Chimaphila maculata. 41
A bou t a span high. Root perennial, horizontal, somewhat thicker
than a crow-quill, contorted near the stem, of a yellow colour;
same root Sometimes, though rarely, sending up two or more red-
dish-purple stems. Leaves collected together to the number of four
or six, generally in two clusters, appearing somewhat like two
whorls; 6vMe-lanceolate, those of the lower cluster occasionally
quite ovate, acute, deeply incised with irregular and distant serra-
tures; dark olive-green above, marked by a longitudinal whitish line,
intersected by a similar discolouration in the direction of the veins,
light dull-green, tinged with reddish-purple underneath. Flowers
greenish-white, drooping, very fragrant, generally three, but Sometimes
only two on each stem, supported by greenish peduncles,
which arise from the apex of the stem. Petals generally five, but
sometimes Six, ovate, cupped, slightly tinged with lake-red at base.
Stigma large, urceolate, depressed, furrowed, green, surmounted
with a flattened, viscous crown. Stamens ten; sometimes, though
rarely, twelve, in which case there are six petals. Filaments stipi-
tate, stipe woolly or villous, anthers greenish-blue.
Grows in dry sandy or gravelly woods, covered with loose, rich
mould or decayed leaves, from Canada to Georgia; and as the C.
umbellata grows in Florida, the present species may be supposed
to accompany it there. Flowers in July.
The genus Chimaphila was established by Pursh, and named from
xsii«.*, hyems, and <(><*«, amicus, the combination of which is indicative