observer, to have little variety in the different species, will be found, by a more attentive inquirer, to 
contain a considerable variety in its flowers, as well in form as colour, so as greatly to assist us in 
ascertaining the different species.* In this department we also derive further aid by a mode of distinguishing 
the species which nature has scarcely extended to any other tribe; a variety of colouring in the foliage, which 
it would scarcely be possible to attribute to any other final cause, than that of contributing to distinguish 
the species; the leaves being for the most part marked by lines of red, sometimes on the upper side only, 
at others half way down the mid rib, sometimes towards the base, at others towards the apex, which colours 
I have found not to change with difference of climate or cultivation; but to form as certain a specific 
distinction as any other part of the plant. Of this genus I am acquainted with upwards of 20. species, 
nearly all of which are now growing in the Botanic Garden at Liverpool, and about half of which have 
been figured in the present work. Besides which, there are several which I have not had an opportunity 
of figuring, they not having yet produced their flowers with us; amongst which is a most beautiful species 
with stems and petioles of bright purple, leaves broad lanceolate, with a decp purple cloud down the middle, 
sent us by Dr. Carey from Serampore. 
*I am indebted to Dr. Carey, of Serampore, for furnishing me with native specimens, preserved in spirits, of the flowers of C. Zerumbet, 
C. Afruginosa, C. Rubescens, and C. Cesia, and also for accurate coloured drawings of the floral bractes of these plants; Dr. Carey being 
aware that their bright red colour, which form, so essential a part of their character, would be lost during the voyage. 
