Córyphas, (Large fan Palm,) five species of the most noble and magnificent of palms. C. ambraculífera, the fronds or leaves are palmate; in Ceylon, where the tree is indigenous, they are frequently found fifteen feet wide and twenty feet long. Knox says they will cover from fifteen to twenty men, and when dried will fold up in the shape of a rod, and can be easily carried about, and serve to protect them from the scorching sun. C. talièra, now Talièra bengalénsis, being stronger, is of great utility for covering houses. They do not grow to such immense extent in artificial cultivation, but require large houses to grow them.
Crìnums, about one hundred species, chiefly stove bulbs, many of them beautiful. Those that are of great celebrity are C. cruéntum, colour red; C. scàbrum, crimson and white; C. amàbile, purple and white; the neck of the bulb of the latter is long and easily distinguished from its purplish colour, and is considered the finest of the genus. Several specimens of it are in our collections. Their flowers are in umbels, on a stalk from one to three feet high; corolla funnel shaped; petals recurved. They require large pots to make them flower well, and when growing to be liberally supplied with water.
Cyrtànthus, a genus of Cape bulbs, containing nine species, and will do very well in the Green-house, but we find the assistance of the Hot-house a great advantage. They are closely allied to Crìnum. The tubes of the flowers are long and round, with various shades of orange, yellow, red, and green. C. odòrus, C. striátus, C. oblíquus, and C. vittàtus, are the finest. When the bulbs are dormant, which will be from October to January, they should not get any water; before they begin to grow, turn the bulb out of the old earth, repotting it immediately. At this time they should be potted with the balls of earth entire, which will cause them to flower stronger.
Caryophyllus aromáticus, is the only species, and the tree that produces cloves. The whole plant is aromatic, and closely allied to Myrtus; the flowers are in loose panicles, the leaves oblong, accuminate, entire. It is a fine evergreen. Pots must be well drained.
Dillènias, three species of fine plants, with beautiful foliage. D. speciòsa has produced considerable excitement in our collections. The leaves are elliptic, oblong, simply serrated, nerves deep; the flower is white, with five bold petals, centre filled with barren anthers; it has not been known to flower in America. D. scándens has ovate, simply serrated leaves, but is not known as to flower; it is a fine climber.
Dracænas, Dragon-tree, about twelve species of Asiatic plants, varied in character. D. férrea is plentiful in our collections, and will keep in the Green-house; but the foliage is not so well retained as when kept in the Hot-house; the leaves are lanceolate, acute, of a dark purple colour. D. fràgrans, when in bloom, will scent the air for a considerable distance, leaves green and lanceolate. D. marginàta is rare, yet it is to be seen in a few of our collections. D. strícta is now Charlwòodia6 strícta, flowers blush and in loose panicles. D. Dráco is admired, and the most conspicuous of the genus.
Eránthemums, about ten species. E. pulchéllum and E. bícolor are the finest of the genus; the former is in our collections, but miserably treated. The soil in which it is grown is too stiff and loamy, and it seldom gets enough of heat. The latter is indispensable to make it flower in perfection; therefore it should have the warmest part of the house, and it will produce flowers of a fine blue colour from January to September. The flowers of the latter are white and dark purple, with a few brown spots in the white; blooms from April to August. Drain the pots well, and give the plants little sun during summer.
Eugènias, about thirty species, esteemed for their handsome evergreen foliage. This genus once contained a few celebrated species, which have been divided. (See Jambòsa.) The Allspice tree, known as Myrtus Piménta, is now E. Piménta; the leaves are ovate, lanceolate, and when broken have an agreeable scent. There are several varieties all of the same spicy fragrance. The plant is in very few of our collections. E. fràgrans is sweet scented; the flowers are on axillary peduncles; leaves ovate, obtuse.
Euphórbia (spurg), a genus of plants disseminated over every quarter of the globe; a few are beautiful, many grotesque, and several the most worthless weeds on the earth. There are about two hundred species, and from all of them, when probed, a thick milky fluid exudes. Those of the tropics are the most curious, and very similar in appearance to Cáctus, but easily detected by the above perforation. There is a magnificent species in our collections, which was lately introduced from Mexico.7 It goes under the name of E. heterophylla. The flowers of the whole genus are apetalous, and the beauty is in the bracteæ; of the species alluded to the bracteæ is bright crimson, very persistent, and above six inches in diameter, when well grown. The plant requires a strong heat, or the foliage will become yellow and fall off. We question whether this species is nondescript or as above. It is a brilliant ornament to the Hot-house three fourths of the year, and always during winter, and should have a situation in every tropical collection.
