150 



IMPATIENS PICTA. 



the stigma, dehiscing longitudinally. Pollen abundant, of a pale yellowish-white colour, 

 oblong, and having in the centre a round transparent point. Style none. Ovarium (immature) 

 smooth, one-celled, somewhat angular. Seeds numerous, smooth, roundish. 



As stated in a former number of this Magazine, the plant is in the collection 

 of the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society, and was raised from 

 seeds which were presented to that establishment by the Hon. the East India 

 Company through Dr. Boyle. 



It is certainly a very delicate and beautiful species, and is the more to be 

 esteemed as it continues to flower for a considerable time. It is different from 

 all the species we have hitherto seen described. 



The structure of this order is not so clearly understood as that of some others. 

 Decandolle, in his Prodromus, remarks, that there are only two sepals, and 

 four petals, which is certainly at variance with what the true structure ought to 

 be. Dr. Lindley states, in his Introduction to the Natural System of Botany, 

 that, upon examination, it will be found that each side petal is divided to the 

 base, and occupies the place of three stamens, and that each divided petal 

 represents two distinct petals, and that the space between the side petals is the 

 place of the abortive petal. 



In this species the structure appears more clear, if not demonstrative. The 

 sepals, as we have described them, are five, but exceedingly unequal, and the 

 two smallest are very deciduous. Their position appears to be as follows. The 

 two smallest alternate with the petals, and are very deciduous : the two largest are 

 opposite to the petals, and the fifth is elongated into a spur of considerable size. 



The side petals are two, but deeply divided, and evidently, as stated by Dr. 

 Lindley, represent four petals ; a fifth is developed at the top of an orbicular 

 form. The quinary arrangement, therefore, in this species is tolerably clear. 



The generic name, Impatiens, is given to it in consequence of the ovarium, 

 from its extreme irritability, bursting from the bottom to the top on the slightest 

 touch. The specific name, picta, refers to its beautifully-striated petals. 



