146 Remarks on Certain Flou-ering Plants. 



sending them to you, but which I have, until now, neg- 

 lected; if yon think them worthy of a place, you are wel- 

 come to them. 



It is now, I beheve, generally asserted in this country, 

 that the Astrapae'a Wallichu is not deserving of the praise 

 formerly bestowed upon it. Many cultivators accuse this 

 splendid plant of a too rapid growth, coarse foliage, and 

 liiding its dowers among the branches. My opinion is with 

 Dr. Uallich, that this plant is a most magnificent produc- 

 tion of nature, as well lor luxuriance of its growth, as for its 

 singular and gorgeous tiowers. But I think the evident reason 

 of itsbeingsoundervalued is, because itisaplant by no means 

 adapted for general cultivation, for the following reasons : 

 The greatest beauty of this plant consists in large and tall 

 specimens, say from 14 to 20 feet high. From the month 

 of November to February it requires, to flower well, a very 

 high and moist temperature; few hot-houses, of course, are 

 ample enough, in this country, to do justice to this plant in 

 regard to room. But, from what I have seen of a very large 

 and fme specimen, formerly under my care at Mr. Perry's, 

 I am confident, that the Astrapa^'a, in its native place, 

 must present a gorgeous and magnificent appearance. 



In my humble opinion, 1 think the uninitiated are some- 

 times far safer judges to guide us in regard to the striking 

 appearance of plants, than some of the greatest connoi- 

 seurs ; for I found no other tree so universally admired, in 

 Mr. Perry's large palm-house, as the Astrapa^'a. The fault 

 of its flowers being hid, I think, can only be advanced by 

 individuals who never saw a large specimen of this species 

 in flower ; because the scmi-globnlar blossoms hanging on 

 long stems from underneath the branches, so far from being 

 hid, seem to me as if hung there by the kind hand of the 

 Creator, to surprise the eye with their exceeding brilliancy. 

 Another feature in the Astrapse^a, which appears to me to 

 make it only the more interesting, is, that the flowers can- 

 not be perceived until you are directly underneath the tree. 

 From my own observation, I feel assured, the tree in its 

 native place presents a splendid crown, and a perfect cano- 

 py of dense foliage. Now judge of the delightful surprise 

 of an individual, taking refuge under it against the burning 

 rays of a vertical sun, at beholding its bright blossoms, 

 like so many stars, welcoming him under its ample shade. 

 Considering the subject in this light, I think the raptures of 



