GUSTAVIA. 



162. G. speciosa DC. prodr, iii. 289. Pirigara speciosa 

 HBK. 7. 200. Near Maraquita in New Granada. (Chupa.) 



Petals 6. Calyx nearly entire, together with the pedicels and ovary 

 downy. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed to the base, 

 entire, coriaceous. Introduced here for its singular effects upon the 

 constitution. According to Humboldt and Bonpland children are very 

 fond of the fruit, and become quite yellow after eating it, but in 24-48 

 hours they regain their natural colour without any remedy. This is 

 singular enough; but is improved in Mr. Burnett's Outlines of 

 Botany where it is asserted, by some strange mistake, that " after it 

 remains for 24 or 48 hours, nothing can erase the colour ! " 



79 



