1. STRELITZIA, Banks. 
Spathes 1-leaved, imbricated, coloured, the outermost em- 
bracing all the others. Oufer perianth-segments coloured, 
almost 2-lipped, the lower boat-shaped ; znner irregular, em- 
bracing the stamens, the lateral semi-sagittate, acuminate, 
innermost ovate, short. Stamens 5 ; filaments filiform, inserted 
at the base of the perianth ; anthers linear. Stigmas 3. Cap- 
sule 3-valved, with numerous seeds in the inner angle of each 
cell. Seeds globose, with a tufted aril; albumen farinaceous. 
—Endl. Gen. n. 1649. 
A noble genus of stemless plants,—named in honour of Queen Charlotte 
(wife of George the Third), who, during her residence at Kew, zealously 
fostered the botanical collections of the Royal Gardens,—with broad or 
narrow long petiole, often glaucous leaves, and tall scapes bearing brilliant 
orange and blue or white flowers, opening in succession from leafy bracts ; 
the whole resembling a gaudily-coloured crested bird’s head.—4 or 5 species, 
natives chiefly of the districts of George and Swellendam. 
