length, the upper one shortest. Corolla tubular, funnel-
form, the tube hairy in the throat, nearly double the
length of the ca ly x : limb spreading, 5-cleft, the segments
unequal in size, wedge shaped, notched at the
ends. Stamens 4, two of them longer than the others,
inserted in the tu b e: anthers with two distinct spreading
lobes. Ovarium smooth and glossy. Style smooth,
slender, thickening u swards, where it becomes club-
shaped. Stigma 2-lobed.
Our drawing of this beautiful and interesting plant,
was taken from fine specimens, sent to us in full bloom,
from the Nursery of Messrs. C. J. and P. Young, of
Epsom, who inform us that they have a good stock of
it for sa le ; it is certainly one of the finest and most
splendid plants that has been introduced to our collections
for some time past, particularly as it is so easily
cultivated, and propagates so freely from cuttings, thriving
well in any rich light soil; and when planted out in a
bed or border, nothing can make a more brilliant appearance,
requiring no more care than the common V. Aub-
letia, which is often planted out in beds, and produces
abundance of flowers all the Summer.
It is doubtful whether the present plant will endure
the severest frosts of our winters in the open
ground; it will therefore be safest to cover it in severe
weather with some dry covering, such as straw or mats,
but to leave it exposed whenever the weather is mild :
it will also be better to keep plants of it in pots, in
frames, or in the Greenhouse, where there is an opportunity,
as they will then flower early in Spring, and will
be ready to turn out early in the borders, likewise to
propagate from; young cuttings, planted in pots of light
mould, or in the ground, root freely.
Feuillee mentions it as being found plentifully on the north bank
of the river P la te , and in Paraguay; it is also found in Buenos
Ayres, from whence it has been introduced to this country.
Verbena was a name applied by the ancients to all sacred leaves,
and other sweet herbs used to adorn the altars; and was also used
for the herb Vervain (Verbena officinalis.) According to De Theis,
it is an alteration o i ferfaen, the Celtic name of the plant.
1, Calyx spread open, back view, to show the five angles, with the bracte at the
base. 2. Tube of the Corolla spread open, showing the hairy inside, and the insertion
of the four stamens, with their two-lobed anthers. 3. Ovarium, terminated
by the smooth Style and two-lobed Stigma.