Erythrìnas (Coral tree), a genus containing about thirty species of leguminose, scarlet-flowering plants. Several species are greatly esteemed for their beauty and profusion of flowers, which in well established plants are produced in long spikes at the end of the stems and branches. E. Corallodéndrum blooms magnificently in the West Indies, but in our collections has never flowered. Perhaps if it was kept dry during its dormant season, which is from November to January, and when growing greatly encouraged, it might produce flowers. E. speciòsa is a splendid flowerer, leaves large, ternated, and prickly beneath; stem prickly. E. pubéscens is valued for its large peculiar brown pubescent leaves.
In regard to E. herbàcea, which is a native of the Carolinas, and frequently treated as a Hot-house plant, it is our opinion that it would be more perfectly grown if planted about the first of this month in the garden; and when growing, if well supplied with water, it would flower from July to September. About the first of November lift the roots and preserve them in half dry earth, in the same place with the Dáhlias. E. laurifòlia and E. crísta-gálli are likewise often treated as Hot-house plants, and in such situations they cast prematurely their first flowers, by the confined state of the air. They will keep in perfect preservation during winter in a dry cellar, half covered with earth, or entirely covered with half dry earth; consequently, the best and easiest method of treatment, is to plant them in the garden about the first of May, and when growing, if the ground becomes dry, give them frequent waterings. They will flower profusely three or four times in the course of summer.
We freely recommend the last species to all our patrons, confident that it will give ample satisfaction, both in profusion of flower and beauty of colour. The soil they are to be planted into should be according to that prescribed in the list; or if they are kept in pots, they must be enlarged three or four times, when they are in a growing state, to make them flower perfectly; otherwise they will be diminutive.
Fìcus, Fig-tree, a genus containing above fifty Hot-house species, besides several that belong to the Green-house; greatly admired for the beauty of their foliage. A few of them are deciduous, and all of the easiest culture. We have seen plants of F. elástica hung in the back of the Hot-house, without the smallest particle of earth, their only support being sprinklings of water every day. F. Brássii is the finest looking species that has come under our observation; the leaves are very large, shining, cordate, accuminate; nerves strong and white. As the beauty of these plants is entirely in the foliage and habit, we will select the best of them in the list to which we refer.
Gærtnèra racemòsa, is a large climbing woody shrub, with pinnated leaves, leaflets ovate, lanceolate, flowers white, five petaled, beautifully fringed; blooms in dense panicles. When the plants are allowed to climb, they do not flower freely; but if closely cut in, they will flower every year in great profusion, after the plants are well established. It is now called Hiptàge Madablòta.
Geissomèria longiflòra. This is a new genus, and closely allied to Ruéllia. The species alluded to, is a free flowerer, blooming from May to August, in close spikes of a scarlet colour; leaves opposite, ovate, elongate, and shining; the plants must be well drained, and in summer kept from the direct influence of the sun.
Gardènias, a genus containing about seventeen species, several of them very popular in our collections, going under the name of Cape Jasmine, which do well in the Green-house, (see May.) The species requiring this department, and deserving attention, are G. campanulàta, of a soft woody nature, with ovate, accuminate leaves; flowers of a straw colour, and solitary; G. amœna, the flowers are white, tinged with crimson, terminale and solitary; G. costàta, admired for its beautiful ribbed foliage, G. lùcida has a handsome, ovate, accuminate, shining foliage; flowers white and solitary. They require to have the pots well drained.
Heritièra littóralis, Looking-glass plant. This plant is unisexual, has beautiful large, ovate, veiny leaves; the flowers are small, red, with male and female on the same plant, but different flowers. It requires a strong heat, and plenty of pot room. How the English name becomes applicable to it, we are not acquainted.
