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NERIUM THYRSIFLORUM. 
(dense-flowered oleander.) 
CLASS. order. 
PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
natural order. 
APOCYNE^. 
Generic Character. — Calyx five parted, persistent. Corolla salver-shaped, (hypocrateriform). Sur- 
mounted at the orifice with little cut appendages ; segments twisted. Stamens five, inserted into 
the middle of the tube. Anthers arrow-shaped (sagittate), fixed by the middle to the stigma. 
Specific Character Plant an evergreen shrub, from four to five feet high. Stem smooth, of a branch- 
ing habit. Leaves linear, lanceolate, smooth, perfectly opposite, with very conspicuous veins ; upper 
side of a deep green colour, under somewhat paler. Calyx of a light brown, four parted. Corolla 
a bright rich pink. Flowers produced in loose terminal cymes. 
The plant, from which the accompanying figure was taken, produced flowers 
about July last in Mr. Tate's nursery at Chelsea ; by whom it was raised from 
seeds, about six years ago, sent either from Sylhet or Nepal by Lady Amherst. 
We are not aware of its having been previously described in any of the 
Botanical publications of this country, nor of its existing in any collection, except 
that of Mr. Tate, who says upon the authority of several practical Botanists, 
among whom is Mr. Smith at Kew, that it is a distinct species, distinguished from 
the rest of the family, particularly from the Nerium splendensy to which it approxi- 
mates, by its long lanceolate leaves, which exceed those of that species two or three 
inches, also by the veins being differently dispersed, and much more conspicuous. 
It is certainly a splendid production, and no doubt will prove a valuable acces- 
sion to the green-house, &c. ; and, from its habit being in general accordance with 
the whole genus of which it forms a part, we infer that the treatment required for 
them will also suit it. 
The generic name Nerium is from the Greek, in reference to the plant being 
found growing in the Southern parts of Europe upon the verges of rivulets. 
We have retained the specific name under which the seeds were received in this 
country, as being more expressive of the dense collection of flowers produced on a 
single cyme. 
VOL. Ill N0> XXVIII. L 
