HELIOTROPE. 201 



HELIOTSOPE. 



HELIOTROP1UM. 



HELIOTROPES. PENTANDHIA MONOGYNIA. 



The word Heliotrope is derived from two Greek words, signifying 

 the sun } and to turn : the leaves or flowers of this plant having been 

 supposed to turn with the sun. For the same reason it is called Turn- 

 sole, which is, indeed, only a French translation of the Greek name. 

 The Italians call the common European species, orologio dei corte- 

 giani [courtiers' dial]; eliotropio; verrucaria. French, 1'heliotrope 

 commun ; 1'herbe aux verrues ; le verrucaire, from its use in taking 

 off warts ; le tournesol. 



THE Peruvian Heliotrope is chiefly admired for its 

 fragrance: it is an elegant and delicate plant, but not 

 showy. The blossom is very small, of a pale blue, often 

 inclining to white, and shedding an almond-like perfume, 

 which has gained the plant general favour. It should be 

 housed in autumn, before the weather becomes sharp. If 

 in a pure atmosphere, it will flower great part of the 

 winter : but, though carefully guarded from cold, it must 

 be placed where the air is refreshed by frequent venti- 

 lation. In dry summer weather it should have a little 

 water every evening : in winter, not more than twice or 

 thrice a week, and very little at a time. 



The Indian, Glaucous, and Small-flowered kinds are 

 annual plants natives of the West Indies flowering in 

 June, July, and August; and may be treated in the same 

 manner as the Peruvian. 



The Canary Heliotrope (to which the gardeners, it is 

 not known for what reason, have given the name of Ma- 

 dame de Maintenon) is not so tender* ; it must be shel- 

 tered from frost, but should have plenty of fresh air in mild 



* If the name, " Madame de Maintenon/' is of French origin, it 

 was perhaps a piece of flattery to Louis the Fourteenth, as the sun to 

 which his favourite lady always turned her eyes. 



