mens very numerous, dense, orange-coloured. Female fl. Petals 
five, rather smaller than those of the male. Ovary and capsule 
subglobose, with three longitudinal angles, two of the angles 
with small wings, the third with a somewhat triangular pro- 
jecting wing: wings red. WV. J. H. 
Cur. The genus Begonia contains upwards of 140 described 
species, natives chiefly of the tropical regions of Asia and 
America, none, it is said, being found in Africa. They are 
characterized by a succulent texture, and many of them are of 
an epiphytal nature. Some have upright or climbing suffru- 
ticose stems ; others have creeping stems analogous to a rhizoma ; 
a few have tuberous roots, and a few are annuals. Many of 
them bear handsome flowers, which, with their peculiar and 
various-shaped foliage, and the ease with which the plants are 
cultivated, have caused them to become favourites in our hot- 
houses. The present very beautiful species belongs to the divi- 
sion with tuberous ‘roots ; and as these lie in a dormant state 
during winter, they require to be placed so as not to receive 
more moisture than will keep the mould from becoming abso- 
lutely dry. For spring they should be repotted, using a mixture 
of light loam and sandy peat soil, and set in a warm pit or 
hothouse, placing the pot near the glass, and care being taken 
_ hot to give much water till the plant has made some progress in 
growth. J. 8. 
Fig. 1. Ovary or young fruit :—imagnijied. 
