552 Description of the Species of Camellia and Thea. 



in some respects the centre petals of the Waratah, each being incurved and 

 having a very minute white tip. Sometimes from amongst them a few larger 

 elongated ligulate petals burst out, intermediate in character and shape between 

 those at the circumference of the flower and those in the centre. These are rather 

 of a paler colour, and arranged in a cluster overtopping the others, presenting the 

 appearance of a second flower growing out of the centre. In its usual state the 

 whole flower is very neat and shewy. 



It has been figured by Messrs. Loddiges in their Bota- 

 nical Cabinet, t. 170, and was originally imported by them 

 from China in 1809. The plants of it in the Society's col- 

 lection were received from Messrs. Loddiges, and from 

 Messrs. Chandler, Vauxhall. 



18. Camellia Japonica Welbankii. 

 Welbank's White Camellia. 

 This sort differs very considerably from any of the other 

 White-flowering kinds. It is of a robust habit, and grows 

 very stiff and erect. The branches are of a dark brown co- 

 lour when young, but change and become paler as they grow 

 old. The foliage, from its convexity, is so peculiar as to give 

 a character to this variety, by which it may at all times be 

 readily distinguished. It does not appear to flower freely, 

 and on this account it is not so much cultivated perhaps as 

 it deserves. 



The leaves are ovate, from Sf to four inches long, and rather more than two 

 inches broad, similar in colour to those of the Pompone, but much more convex 

 and not so sharply serrated or pointed. The midrib is prominent and strong, 

 particularly on the lower side of the leaf. The footstalk is about half an inch long, 

 nearly round, and of a pale green colour. The flower buds are large, roundish 

 oval, covered with several broad and round pale green pubescent scales. The 

 flowers are of a yellowish white colour, and about three or three and a half inches 

 in diameter. They may be said to rank between the Double White and the 

 Pompone, assimilating more with the latter than the former, but perfectly distinct 

 from either. The petals are not arranged in any sort of order, so that the flower 

 has a confused appearance. Those at the circumference are of a roundish form, 

 from an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, much undulated and but very 

 little recurved or divided at their extremity. The centre petals are irregularly 



