cs 
tains, where it assists to compensate for the absence of the genus Erica, 
which ceases to form a part of the Flora of the Cape at this point. 
The species of Erica are replaced on these mountains by Blerias and 
the genera Struthiola, Passerina, Phylica, Podaliria, (P. buxifolia, 
myrtillifolia, valgata) Polygala (P. oppositifolia,) Aspalathus, Lipa- 
ria, Rafnia and Cleome. 
The shining character of the leaves bears a striking resemblance to 
that of the Leucadendron argenteum R. Br. (the Protea argentea, 
Linn.) and both approximate to the appearance of the leaves of Astelma 
eximimum R. Br. (the Gnaphalium eximimum Willd.); this silvery 
hue must pleasingly diversify the scenery, while the clothing of the 
leaves with so thick a coating of silky hairs must materially protect 
them against the effects of the intense heat to which they are exposed. 
That a compact coating of hairs hinders excessive exhalation, and 
thereby preserves the plants from destruction in periods of universal 
heat and drought is manifest from the fact that plants so provided 
survive when others perish. Kalm mentions “that when the excessive 
drought of the spring of 1749 had completely parched up the hills 
and high grounds in Albany (U.S.) the Verbascum Thapsus (great 
mullein) alone was seen flourishing in the most arid situations, and 
when every other leaf was burnt up See Kalm’s Travels, Vol. 2; 
p- 109. 
INTRODUCTION; WHERE GROWN 3 Cutture. The date of the in- 
troduction of this plant does not appear to be correctly ascertained, as 
some writers state it to have been introduced in 1783, others in 1794; 
it is still, however, a scarce plant, rarely ripening seeds, and being in- 
~ ereased from cuttings with difficulty. Uninfluenced by the hand of 
the cultivator it will grow tall and slender, but by frequently stopping 
the leading shoots much more handsome and bushy plants may be ob- 
tained. If kept in a pot, in the greenhouse, its roots should have plen- 
ty of room, and free drainage ; but it will grow most luxuriantly if 
planted in the conservatory, in a border formed of loam, peat, and sand. 
Derivation or tHE Names, ’ 
Lrparta from Atrapoc liparos, brilliant, in allusion to the shining of the leaves, 
Srxzrica from the globe-shaped form of the head of flowers. 
Synonrmes, 
Liparta sprerica Linneus Mantissa, 268, Si 
: . - Sims: Bot. Mag. f. 1241, Lod- 
diges: Bot. Cabinet, t. 642, ; " 
Borponta spuarica, Lamarck Encyclop. Method. 
LEvcopEenpRon SPLENDENS, Burmann : Flora Capensis, 
