Plate 535. 

 PRIMULA VERTICILLATA, var. SIMENSIS. 



This very handsome Primrose (although completely eclipsed 

 by the splendid Japanese Primrose, which we hope to figure 

 next month) attracted a good deal of attention when exhibited 

 both last year and the present at the Exhibitions of the Royal 

 Horticultural Society, under the name oi Primida Boveana. 



It has been described by an eminent botanist as " a handsome 

 Primrose some eighteen inches in height, with tufted root- 

 leaves, each leaf about eight to ten inches in length, oblong 

 lanceolate, feather-veined, and covered with white mealy powder, 

 especially on the lower surface. From the centre of the tuft 

 of leaves rises a scape bearing two or three tiers or whorls of 

 flowers, one above the other. Each of these whorls consisting 

 of a dozen or more of flowers, the stalks of which measure two 

 inches in length. We may say that there can hardly be two 

 opinions as to the merits of the plant exhibited by Messrs. Veitch; 

 it has the mealiness of an Auricula, the stature and habit of 

 Primula imjjerialis, while each individual flower has the form 

 and something of the colour of the common Primrose, though 

 deeper in tint and not quite so large. The Abyssinian Primrose 

 is thus a welcome addition to our garden flora. 



As a hardy greenhouse perennial it will be generally useful, 

 and as a strong specimen produces from ten to twelve spikes of 

 bloom at a time, and the flowers are sweet-scented, it will be 

 valuable for many purposes. It has received a certificate from 

 the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. 



