Volume Iii Part 6 (1/2)

[90]

GORTERIA RIGENS. RIGID-LEAV'D GORTERIA.

_Cla.s.s and Order._

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.

_Generic Character._

_Receptaculum_ nudum. _Pappus_ lanatus. _Corollae_ radii ligulatae.

_Calyx_ imbricatus, squamis spinosis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

GORTERIA _rigens_ foliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. 783. Sp.

Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284._

ARCTOTIS ramis dec.u.mbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis. _Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49._

ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis. _Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9._

[Ill.u.s.tration: No 90]

The GORTERIA, of which there are several species, and most of them, like the present, natives of the Cape, has been named in honour of DAVID DE GORTER, author of the _Flora Zutphanica_ and _Ingrica_; the trivial name of _rigens_ is given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic name of _ringens_; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition of MILLER's _Gard. Dict._

The greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it is only when the sun s.h.i.+nes on them that they are fully expanded, exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance.

It flowers in June, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily enough increased by cuttings.

It requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant.

[91]

IRIS SURFING. CHALCEDONIAN IRIS.

_Cla.s.s and Order._

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cor._ 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.

_Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bil.a.b.i.ata.