Barclay, Esq. of Bury-hill, where it is grown in the open borders
in peat soil, and succeeds well without any protection,
though a native of Carolina ; but as it is there a mountain
plant, that will account for its hardy nature ; it seems to be
a scarce plant even in its native country, as we see Mr.
Pursh, in his Flora of North America, gives a mark as having
never seen it.
Several other species of this pretty genus are cultivated
in Mr. Barclay’s garden in the same situation, where they
all succeed very well ; and it appears that to be grown in a
bed of peat soil, is the best way of cultivating them, for if
grown in pots they are much weaker, and therefore do not
show themselves to the same advantage : where peat cannot
be readily procured, a mixture of very sandy loam and decayed
leaves may be substituted instead, and will answer
nearly as well; the less they are disturbed when once established
the better, as it weakens them very much by moving
them frequently : they may be increased by dividing at the
root, or by seeds, which will ripen plentifully, if a little
pains be taken to fertilize the stigmas with the pollen when
in a proper state.
The generic name is framed from the diminutive of uva,
a bunch of grapes, from the figure of the inflorescence, according
to Linnæus.
1. The three outer leaflets of the Perianthium. 2. The three inner leaflets, the six
stamens inserted, one in the base of each, ju s t below the nectariferous pit. 3. Ovarium
terminated by the Style and three spreading Stigmas. 4. Capsule nearly full grown.