108 STOVE PLANTS. 



great beauty, the best of them being noted below. Francisceas 

 are easily propagated by cuttings, which should be inserted 

 in sand and placed in gentle bottom heat, with a bell-glass 

 over them. 



F. calycina. — This is one of the largest-flowered kinds with 

 which we are acquainted. The leaves are large, shining, 

 lanceolate, and light green. It is of free growth, and pro- 

 duces a succession of its very large trusses of rich purple 

 flowers throughout the whole year. This is an invaluable 

 plant for exhibition purposes. Native of Brazil. 



F. calycina major. — A superb variety of the preceding, which 

 has originated under cultivation ; it difiers only in being larger 

 in all its parts from the ordinary species, and thus becomes a 

 great acquisition. 



F. confertiflora. — A very handsome species, known also 

 under the name of F. laiirifolia. It is valuable as an exhi- 

 bition' plant, and also for the long time it may be had in 

 bloom for home decoration. By having several plants, and 

 keeping them in various temperatures, this kind will produce 

 a succession of its beautiful soft blue flowers from January to 

 June. Native of Eio Janeiro. 



F. eocimia. — Though not quite so large in the size of its 

 flowers as J^. calycina, this is a very desirable plant, 

 forming a handsome bush, and being extremely ornamental 

 when covered with its deep violet-coloured blossoms ; as an 

 exhibition plant it is invaluable. The leaves are oblong- 

 lanceolate in shape, dark green, but not glossy. The flowers 

 are produced from the points of the shoots, upwards of two 

 inches in diameter, and of a deep purple or violet colour. It 

 blooms in great profusion from January to July. Native of 

 Brazil. 



F. latifolia. — This very distinct species blooms most pro- 

 fusely upon the young wood during winter and early spring. 



