unequal. Corolla funnel-form, limb plaited, 5-toothed,
of a pale blue; teeth long, taper-pointed. Stamens 5,
inserted in the tube, and included within the mouth;
filaments slender, joined to the base of the anthers.
Style smooth, about the length of the stamens. Stigma
slightly 2-lobed. Capsule erect, spiny, or muricate,
the spines unequal in length, pungent. Seeds numerous,
kidney-shaped, black and rugged.
The plant from which our drawing was made, was
raised from seed received by A. B. Lambert, Esq. from
the mountains of the Caracas, where it is mentioned,
by the noted travellers, Humboldt and Bonpland, as
growing abundantly. It is also found in great quantities
in many other countries; or, perhaps, more than
one species is confused. Our plant agreed exactly
with the description of Kunth, but not so well with that
by other authors. It is a pretty annual plant, and
flowers best in the open air, attaining the height of a
foot, or 18 inches. The seeds may be sown in Spring,
either under hand-glasses, or on a slight hot-bed; and as
soon as the plants are a few inches high, they should
be planted into the flower borders where they are to
remain; a warm border of rich light earth will suit
them best, where they will continue to bloom till late
in Autumn, if the weather continue mild, and will
ripen plenty of seeds.
1. Calyx, 2. Tube of the Corolla laid open, to show the insertion of the
stamens. 3. Germen, Style, and 2-lobed Stigma. 4. Seed.