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AZALEA INDICA SM1THII. 
(MR. SMITH'S INDIAN AZALEA.) 
CLASS. ORDER. 
PENT-DEC ANDRI A. MONOGYNIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
RHODORACEiE. 
Generic Character. — Vol. 1, p. 126. 
Specific Character. — A shrub growing from four to six feet high, evergreen. Stems numerous, 
branching, thickly covered with brown hairs. Leaves betwixt elliptical and lanceolate, upper 
surface shining green, under surface somewhat lighter, covered with brown hairs, both on the 
upper and under surface. Flowers usually single, but sometimes in pairs, terminal. Corolla 
scarlet. 
Variety Smithii. — Flowers of a rich dark rose colour, large, measuring upwards of three inches in 
diameter, spotted with darker spots ; collected in a fine head at the termination of the branches. 
In other respects resembling the A. indica. 
Synonym. — Rhododendron Indicum Smithii, Brit. Fl. Gard. N. S. 154. 
This very splendid variety of Azalea was raised by Mr. Smith, late of Coombe 
Wood, from seeds of Azalea phcenicea, that had been fertilised with A. Indicum. 
In many respects this plant possesses the characters of both the kinds, but it varies 
from them both by its flowers often forming fine bunches, similar to those of 
Rhododendron. Our figure represents a bunch of this kind ; but this is not a 
standing characteristic. Sometimes only two or three flowers terminate each of 
the branches. It is, however, a very free flowerer, and is easy of culture, requir- 
ing the shelter of a greenhouse, and the same kind of treatment as detailed, Vol. 1, 
p. 126. 
For our figure we are indebted to the kindness of Messrs. Lees, Nurserymen, 
Hammersmith, where fine young plants may be obtained at a moderate price. 
VOL. ii. — NO. XIX. 
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