Hibíscus. This genus affords many fine species and varieties of plants for the Hot-house, besides others for every department of the garden. The most popular in our collections for the Hot-house, is H. Ròsa sinénsis, with its varieties, which are magnificent, and flower profusely, from April to September. The single or original species is seldom seen in cultivation; the varieties are H. Ròsa sinénsis rùbro plénus, double red; H. R. S. cárnea plènus, double salmon; H. R. S. variegàtus, double striped; H. R. S. flávo-plènus, double buff; H. R. S. lùtea plènus, double yellow, or rather sulphur. The plants grow freely, and produce their flowers three or four inches of diameter, from the young wood; the leaves are ovate, accuminate, smooth, entire at the base and coarsely toothed at the end. All the varieties are of the same character, and highly deserving of a situation in every collection. There is said to be a double white variety, which we doubt; it is not in artificial cultivation. H. mutàbilis flòre plèno is a splendid plant of strong growth, and will, when well established, flower abundantly, if the wood of last year is cut to within a few eyes of the wood of the previous year; the flowers are produced on the young wood, and come out a pale colour, and change to bright red, and about the size of a garden Provins rose; leaves downy, cordate, angular, five-lobed, accuminate, and slightly toothed. H. lilliiflòrus, is a new highly esteemed species; the flowers are various in colour, being pink, blush, red, purple, and striped. We have not seen it in flower, but had its character verbally, from a respectable cultivator. The leaves vary in character, but are generally cordate, crenate, accuminate; the petioles are brown, and the whole slightly hirsute; is deciduous, and requires to be kept in the warmest part of the house.
Hóyas, Wax-plant, seven species. All of them are climbing succulents, requiring plenty of heat and little water. H. carnòsa is the finest flowering species of the genus, and known in our collections as the wax plant; the leaves are green and fleshy; the flowers are mellifluous, five parted, and in pendulous bunches, slightly bearded, and have every appearance of a composition of the finest wax; of a blush colour. H. crassifòlia has the best looking foliage, and the flowers are white. The former will keep in the Green-house, but will not flower so profusely.
Hernándias, Jack-in-a-box. The species are rare, except H. sonòra, which is an elegant looking plant, when well grown; the leaves are peltate, cordate, accuminate, smooth; flowers white, and in panicles; the fruit a nut. The English name is said to have been given, in allusion to the small flowers and large leaves of the plant. A great heat is required to grow it well.
Ipomæas, a genus of tropical climbing plants, nearly allied to Convolvúlus, but of greater beauty. I. paniculàta has large purple flowers in panicles, with large palmated smooth leaves. I. Jálapa is the true jalap of the druggists, but not worthy of any other remark. I. grandiflòra, large white flowers, with acute petals; leaves large, cordate, ovate. I. pulchélla has flowers of a handsome violet colour. They are all easily cultivated. It is said that I. tuberòsa is much used in the West Indies to cover arbours, and will grow three hundred feet in one season; the flowers are purple striped with yellow, leaves palmated. We are not certain but the roots of this kind may be kept like the sweet potato, and become a useful ornament to our gardens.
Ixòras, a genus of fine flowering plants, and does extremely well in our collections in comparison to the state they are grown in England. The genus specifically is much confused amongst us, either from error originating with those who packed them for this country, or after they have arrived. I. purpùrea, leaves oblong, ovate, blunt; flowers crimson; it is now called I. obavàta. I. crocàta, leaves oval, lanceolate, narrowing towards the stem, smooth, underside of the leaf the nerves are very perceptible; flowers saffron coloured. I. ròsea, leaves large, regular, oblong, a little acute, very distant on the wood, centre nerve strong; flowers rose coloured in large corymbs, branching: I. Bandhùca, leaves very close to the stem, ovate, accuminate; nerves straight, middle nerve stronger than any other of the genus; flowers scarlet, corymbs crowded. I. Blánda, leaves small, lanceolate, ovate; flowers blush, cymes branching in three. I. dichotìma, leaves largest of the genus, ovate, accuminate, undulate, footstalk 3/8 of an inch long; whereas none of the leaves of the other species has footstalks of any length. It is now called I. undulàta, flowers are white. I. grandiflòra, leaves ovate, elongate, sessile; flowers in crowded corymbs, and scarlet; is called, I. coccínea in the Botanical Magazine, by which it is known in our collections, and is the same as I. strícta. I. flámmea and I. speciòsa, leaves oblong, subsessile; flowers scarlet, in round spreading dense corymbs. I. fúlgens, same as I. longifòlia and I. lanceolàta; foliage glossy; flowers scarlet. I. Pavétta, the flowers are white, and said to be sweet-scented, the leaves of all the species are opposite; there are a few other species that we are not thoroughly acquainted with, but have been thus explicit to prevent error as far as possible in this beautiful genus. They are all evergreen, low growing shrubs; the plants grow best in Jersey black sandy earth, but flower most abundantly with half loam.
