96 Ldst of the Plants of Chile. 



Lotus subpinnatus, Lag. Although De Candolle has lately placed 

 this plant in the genus Anthyllis, giving it the name o( A. Chilensis, 

 it appears to me impossible to separate it from the Lotus. Its size, 

 and above all its legumes four times larger than its calyces, which 

 are not sw^ollen, are the facts I give at present in support of my opin- 

 ion. The globulous tubercles which De Candolle says are found on its 

 roots, are also met with in a species of Trifolium, as we shall hereaf- 

 ter see. This plant is common in sandy pasturages along rivers, and 

 on hills. 



Lucuma ohovafa, Kunth. Lucuma de Coquimho. This tree is 

 cultivated in some gardens. The climate here (Santiago) is not fa- 

 vorable to it. The fruit which is eaten comes from Coquimbo. 

 Though generally esteemed, ils taste is not very superior, and can- 

 not be compared with that of the Achras Sapota, L., a tree of the 

 same family. 



Lupinus microcarpus, Sims. Common in the sandy plains near 

 Cachapual, and in mountain pastures. This interesting species, on 

 account of its size and the color of its flowers, merits cultivation. Its 

 vulgar name is Alberjilla. The A7-tamuz of the gardens does not 

 differ perhaps from the L. muUiflorus, Desrouss. The stalk is fruti- 

 cose ; it flourishes nearly throughout the year ; it is appreciated for 

 the beautiful color of its many flowers. 



Luzula. D C. The species w^hich I have met In the pastures of 

 the mountains near Leona, is doubtless the L. interrupta, Desv. 



Luzuriaga cordata, Bertero. It grows among the stones in arid 

 places in the plains. It is herbaceous ; its root is terminated by a 

 tubercle ; the stalk is prostrate and the leaves cordiform. All these 

 characters distinguish it from known species. 



Lychnis Chalcedonica. L. Escarapela, cultivated in gardens for 

 the beauty of its flowers, which are disposed in clusters, and whose 

 color is either bright red, or rose, or white. The variety with dou- 

 ble flowers is most esteemed, but is not so common. The L. gran- 

 dijiora, Jacq., should be introduced, as it is much more beautiful. 



Lycium Chilense. Miers. A very branchy shrub which grows in 

 bramble fields, on the banks of the Maipu, in Leona, and in the neigh- 

 borhood of Santiago. It does not differ from L. obovatum, R. and 

 P., except in the smallness and form of its leaves, and may be per- 

 haps only a variety. 



(To be continued.) 



