Volume Iv Part 9 (1/2)
Of this plant LINNaeUS makes two species, viz. the _vernalis_ and _appennina_, differing in their specific character merely in the number of their petals, which are found to vary from situation and culture; as the first name taken from its time of flowering is the most expressive, we have followed Mr. MILLER and Mr. AITON in adopting it.
It is an old inhabitant of the English gardens, and a most desirable one, as it flowers in the spring; produces fine shewy blossoms, which expand wide when exposed to the sun, is hardy and readily cultivated.
Grows wild on the mountainous pastures of some parts of Germany.
It may be increased by parting its roots in Autumn or Spring, or by seed. MILLER recommends the latter mode.
[135]
GLADIOLUS CARDINALIS. SUPERB GLADIOLUS; or, CORN-FLAG.
_Cla.s.s and Order._
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ 6-part.i.ta, irregularis, inaequalis, _Stigmata_ 3.
_Specific Character._
GLADIOLUS _cardinalis_ corollae erectae limbo campanulato, floribus secundis, scapo multifloro, foliis ensiformibus multinerviis.
[Ill.u.s.tration: No 135]
This new species of Gladiolus, of whose magnificence our figure can exhibit but an imperfect idea, was introduced into this country from Holland, a few years since, by Mr. GRAFFER, at present Gardener to the King of Naples; and first flowered with Messrs. LEWIS and MACKIE, Nurserymen, at Kingsland; a very strong plant of it flowered also this summer at Messrs. GRIMWOODS and Co. which divided at top into three branches, from one of which our figure was drawn.
It obviously differs from the other more tender plants of this genus, in the colour of its flowers, which are of a fine scarlet, with large white somewhat rhomboidal spots, on several of the lowermost divisions of the Corolla; strong plants will throw up a stem three or four feet high.
It is most probably a native of the Cape, flowers with us in July and August, and is increased by offsets from the bulbs; must be treated like the Ixias and other similar Cape plants.
[136]
PELARGONIUM TETRAGONUM. SQUARE STALKED GERANIUM.
_Cla.s.s and Order._
MONADELPHIA HEPTANDRIA.
_Generic Character._
_Cal._ 5-part.i.tus, lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _Cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _Filamenta_ 10, inaequalia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _Fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ spiralia, introrsum barbata.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
PELARGONIUM _tetragonum_ pedunculis bifloris, ramis tetragonis carnosis, corollis tetrapetalis, _L'Herit. n. 72. t. 23._