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RUSSELIA JUNCEA. 
(rushy-branched RUSSELIA.) 
ORDER. 
ANGIOSPERMIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
SCROPHULARINE^. 
Generic Character. — Calyx five -parted. Corolla two-lipped, upper lip broadest and emarginate ; 
lower, divided into three linear segments. Throat rather hairy. Stigma globose. Capsule one- 
celled, two-valved, many-seeded. 
Specific Character .Plant with numerous flexile, pendulous, rush-like, smooth angulated greenish, 
branches springing from the base and axilla of the likewise angular smooth stem about three feet 
and a half in length. Leaves small, smooth, opposite, ovate, acute, occasionally with a single serra- 
ture on each side of the leaf near the point. Flowers issuing from the axilla of the leaves upon a 
more or less lengthened angular stalk, so as to form a loose panicle or raceme at the end of the 
branches. Calyx consisting of five ovate acute segments. Corolla trumpet-shaped, upwards of 
an inch in length, of a bright scarlet. Limb divided into five obtuse unequal portions. Stamens 
four, two of which are longest (Didynamous). Anthers smooth, oblong. Stigma two-lobed. 
The appearance of this plant, with its many twiggy, drooping, rush-like, greenish 
branches, and rich profusion of trumpet-shaped scarlet flowers, was truly splendid in 
the months of August and September last, in the hothouse at Chatsworth ; 
and what gave it additional effect was the suspension of the pot by wires from one 
of the rafters, which enabled the branches to pursue their drooping tendency with- 
out interruption. From this it is clear to us that to see this plant in all its natural 
ease and beauty it must enjoy a similar situation : and as it is so easy to perform, 
and the plant so worthy of the trouble, it cannot fail to be practised by all true 
admirers of beautiful flowering plants. The accompanying wood-cut figure was 
sketched at the time the coloured representation was taken, and conveys a good 
idea of the habit of the branches to hang over the rim of the pot. 
Found in Mexico by Count Karwinski, and introduced to the gardens of this 
country from BerHn and Munich. 
To grow it well, an atmosphere intermediate between the stove and greenhouse 
seems to suit excellently. The plant at Chatsworth was grown in the succulent- 
CLASS. 
DIDYNAMIA. 
