52 
LOBELIA FULGENS {Var. Propinqua). 
(a new nearly related variety of the fulgent lobelia flower.) ' 
class. order. 
PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
LOBELIACE.E. 
Generic Character. — Calyx of five teetli. Corolla tubular, irregular, cleft from tlie top of tlie tube, 
into long divisions. Stamens having the anthers united and bearded. Style simple. Capsule two- 
celled, dissepiments bearing the placenta. 
Specific Character. — Stems erect, and of a dark red colour. Leaves sitting, obovate, slightly serrated, 
margins undulated, greenish purple when young, ultimately light red. Flowers in a long spike^ 
colour bright scarlet. 
This fine hybrid variety of Lobelia was raised from seeds of the L. fulgens 
impregnated with the pollen of L, splendens. It partakes of the character of both 
parents ; but is much superior to either in manner of growth and general habit. The 
spikes measure from two and a half to three feet in height, forming elegant 
pyramids. 
This variety succeeds well under the ordinary treatment required by the other 
Mexican and Cape of Good Hope species ; that is, planted in light rich earth in 
summer in the open air, and given the protection of a frame in winter. They are 
increased by suckers or seeds. 
Our drawing was taken in the nursery of Messrs. C. J. and P. Young of 
Epsom, where it was growing luxuriantly in beds, and aggregately forming a 
magnificent spectacle. 
This fine genus of ornamental plants received its name in honour of M. Lobel, 
a celebrated botanist and physician, who died in 1616. LinnjEUs included the 
Lobelia in his nineteenth class, Syngenesia, and order Mo7iogamia ; because the 
flowers are simple, but with united anthers. This order, however, is now abolished, 
and transferred to the class and order as above. It gives a title to the natural 
order LoheliacecE, and is there associated with four other genera. The old cardinal 
flower, L. cardinalisj or Chapeaii rouge of the French gardeners, is a favourite 
everywhere. 
