Volume Ii Part 3 (2/2)
~Hexandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ campaniformis, 6-part.i.ta, apicibus incra.s.sata, _Stigma_ simplex.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
LEUCOJUM _vernum_ spatha uniflora, stylo clavato. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab.
p. 316._
LEUCOJUM bulbosum vulgare. _Bauh. Pin. 55._
The great early bulbous Violet. _Park. Parad._
[Ill.u.s.tration: 46]
The blossoms of the _Leucojum_ and _Galanthus_, or Snow-Drop, are very similar at first sight, but differ very essentially when examined; the Snow-Drop having, according to the Linnaean description, a three-leaved nectary, which is wanting in the Leucojum; the two genera then being very distinct, it becomes necessary to give them different names; we have accordingly bestowed on the Leucojum the name of _Snow-Flake_, which, while it denotes its affinity to the Snow-Drop, is not inapplicable to the meaning of Leucojum.
As the spring Snow-Flake does not increase so fast by its roots, as the Snow-Drop, or even the summer Snow-Flake, so it is become much scarcer in our gardens; it may, indeed, be almost considered as one of our plantae rariores, though at the same time a very desirable one.
It does not flower so soon by almost a month, as the Snow-Drop; but its blossoms, which are usually one on each foot-stalk, sometimes two, are much larger, and delightfully fragrant.
It is found wild in shady places and moist woods in many parts of Germany and Italy. The most proper situation for it is a north or east border, soil a mixture of loam and bog earth; but by having it in different aspects, this, as well as other plants, may have its flowering forwarded or protracted, and, consequently, the pleasure of seeing them in blossom, considerably lengthened.
In a favourable soil and situation, it propagates tolerably fast by offsets.
[47]
~Amaryllis formosissima. Jacobaean Amaryllis.~
_Cla.s.s and Order._
~Hexandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ 6-petala, campanulata. _Stigma_ trifidum.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
AMARYLLIS _formosissima_ spatha uniflora, corolla inaequali petalis tribus, staminibus pistilloque declinatis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. p. 320._
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