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volute edges, and together with the mouth marked with numerous
irregular white spots ; the aestivation induplicate,
and but slightly involute. Stamens 5, inserted in the mouth
of the corolla, alternating with the segments, exserted. Filaments
capillary, purple. Anthers oblong, yellow, with parallel
cells, free at the base, and opening lengthways. Style
capillary, red. Stigmata^, linear, obtuse, compressed, recurved
and pruinose. Ovarium oblong-elliptical, 3-celled, seated
on a glandular disk. Ovula angular, several in each cell.
A native of the North-west Coast of America, whence it
was introduced to the Garden of the Horticultural Society,
by Mr. Douglas, in 1827. On a careful comparison of the
native sample in Piirsh’s Herbarium, collected by Captain
Lewis, at Hungry Creek, in 1806, which, although but partially
developed, and more copiously clothed with hairs than
the cultivated ones, we are satisfied that there cannot be a
doubt a,s to the identity of the two plants. It appears to delight
in a loamy soil, and is increased by seeds. When in
blossom, few plants of this family surpass it in beauty. It is
very nearly related to G. coronopifolia, but differs in its more
copious pubescence, and in the narrower, concave, acuminate,
segments of its corolla. Our drawing was taken from
Mr. Knight’s collection, in July last.
The Phlox pinnata of Cavanilles, formerly referred by me
to this genus, with which its habit more particularly agrees,
I am now convinced belongs to Collomia, from its stamens
being inclosed within the tube of the corolla, and from the
monospermous cells of its capsule.
The PolemoniacecE evidently constitute an osculant group,
connecting the Bignoniacece, Apocynece, HydrophyllecE, and
ConvolvulacecE, the parts of the flower affording likewise an
example of almost perfect symmetry. In its flat winged seeds,
foliaceous embryo, arborescent stem, and large funnel-shaped
blossoms, Cantua emulates some members of the former fa-
mily, while the opposite entire leaves, corymbose inflorescence,
and twisted aestivation of Phlox forcibly remind us of
some ApocynecB and Gentianeee, and by means of Polemonium
the transition to F[ydrophyllece is clearly made out.
The genus was named by Ruiz and Pavon after Signor
Gil, author of phytological observations on some exotic plants
cultivated about Rome. D. Bon.
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1. s ty le . 2. Corolla. 3 . Ovariurn.