HOWARD AND HOWARD. 35 



of the cross between var. ruber and alhus was grown this year 

 and resembled the red parent in every respect. 



It has already been stated that as regards agricultural char, 

 acters there is no difference between the four varieties. For culi- 

 nary purposes, however, the red one is decidedly the most useful 

 both on account of its attractive colour and also because the calyx 

 is less fibrous and harsh than in some of the varieties. The calyx 

 of var. Bhagalimriensis is scarcely edible on account of its tough 

 stringy nature. 



The four varieties are represented in Plates VI and VII 

 and a detailed description of each is given below. 



Shrub erect, annual. Stem glabrous, unarmed but with emer- 

 gences at intervals, much branched with long branches arising near 

 the base. Sti]ndes generally simple and linear, sometimes bilobed. 

 Leaves lobed, upper ones simple and lanceolate, with a pulvinus 

 at the base of the blade, and a gland on the midrib of leaf ; 

 margin serrate ; petiole often with a line of hairs on the upper 

 surface. Peduncle solitary and axillary. Eplcalijx united at the 

 base and adnate to the calyx ; bracteoles 8-12 linear. Calyx 

 connate below free above ; sepals 5-7, accrescent, fleshy, with a 

 gland on the midnerve of each. Corolla yellow spreading, aestiva- 

 tion imbricate. Capsules ovoid, pointed, villous, shorter than the 

 calyx. Seeds reniform, subglabrous. 



Var. ruber. 

 Stem dark red. Stipules dark red. Leaves green with some 

 red colour on the lower surface of the veins, sometimes also on 

 the upper surface ; gland on the midrib colourless ; petiole dark red 

 except for a narrow strip on the under surface ; pulvinus red. Ped- 

 uncle red. Epicalyx red. Sepals red ; central gland on midnerve 

 greenish. Corolla yellow, with a deep crimson eye, turning a deep 

 orange pink on withering. Stamens staminal tube red ; pollen and 

 anthers deep red. Stigmas red. Seedlings stem green with some 

 red* below the cotyledonary leaves ; petiole red on the upper surface, 

 green below ; leaves green. (Plate VI.) 



