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ASTELMA EXIMIUM. 
(FINE ASTELMA.) 
CLASS. 
SYNGENESIA 
NATURAL ORDER. 
COMPOSITE. 
Generic Character. — Receptacle naked (neither chaffy nor honey-comhed) . Pappus feathery, sessile ; 
rays connate at the base. Involucrum (calyx) imbricated, with scarious scales, the innermost of 
which are connivent. Bot. Reg. 538. 
Specific Character. — Leaves sessile, ovate, close, erect, downy. Corymb sessile. Loudon's Ency. 
of Plants. 
The genus Astelma, of which the species here figured was the origin, was first 
separated from Gnaphalium by that distinguished botanist Mr. R. Brown, on ac- 
count of the difference in its character to that of the genus just named, which will 
be perceived by reference to the description above given. Since that time, how- 
ever, it has received several accessions from the genus Helichrysum, referred hither 
by Mr. D. Don, and it is so closely allied to the latter genus, that Mr. Brown 
states the only difference that exists is in the calyx of Astelma being rayless. 
Of all the species of the genus, (none of which are by any means destitute of 
interest,) the one here represented is by far the most splendid, and its fine crimson- 
coloured globular blossoms constitute it in all respects worthy of the specific ap- 
pellation which has been bestowed upon it, and which may correctly be rendered 
" superlatively excellent." Besides the striking beauty of its flowers, and the liberal 
manner in which they are produced, it possesses the additional recommendation of 
being one of those plants popularly termed " everlasting flowers," that is, the scales 
of its flowers, being of a dry chaffy nature, do not rapidly decay, but, maintaining 
the brightness and freshness of their texture, remain expanded a considerable length 
of time. On this account it merits more general attention and cultivation than it 
ORDER. 
POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. 
