GEISSORHIZA. 



99 



leaves, all of which spring from the root, and are narrow 

 and bristly. The stems are simple, or branched, pro- 

 ducing one or two flowers each, resembling the Ixia. 

 The bulbs are all small, some not larger than peas, and 

 are, in all respects, to be managed like the Ixias. They 

 make beautiful pot plants, or can be successfully grown 

 in cold frames, in very sandy soil, and where water will 

 not stand over them. They are as impatient of moisture 

 as of cold ; in fact, they will not endure either. They 

 are natives of Abyssinia and the Cape of Good Hope. 

 The species commonly met are : 



G. excisa. — A small growing species, formerly 

 known as Ixia excisa. Flowers white, lined with pink, 

 and with a green center; they will only open in full 

 sunshine. 



G. obtusa — A stronger growing species, with straw 

 or buff-colored flowers. 



G. Rochensis. — One of the most beautiful of the 

 genus, and formerly called Plaid Ixia. The bulbs 

 are very small, and will not remain long in a dry 

 state without injury. The flowers are quite brilliant, 

 the colors being blue, white and crimson. 



G. obtusata. — An elegant species, from the abund- 

 ance and size of the flowers, generally producing six or 

 eight rich cream-colored flowers, streaked with pink on 

 the outside. They are without fragrance. 



G. secunda. — Of this species there are two varie- 

 ties, one with blue, the other with white flowers. They 

 flower early, and can only be successfully grown in the 

 greenhouse. 



G. vaginata. — The most showy and useful of the 

 species. The flowers appear in August and can be grown 

 in a dry border, with a protection of leaves during win- 

 ter. They are yellow, tipped with dark purple or black. 

 The remaining species are rarely met, excepting in 

 botanical collections. 



