lobed, or angular, pointed at the top with large unequal teeth, both 
surfaces hairy, upper surface deep green, under lighter. FLOwErs 
large, orange-yellow, solitary. PrpuNcLes springing at a distance 
above the axils of the leaves. Tupe OF THE CALYX cylindrical inclos- 
ing the ovary, lobes 5, awl-shaped or lanceolate. Perats 5 attached to 
the interior of the calycine tube, limb free, obovate, mucronate, lon- 
ger than the segments of the calyx. Stamens 30-40, of which the 
10 exterior are longer than the rest, and curved towards the pistil- 
lum, the others deflected all towards one side of the pistil. Ovary 
concealed in the tube of the calyx to which it adheres. Sry ve simple, 
subulate, stigma pointed. Srrps 3, enclosed in a transparent jelly 
which fills the seed-vessel. 
PopuLar AND GEoGRAPHICAL Notice. The present species of 
Mentzelia is a native of Mexico, whence it was sent by Mr. Bates. 
The flowers of all the species hitherto known are orange-coloured, 
and only expand when exposed to strong direct solar light, and con- 
tinue in bloom only a few hours, but follow each other in rapid suc- 
cession. They are devoid of perfume. The hairs of many species of 
Loasa, and of Blumenbachia insignis, secrete a pungent juice, much 
more potent than that of the nettle, and as it is probable that this pro- 
perty is possessed by the hairs of some Mentzelias, it is prudent to 
avoid touching them carelessly. 
INTRODUCTION; WHERE GROWN; CuLTuRE. Introduced by William 
Bates, Esq. into the Liverpool Botanic Garden, where it flowered in 
the Green-house in October, 1836. It may be propagated by cuttings, 
in sand, under a hand-glass, or raised from seeds. A mixture of sandy 
loam and peat seems to suit it best. 
Derivation or THE Names. 
Mentze 14, in honour of Christian Mentzel, a Prussian, who was Physician 
to the Elector of Brandenburg, and died in 1701. He was a celebrated orien- 
tal schol well as botanist. He eng ere Lexicon plantarum polyglotton 
universale; ppihte Arborum fructicum et herbarum, and left in Manuscript, Bo- 
tanica Japonica, 2 vols. in folio. Strprrata, stalked from stipes, the leaves and 
flowers having stalks in this species, while in the others they are nearly sessile, 
SyNonyMEs. 
MenrtzeExta strpitata. Decandolle Prodromus Systematis Universalis Reg- 
7. pTises Pars, III, p. 343. G. Don. System of Gardening and Botany, 
) 
