166 STOVE PLANTS. 



P. Wiotii. — In habit of growth this plant resembles the 

 familiar types of the genus. It is, however, in the flowers 

 that we find an unusual development of colouring. The outer 

 calyx consists of two whorls of narrow bright red braeteoles ; 

 the outer whorl is shorter than the inner, which equals the 

 closed corolla. Both the latter and the calyx are of a red 

 black. From the mouth of the erect tubular corolla the bright 

 red staminal column protrudes about an inch, and bears 

 numerous blue anthers. Native of Brazil. 



Pentas. 



A small genus of very useful free-flowering Eubiaceous 

 plants, not difficult to manage, and easily grown into good 

 specimens. The soil should be a mixture of fibrous peat and 

 leaf mould in equal parts, with a little light loam and sand 

 added. The flowers are very useful for cutting. 



P. carnea. — A compact-growing soft-wooded shrub, with 

 soft, opposite, bright green leaves, producing a profusion of 

 large cymose heads of tubular flesh-coloured flowers. It is a 

 fine winter-flowering plant ; indeed, it is scarcely ever out of 

 bloom. The flower heads are admirably adapted for bouquet- 

 making. Native of Africa. 



P. rosea. — This plant resembles the preceding in all 

 respects, saving the colour of its flowers, which are deep 

 rose. It is also valuable for bouquets. 



PeTEjEA. 



A genus of Verbenacem, consisting of plants which are 

 beautiful ornaments to the stove, though -but seldom met 

 with — a fact which is much to be regretted, as the flowers 

 are of a colour which is not too plentiful. They are easily 

 managed, and should be grown in equal parts of loam and 

 peat, with a little sand added. 



