Root tuberous. Leaves very variable, 3-parted,
strongly nerved underneath: segments on the lower
ones very broad and flat, wedge-shaped, and toothed
with sharp pointed teeth, the middle one 3-lobed, side
ones deeply cleft, also slightly lobed: middle leaves
more deeply divided, the middle segment deeply
3-cleft, and the divisions also deeply parted with sharp
spreading points, side ones doubly 2-cleft with acute
spreading points: upper leaves still more deeply divided
and the segments narrower, sharper and more
spreading, also deeply channelled from the sides folding
inwards. Petioles densely pubescent, more or less
flattened on the upper side and rounded on the lower,
those on the lower leaves the flattest. Scape densely
pubescent, from 6 inches to a foot in height, 1-flowered.
Involucre 3 or 4-leaved : leaflets sessile, oblongly
lanceolate, acute, strongly and numerously nerved
underneath, pubescent, one of them 3-forked, the
others entire. Pedicle densely pubescent, from 3 to 5
inches long. Sepals 11, in our specimens, petal-like,
of a bright purple, with darker veins, densely pubescent
at the back, oblong, obtuse. Stamens numerous,
surrounding the carpella: filaments slender, of a dark
blue, the outer ones shortest: anthers pale b lue: pollen
blue, graiiular. Carpella flat, rough. Style of a blue
purple, villous at the base, and smooth upwards.
Our drayving of this fine variety of A. stellata was
taken from plants in the garden of Mr. Thomas Milne,
at Parson’s Green, Fulham, where we observed them
in fine bloom in March la st; he had lately received
them from Scotland. It is a very desirable plant for
the flower garden, as it produces its handsome flowers
so early in Spring, at the season that they are most
desired. It succeeds well in the open borders in the
common garden soil, and is increased by dividing the
roots after flowering.
1. Two o f the Sepals. 2. Stamens. 3. The head o f young seeds, each te r minated
by a small bluish p urple Style . 4. One o f the Seeds d etached.