trifid apex. Stigmas 3, obtuse, minutely papillose. Capsule
rounded, 3-celled. Neeí/^many, flat, nearly orbicular, arranged
in double rows.
We fear this very showy plant is scarcely entitled- to be
regarded in any other light than as a mere variety of A. Sim-
sii, given at tab. 267 of the first series of this work, and from
which, besides colour, it is chiefly distinguished by its perfectly
glabrous leaves, by the lanceolate and more pointed
inner foliola of the perianthium, and by their longer and narrower
claws ; but the erect species of this genus are found
to vary so exceedingly, that we are sceptical of any definition
that can be given of them.
Introduced from Chile, by Mr. Anderson, the indefatigable
collector, who accompanied Captain King in his voyage
of survey in South America.
The plant requires the same treatment as A. Simsii, and
appears to be quite as hardy as that species. Our drawing
was taken at the Clapton Nursery, in June last.
The leaves in this genus are, by the twisting of the petiole,
resupinate ; the upper surface, which, in other plants,
is usually smooth, even, and destitute, both of ribs and stomata,
having the peculiar structure, and performing the
functions of the under surface. The discovery of this curious
economy in the leaves of Alstrcemeria is due to Mr. Brown,
who first pointed it out some years ago.
The generic name is already explained at fol. 228 of the
first series. D. Don.
I . Stamens. 2 . Ovarium.