42 THCNBtRGIA ALATA ALBA. 



Tecoma radioans, formerly classed with the Bignonias. The species of Sesamum, 

 or oily-grain, so remarkable for the large quantity of bland oil contained in the seeds, 

 also belong to this order. 



The genus Martynia, was so named by Willdenow, in honour of John Martyn 

 Professor of Eotany at the University of Cambridge, author of several botanical 

 works, who died in 1768. The species now figured is a native of Mexico, whence 

 it was sent in 1840 to Miss Harvey of Hayle, in Cornwall, by whom it was first 

 raised. 



It is, perhaps, necessary to observe, that our figures are all, more or less, reduced 

 representations, the limits of our plate not permitting figures of the natural size. 



THTTNBERGIA ALATA ALBA. 



Wing-petioled Thunlergia. 

 Linncan Class— Didynamia. Order — Angiosperma. Natural Order — Acanthaceje. 



Most of our readers are, doubtless, already acquainted with this variety of Thun- 

 bergia ; but we trust, however familiar it may be, that no apology is needed for 

 introducing so interesting a plant into our pages. 



The Thunbergias are great favourites with us, not only on account of their 

 elegant flowers and foliage, but also for the very curious structure of those parts of 

 the blossom more immediately concerned in the fructification. 



In commencing our examination of the flower, we must beware of confounding 

 the two large bracts by which the corolla is enveloped before its expansion, with 

 the true calyx, which is very small, and only perceptible upon a close inspection. 

 If the two bracts be pulled aside, twelve minute teeth will be observed clasping 

 the base of the tube of the corolla ; and after the blossom has fallen, these teeth 

 embrace the ovary so closely, that the uninitiated observer would easily overlook 

 them altogether, and imagine the more conspicuous bracts to be the calyx. If one 

 of the satinj' corollas be opened, there will be discovered within, four rather short 

 stamens, each terminated by a highly curious fringed or bearded anther. The office 

 this fringe performs — and that it has one, we may be assured — it is somewhat 

 difficult to guess ; it perhaps, serves to retain the pollen after its emission from the 

 anther, until the stigma is fit for its reception, for it does sometimes occur that 



