206 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



Platystemon linear e. Linear-leaved Platystemon. One of 

 the prettiest of all little annuals, with its graceful cups of white 

 and yellow, resembling those of a Ranunculus, but far more gay. 



It is a native of California, where it was originally found by 

 Douglass, who, however, sent home no seed. 



PORTULACCA. 



Every person who has had any experience in the garden is 

 too well acquainted with the weed Purslane, or Pursly, and 

 would gladly see an extermination, not only of that plant, 

 but all its kindred. It is indeed a troublesome weed ; but no 

 one should be condemned because he happens to have bad 

 relations, nor should Portulacca splendens, although a splendid 

 Purslane. In speaking of it we leave off the Purslane, and call 

 it the Splendid Portulacca, for, were its family connections gen- 

 erally known, we should fear it might not receive the attention 

 it deserves ; for, truly, it is a great acquisition to the flower- 

 garden, and no plant presents a more brilliant show than this, 

 when planted in masses. The flowers are rosy-crimson, large 

 and beautiful, opening with the bright morning sun. It makes 

 a rich bed from July to October. The plant is dwarf and trail- 

 ing ; leaves small ; about six inches high. All the other 

 varieties have the same habit, and equally beautiful. 



Portulacca thellusoni, Scarlet Portulacca, is exactly like 

 the last, with brilliant scarlet flowers. 



Portulacca, var. lutea, the same, with fine yellow flowers, 

 and brown centre. 



Portulacca, var. alba, the same, with white flowers, often 

 sporting to white with pink stripes ; all the varieties are per- 

 fectly hardy, sowing themselves in autumn ; only requiring to 

 be thinned out in the spring, or transplanted to beds or wher- 

 ever wanted. 



