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The chief distinction between Niei'embergia and Petunia,
lies in the form of corolla ; the tube in the former being equally
contracted throughout its whole length, and the stamina
inserted in its mouth ; while, in the latter, the tube is dilated
upwards, and the stamina inserted within it, at the point
where the contraction terminates ; but, as these characters
are found to vary much in different species, I have, already,
proposed to unite them into one, being convinced, that, among
the Solaneæ, the form of corolla is seldom available as a generic
distinction.
The genus is chiefly distinguished from NicMiana, (in
which the form of corolla is, also, very variable in different
species,) by the foliaceous segments of its calyx, which,
together with its nearly regular pentandrous flower, separate
it, also, from Salpiglossis, in which the corolla is irregular,
and somewhat bilabiate, with only four perfect stamina. The
stigma in this last is precisely that of the normal group of
Nierembergia, and the genus is principally remarkable for
its lobed leaves. For the other section, I would propose the
following character:—corollæ fauce dilatatâ sæpiùs ventricosà,
staminibus inæqualibus tubo medio insertis subinclusìs, stigmate
subcapitato. To the latter section belongs Salpiglossis inte-
grifolia, of Hooker, for which I would suggest the name of
Nierembergia {Petunia) phoenicea.
The present species is a native of the vicinity of Buenos
Ayres, where it was discovered by Dr. Gillies, and Mr.
Tweedie, and, from seeds, transmitted by the latter, to
our valued friend, Mr. Neill, plants were raised, which
blossomed in his interesting collection at Canonmills, in the
Autumn of last year. The plant, like many others of the
same natural family, although apparently annual, will continue
to flourish for several years, if kept in the Greenhouse,
and is readily increased by cuttings ; for, from some
unknown cause, it is rarely found to perfect its seeds in this
country.
Our drawing was taken atColvill’s Nursery, King’s Road,
Chelsea, in August last.
The genus was dedicated by Ruiz and Pavon, to John
Eusebius Nierembergius, a learned Spanish Jesuit, Authorof
Historiæ Naturæ Libri. D. Don Mss.
1. Calyx. 2 . Corolla. 3. Pistil.