on both sides, almost entirely destitute of lepidote scales, 
narrowed gradually to both ends. Peduncle one or two 
feet long, sheathed by numerous reduced lanceolate leaves 
with long free tips. lowers a dozen or more in a multi- 
farious rather lax subspicate raceme; pedicels very short 
and stout; bracts bright red, ovate, about as long as the 
calyx, which they clasp and conceal. Calyx oblong, an 
inch long, green, naked; segments oblong, obtuse, much 
imbricated. Petals greenish-white, lingulate, obtuse, about 
three times as long as the calyx, not scaled at the base. 
Stamens inserted at the base of the petals; anther linear, 
yellow. Ovary adnate to the calyx only at the very base; 
style filiform, reaching to the tip of the petals; stigmas 
spirally twisted. Capseleas long as the calyx. Seeds very 
‘ numerous, minute, with a tail an eighth of an inch long at 
each end.—J. G. Baker. 
Fig. 1, apex of a stamen, magnified; 2, the pistil, complete, natural size 3 
8, horizontal section of the ovary. 
