Volume Iv Part 11 (1/2)

[141]

HELIOTROPIUM PERUVIANUM. PERUVIAN TURNSOLE.

_Cla.s.s and Order._

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Corolla_ hypocrateriformis, 5-fida, interjectis dentibus: fauce clausa fornicibus.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

HELIOTROPIUM _peruvianum_ foliis lanceolato-ovatis, caule fruticoso, spicis numerosis aggregato-corymbosis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p.

184._

HELIOTROPIUM foliis ovato-lanceolatis, spicis plurimis; confertis, caule fruticoso. _Mill. Dict. ed. 6. 4to. Icon. t. 143._

[Ill.u.s.tration: No 141]

This plant recommends itself by its fragrance rather than its beauty, so delicious indeed is the odour it diffuses, that it is considered as essential to every green-house and stove.

”It grows naturally in Peru, from whence the seeds were sent by the younger Jussieu to the royal garden at Paris, where the plants produced flowers and seeds; and from the curious garden of the Duke d'Ayen, at St. Germain's, I was supplied with some of the seeds, which have succeeded, in the Chelsea garden, where the plants have flowered and perfected their seeds for some years.” _Miller's Gard. Dict._

You may consider it either as a stove or a green-house plant, the former is more congenial to it in the winter season.

A pure atmosphere is essential to its existence, as I experienced at Lambeth-Marsh, where I in vain endeavoured to cultivate it.

It is propagated by cuttings as easily as any Geranium, and requires a similar treatment; in hot weather it must be well supplied with water, and in winter carefully guarded against frost, so fatal to most of the natives of Peru.

[142]

SCORZONERA TINGITANA. TANGIER SCORZONERA, or POPPY-LEAV'D VIPERS GRa.s.s.

_Cla.s.s and Order._

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA aeQUALIS.

_Generic Character._

_Receptaculum_ nudum. _Pappus_ plumosus. _Calyx_ imbricatus, squamis margine scariosis.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

SCORZONERA _tingitana_ foliis omnibus runcinatis amplexicaulibus. _Linn.

Syst. Veg. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 711._