description in the Flora Brasiliensis, but another batch of 
them, while possessing exactly the habit of cardinalis, differs 
in the calyx, corolla and disk, and is undoubtedly of garden 
origin. ‘The extreme form observed had injlewed calyx-lobes, 
retuse glands of the disk, and corolla-lips of very different 
shape from typical G. cardinalis, the lower lip consisting of 
a narrow, slightly reflexed rim, showing no obvious lobing, 
and the upper being ovate, with a slight constriction two- 
thirds of the way up. 
Deser.— A velvety herb, about 9 in. high. Stem rather 
weak, springing from a slightly flattened, nearly globose 
tuber. Leaves broadly ovate, cordate at the base, 4—6 in. 
long, 3-5 in. broad, crenate, the lower ones long-petioled, 
the upper sessile and gradually decreasing in size. Flowers 
1-4 together in each of the upper axils, often crowded 
together near the apex of the stem owing to the suppression 
of the uppermost internodes. Calya-lobes erect, recurved 
at the apex. Corolla 23-3 in. long; tube with two grooves 
in front, running up to the point of union of the median and 
lateral lobes; upper lip oblong; lower lip distinctly 3-lobed, 
lobes ascending or spreading. laments hairy. Glands 
of the disk 2, posticous, rounded or nearly truncate.— 
T. A. Sprague. 
Cultiv.—Gesnera cardinalis is a popular stove plant com- 
paratively easy of cultivation. It is undoubtedly the best 
of the Gesneras from the decorative standpoint, and is 
distinguished from all the species in cultivation by its habit, 
and by the pose and colour of its flowers. The rootstock is 
a stout tuber, and from this there spring annually herbaceous 
stems, rarely more than a foot high, which mature and 
flower within six months of starting. In this respect the 
plant resembles the Sinningias (Gloxinias) and in fact the 
treatment that suits the one suits the other. By a little 
management in resting and starting the tubers it 1s possible 
to have this Gesnera in flower either in winter or summer.— 
W. Warson. 
Fab 1, section through calyx, showing pistil and glands; 2, stamens and 
a or attachment; 3, anthers, seen from above; 4, 
