103 
HIBISCUS MULTIFIDUS. 
(many-parted leaved hibiscus.) 
class. ouder. 
MONADELPHIA, POLYANDRIA. 
NATURAL ORDER, 
MALVACE^. 
Generic Character. — Vide vol. iii. p. 147. 
Specific Character. — Plant a deciduous shrub. Stem smooth, roundish, much hranching, rather 
succulent. Leaves divided down to their base into numerous linear segments, and these again 
sometimes subdivided, or producing unequal lateral lobes, quite glabrous. Calyx composed of five 
equal, long, lanceolate, acuminate segments, almost the length of the corolla. Corolla of a very 
pale azure colour, tinged with crimson at the orifice, and deepening into a richer crimson towards the 
base. 
No one can question that tlie explorers of the Swan River Colony have con- 
tributed more towards supplying our gardens with new plants, than has been done 
since such extensive importations of seeds were made from New Holland. And 
though the number of novel species now in a seedling state amounts to several 
hundreds, we have not hitherto witnessed one in flower which promises to be more 
ornamental than the handsome Hibiscus^ of which a figure is annexed. Circum- 
stances unfavourable to its full development rendered the flowers rather tardy in 
expanding last autumn ; but, when those are more propitious in another season, it 
will most probably blossom as liberally as any of its congeners. 
It will be recollected, by persons acquainted with the genus, that the flowers 
of the majority of its species open very slowly, and are exceedingly fugitive. If 
this plant, therefore, should prove to be of a similar habit, no wonder need be felt. 
We do not anticipate that such will ultimately be the case. The probability is 
only suggested to prevent future disappointment. 
Divested of all considerations concerning the expansion of its inflorescence, its 
outline and leaves are eminently pleasing ; while the blooms, when properly 
unfolded, are superlatively lovely. The light delicate azure which constitutes tlie 
standard colour of the latter, is shown to excellent advantage by the finely-rounded 
