a soil composed of loam and bog earth, in a situation moderately moist, where the air is perfectly pure.
Being with difficulty propagated by suckers or layers, it is most commonly raised from American seeds.
Kalmia Glauca. Glaucous Kalmia.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
KALMIAglaucafoliis oppositis oblongis lævigatis, subtus glaucis, margine revolutis, corymbis terminalibus, ramulis ancipitibus.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 64. tab. 8.
KALMIAglaucafoliis oppositis oblongis lævigatis, subtus glaucis, margine revolutis, corymbis terminalibus, ramulis ancipitibus.Ait. Hort. Kew. V. 2. p. 64. tab. 8.
No 177.No177.
This species (much inferior in size to thelatifolia, as it rarely exceeds two feet in height) is a native of Newfoundland, where it was discovered by SirJoseph Banks, Bart. and by him introduced to this country in the year 1767.
It is of course not described by Mr.Miller, nor is it mentioned the in the 14th edition ofLinnæus'sSyst. Vegetab.by ProfessorMurray; in theHort. Kew.of Mr.Aiton, it is both described and figured.
It flowers in April and May, is propagated in the same manner and requires the same treatment as thelatifolia.
Hypericum Coris. Heath-Leav'd. St. John's-Wort.
Class and Order.
Polyadelphia Polyandria.
Generic Character.