CONVOLVULUS PENTANTHUS. 



NATURAL ORDER, COXVOLVULACE.E. 



amateurs and learners of botany the differences and distinctions 

 of the Ipomsea and Convolvulus tribes are very puzzling. 



The shape of the flowers, the style, growth, and general appear- 

 ance of the plants are so similar that it is only those who have 

 studied minutely the construction of the flowers who can define the 

 distinction. 



The above name is the one usually given to this fascinating creeper 

 by the generality of people, but Ferminger mentions that " it is commonly 

 called ' Ipomasa Semperflorens.' " 



It is an annual, blossoming in the cold weather, when it is a lovely 

 sight with its bright azure-blue flowers spangled over the green leaves, 

 and often hanging in graceful festoons from a trellis or archway. 



The young shoots are of a tender, pale green, tinged with pink, 

 slightly hair)' ; the flowers grow at the end of thin, long stalks, several 

 buds being in a cluster. 



The thin, twining stems twist themselves into a "gigantic tangle," 

 and add much to the free, natural look of the plant ; it requires a support, 

 and does not thrive well if left to trail on the ground. 



It is a common plant about Calcutta, and I have seen it in great 

 beauty in Chota Nagpore. 



The stamens are small and black. The throat is flatter than most of 

 the Convolvulaceae and is pure white. The flower has no scent and is only 

 useful as an ornament to the garden. It seeds profusely and can also be 

 propagated by division of roots. 



The flowers wither and droop very quickly, but are soon replaced by 

 other buds opening, and at noon this little creeper presents a lovely sight 

 with its blaze of blossom open to the sun. 