Jacarándas, a genus of beautiful shrubs, containing five species, with Bignônia-like blue or purple flowers. I. mimòsifolia and I. filicifòlia are the finest. The former has blue, and the latter purple flowers; in loose branching panicles. They are evergreen, and easy of culture.
Jambòsas, about twelve species, which have been principally taken from Eugènia, and contain its finest plants, and is a splendid genus of evergreen shrubs. E. Jámbos is now Jambòsa vulgàris, which flowers and fruits freely in our Hot-houses. The fruit is about an inch in diameter, eatable, and smelling like a rose, hence called "Rose Apple." The petals of all the species are simple, and may rather be considered the calyx; the beauty of the flowers is in the many erect spreading stamens, either straw, white, rose, or green colour. J. malaccénsis, Malay Apple, is greatly esteemed for the delightful fragrance of its fruit. We frequently see J. purpuráscens, which is a native of the West Indies, going under J. m. which is an Asiatic species, with white flowers and entire oblong leaves; whereas the leaves of J. p. are small, ovate, accuminate, young shoots and leaves purple. J. macrophylla, white, and J. amplexicaùlis, green, have very large oblong, lanceolate leaves, and is of a strong woody habit. They are all easy of culture.
Jasmìnum, Jasmine, is a favourite genus of shrubs, for the exquisite fragrance of its flowers, of which none are more delightful than J. Sàmbac or Arabian Jasmine. There are two other varieties of it, J. S. múltiplex, semi-double; and J. S. trifòliatum, Double Tuscan Jasmine. The latter requires a great heat to make it grow and flower freely. We suspect there is another variety in cultivation. J. hirsùtum has cordate downy leaves; flowers many, in terminale, sessile umbels. J. paniculàtum, white, flowering in terminale panicles from March to November; leaves smooth, oval, obtusely accuminate; plant scarce. J. simplicifòlium is in our collections under the name of J. lucidum; plant spreading; leaves oblong and shining. There are several other species, all with white flowers, and generally easy of culture.
Játropha, Physic-nut, is a genus of six strong growing shrubs, natives of the West Indies. J. multifida and I. panduræfòlia have the handsomest foliage, and both have scarlet flowers; the appearance of the foliage of this genus is the only object; the flowers are small, in coarse disfigured panicles, and several of the species have not been known to flower in artificial cultivation. The seeds of J. cúrcas are often received from the West Indies; the leaves are cordate, angular, and smooth. J. manihot, now Manihot cannabìna, is the Cassada root, the juice of which, when expressed, is a strong poison. They are all easy of culture: want of strong heat in winter will make them cast their leaves, but do them no other injury.
Justícia. A few species of this genus are fine showy hot-house plants. J. coccínea has large terminale spikes of scarlet flowers, blooming from December to March, and a very desirable plant, of easy culture, and should be in every collection; it is apt to grow spindly, if not kept near the glass. I. picta, with its varieties; I. lúcida and I. formósa, are fine shrubby species. I. speciòsa is a beautiful purple flowering herbaceous plant.
Kæmpfèria, an Asiatic genus of tuberose rooted plants; none of them in our collections, except K. rotúnda; the flowers come up a few inches above the pot, without the leaves, in April and May and frequently sooner; they are purple and light blue, partially streaked and spotted; leaves large, oblong, purplish coloured beneath. The roots when dormant ought to be kept in the pot without watering, otherwise they will not flower freely. No bulbs or strong tuberose rooted plants, will flower in perfection if kept moist when they are not growing.
Lantàna, a genus of twenty species, all free flowering shrubs; the flowers are small, in round heads blooming from the axils, in yellow, orange, pink, white, and changeable colours; the plants are of such a rough straggling growth, that they are not esteemed. There are four or five species in our collections. They will not bear a strong fumigation; therefore, when the Hot-house is under that operation, they must be set down in the pathway, or other low part in the house.
Latànias. This genus contains three species of handsome palms. L. borbònica is one of the finest of the Palmæ, not growing to great magnitude; the leaves or fronds are plaited flabelliform, leaflets smooth at the edge, footstalk spiny, and the plant spreading. L. rùbra, fronds same as the former, but leaflets more divided and serrulate; footstalk unarmed; foliage reddish. L. glaucophylla, same as L. rùbra, only the foliage glaucous. They are all valuable plants, and are obtained by seed from the East Indies. They require plenty of pot room.
