obovate, with a deep notch at the point, gradually narrowing
to the base, reflexed about the middle, of a pure white
with a large dark velvetty spot at the bend, below which
are some small linear spots on each side: lower ones narrowly
spathulate, becoming very narrow towards the base,
of a pure white. Stamens 10, connected into an inflated
tube, five bearing anthers; four lower ones longest, ascending,
the upper one short and straight; three lower sterile
ones subulate, acute, the points curved inwards and
hooked: two upper ones straight: anthers attached by
their back to the filaments: pollen almost white or straw-
coloured. Style very short, smooth, purple. Stigmas 5,
bright purple, reflexed.
Our drawing of this very distinct and handsome species
was taken at the Nursery of Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith,
from a plant that had been imported from the Cape; in the
same collection are many other sorts, that have been lately
imported, and several of them are new species, which we
intend publishing in our future numbers: the present is a
very elegant little plant, when covered with its pure white
flowers, with a dark purple spot in the centre. We have
named it in compliment to Mr. John Lee, who is now
carrying on the Nursery business at Hammersmith to the
same extent, and with the same love of collecting plants,
as had been so many years so skilfully conducted by his
late father.
Like the rest of the tuberous-rooted species, the present
plant thrives best in a light sandy soil, or a mixture of
light turfy loam, peat, and sand, will suit it very well, requiring
to be kept quite dry and dormant in Winter; it may
be increased by the little tubers of its roots, or by seeds,
when they are produced.