until recently it had scarcely been known in English 
gardens, notwithstanding the desire of many to possess it. 
The Kew examples were purchased from a firm of nursery- 
men in Yokohama and flowered freely last April in an 
unheated frame, where they were grown to preserve their 
flowers from spring frosts, although the plant itself is quite 
hardy. It likes a moist peaty soil and a fairly open 
position where it can get some sunshine. The leaves of this 
species, like those of S. galacifolia, assume a rich crimson 
colour in autumn and winter.—W. Warson. 
Fig. 1, base of scape with small leaves and scales; 2, pistil and part of 
the bracteoles and sepals; 3, part of corolla showing attachment of stam: ns 
and basal scales; 4, stigma; 5 and 6, stamens:—all more or less enlarged. 
