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RIGIDELLA FLAMMEA. 
most noticeable feature, however, is the partially pendulous or bent nature of the 
peduncles during the period at which the flowers are in perfection, and their 
rapidly rising, when relieved from the compression of the decayed flower, to a purely 
perpendicular position, as seen in the figure. 
To the individual who derives pleasure from watching the processes of Nature, 
there is much that will afford amusement in this captivating plant. The astonish- 
ing quickness with which its flowers are developed, — their progression being nearly 
visible to an attentive observer, — and the equally apparent rapidity which marks 
their decline, immediately on the occurrence of which they twist themselves in the 
way represented by the drawing, and after having fallen, allow the flower-stalk 
instantaneously to erect itself ; deserve special and close examination. The weight 
of the blossom alone cannot be sufficient to occasion such a change in position ; for 
the erectness is preserved while the seed-vessels are being matured, and the seeds 
must be as heavy as the withered flower. It is doubtless some beautiful contriv- 
ance for ensuring the due performance of a needful operation, which it would be 
worthy of the inquiring naturalist to ascertain and disclose. 
So far as it has hitherto been cultivated, it appears to require similar treatment 
to that given to tlie old and magnificent Tigridia pavonia, to which it greatly 
assimilates in habit. It may be grown with the greatest ease in a pot of loamy 
soil, mixed with a little heath-mould and sand, taking up the bulbs when the 
leaves have decayed, and repotting them towards the month of November. A 
greenhouse or cold frame will be quite hot enough. Most likely it will be found, 
from experience, that a pit or frame in which it can be planted, and annually 
removed, with a sufficient protection from moisture and frost at certain seasons, will 
be altogether the most appropriate. And it is even probable that plants of it will 
succeed in the open border, if they can be slightly sheltered in autumn and winter. 
It is increased by offsets, which are not abundant, and the species is yet scarce. 
Seeds are reported to have been ripened in the Horticultural Society's gardens, by 
which it will soon be distributed. 
Mr. Groom, who supposes his specimens to be of South American origin, has 
two varieties ; one being marked in the inside of the flower with dark chocolate 
stripes, and the other having none of these markings. It blossoms in the month of 
June, producing a succession of flowers for several weeks, of which one is opened 
daily on each stem, about three, p.m., and remains perfect till seven in the same 
evening. 
Rigidella is derived from rigidus, rigid ; in reference to the stiffness of the 
peduncles when supporting the seed-vessels. 
