This shrub constitutes a very desirable stove-plant, with a glossy, 

 evergreen, almost distichous leaves and white flowers, growing 

 downwards and best seen on the underside of the branches. It was 

 introduced by the Earl of Derby through Mr. Whitfield, and to 

 his Lordship we are indebted for the possession of the plant at 

 Kew. It requires the constant heat of the stove, and flowers 

 freely, especially in July. 



Descr. A Shrub, growing erect, with spreading branches, the 

 younger ones slightly downy or rather silky. Leaves alternate, 

 oblong, subconaceous, somewhat distichous, coarsely serrated, ta- 

 pering at the base into a short petiole, and rather suddenly, but 

 sharply, acuminated at the point. I perceive no distinct stipules; 

 but on the anterior side at the base of the short petiole is a gland, 

 probably the rudiment of a tendril Flowers solitary, axillary on 

 a short silky stalk bracteated at the base, curved downwards. Bud 

 {alabastrum) ovate, silky, with short brown leaves. Outer perianth 

 at length glabrous, green, with the broad edges of those sepals 

 which have been imbricated by the others, white; inner perianth 

 or oblong petals white, spreading as well as the calyx. Nectary 

 murceolus short, pale brown, fringed at the margin, beset with 

 hairs withm Stamens and pistil elevated on a short thick stipes. 

 Moments (about twenty) longer than the pistil. Anthers oblong. 

 Uvary ovate ; ovules on five parietal placentas. Styles five. Stig- 

 mas larger, capitate, peltate. 



v3 S ' L , S ?£ tion of a flower > showing the stamens, pistil, and nectary. Pig. 2. 

 i omon ot the nectary, seen from within. Fig. 3. Transverse section of the 

 ovary : — magnified. 



