OCTOBER. 289 



LEPTODACTYLON CALIFORNICUM. 



(Plate 105.) 



For the introduction of this very beautiful shrubby Phlox-like 

 plant we are indebted to the Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter and 

 Chelsea, seeds of it having been sent to them by their collector, 

 Mr. William Lobb, "vrho found the plant growing on the 

 mountains of St. Bernardino, in California, and from which 

 plants were raised, one of which was exhibited at Chiswick in 

 June last, and was awarded the large silver medal, — an honour 

 bestowed only on new plants of sterling merit. 



The genus Leptodactylon is closely allied to the Phloxes, the 

 distinction being purely botanical. Our present subject resembles 

 in general appearance the North American Phlox setacea, except 

 that in Leptodactylon we have a decided shrubby habit, and with 

 the head of bloom as large as in the common Phlox. 



From wild specimens sent home by Mr. W. Lobb we observe 

 that it forms a low growing shrub two to three feet high, having 

 very hard wood. The branches are numerous and closely covered 

 with stiff finely cut leaves of bright green colour ; the spikes of 

 bloom, as before noticed, are as large as in the common Phlox, 

 produced abundantly, and of a delicate rose colour. 



The Leptodactylon is a decided acquisition, and is likely to prove 

 an extremely useful plant in the hands of the hybridiser. The 

 Messrs. Veitch inform us that they consider it one of the most 

 beautiful of all their introductions, and this opinion is coincided 

 in by all who have seen the plant in tlower. In reference to its 

 culture, the above gentlemen inform us that it is a hardy green- 

 house or cold frame shrub, thriving well in sandy loam with 

 plenty of drainage. We should say, judging from its habit, that 

 a soil of a richer nature will not be found unsuitable for it, and 

 that it should be wintered in a cool greenhouse with a dry 

 atmosphere, or even in a cold frame, provided free ventilation can 

 be given the plants, and damp excluded; for we imagine a 

 damp atmosphere will prove more injurious to it than a merely 

 cold one. Oui- subject is found by the Messrs. Veitch to bloom 

 very freely even when only a few inches in height ; it will there- 

 fore become not only a popular greenhouse plant of the first class, 

 but its habit and tendency to bloom at an early stage point it 

 out as likely to become of great use as a bedding plant and 

 for general out-door culture. 



Our illustration was taken, by permission of the Messrs. Veitch, 

 from a plant in their establishment, for which we tender our best 

 thanks. 



NEW SERIES, VOL. V., NO. LVIII. U 



