Root bulbous. Stem about two feet in height, terminated 

 with two or three scarlet flowers. Leaves alternate, deep 

 green, paler underneath, hnear-lanceolate, and smooth ; to- 

 wards the top of the stem somewhat verticillate. Petals six, 

 bright scarlet. Filaments red. Anthers scarlet, large, and 

 incumbent. Pollen scarlet. 



This bright scarlet flower was introduced from China in 

 1804, and although increased with facility has not yet be- 

 come common in our gardens ; but its beauty and free dispo- 

 sition to flower doubtless render it worthy of general cultiva- 

 tion. It possesses attractions more pleasing and interesting 

 than many others of this family, though less conspicuous or 

 gaudy : it appears unassuming and modest near those species 

 which are of a more luxuriant habit of growth, while the bril- 

 liancy of its colour will cause it to shine in contrast to many 

 delicate and dwarf herbaceous plants. It grows to the height 

 of three or four feet, and when planted in light sandy earth 

 will flower freely in the month of July, adding materially to 

 the splendour of the flower-bed. It is increased by offsets 

 from the roots, which, if taken off in October and bedded, 

 will produce flowers the second year. 



This figure was drawn from a specimen which flowered in 

 a pot at the nursery of Mr. Brooks, Ball's Pond, Islington. 



