PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS. 



NATURAL ORDER, PLUMBAGINACE^. 



UR present subject is a shrub of prostrate growth, about three or 

 four feet high. 



The foliage is arranged in a succession of whorls of 

 lanceolate leaves from half an inch to two inches long, by no means 

 attractive either in shape or colour. 



From its untidy, straggling appearance this shrub is not ornamental 

 or pleasing in its growth, and would hardly deserve a place in the garden 

 were it not for its beautiful heads of azure-blue flowers. 



The profusion of these lovely blue flowers is the beauty of the plant, 

 and make up in a great measure for its otherwise unattractive appearance. 



The Plumbago is a very familiar shrub in all parts of India, and 

 seems to have no favourite locality, but thrives well in all districts. 



During the hot weather it may be seen in its greatest perfection, but 

 a few stray heads of blossom may be found at all times of the year. 



The form and arrangement of the flowers have aptly been described 

 by Ferminger and others as similar to the Phlox. 



The soft mossy look of the buds and calyxes is a great addition to 

 the prettiness of these flowers. 



In addition to the present subject there are three varieties of the 

 Plumbago, viz., "Plumbago Larpents," "Plumbago Rosea," and "Plum- 

 bago Zeylanica." The first of these three is a native of China, and, 

 according to Ferminger, does not thrive in India; the flowers are a deeper 

 blue and larger in size than the subject of our illustration, but otherwise 

 there is a great resemblance between them. 



" Plumbago Rosea," as the name suggests, has reddish flowers ; 

 they are borne on a spiral head, and blossom in the cold weather. This 

 variety, however, is more delicate and difficult to cultivate than the fore- 

 going. 



Ferminger makes the following remarks regarding "Plumbago Zey- 

 lanica": "A small, slender, and not very pleasing shrub, bearing at all 

 seasons racemes of small, white, sparkling flowers, very clammy and 

 disagreeable to the touch." This variety is more uncommon than the 

 preceding ones, owing perhaps to its being less showy and attractive. 



