Volume Ii Part 6 (2/2)

MILLER describes it as having little beauty, and therefore but seldom planted in gardens; it is true, it does not recommend itself by the gaudiness of its colours, but there is in the flowers, especially before they expand, a simple elegance, somewhat like that of the Snowdrop, and which affords a pleasing contrast to the more shewy flowers of the garden.

It flowers in May, and ripens its seeds in June.

It will grow in almost any soil or situation, is propagated by offsets from the root, which it puts out most plentifully, so as indeed sometimes to be troublesome. Is a native of Germany.

[55]

~Geranium striatum. Striped Geranium.~

_Cla.s.s and Order._

~Monadelphia Decandria.~

_Generic Character._

Monogynia. _Stigmata_ 5. _Fructus_ rostratus 5-coccus.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

GERANIUM _striatum_ pedunculis bifloris, foliis quinquelobis: lobis medio dilatatis, petalis bilobis venosoreticulatus. _Linn. Syst.

Vegetab. p. 616._

GERANIUM _striatum_ pedunculis bifloris, foliis caulinis trilobis, obtuse crenatis. _Miller's Dict._

GERANIUM Romanum versicolor sive striatum.

The variable striped Cranesbill. _Park. Parad. p. 229._

[Ill.u.s.tration: 55]

This species is distinguished by having white petals, finely reticulated with red veins, and the corners of the divisions of the leaves marked with a spot of a purplish brown colour, which PARKINSON has long since noticed.

Is said by LINNaeUS to be a native of Italy, is a very hardy plant, flowers in May and June, and may be propagated by parting its roots in Autumn, or by seed; prefers a loamy soil and shady situation.

[56]

~Geranium lanceolatum. Spear-Leaved Geranium.~

_Cla.s.s and Order._

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