OLD-FASHIONED GAEDEN FLOWEES. 75 



The flowers are of a bright purple-blue colour, over an inch 

 across, the petals being of good substance, tongue-shaped, and 

 falling backwards, when the china-like whiteness about the top 

 of the tube becomes more exposed; the calyx is very large, 

 nearly egg-shaped, having five finely-pointed and deeply-cut 

 segments ; the bulky-looking part, which has an inflated appear- 

 ance, is neatly set on a slender stem, and densely furnished 

 with short black hairs of even length ; this dusky coat has a 

 changeable effect, and adds not only to the character, but 

 also to the beauty of the flower. The small attenuated leaves 



FIG. 31. CTANANTHUS LOBATTJS. 

 (Natural size.) 



are alternate and laxly arranged on the flower stems, which are 

 6in. to 12in. long, round, and nearly red. Each leaf is less than 

 lin. long, distinctly lobed with five or more lobes, and all the 

 edges are turned back, causing the foliage to appear thick and 

 well finished; the foliage of the stems not bearing flowers is 

 more closely set. The habit of the plant is procumbent ; stems 

 contorted, and producing solitary flowers. 



It should be grown on rockwork, where its stems can nestle 

 between the stones and its roots find plenty of moisture, as in a 

 dip or hollowed part ; the long and fleshy roots love to run in 



