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tube very short, nearly globular. Petals 5, alternating witli
the calycine segments, oblong-elliptical, obtuse, spreading,
the claws narrow, and about half the length of the calycine
segment's. Stamens numerous, yellow, inserted on the calyx,
and disposed in 5 series. Filaments slender, capillary, glabrous.
Anthers round, of two parallel tumid cells, opening lengthways
along their outer edge. Pistils 5, inserted in the bottom
of the calyx, rather shorter than the stamens. Ovaria ventricose,
glabrous, shining, with solitary, pendulous ovula.
Styles filiform, glabrous, greenish yellow. Stigmas simple,
oblique, pruinose.
The double variety has been long known in our gardens,
having been introduced in 1804, and is now become an universal
favourite, and alike the ornament of the palace of the
prince, and the cottage of the peasant. The single variety
was, until lately, scarcely known, except through a solitary
specimen preserved in the Linnean herbarium, and which
had been communicated by Thunberg to his illustrious preceptor.
From this circumstance, very few Botanists had seen
the normal condition of the plant, and its affinities consequently
remained for a long time uncertain, until cleared up
by De Candolle in the 12th Volume of the Transactions of
the Linnean Society, from an examination of the specimen
above-mentioned. The plant has been referred by M. Cambes-
sedes to Spircea, from which it must be admitted, it is scarcely
distinguishable, except by its monospermous carpels, the presence
of stipules, and by having solitary, yellow flowers.
We believe we owe the introduction of this interesting
plant to Mr. Reeves, by whose exertions our gardens have
been enriched by a great variety of highly ornamental plants
from China.
Our drawing was taken at the Botanic Garden, Chelsea,
in April last.
The genus was named by De Candolle after Mr.. William
Kerr, a collector sent out to China from the Royal Gardens
at Kew, by whom a number of new plants were introduced
from that country. D . Don.
1. Calyx, with the reproductive organs.