208 GllEEN-IIOUSE — REPOTTIXG. \^3Iareli. 



Camellia, though some are inclined to think that it is a 

 variegated or striped species, not yet introduced, that has 

 been the origin of so many beautiful Chinese sorts. 



The following are supposed to be its varieties : — 



C. alba-plena, common double white, is admired by the 

 most casual observer, and is generally considered a very 

 superior flower, from the purity of its whiteness and the 

 abundance of its large flowers, which are closely and regu- 

 larly set with round petals. The foliage is large, and the 

 plant grows freel}'^; we have seen one shoot grow two feet 

 in one summer. It was imported into Europe from China, 

 among the first of the varieties, about eighty years ago. 

 Maijnificcnt. 



0. semplex^ dlha, single white. It is mentioned some- 

 -vvhere as being very sweet-scented, though not very percep- 

 tible to us. The foliage and wood are very strong, the fine- 

 striped sorts have been raised from it; consequently, it is 

 particularly desirable as a stock to grow new varieties from. 

 Its flowers are large and abundant. Good. 



C. altlidejlora, hollyhock flowered, is a great beauty, with 

 large double dark red flowers ; the veins are very prominent, 

 petals frequently irregular; foliage large, smooth, and very 

 dark green, and is much esteemed. Fine. 



C. anemonejlbra^ or ^¥aratall (from the centre petals, 

 having the appearance of the Waratah plant, Telopia, spe- 

 cLosissima). This variety is very characteristic, both in flower 

 and foliage. The flower is dark crimson, with five regular 

 large outside petals ; those of the centre are very small and 

 neatly plaited, with the stile (female organ) prominent; the 

 foliage is large and oblong, nerves very smooth, and the wood 

 strong, bark light. Had this kind not been found, we would 

 h:>ve been deprived of many most splendid varieties which 

 have originated from it, and we have no doubt they may be- 

 come as diversified as the roses of the garden: this variety, 

 in a collection, for that alone is invaluable. It seeds freely, 

 and the pollen of any of the others applied to the style of 

 this will produce a new variety, which seldom fails of being 



* We have now, 1839, in flower, a single white, very similar to 

 this, which we have raised from the seed of DahliaJIora, a good double 

 red variety ; it, therefore, appears impossible to predict their character 

 from the parent that produced the seed. 



