i6 4 



COROLLI FLORAE 



20. Carlina (Carline-thistle) 



i. C. vulgaris (Common Carline-thistle). The only British 

 species, readily distinguished from every other British Thistle by 

 the long inner scales of the involucre, which are straw-coloured and 

 glossy, and spread in a radiate manner so as to resemble petals. 

 In dry weather they lie flat, but when the atmosphere is moist, 

 they rise and form, as it were, a pent-house over the florets. Their 

 texture is like that of the garden Everlasting Flowers, hence they 

 scarcely alter their appearance when dead, and as the whole plant 

 is remarkably durable, they often retain their form and position 

 till the succeeding spring. On the Continent the large white flower 

 of one species, C. acaulis, is often nailed upon cottage doors by way 

 of a hygrometer, as it closes before rain. Dry heaths. Fl. June 

 to September. Biennial. 



21. Centaurea (Knapweed, Blue-bottle) 

 i. C. nigra (Black Knap-weed). The outer scales of the involucre 

 egg-shaped, fringed with spreading bristles ; lower leaves toothed, 

 often with a few small lobes at the base, upper narrow, tapering ; 

 flowers with or without a ray ; pappus very short, tufted. A 

 tough-stemmed plant, 1-2 feet high, with heads of dull purple 

 flowers, which are remarkable for the brown, or almost black, hue 

 of the scales of the involucre. This plant is popularly known by 

 the name of Hard-head. Meadows ; common. Fl. June to August. 

 Perennial. 



2. C. scabiosa (Greater Centaurea, Greater Knap-weed). Outer 

 scales of the involucre egg-shaped, somewhat downy, fringed ; leaves 

 pinnatifid, roughish, segments tapering to a point. Meadows and 

 cornfields; common. Larger and stouter 

 than the last, from which it is distin- 

 guished by the brighter hue of its hand- 

 some radiate flowers, and the light- 

 coloured fringe on the scales of the 

 involucre. Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



3. C. cyanus (Corn Blue -bottle). 

 Outer scales of the involucre deeply 

 toothed ; leaves very narrow, slightly 

 toothed, cottony. One of the prettiest 

 of flowers, and well meriting the dis- 

 tinctive name, often given to it, of 

 Corn-flower. The flowers are bright 

 blue, with dark anthers. The juice of 

 the flowers, expressed and mixed with 



cold alum- water, may be used in water- 



i_ j_ t> 1 j 1 -x C. Cyanus and C. Caltitr \F'A 



colour drawing. Rose-coloured, white, (Corn Blue . bottle and common 



and dark purple variety are commonly Star-Thisti^ 



