260 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



The flowers are produced on stems 18in. high and fin. thick 

 at the base, being covered with long stiff white hairs, which are 

 very conspicuous on the reddish stems. The flowers are similar 

 to those of most of the genus, as may be seen by the one given 

 in the drawing ; they are arranged in massive heads, Sin. to 6in. 

 in diameter, and rose-coloured. The leaves at the flowering time 

 are 6in. or 9in. across, having stout, round, ruddy stems, Sin. long, 

 covered with stiff hairs ; they form a junction with the leaves 

 in an unusual way, viz., near the centre, whence the specific 

 name peltata, or umbrella shape ; but the form of the leaves at 



. 90. SAXIFRAGA PELTATA. 

 (1, Single blossom, natural size.) 



the flowering period, which is funnel- shape, is, a little later on, 

 reversed, the edges bending downwards. The younger leaves 

 are folded and hooked downward, having the appearance of 

 stout fern fronds just out of the ground, and their stalks are 

 much contorted. The more advanced leaves are seen to be 

 seven-cut, each lobe divided and sub-divided by cuts less deep, 

 the whole leaf being richly toothed and veined. The under side 

 is covered with hairs, the upper surface being smooth, shining, 

 and of a pleasing bronze-green colour. Later, the foliage in 

 every way increases very much in size, reaching a height of 2ft., 

 and each leaf measuring nearly a foot across. The root or 

 rhizoma is horizontal, progressive, jointed, and fibrous at the 



