32 
NUTTALLIA MALV^FLORA. 
a specimen of N. grandiflora grows to a large bush five feet high, and is most 
prodigally clothed with its specious blossoms. 
The lively little species to which we have now to call attention is not equal, 
either in the size or richness of its flowers, to those already mentioned. It is, 
however, entirely new ; while botli the habit and blossoms are exceedingly elegant. 
Messrs. Young, of the Epsom nursery, possess plants of it, which were furnished 
from the Glasgow Botanic Garden, where it is regarded as an inhabitant of Texas. 
We have not seen it in any other London nursery, and presume it flowered for the 
first time in Britain at the above establishment in August, 1839. To this firm we 
owe cur opportunity of obtaining the present drawing. 
Being a slender evergreen species, it would seem to require rather different 
treatment from that we have been recommending for its allies. In the absence of 
any accurate knowledge of its habits, it has very naturally been confined in a 
greenhouse hitherto, and to this circumstance some of the paleness of its flowers, 
together with the tenuity of its stems, is most probably due. Both these points 
would certainly be improved by summer exposure, or, if the plant is found capable 
of enduring it, a constant position in the open ground. 
But whatever doubt may be still entertained regarding its degree of hardihood, 
there can be none respecting the propriety of subjecting it as much as possible to 
the solar beams, and using every method to check its development through the 
winter. Comparative drought, and a light, well-ventilated situation, are the only 
particulars which we need enforce ; but they must be considered of paramount and 
even vital moment. To maintain the former of these, nothing is of more consequence 
than observing to provide each specimen with a pot of the precise size, or, in 
preference to being larger, rather smaller than the extension of its roots positively 
requires. 
In its multiplication, the roots must be divided at the coUum or neck, although 
cuttings may occasionally be procured which, with considerable care, are now and 
then induced to form roots. Seeds are sparingly matured, and when these can 
be saved, they of course supply the readiest means of increase. 
The specific name, malvcEjiora^ alludes to the close resemblance which the 
flowers bear to some species of Malva. It is adopted here on account of its great 
appropriateness. 
