178 



vECHMEA SUAVEOLENS. 



Branches of the inflorescence (the whole of which are covered with a mealy downy pubescence) 

 about two inches long, flexuous, each containing from 6 to 8 flowers. Bractlets cup-shaped, 

 encasing the ovarium about half way up, ribbed, and terminating in a dark brown prickle. 

 Calyx connivent, aculeate, pubescent, similar to the. other parts of the panicle, divided into three 

 parts, which are concrete at the base ; the sides are scarious, obtuse, and unequal. Petals three, 

 incurved at the apex 5 , and when fully developed, are as long as the ovarium and calyx together, 

 but never expand, unless in a trifling degree : they are of a beautiful violet colour when in perfec- 

 tion, but when decayed, become spirally twisted, and assume a most beautiful crimson. Stamens 

 six, inserted in the torus, two of which are arranged opposite to each petal. Anthers linear, of a 

 pale sulphur colour, attached by their back to the filament, dehiscing longitudinally, and towards 

 the axis. Style longer than the stamens, the upper part of which is of a light violet colour. 

 Stigmata three petaloid, spirally twisted, smooth. Ovarium (immature), cylindrical, and 

 somewhat triangular, three-celled. Seeds numerous, pendulous, and situated at the apex of 

 the cells. 



We are not aware that more than one species of this genus has before been 

 published in any British botanical periodical, viz. JEchmea Mertensii, Bot. Mag. 

 t. 3186. It may therefore be considered as an interesting and valuable addition 

 to Botanical collections. In 1830, the time at which the last volume of SchuhVs 

 " Systema Vegetabilium" made its appearance, and which contained the conclusion 

 of Hexandria Monogynia, there were described six species, all of which have been 

 published, we believe, in Von Martius's "Flora Braziliensis, ,, a work unfortunately 

 too expensive for most private collections to possess. However, with none of 

 those described in the work of Schulte's, above quoted, will it agree. We have, 

 therefore, considered it to be a distinct species, and from the very pleasing smell 

 of the inflorescence, which much resembles that of the Florentine orris-root, we 

 have given it the specific name suaveolens. Our drawing was made from a plant 

 in the collection of the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society. It 

 is a native of Brazil, and was received from that country through the kindness of 

 E. W. Fry, Esq., to whom the above establishment is deeply indebted for valuable 

 importations of plants at various times from the same country. 



For its culture it requires stove heat, and is very easily managed. It should 

 be potted in loam peat and sand. When the plants are grown to a sufficient size, 

 they can be forced into flower by being kept without water for some weeks, and 

 afterwards having a regular supply, with an increased degree of heat. The 

 generic name is formed from cuxP7, a point ; its specific name suaveolens, from 

 the Latin, alludes to its fragrant smell. 



