two unequal, parallel cells ; those of the upper stamens
attached to a dark purple, linear connectivum, the apex of
which is free and prominent. Ovarium oblong, glabrous,
slightly 4-lobed, bearing a single ovulum in each cell. Style
inclosed, compressed, pale green, attenuated towards the
base. Stigma an elevated, rounded gland, seated between
the two prominent teeth of the style, the anterior tooth longer
and sharper.
This pretty variety was introduced about two years ago
from Chile, and is now generally cultivated in our collections
under the name of Verbena Sabini. It differs from the
normal variety of erinoides only by its dwarfer, denser, and
more glabrous habit, and rich purple flowers.
The V. erinoides appears to be a very general plant
throughout Chile, growing on dry, exposed situations, and
extending to an elevation of from 7000 to 8000 feet above
the level of the sea. The plant is esteemed for its diuretic
properties, and is used in decoction by the inhabitants of
Chile. It was flrst noticed by Feuillee, who has given an
accurate description and flgure of it. Linnæus referred it to
Erinus, with the speciflc appellation of laciniatus. Lamarck
rightly determined it to be a Verbena, and it will be found
recorded in the flrst volume of his “ Illustration des Genres,”
published in 1791, under the name of V. erinoides, an appellation
afterwards adopted by Willdenow in his “ Enumeratio
Plantarum,” published in 1809, but without any reference to
Lamarck. It is remarkable that Sprengel, and most other
authors should refer to Willdenow for this species, instead of
Lamarck, by whom the name of erinoides was first applied to
it. Ruiz and Pavon believing it to have been unrecorded as
a species of Verbena, published a figure and description of it
under the name of multifida in the first volume of the Flora
Peruviana, published in 1798, several years after the appearance
of the publication by Lamarck.
Our drawing was taken from Mrs. Marryat’s collection
at Wimbledon in the summer of last year. The plant
appears to be quite hardy, and continues to flower throughout
the summer and autumn. It is readily multiplied by
cuttings. D . Don.
1. Calyx. 2. Corolla. 3. Pistil.