68 



OXALIS BRAZILIENSIS. 



This is a very beautiful species introduced from Brazil by Mr. Warre, in the 

 year 1829, and was figured in the Botanical Cabinet in the year 1833. It is very 

 closely allied to Oxalis elegans of Humb. et Bonpland, if we may judge from their 

 description. It appears chiefly to differ in the calyx, which in O. elegans is 

 acute, not obtuse ; and in the flowers, which are of a violet colour instead of 

 purple, which possibly may be a mistake. On referring, however, to the plate in 

 the work of the above authors, the petals appear to be narrower, the calyx acute, 

 and the scapes bearing umbels of six flowers instead of two or three. We have 

 had no opportunity of examining a true specimen of O. elegans. O. Braziliensis 

 bears in many collections the name of Oxalis bipunctata. 



Our drawing was made from a fine plant in the collection of the Birmingham 

 Botanical and Horticultural Society. 



This species succeeds best treated as a stove plant, where it will flower pro- 

 fusely in the spring, and frequently again in the autumn. It will, however, do in 

 the greenhouse ; and we have even seen plants that have withstood the severity 

 of last winter out of doors. When kept in a pot, this species should be potted in 

 peat, loam, and sand, with plenty of drainers at the bottom of the pots. It should be 

 placed near the glass, and receive a good supply of water when in a growing state, 

 but be kept dry while dormant. It may be increased by dividing the bulbs just 

 before they commence growing. 



In addition to the remarks on the cultivation of this genus published in our 

 first volume page 44, we will offer a few hints, principally on the cultivation of the 

 Cape species, which are numerous and beautiful. The Cape species require but 

 little care, and should be potted in a similar compost to what we have already 

 described. The best time for potting and dividing them is early in the spring, 

 before they commence growing, when they should be placed upon an airy shelf, 

 against the back of the wall of the greenhouse near the glass, and have little 

 water until the leaves appear above the ground, when the quantity ought to be 

 increased, but never given in excess. After flowering, gradually decrease the 

 quantity of water until the leaves begin to decay. They may be placed out of 

 doors along with the greenhouse plants in September. Most of the Cape species 

 may also be grown in cold frames. 



For the derivation of the generic name oxalis. vide vol. i., page 44. 



Fig. 1, the monadelphous or united stamens, the exterior ones alternately 

 shorter ; 2, the germ, with its styles and stigmas ; 3, the same, together with 

 the anthers, which are much exceeded in length by the styles ; 4, the petals united 

 at the claw, and obliquely curved ; 5, calyx. 



