on the inside, which is about the length of the leaflets, the
points sharp, and curved inwards over the stigmas. Stamens 5,
close-pressed to the styles: anthers purple, bearing a membranaceous
wing on each side. Ovariums 2, smooth, distinct,
tapering upwards into Styles, about the length of the stamens,
crowned and connected by a large, slightly 5-lobed, fleshy
Stigma.
We have ascertained the present plant to be the A. virgata
of La Gasca, from fine specimens received from him by
A. B. Lambert, Esq., and now preserved in his Herbarium;
and from the description in Roemer and Schultes Systema,
we believe the A. virgata of Balbis to be the same species;
he most probably received the seed from the Madrid Garden,
under that name, as he was not certain of what country it
was a native; whether the A. angustifolia of Schweigger is
different or not, we are not certain, but that is described
with the umbels terminal; the A. linifolia of Kunth also appears
to be nearly related, as is the A. parviflora of the Hortus
Kewensis. La Gasca mentions having received the seeds
from D. Sesse from Mexico in 1804.
Our drawing was taken from fine specimens, sent to
us from the collection of the late Robert Barclay, Esq. of
Bury-hill, near Dorking, where the plants were raised from
seeds received from Mexico; and we are informed by Mr.
D. Cameron, the Gardener, that it is quite hardy, having
endured the hard Winter of 1829-1830 in the open ground,
but in a warm sheltered south border, without protection,
where we saw it the beginning of last October, still in fine
bloom; it is a very desirable plant for the Flower Garden,
on account of its elegant growth, and abundant flowering,
succeeding best in peat soil; but will also thrive well in a
light rich soil in the garden; it maybe increased by dividing
at the root, or by seeds, which sometimes ripen.
For the derivation of the generic name, see folio 18, of
the second series.
1. Calyx. 2. Corolla spread open, to show the 5 segments. 3. The 5 cncullate leaflets
of the Stamineous crown, each bearing a subulate horn on the Inside. 4. The 6 Stamens.
The 2 Ovariums, terminated by 2 slender Styles, which connects them to the 5-lobed
fleshy Stigma; the Stigma removed, to show their distinction. 0. An nnripe Capsule.