Descr. Root thick and woody, bearing several large 
spreading, bright-green, broadly ovate leaves, beautifully 
ciliated at the margin, and frequently waved there also. 
The petiole is short, thick, bearig a long, erect, ciliated 
sheath or ligule (whence the specific name) just above where 
it is set on to the stem. Scales five or six inches long, with 
one or two bracteas, and terminated by a cymose panicle of 
large, handsome, white flowers, frequently tinged with rose- 
colour. Calyx obtuse and red at the base, and greener 
upwards, and five-cleft. Corolla of five, obovate petals, 
with short claws. Stamens ten. Filaments erect, alter- 
nately shorter, rose-coloured. Anthers reddish-purple. 
Germen free. Styles long, erect. Stigmas obtuse. 
