Ranunculacea Ranunculus. 



ii 



tints. Some varieties are unicoloured, and others are of two or 

 three colours, in stripes, spots, or borderings. 



Fig. 8. Ranunculus Asiaticus flore pleno. ( J nat. si?e.) 



2. R. Africanus. Turban Eanunculus. This differs from 

 the foregoing in greater height, broader less narrowly divided 

 leaves, and large more convex flowers, in consequence of the 

 petals being incurved towards the centre of the flower. It is 

 likewise hardier, and blooms earlier, and is not so difficult to 

 grow. The varieties are fewer, and as the flowers are invari- 

 ably sterile new ones are not produced. They are yellow, 

 orange-red, white, dark brown, &c., unicoloured or variegated. 

 The better known sorts are : Romano, scarlet ; Turban d?or, 

 scarlet and golden-yellow ; Seraphique, yellow ; Hercules, pure 

 white ; Turban noir, chestnut brown ; grandiflora, crimson 

 rose ; Souci dore, orange and brown. 



Of the numerous alpine and other species, few are in general 

 cultivation. The double-flowered varieties popularly known 

 as Batchelor's Buttons are the most familiar. 



