148 ALPINE PLANTS 
vation. Not all are blue, nor are all of the same close- 
growing, stalkless habit of growth of the familiar acaulis. 
G. asclepiadea often grows erect to a height of well over 
a foot, bearing blossoms of purple wellnigh the whole 
length of the stem. G. Burseri and G. lutea are both 
yellow, and are tall enough to associate with the pentste- 
mons and phloxes of the herbaceous border, but one of 
the finest additions, not only to this rich family but to 
the whole range of rock plants, is G. Farreri, the subject 
of our coloured plate. The artist’s reproduction from 
life of this gem among flowering plants conveys better 
than words can do an idea of the loveliness of the blossoms, 
but even this cannot accurately portray the glistening sheen 
that overlays the petals, giving them something of the 
lustre seen on some tropical bird’s plumage. Gentiana 
Farreri is essentially a plant for the most select collections 
of rock plants, and is a subject par excellence for cultiva- 
tion in pans for the alpine house. 
Most Gentians can be raised from seed, if the seed is 
sown soon after ripening. Those of tufted growth may 
also be divided. 
HABERLEA RHODOPENSIS.—Lovers of the aristocratic 
and altogether lovely Ramondias will be compelled to 
share their affections with Haberlea rhodopensis, for it 
is a plant of very similar character, and also of similar 
cultural requirements. It spreads its crimped and crumpled 
foliage in flat plate-like discs from the centre of which 
rise the flower stalks, carrying pendent tubular blossoms 
of a soft rosy lilac with a tinge of pale yellow in the 
throat. The plant likes peaty soil for its roots, and a 
