Plate 531. 

 GASTRONEMA SANGUINEUM FLAMMEUM. 



In our volume for 1864 we figured (plate 174) a form of the 

 Very beautiful bulb which had been sent to us by the well- 

 known firm of Backhouse and Son, of York. We now figure a 

 variety of the same which was imported under the name 

 of Vallota flammea ; it has, however, says Mr. Bull, several 

 marks of distinction. " It generally produces two-flowered in- 

 stead of single-flowered scapes, and has a more roseate and less 

 sanguineous hue in the flowers. These are of a lovely rosy 

 crimson hue, funnel-shaped with a recurved limb, the striped 

 interior of the tube being lit up by the bright yellow of the 

 anthers, whose filaments are adnate for some distance from the 

 base ; in some of the plants, the flowers are of a rosy pink 

 colour. It is a most charming little greenhouse bulb, flowering 

 in the spring months simultaneously with the leaves ; a first- 

 class certificate was awarded to it, under the name of GaS' 

 tronema Jlammeum, by the Floral Committee, on the 16th of 

 February last." 



We have only to add that, as a Cape of Good Hope or rather 

 South African species, it is easy of culture, and from its bloom- 

 ing in the spring will be a welcome addition to the Lachenalias, 

 Cyclamens, and other bulbs, which tend to make greenhouses gay 

 at that season of the year. 



Mr. W. Bull has kindly given us the opportunity of 

 figuring it, and it is mentioned in his interesting list of novelties 

 for the present season. 



