reared in England, is the same with the original 2. purpurea, 
Sm., and as such it is here figured. 
Descr. From a fasciculated cluster of tuberous roots arises a 
slender leafy stem, about ten inches long, slender, leafy, and 
clothed with the striated sheaths of the /eaves, which latter are 
sessile, lanceolate, striated, and acuminated into a very fine 
narrow point. From two to three terminal, membranous, elon- 
gated, floral, sheathing dracteas, the flowers arise, altogether of a 
full purple colour. ‘Tube of the perzanth exserted. Superior 
lobe erect, fornicate: two izferior ones linear-oblong, patent ; 
lateral ones short, connivent within the superior; Zip large, de- 
flexed, obovate, with two indistinct lateral lobes near the base ; 
the apex deeply two-lobed, the lobes obtuse. Azther large, 
curved, with two conspicuous spurs at the base. Sty/e passing 
between the two cells of the anther and terminating in a globose 
stigma, perforated and ciliated at the top. VW. J. H. 
Curr. The Seztaminee are chiefly natives of India, and most 
of the species that have been introduced into this country 
require a warm stove; this Himalayan species, however, is 
sufficiently hardy to thrive in a cool pit, protected from frost. 
After the decay of the stems, the underground tuber-like rhizome 
remains in a dormant state during the winter. At this season 
the soil in the pots should be kept just sufficiently moist to pre- 
serve the tubers from shrivelling. Early in the spring these 
should be repotted in fresh soil, consisting of a mixture of light 
loam and peat, little or no water being given till they begin to 
grow, and then but sparingly ; for being of a soft fleshy nature, 
ane are liable to rot off through any excess of moisture. 
Fig. 1. Tube of the perianth, with two lateral lobes, stamen, and stigma. 2. 
Ovary and base of style :—magnified. 
