[90]
GORTERIA RIGENS. RIGID-LEAV"D GORTERIA.
_Cla.s.s and Order._
SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.
_Generic Character._
_Receptaculum_ nudum. _Pappus_ lanatus. _Corollae_ radii ligulatae.
_Calyx_ imbricatus, squamis spinosis.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
GORTERIA _rigens_ foliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. 783. Sp.
Pl. ed. 3. p. 1284._
ARCTOTIS ramis dec.u.mbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis. _Mill. Dict. et Icon. t. 49._
ARCTOTHECA foliis rigidis leniter dissectis. _Vaill. act. 1728. n. 9._
[Ill.u.s.tration: No 90]
The GORTERIA, of which there are several species, and most of them, like the present, natives of the Cape, has been named in honour of DAVID DE GORTER, author of the _Flora Zutphanica_ and _Ingrica_; the trivial name of _rigens_ is given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic name of _ringens_; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition of MILLER"s _Gard. Dict._
The greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it is only when the sun shines on them that they are fully expanded, exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance.
It flowers in June, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily enough increased by cuttings.
It requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant.
[91]
IRIS SURFING. CHALCEDONIAN IRIS.
_Cla.s.s and Order._
TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Cor._ 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.
_Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bil.a.b.i.ata.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
IRIS _Surfing_ barbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro, petalis rotundatis. _Lin. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88._
IRIS Surfing flore maximo et albo nigricante. _Bauh. Pin. 31._
The great Turkey Flower-de-luce. _Park. Parad. 179._
[Ill.u.s.tration: No 91]
This species, by far the most magnificent of the Iris tribe, is a native of Persia, from a chief city of which it takes the name of Surfing; LINNaeUS informs us, that it was imported into Holland from Constantinople in 1573.
Though an inhabitant of a much warmer climate than our own, it thrives readily in the open borders of our gardens; and, in certain favourable situations, flowers freely about the latter end of May or beginning of June. It succeeds best in a loamy soil and sunny exposure, with a pure air moisture, which favours the growth of most of the genus, is injurious and sometimes even fatal to this species.
As it rarely ripens its seeds with us, it is generally propagated by parting its roots in autumn. These are also usually imported from Holland, and may be had of the importers of bulbs at a reasonable rate.
Being liable to be destroyed by seasons unusually severe, it will be prudent to place a few roots of it in pots, either in the greenhouse or in a hot-bed frame during the winter.
It bears forcing well.
[92]
SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA. STRAWBERRY SAXIFRAGE.
_Cla.s.s and Order._
DECANDRIA DIGYNIA.
_Generic Character._
_Calyx_ 5-part.i.tus. _Cor._ 5-petala. _Caps._ 2-rostris, 1-locularis, polysperma.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
SAXIFRAGA _sarmentosa_ foliis radicalibus subrotundis cordatis crenatis, sarmentis axillaribus radicantibus, corolla irregulari, racemo composito. _Lin. Syst. Veg. ed. 14. p. 412._ _Suppl. p. 240._
[Ill.u.s.tration: No 92]
This species of Saxifrage differing so widely from the others, both in its habit and fructification, as to create a doubt in the minds of some, whether it ought not to be considered as a distinct genus, is a native of China, and one of the many plants which have been introduced into our gardens since the time of MILLER.
Its round variegated leaves, and strawberry-like runners, the uncommon magnitude of the two lowermost pendant petals, joined to the very conspicuous glandular nectary in the centre of the flower, half surrounding the germen, render this species strikingly distinct.
It is properly a greenhouse plant; in mild winters indeed it will bear the open air, especially if placed at the foot of a wall, or among rock-work; but, in such situations, it is frequently killed in severe seasons.
It flowers in May and June, but does not produce its blossoms so freely as some others.