IPOMffiA. 231 



IPOMCEA. 



CONVOLVULACEJE. FENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



This genus is very nearly allied to the Convolvulus, and the name 

 is derived from Greek words, expressive of its similarity to that flower. 



THE Ipomoea is very beautiful, but unfortunately very 

 tender, being chiefly Indian. One species in particular 

 would be desirable. The Ipomoea Quamoclit in French, 

 Jasmin rouge de T Inde [Red Indian Jasmine] ; Fleur de 

 Cardinal [ Cardinal-flower] . Italian, Quarnoclito which 

 is the most beautiful of them all, in colour and in form, in 

 leaf and in flower. " It is a beautiful climber," says Sir 

 W. Jones ; "its blossoms are remarkably elegant, and of a 

 rosy red."" It has the scent of cloves. It is called by the 

 Indians, Camalata, or Love's-creeper. 



There are two kinds which may be procured at a 

 nursery, and preserved through the summer in an in- 

 habited room : the Coccinea, or Scarlet-flowered Ipomoea, 

 and the Nightshade-leaved, the blossoms of which are of 

 a pale rose colour. The earth must be kept moderately 

 moist, but water must be given but in small quantities at 

 one time. The plant will require support. 



There is a species of the Ipomoea, which, from one root, 

 may be carried over an arbour three hundred feet in 

 length ; it is a perennial species, and is called in Jamaica, 

 the Seven-year-vine, or Spanish Arbour-vine. 



" The Camalata" says Sir W. Jones, " is the most 

 lovely of its order, both in the colour and form of its 

 flowers ; its elegant blossoms are ' celestial rosy red, 

 Love's proper hue,' and have justly procured it the name 

 of Camalata, or LoveVcreeper. Camalata may also mean 

 a mythological plant, by which all desires are granted to 

 such as inherit the heaven of India ; and if ever flower was 

 worthy of Paradise, it is our charming Ipomoea.'''' 



