[ *73 ] 



Aitonia Capensis. Cape Aitonia. 



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Clqfs and Order, 



MONADELPHIA OcTANDRIA. 



Generic Character. 



Monogyna. Cat. 4-partitus. Cor. 4-petala. • 

 Bacca ficca, 4-angularis, i-locularis, polyfperma. 



Specific Character and Synonyms. 



AITONIA Capenfis. Linn. Suppl. PL p. 303. Linn. Syjl. 



Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 612. 

 COTYLEDON foliis linearibus, flore quadrifido, fruau 

 fabrotundo. Burm. Afric. 53* /. 21 • /• 2 * 



This genus, of which there is only one known fpecies, has 

 been named by the younger Linn.eus, in honour of Mr. 

 William Aiton, author of the Hortus Kezveujis, and Bo- 

 tanic Gardener to his Majefty. The great length of time , 

 Mr. A i ton has been engaged in the cultivation of plants, 

 the immenfe numbers which have been the conftant objects 

 of his care through every period of their growth, joined to 

 his fuperior difcernment, give him a decided fuperiority in 

 the prima facie knowledge of living plants over moft Botaniits 

 of the prefent day ; his abilities in the other line of his pro- 

 fefiion, are difplayed in the eulogies of all who have feen 

 the royal collection at Kew, which he has the honour to 

 fuperintend. , 



The Aitonia is a native of the Cape, and was introduced 

 by Mr. Masson, in the year 1774. , 



It is a green-houfe fhrub of flow growth, feldom exceed- 

 ing three feet in height ; producing, when of fufhcient age, 

 flowers and fruit through mod of the year ; the fruit is a 

 large dry angular berry, of a fine red colour. . 



Our drawing was made from a very fine plant, former 7 

 Dr. Foth erg ill's, now in the collection of Meflrs. GRi M ' 

 wood and Co. Kenfington. 



It is only to be raifed from feeds, which are fparingly pr ' 

 duced in this country. 



* Mr, A. was a pupil of the celebrated Mr, Miller. 



