If F. gracilis were a less variable plant, we should have 
hesitated in arranging this under it as a simple variety, 
for its mode of growth is very different, its foliage is of 
another character, and its stigma is altogether of a distinct 
form. But we have seen so many intermediate appear- 
ances of this species produced by the same packet of 
seed, that we are persuaded this has no claim to any 
higher station than that of variety. With regard to the 
form of the stigma, we believe it is in these plants of 
no importance; for in the plant called F. tenella, which 
is another undoubted seedling variety of F. gracilis, 
the stigma is neither cylindrical, as in the type of the 
species, nor conical, as in the variety now represented, 
but capitate, with four obtuse lobes! "The F. macrostema 
of the Flora Peruviana we consider another form of the 
species; and that name ought perhaps to take precedence 
of others. 
A small, much-branched bush. Branches slightly downy. 
Leaves on short stalks, ovate, toothletted, glaucous, when 
viewed beneath a lens appearing slightly downy. Flowers 
as in the type of the species, but rather smaller, and 
produced in far greater abundance. Ovarium oblong, 
smooth, (not pilose, as erroneously represented in the 
figure). Style usually arcuate upwards, longer than the 
stamens; stigma capitate, conical. 
J. L. 
