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~Monadelphia Decandria.~
_Generic Character._
Monogyna. _Stigmata_ 5. _Fructus_ rostratus 5-coccus.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
GERANIUM _glauc.u.m_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis lanceolatis integerrimis glaucis, caule erecto suffruticoso. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab.
p. 614. Supp. Pl. p. 306._
[Ill.u.s.tration: 56]
This elegant and very singular species of _Geranium_ appears to have been first cultivated in this country; its introduction was attended with circ.u.mstances rather unusual. Mr. LEE, Nurseryman of the Vineyard, Hammersmith, in looking over some dried specimens in the Possession of Sir JOSEPH BANKS, which he had recently received from the Cape of Good Hope, was struck with the singular appearance of this Geranium, no species having before been seen in this country with spear-shaped leaves; on examining the specimens attentively, he perceived a few ripe seeds in one of them, those he solicited, and obtained; and to his success in making them vegetate, we are indebted for the present species.
The shape of the leaf readily suggested the name of _lanceolatum_, an epithet by which it has been generally distinguished in this country, and which, from its extreme fitness, we have continued, notwithstanding young Professor LINNaeUS has given it that of _glauc.u.m_, though, at the same time, his ill.u.s.trious father had distinguished another species by the synonymous term of _glaucophyllum_.
This species rarely ripens its seeds with us, and is therefore to be raised from cuttings, which however are not very free to strike.
It has been usual to keep it in the stove, but we have found by experience, that it succeeds much better in a common green-house, in which it will flower during the whole of the summer. Small young plants of this, as well as most other Geraniums, make the best appearance, and are therefore to be frequently obtained by cuttings.
[57]
~Papaver orientale. Eastern Poppy.~
_Cla.s.s and Order._
~Polyandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Cor._ 4-petala. _Cal._ 2-phyllus. _Capsula,_ 1-locularis sub stigmate persistente poris dehiscens.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
PAPAVER _orientale_ capsulis glabris, caulibus unifloris scabris foliosis pinnatis serratis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 490._
Papaver orientale hirsutissimum, magno flore. _Tournes. cor. 17.
itin. 3. p. 127. t. 127._
[Ill.u.s.tration: 57]
Most of the plants of this tribe are distinguished by the splendour of their colours, most of them also are annuals, in gaiety of colour none exceed the present species; but it differs in the latter character, in having not only a perennial root, but one of the creeping kind, whereby it increases very much, and by which it is most readily propagated.
Though a native of the East, as its name imports, it bears the severity of our climate without injury, flowers in May, and as its blossoms are extremely shewy, it gives great brilliancy to the flower-garden or plantation; prefers a dry soil.
[58]
~Iris spuria. Spurious Iris.~
_Cla.s.s and Order._
~Triandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.
_Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bil.a.b.i.ata. _Conf. Thunb._ _Diss. de Iride._
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
IRIS _spuria_ imberbis foliis linearibus, scapo subtrifloro tereti, germinibus hexagonis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 91._ _Jacq. Fl. austr.
tab. 4._
IRIS pratensis angustifolia, folio foetido. _Bauh. Pin. 32._
The greater blue Flower-de-luce with narrow leaves. _Park. Parad. p.
184._
[Ill.u.s.tration: 58]
Some plants afford so little diversity of character, that an expressive name can scarcely be a.s.signed them; such is the present plant, or LINNaeUS would not have given it the inexpressive name of _spuria_, nor we have adopted it.
This species is distinguished by the narrowness of its leaves, which emit a disagreeable smell when bruised, by the colour of its flowers, which are of a fine rich purple inclining to blue, and by its hexangular germen.
It is a native of Germany, where, as Professor JACQUIN informs us, it grows in wet meadows; is a hardy perennial, thrives in our gardens in almost any soil or situation, flowers in June, and is propagated by parting its roots in Autumn.
[59]
~Mesembryanthemum bicolorum. Two-Coloured Fig-Marigold.~
_Cla.s.s and Order._
~Icosandria Pentagynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Cal._ 5-fidus. _Petala_ numerosa, linearia. _Caps._ carnosa, infera, polysperma.
