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P L A T E CCCCI.
S E R R A T U L A S P I G A T A .
Spiked-ßowered Saw-wort.
C LAS S XIX. ORDER L
5 YNGENESIA POL YGAMIA JE Q UAL IS. Tips united, ^qual Polygamy,
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
C A L Y X subcylindricusj imbricatuSj muticus. E M P A L E M E N T nearly cylindrical, imbrioatedj
without awns.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER, &C.
S E R R A T U L A , folüs linearibus, basi ciliatis, floribus
sessiJibus lateralibus spicatis, caule
simplici. Gmel. Syst. Nat. 2. 1185.—^!/.
Hort. Kew.3. 13B.
SEHRATULAJ with linear leaves, ciliated at tlie
base, sessile lateral spiked flowers, and a
simple stem.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. A radical leaf.
2. The empalement spread open.
3. A floret.
4. The same, cut open.
5. The seed-bud and pointal.
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THE Serratula spicata is a native of Carolina ; but has been cultivated in the gardens of this counti-y
ever since the year 1732; notwithstanding which it is by no means a frequent plant in collections;
which I should conceive arises from its being rather difficult to increase.
Although a syngenesious plant, its root is of Uie tuberous kind ; which is a peculiarity almost unparalleled
in that extensive class. The flowering-stems shoot up late rn spring, and are chiefly simple :
they rise to the height of one or two feet, furnished with long linear leaves ; the uppermost of which
are gradually shortened, and they are all more or less ciliated near the base ; but in this respect they
are either liable to differ very considerably, or there are several varieties (perhaps species) of the plant.
There is likewise another sti'ikingly singular trait in the character of this Serratula : tlie flowers commence
opening at the top of the spike first, and continue flowering downwards; instead of upwards, in
the usual manner; which is a circumstance I cannot recollect having seen in any other phmts; except
Agave virginica and Allium descendens. Cultivators usually suppose the name of the last-mentioned
plant to apply to its roots striking deep into the earth : but this we apprehend is an erroneous supposition
; for it is clearly allusive to its perverted mode of flowering.
The spiked-flowered Saw-wort flowers in July, loves a light soil in the open air; and is propagated,
although slowly, by parting its roots after the stems die down.
Gmelin queries, and with propriety, in his edition of Syslema Natura; above cited, whether S. spicata,
and S. squarrosa, (another North American species,) are not generically distinct from the other
Serratulas.
Our drawing was made from plants in the collection of Lady de Clifford, at Paddington.
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