OBSERVATIONS OX SOME OF THE PLANTS EXHIBITED. 
15 
OBSERVATIONS ON SOME OP THE PLANTS EXHIBITED. 
By the Rev. Prof. Geo. Hensdow, M.A., V.M.H. 
[February 27, 1900.] 
Clematis indivisa. — A Japanese species exhibited by Mr. Paul 
afforded a good illustration of a method of climbing by means of the 
petioles of the leaves ; in that these organs are highly sensitive to touch, 
curling round any object in contact with them, and remaining per- 
manently adhering to the support, though they would have been 
•deciduous if they had not caught hold of anything. 
Saxifraga, Species. — Some Moss-like " forms illustrated a type of 
growth characteristic of many arctic, antarctic, and alpine plants, it 
being a result of the climatal conditions surrounding them. *S. longifolia 
is remarkable for producing an incrustation of lime along the margins of 
the leaves, due to the evaporation of water containing it, which has been 
secreted from water-pores. 
Eranthis Cilicica. — A species of Winter Aconite from Cilicia, 
differing from the common form by a more laciniated involucre. 
Gaultheria procumbens. — The Mountain Tea," also the " Box " 
or ''Partridge Berry," of Canada, &c., a member of the Heath family, is 
one of many plants of which a " tea " is made. Although of widely 
different famihes, as Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Paraguay Tea, &c., they mostly 
contain the same principle or alkaloid, which renders them so serviceable 
to man. 
Agapetes (Thibaudia) buxifolia, a member of the Heath family, 
was exhibited by Mr. Cutbush. It is a native of Peru and Colombia, 
with long tubular scaly flowers. 
Primula Hybrid. — P. Kewensis was a new hybrid between 
P.florihunda^ and P. verticellata ^ . It was a much larger plant than, 
but much nearer in character to, the male parent, not having the pubes- 
cent foliage of the female. Figure of this plant will be found on page Ixvi. 
Vanilla planifolia. — A fine specimen with numerous pods was 
received from the gardens of Sion House, and afforded material for 
describing the glandular hairs within the pod, which, as well as the 
pod itself, furnish the vanilla of commerce. 
Papaw Fruit. — This was received from Leopold Rothschild, Esq., of 
Ounnersbury. It was raised from seed, the tree being 10 feet in height 
and only two years old. The juice of the fruit and leaves is remarkable 
for having digestive properties, so that tough meat wrapped up in the 
foliage will become tender, and digestive pills have been made from the 
dried residue of the juice. 
Iris stenophylla. — A new species from Asia Elinor, exhibited by 
Mr. Wallace, of Colchester, It is of a deep purple colour, with minute 
xeflexed petals, the sepals (falls) having curious clasps embracing the 