Laúrus. This genus, though of no beauty in flower, is generally admired in collections for its fine evergreen foliage, and aromatic or spicy flavour, and several trees are important in medicine. The most esteemed are given to a genus named Cinnamòmum, as has been observed in the Green-house, (see March.) L. Chloróxylon is the Cogwood of Jamaica. L. Pérsea is now Pérsea gratíssima, Alligator-pear, a fruit about the size of a large pear, and greatly esteemed in the West Indies. The plant is generally known in our collections. C. vérum is the true Cinnamon of commerce.
The part taken is the inside of the bark when the tree is from five to eighteen years old. The leaves are three-nerved, ovate, oblong; nerves vanishing towards the point, bright green above, pale beneath, with whitish veins. This plant ought to be kept in the warmest part of the Hot-house. C. cássia, is frequently given under the former name, but when compared may be easily detected by the leaves being more lanceolate, and a little pubescent. They both make handsome plants, but require great heat. Drain the pots well of the delicate sorts.
Magnífera, Mango tree. There are two species. M. índica is in our collections, and bears a fruit which is so highly esteemed in the East Indies, as to be considered preferable to any other except very fine pine apples. The leaves are lanceolate, and from six to eight inches long, and two or more broad. The flowers are produced in loose bunches at the end of the branches, but of no beauty, and have to be artificially impregnated, or it will scarcely produce fruit. The shell is kidney-shaped, and of a leathery, crustaceous substance. They contain one seed, and in their indigenous state are more juicy than an apple. Drain the pots well, as the roots are apt to get sodden from moisture. The other species goes under the name of oppositifòlia, but we question if it is not only a variety, for it has every character of the one just described.
Melàstoma, was once an extensive genus, on which the natural order Melastomaceæ is founded; but is now much divided into other genera contained in the natural tribe Micomeæ. There are about thirteen species remaining in the genus. They now display great unity of character, and many of them may be considered very ornamental. The finest are M. malabáthrica, rose-coloured; M. sanguínea, lilac; M. decémfida, purple; M. pulverulénta, red; and M. áspera, rose. There is a plant in several of our collections known as M. purpùrea and M. tetragòna, which is Ossæa purpuráscens; leaves ovate, lanceolate, accuminate, five-nerved, pilose; the footstalk and nerves underside of the leaf covered with brown hairs; stem four-sided; flowers purple. All the species are easy of culture. M. nepalénsis is a Green-house plant.
Malpíghia, (Barbadoes-cherry,) about eighteen species, all beautiful evergreen trees or shrubs. They are easily distinguished by having bristles on the under side of the leaves. These bristles are fixed by the centre, so that either end of it will sting. We are not aware of any other plant being defended in the manner. M. ùrens has oblong ovate leaves with decumbent stiff bristles; flowers pink. M. aquifòlia has lanceolate, stiff, spiny leaves, and we think the most beautiful foliage of the genus. M. fucàta has elliptical shining leaves, with lilac flowers. M. glábra, leaves ovate, entire, smooth; flowers purple. They all have five rounded clawed petals. The last species is cultivated in the West Indies for its fruit. The pots must be well drained.
Márica, a genus of Hot-house plants, closely allied to Iris, between which there is no distinction in the leaves. The flowers of M. cærùlea are beautifully spotted with light and dark blue, the scape many flowered. M. Sabìni has flowers similar, but not so dark in colour. M. Northiàna has splendid white and brown spotted flowers, spathe two flowered. These plants when growing require a liberal supply of water, and to be greatly encouraged by frequent potting to flower well.
Mùsa (Plantain-tree), contains eight species, and is greatly esteemed in the East and West Indies for the luscious sweet flavour of its fruit, which can be converted into every delicacy in the domestic cookery of the country. M. paradisìæa is the true plantain tree, has a soft herbaceous stalk, 15 or 20 feet high, with leaves from 5 to 7 feet long, and about 2 feet wide. M. sapiéntum is the true Banana-tree; habit and character same as the former, except it has a spotted stem, and the male flowers are deciduous. The pulp of the fruit is softer, and the taste more luscious. M. rosàcea, M. coccínea, and M. chinènsis, are most esteemed in artificial cultivation for their flowers, and being smaller in growth. They all require a very liberal supply of water when growing. They do best to be planted in the soil, where there can be a small corner of the Hot-house set apart for the purpose. They will be ornamental, but if kept in pots they will never attain any degree of perfection.
