IIfolds.
Wings rather longer than the keel, paler, oblong,
glabrous, semicordate at the base, and furnished above
with a callous fold. Keel white, glabrous, ventricose,
pointed, the petals connate. Stamens 10, diadelphous.
Filaments white, glabrous. Anthers yellow. Ovarium
compressed, silky. Style glabrous, transversely compressed.
Stigma broad, flat, spatlmlate, bearded along the upper
surface with short pubescence.
This very pretty species is frequent in mountainous
woods, throughout a great part of the Levant, especially in
Romania, Georgia, and the Crimea, flowering in May.
Although cultivated in the Dutch Gardens in the early
part of the last century, the plant is but of recent introduction
to our own, and is still rarely seen except in
Botanical collections. It is a hardy perennial of very easy
culture, and flowers and perfects its seeds freely in the open
border.
We can perceive no difference whatever between this
plant and the O. laxiflorus of Desfontaines, although
De Candolle continues to keep them distinct.
Our drawing was taken at the Chelsea Botanic Garden
in May last.
The name will be found explained at fol. 198. D . Don.
1. Calyx. 2. -Vexillum. 3. and 4. "Wings
6. Stamens and Pistil.
5. Keel.