GEISSURHIZA, 99 
leaves, all of which spring from the root, and are narrow 
and bristly. The stems are simple, or branched, pro- 
ducing one or two flowers each, resembling the Ixia. 
The bulbs are all small, some not larger than peas, and 
are, in all respects, to be managed like the Ixias. They 
make beautiful pot plants, or can be successfully grown 
in cold frames, in very sandy soil, and where water will 
not stand over them. They are as impatient of moisture 
as of cold; in fact, they will not endure either. They 
are natives of Abyssinia and the Cape of Good Hope. 
The species commonly met are : 
G. excisa.—A small growing species, formerly 
known as Jzia excisa. Flowers white, lined with pink, 
and with a green center; they will only open in full 
sunshine, 
G. obtusa.—A stronger growing species, with straw 
or buff-colored flowers. 
G. Rochensis.—One of the most beautiful of the 
genus, and formerly called Plaid Ixia. The bulbs 
are very small, and will not remain long in a dry 
state without injury. The flowers are quite brilliant, 
the colors being blue, white and crimson. 
G. obtusata.—An elegant species, from the abund- 
ance and size of the flowers, generally producing six or 
eight rich cream-colored flowers, streaked with pink on 
the outside. They are without fragrance. 
G. secunda.—Of this species there are two varie- 
ties, one with blue, the other with white flowers. They 
flower early, and can only be successfully grown in the 
greenhouse. 
G. vaginata.—The most showy and useful of the 
species. The flowers appear in August and can be grown 
in a dry border, with a protection of leaves during win- 
ter. They are yellow, tipped with dark purple or black. 
The remaining species are rarely met, excepting in 
botanical collections. 