Nepénthes (Pitcher plant). There are two species of this plant. N. distillatòria is an esteemed and valuable plant in European collections. The leaves are lanceolate and sessile; from their extremity there is a spiral, attached to which are lublar inflated appendages that are generally filled with water, which appears to be confined within them by a lid, with which the appendages are surmounted; hence the name of pitcher plant. We have never observed these lids close again when once open. Writers have called it a herbaceous plant, but it is properly a shrub, never dying to the ground, having a continuation of extension. The pot in which it grows should be covered with moss, and the roots liberally supplied with water every day. It delights to be in a marshy state. The flowers are small and in long spikes.
Pancràtium is a genus of Hot-house bulbs, and now only contains five species. They are all free-flowering. Several of them are handsome and fragrant. P. Marítimum and P. verecúndum are the finest; the flowers are white, in large umbels; petals long, recurved, and undulate. P. littoràlis, P. speciòsum, and P. caribæum, are now given to the genus Hymenocállis, and are fine flowering species. Care must be taken not to give them much water while dormant. The soil ought at that time to be in a half dry state. They are in flower from May to August.
Polyspòra axillàris, once called Caméllia axillàris, though in appearance it has no characteristic of a Caméllia, and has been frequently killed in the Green-house by being too cold for its nature; leaves oblong, obovate, towards the extremity serrulate. The leaves on the young wood are entire. Flowers white; petals a little notched. It is worthy of a situation in every collection.
Passiflòra, "Passion-Flower, so named on account of its being supposed to represent in the appendages of its flower the Passion of Jesus Christ." There are about fifty species, all climbing plants, that belong to the Hot-house. Many are of no ordinary beauty; a few species are odoriferous; others bear edible fruits, though not rich in flavour. P. alàta is in our collections, and greatly admired; the flowers are red, blue, and white, beautifully contrasted, and flower profusely in pots. P. racemòsa, has red flowers, and one of the most profuse in flowering. P. cærùleo-racemòsa, purple and red, and by many thought to be the finest of the genus. P. quadrangulàris has beautiful red and white flowers. The plant is in several collections, but has seldom flowered; it requires to be planted in the ground to make it flower freely, and it will also produce fruit. P. filamentòsa is white and blue, and a good flowerer. P. picturàta is a scarce and beautiful variously coloured species. There are many other fine species, but these are the most esteemed sorts; and when well established will flower profusely from May to August. They are desirable in every collection, and will take only a small space to hold them, by training the vines up the rafters of the Hot-house.
Pandànus, Screw Pine. There are above twenty species in this genus, several of them very interesting, but none so greatly admired as P. odoratíssimus. The leaves in established plants are from four to six feet long, on the back and edges spiny; are spreading, imbricated, and embracing the stem, and placed in three spiral rows upon it. The top soon becomes heavy when the plant throws out prongs one, two, or three feet up the stem in an oblique descending direction, which take root in the ground, and thus become perfectly supported. It is cultivated in Japan for its delightful fragrance, and it is said, "of all the perfumes, it is by far the richest and most powerful." P. ùtilis, red spined. We question this species, and are inclined to believe that it is the former, only when the plants are newly raised from seed, the spines and leaves are red, changing to green as they become advanced in age. The plants are easy of culture, and will grow almost in any soil.
Pterospérmum, five species of plants that have very curiously constructed flowers, of a white colour, and fragrant; the foliage is of a brown rusty nature, and before expansion silvery-like. P. suberifòlium is in several of our collections, and esteemed. P. semisagittàtum has fringed bractæa; leaves oblong, accuminate, entire, sagittate on one side.
Plumèrias, above twenty species. Plants of a slow growth, robust nature, and are deciduous. The foliage is greatly admired. The plants are shy to flower, but are brilliant in colour. P. acuminàta, has lanceolate, acute leaves; flowers corymbose and terminale. P. trícolor has oblong, acute, veiny leaves; corolla red, yellow, and white. This and P. rùbra are the finest of the genus. They ought not to get any water while not in a growing state.