272 HYPOXTS. 



treated like ixias. They bloom in summer, and are very 

 showy. W. brevifolia, unlike most Cape bulbs, has ever- 

 green leaves, but must, nevertheless, have a season of rest 

 when the season's growth is over, induced by withholding 

 water, but not sufficient to allow the leaves to wither. We 

 have had a very fine show of these flowers in the conservatory 

 in summer. The species are W. paniculata, Herbert^ grami- 

 nea, tenella, and thyrsiflora, with straw or yellow flowers ; and 

 brevifolia and hirsuta, with purple-shaded blossoms. 



HYPOXIS. 



Bulbous plants, with thick underground stems ; natives of 

 every continent except Europe. Some are hardy ; but most 

 of those with ornamental flowers require greenhouse culture 

 in loamy peat. 



The flowers of all are starry, mostly yellow ; but a few 

 white and blue. 



While not very showy, they are worth growing where 

 there is room. 



There are sixteen species, of which H. /mean's, stellata, 

 elegans, and alba are the best. H. erecta is hardy. 



