SPIR/EA. 401 



The Germander Speedwell is a native of Europe and 

 Japan. " Few of our wild flowers," says Mr. Martyn, 

 " can vie in elegance and brilliancy with this ; and many 

 plants with far less beauty are cultivated in our gardens. 

 In May and June every hedge-bottom and grassy bank is 

 adorned with it. At night, or under the influence of 

 moisture, the corolla closes, but in dry bright weather 

 appears fully expanded ; and though each flower is short 

 lived, there is a copious succession." 



Dr. Withering says the leaves are an excellent substitute 

 for tea. The Common-Speedwell has been much recom- 

 mended for this purpose, especially in Germany and Sweden ; 

 and the French still call it the The de I" Europe. 



The leaves of some of the species are eaten in salad, or as 

 water-cresses. 



SPIK^A. 



ROSACES. ICOSAND11IA PENTAGYNIA. 



The name Spiraea signifies a rope, these shrubs being flexible like 

 ropes, and also because many parts of the stem, and the fruits of some 

 of the species, are twisted. It is also called Bridewort. 



THIS is a beautiful genus ; most of the species are hand- 

 some flowering shrubs : the Willow-leaved, commonly called 

 Spiraea Frutex, grows to a height of from three to six feet, 

 according to the soil ; the blossoms are handsome, and of a 

 rose-red; blowing in June and July. In moist seasons, 

 the young shoots from the root will frequently flower in 

 autumn. It is a native of Siberia. 



The Scarlet Spiraea is a native of Pensylvania; the 

 blossoms are of a beautiful red colour, blowing in August 

 and September. 



It is not determined whether the Hypericum-leaved 

 Spiraea be a native of Italy, or of North America ; it is 



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