Root more fleshy, thicker, and growing much deeper in
the ground, than any other species of this genus that I am
acquainted with. Stem from 1 to 2 feet high, round, and
pubescent. Lower leaves ovate-lanceolate, sheathing at the
base; upper sessile, linear-lanceolate, from 2 to 3 inches
long, the veins and margins covered with a slight rough
pubescence. The leaves are considerably smaller and of a
more delicate texture than in any of the varieties of E. la-
tifolia, of which there appear to be three different varieties
growing in the Woburn woods, all evidently very distinct
from the E. purpurata. Spike from 4 to 6 inches in
length, drooping before the flowers expand; but afterwards
assuming an erect position. Bracteas linear, acute, horizontal
with the spike, the lower above twice the length of
the flowers, the upper shorter. The bracteas are described
by Sir James E. Smith as being all longer than the flowers,
which they appear to be previous to the expansion of the
blossoms, the period of growth when Sir James’s description
was taken; the upper are, however, when at maturity,
shorter than the flowers. Perianth spreading, extending
beyond the petals. Flowers of a yellow green colour,
tinged with pink, expanding in August.—J . F oiibes.