Although the type of this singular genus js not repre- 
sented by one species within the bounds of Europe; yet 
owing to the long standing popularity of the Common Vir- 
ginian Spiderwort (TRADESCANTIA virginica), a nearly uni- 
versal ornament of our fiower-borders for almost two centu- 
ries, its features are as familiar to Europeans as those of any 
one of their native flowers. 
The present species bas been newly observed; being 
said to have beeu introduced about three years ago from 
the Brazils. The drawing was taken the summer before 
last from a sample that flowered in the hothouse in Mr. 
Lee's nursery at Hammersmith. It is remarkable for hav- 
ing no appearance of any stem; and being covered through- 
out (except at the corolla) by a rough tawny-brown fur, 
thickest at the underside of the foliage. The leaves broad, 
thickish, radical, several, ambiently scattered, recumbent, 
spreading, about three or four inches long or perhaps more, 
lanéeolately elliptical or ovate, fur rusty-brown, hispid, 
thickest at the underside of the leaf, nerves longitudinal 
converging at each end. Petioles short, convolutely chan- 
nelled; peculiarly hispid underneath. Peduncles hairy, ra- 
dical, 1-3?-flowered, upright, much shorter than the leaves. 
Calyx hispid; segments oblong. Stamen and pistil white. 
