p
This handsome species is generally known in col-
lectiras by the name of Iris sayiguinea, a name, as
JJr. hischer observes, only tending to mislead, as from
the name we might expect to see a red flower, instead
ot red leaves. The Doctor has, therefore, substituted
hcematophylla instead, which is much more appropriate
: the name has been adopted by Link in the
Lnumeratio, and by Schultes in his Mantissa; al-
tliough the above authors seem not to be aware that it
IS the same as I. sanguinea, which had been previously
published by Hornemann, and also by Rcemer and
Schultes in their Systema Vegetabilium. Professor
Sprengel, in his Systema Vegetabilium, has included
this as well as several others, which we should consider
as distinct species, under I. sibirica: this, in particu-
lar, we have not the least hesitation in considering
decidedly distinct; its time of flowering is full a month
earlier than that species; and if the Spring should
appen to be colder than usual, the flowers are often
much injured, if not entirely destroyed, as it begins to
grow so very early, and the flowers show themselves,
before the leaves are grown of sufficient length to render
them any protection, so that it is sometimes advisable
to place a hand-glass over it to protect its
bloom. Our plants bloomed this year the beginning
ot April. Ihe leaves, when young, have always a red
tinge; in some plants they are quite red or purple •
but the colour both of the leaves and flowers varies
considerably on different plants. It is a native of Siberia
; and we would advise its being planted in as
elevated and exposed situation as possible, to keep it
trom growing as late as possible in Spring, as by that
means it would be more likely to flower well; it grows
very freely in the common garden soil, in a dry situation,
and may be increased by seeds, or by dividing at
the root. °
Drawn at the Nursery of Mr. Colvill, in April last.