Plate 388. 

 ATACCIA CKISTATA. 



We have occasionally given in the pages of the w Floral 

 Magazine' figures and descriptions of plants, which, although 

 long since introduced, have cither through the difficulty of 

 cultivation, the rarity of the species, or the eager rush for 

 novelty, been put on one side to make way for newer discoveries 

 or more showy plants. Such has been the case with Atacda 

 cristata, and the recent exhibition of it by the Messrs. Wild, 

 and Son, of Chelsea, induces us to figure it. although it was 

 figured so far back as 1854, in Van Houtte's ' Flore des Serres.' 

 As remarked by the accomplished editor of 'Flore des 

 Serres.' the foliage of Atacda is somewhat similar to JHeffm- 

 bachia Sequoia, but its chief point of interest is the singular in- 

 florescence, consisting of an umbel, with lengthened footstalks 

 of .lark flowers, among which hang as long threads the peduncles 

 of the - fh urs arortees." This character he called " Medmea^ 

 and adds, "indigenous to the peninsula and Mala] isles, it was 

 there discovered by its first describer, W. Jack. This beautiful 

 species was introduced about four years ago {i.e. in 1850) into 

 England, under the nam.- of Atacda or Tacca integrifolia (Kerr) 

 [Tacca aspera of Roxburgh), an Indian species of the delta of 

 the Ganges ;" and adds that perhaps now one would vainly search 

 f or it in' collections. In this it will he seen he is mistaken, as 

 it is to be found where all that is rare and novel is sure to be 

 loo k ea after,— the establishment of Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of 

 Chelsea. It was from their plant that, through their kind per- 

 mission, Mr. Andrews was enabled to make this very beautiful 

 and accurate figure. 



It is. us might lie supposed from thelocalit) from whence it 



