3*8 THE ALPINE FLORA 



from one end of the alpine chain to the other. Con- 

 sequently collections of Saxifrages, at least in respect of 

 this particular group, attain considerable size, rivalling in 

 numbers those of Sempervivums. The variety flavescens 

 from Arolla with lemon flowers is as magnificent as 

 rare. 



In popular parlance the " London Pride" group has 

 been used to include not only the botanical section 

 Robertsonia, to which S. umbrosa belongs, but also any 

 species showing rosettes of leaves and feathery plumes of 

 flowers similar in general appearance to those of that 

 typical plant. As such it is used to include S. stellaris 

 (of the Boraphylla section), S. rotundifolia (of the 

 Miscopetalum) and even S. Jiirculus. Speaking generally, 

 most of the " London Prides" prefer half shady, and 

 often quite damp position, though they will grow in full 

 sun, if surrounded by stones to check evaporation. 



S. cunei folia (PI. XL1). A small native of shady 

 places, throwing from the rootstock large, loose rosettes 

 in broad, flattened sheets ; leaves cuneate, thick, coria- 

 ceous, crenate, and red below, from which burst the 

 slender, naked scapes bearing small flowers with white, 

 oblong petals, spotted rose and splashed yellow at the 

 base. Woods and shady places of the Alps (5oo-i ooo m.) ; 

 has been found on the north of the Dole by M. Romieux. 

 This real member of the London Pride group is rather 

 difficult to grow in Swiss gardens ; requires peat or leaf- 

 mould and shade. 



S. stellaris (PI. XL11). A small, tufted plant which 

 grows on the edge of running water or forms colonies 

 among wet beds ; the mossy leaves like oval wedges are 

 toothed toward the tip, glabrous, in loose rosettes, from 

 which rise slender, leafless scapes bearing a loose raceme 

 of white flowers, with elongated petals, marked near the 



