root has a calyptrate covering at the extremity, similar to 
that found on the roots of the Duck-weeds (Lemnz). The 
Plant is stemless ; and, immediately above the roots, there 
rises a tuft of spreading, beautifully green leaves, almost 
entirely emersed: these leaves vary considerably in shape, 
sometimes almost rotundate, sometimes rhomboid, often 
quite cordate, acute, or not unfrequently obtuse at the 
point, having numerous nerves, which are nearly straight 
in the middle of the leaf, but which, towards the sides 
follow their curvature. Petioles various in length, all of 
them more or less thickened and inflated below the middle; 
the longest ones the least so: internally, they are remark- 
ably cellular, the cells filled with air, which no doubt 
assist the plant in floating. At their base are sheath- 
ing, large scales, at first green, then brown. Scape 
about a foot long, having sheathing scales at and above 
the middle, waved at the margin, and one of these is gener- 
ally terminated with one leaf, small, otherwise resembling 
that of the root. Flowers in a large, lax, and most beau- 
tiful spike ; ten or twelve on each scape; and inserted - 
_ upon an angular rachis. Tube of the perianth long, — 
cur ved, pubescenti-glandular, white, greenish at the base, 
where it is jointed upon the rachis, and accompanied bya 
small, deciduous bractea. Limb of six, oblongo-obovate 
segments, pubescent at the base externally, the rest gla- 
brous ; the coloura pale delicate purple ; the five lower 
segments nearly equal in size; the uppermost larger, with 
a blue cloud, or stain in the middle, and in the centre of it 
is an oblong, bright yellow spot. Stamens inserted within 
the tube, three short and three long, all curved upwards 
towards the extremity, and bearing a bluish-yellow, oblong, 
two-celled anther: Filaments of a lilac-colour, with nU- 
merous, pellucid, pedicellated glands. Germen superior, 
oblong, glabrous, green, with three furrows, tapering UP- 
wards into a long, white style, which is glandular : 
Stigma capitate, ¢landulose, white. ‘The number of cells 
in the germen is three, and the ovules are numerous, al- 
tached to the central angles of the cells without any pror 
minent receptacles, 
This most curious and beautiful of plants has, I believe, 
for. some years been cultivated in our stoves, and was intro- 
duced by Mr. Arrox to the Royal Gardens, at Kew; and, if 
I mistake not, from Brazil. To that gentleman we are lr 
debted for the possession of our plants in the Glasgow 
Botanic Garden, where they flowered in great perform 
