GLOXINIA. 131 
a height of from six to eight feet. The first appearance 
of the flowers is disappointing, because of the predomi- 
nance of green. But the green, in a great measure, is 
soon changed to bright orange. 
G. simplex.—A species from Portugal, has flowers 
of a delicate blue color, and is of delicate habit, rarely 
reaching a height of two feet. 
G. virescens.—This flower is nearly all green when 
first opened, but changes to yellow when older. Itisa 
native of Mozambique. 
G. nepalensis.—A native of Nepal; is the hardi- 
est of the species, although not as showy as G. superba. 
It grows about two feet high; flowers bright yellow. 
GLOXINTA. 
Nearly all the species that make up this splendid 
genus of flowering plants are natives of South America, 
and are usually found in deep ravines, on rather high 
mountain elevations, and always in damp, much shaded 
situations. When we take into account their distinct- 
ness, their continuous flowering habit, the exquisite 
colors they possess, their forms of matchless beauty, and 
the ease with which they may be grown, it will at once 
be admitted that few plants so well deserve the attention 
they require as the Gloxinias. They flower continuously 
through the spring and summer, and, when grown in 
pots, are very valuable for decorative purposes, while the 
flowers are exceedingly useful for small vases and for all 
purposes where cut flowers are used. 
With the Gloxinia, as with many other flowers, 
selection and hybridization, together with a number of 
accidental sports, have removed the original species from 
cultivation. The original forms, with their drooping 
flowers, have been superseded by flowers with the corolla 
almost regular, and perfectly erect ; this latter peculiar- 
ity is an important improvement, as the border and 
