2(15 
IXORA BANDHUCA. 
(bANDHOOKA IXORA.), 
CLASS. 
TETRANDRIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
RUBIACE^. 
Gknf.ric Character. — Calyx foiir-parted. Corolla monopetalous, funnel-shaped, limbs cut into four 
segments. Stamens four, above the throat. Berry four-seeded. 
Spkcific Character. — A bushy shrub ; branches nunaerous ; whilst young, smooth and bright green ; 
Avlien old, rather rough and of a dull brown. Leaves oblong, blunt, smooth, and shining, opposite, 
having short footstalks, but appearing to clasp the stem. Flowers numerous, in corymbs, tei'minal. 
Calyx rather purple-coloured. Corolla scarlet at first, and afterwards becoming darker until it is 
deep crimson ; tube slender, more than twice as long as the expanded limb ; segments of the limb 
elliptic-ovate, spreading. Berry purple ; little larger than a garden pea. 
For the figure of this highly ornamental plant we are indebted to the kindness 
of Messrs. Loddiges. It is a native of Hindoostan, from whence it was introduced 
to this country by Sir Abraham Hume, about the year 1812. 
In its native country it is said to form a good sized bush, which at the season 
of flowering makes a splendid show ; indeed, in this country, when the plant is 
well grown, the corymbs of flowers are large, and the petals well expanded; the 
richness of the crimson colour being contrasted with the bright green of the leaves, 
together with the dwarf habits of the plant, the whole forms a spectacle scarcely 
surpassed for splendour by any of the other inmates of our stoves. 
It requires to be constantly kept in a damp stove, with much of the same tem- 
perature as for Orchidece. The plant is very liable to be infested with Aphides at 
the extremities of the branches ; therefore, if the shoots do not appear to grow 
freely, examine the young leaves, and if covered with insects clean them off" with a 
sponge and clean water. Syringe over head three times a week in dry weather 
during summer, but in winter be careful that the leaves are kept dry. 
The soil best suited for its growth is a mixture of sandy heath mould, loam, and 
well rotted dung, about equal quantities. 
Cuttings of the half-ripened wood strike very freely, if planted in pots of sand, 
plunged in a brisk moist heat, and covered with a bell-glass, 
VOL. II. NO. XXIV. L L 
ORDER. 
MONOGYNIA. 
