CXTPHEA CORD ATA. 91 



C. verticillata. — A very distinct species, with oval leaves arranged in whorls of 

 three or four ; they are somewhat rough on the upper surface, but downy beneath. 

 The flowers, which are axillary, have from five to eight petals, the two upper ones 

 being very long, and of a fine violet tint. From Peru. Messrs. Low and Co. of 

 Clapton possess this species. There are one or two others of interest, but we must 

 defer noticing them, that we may have space for a word on the 



C. cordata. — This species has been named, we suppose, on the lucus a non lucendo 

 principle, for its leaves are lanceolate rather than heart-shaped. Those at the 

 base of the plant are of some size, but gradually become smaller as they approach 

 the flowers, and assume a bract-like form. The flowers are produced in loose 

 terminal racemes, each bearing from two to four blossoms, of a bright scarlet 

 tint. The two upper petals are remarkably developed, the four inferior ones are 

 very small and narrow, and of a pinkish hue. Like many of the other species, 

 when first introduced it was treated as a stove plant ; but, like them, it is 

 found to succeed in a much lower temperature. It is, however, rather less 

 hardy than the so-called platycentra, and does better on a window than in the 

 open ground. 



One object we have in view in figuring it, is to call the attention of amateurs 

 to the desirability of crossing this species with one of the hardier members of the 

 genus. "We believe that all of them will hybridize with each other, and probably 

 varieties might be originated, possessing flowers as showy as those of cordata, with 

 the hardier character of strigillosa, silenoides, platycentra, and purpurea. We would 

 suggest that this last species or variety should be tried as the porte-graine, as the 

 seed-bearing plant is termed by our neighbours, the pollen of the cordata being 

 employed as the fertilizer, or the experiment might be reversed with equally 

 satisfactory results. The annual silenoides and lanceolata, might also communicate 

 greater hardiness to this plant. See the directions given under the head of 

 Tropceolum Smithii. 



The Cupheas are all readily increased by cuttings under a glass ; the platycentra 

 especially roots with great facility. Cordata may be thus multiplied, or by seeds 

 which will ripen under glass. The cuttings are best struck in light sandy peat, 

 or other vegetable soil, but when established, a portion of fibrous loam should be 

 added. It may be tried in the open air in warm situations, but the flowers will be 

 smaller than when grown under glass. The other species, platycentra, miniata, and 

 purpurea, are better adapted for bedding, especially the last-named. In winter it 

 must be kept in a growing state on a warm window or greenhouse. 



This species is a native of Peru, whence it was introduced some years by Messrs. 

 Veitch of Exeter, who will be able to supply plants of it, probably by post. 

 Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son of the Wellington Nursery, St. John's "Wood, 

 London, are also in possession of it. The bruised flowers and leaves are applied 



