vexillum ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, reflexed ; wings about
half the length of tlie keel, ovate-oblong, rather acute, incumbent,
semi-cordate at the base ; keel longer than the
vexillum, cucullate, ventricose, acuminate, recurved, composed
of two connate semicordate petals; claws short, linear,
free, rather fleshy, channelled, of a greenish white colour,
and secreting honey in abundance. Stamens diadelphous
(9— 1), perigynous, unequal, inclosed in the hollow keel.
Filaments white, glabrous, the free portions capillary. A n thers
oblong, obtuse, orange, composed of two parallel connate
cells. P istil longer than the stamens. Ovarium stipitate,
cylindrical, acuminate, glabrous, green, clothed inside with
adpressed, lymphatic hairs, the stalk exceeding the calyx in
length. Style filiform, bearded along the upper side with
white silky hairs. Stigma a terminal yellow gland. Ovula
numerous, reniform, on rather long funiculi.
This highly interesting and splendid plant, is a native of
the northern island of New Zealand, and was originally discovered
by Sir Joseph Banks, and Dr. Solander, in the first
voyage of Cook. The natives call it “ Kowanautukaka,”
or Pa rrot’s Bill, from the figure of the corolla.
We are indebted to Mr. Davis, missionary catechist,
stationed on the eastern coast of the above mentioned island,
for the introduction of this beautiful production to the
gardens ; the plant having been raised from seeds transmitted
by him to the Rev. Mr. Colman, in whose garden at
Ryde, Isle ofWight, it blossomed in the summer of 1833.
The plant appears to be quite hardy, and as it is readily
increased by cuttings, as well as by seeds, which it perfects
freely in the open air, it has already become a frequent ornament
of the flower garden. The soil best suited to it is a
mixture of peat and loam in equal proportions. It is a shrubby
plant, with the stems extending to 3'or 4 feet, and adorned,
when in blossom, with numerous clusters of large, bright
crimson flowers, resembling those of Sutherlandia frutescens,
but much larger, and perhaps the only other plant of the
family that can vie with it in the size and beauty of its blossoms,
is the A g a ti coccínea of Desvanx, the Æschynomene
coccinea of Linnæus. The natural habit of the plant appears
to be procumbent, but its flowers are better displayed when
tlie stems are trained in an erect position.
The specimen represented in the plate was sent us by our friend Mr. Scott,
from the collection at Bury Hill.
The name given to the genus by Solander, alludes to the splendour of its flowers,
and is compounded of cXeioc, glory, and ardor,, a flower. D. Don.
1. Reproductive organs.