552 GARDEN PLANTS. PART IT. 



4. B. Cubensis.^A shrub with neat foliage of shining lanceolate 

 leaves ; plants of this and the last are in the Calcutta Botanical 

 Gardens ; but I have not seen them in flower. 



5. B. erecta. 



Franciscea. 



A genus of exceedingly ornamental flowering under-shrubs, 

 natives of Peru and Brazils, where they are found growing in 

 the shady parts of forests. A light pervious soil, containing a 

 liberal supply of leaf-mould and some sand, [suits them best. 

 Propagated by layers. 



1. F. latifolia. A small not uncommon shrub; one of the most 

 lovely plants our gardens contain ; has soft oval leaves of a 

 most verdant refreshing green, which it sheds in the cold weather, 

 but by the end of February puts forth again, producing at the 

 same time numerous exquisitely-fragrant flowers of flattened 

 form, of about the size of a rupee, at first of a fine deep-blue, 

 subsequently changing to pure-white; blossoms also in July. 

 It is usual to cultivate it in large pots, though it may be grown 

 in the border. 



2. F. eximia. It is stated that " in Belgium this is spoken of 

 as the finest species of the genus yet in cultivation." It is met 

 with in Calcutta, but not common ; a somewhat erect-growing 

 shrub three or four feet in height, with lanceolate leaves, 

 tapering to a sharp point, from three to six inches long, of a dull 

 opaque-green colour ; and with downy branches. Blossoms in 

 February profusely, with flowers very similar to those of the 

 last. 



3. F. uniflora (F. Hopeana ?). Very similar to the two fore- 

 going, but with smaller leaves ; flowers somewhat smaller, borne 

 one on a footstalk, in February and March, presenting a perfect 

 mass of lovely blossom, pure-white or deep-blue, according to 

 the time they have opened, mingling together with delightful 

 effect, and emitting a most agreeable perfume. Its main de- 

 traction is that it is rather bare of foliage at the time. 



4. F. confertiflora. A handsome shrub, with oval leaves, three 

 or four inches long ; bears crowded cymes of beautiful lilac 

 flowers ; a rare plant here, not succeeding well, I believe, in the 

 climate. 



5. F. hydrangeseformis. Kemarkable for the largeness of its 



