220 COLEUS BARBATUS. 
the parts of fructification, being all well exhibited by their rather unusual mode of 
growth, (the lower lip of the flower turning downwards, and showing its interior 
from above,) present a very interesting appearance. 
The species is said to have been introduced from Abyssinia, in the year 1806 ; 
but it is also a native of various parts of India, such as Mysore, Bangalore, Nepal, 
&c., where it is found in mountainous districts. In consideration of this fact, 
we think it probable that it might succeed in a greenhouse, or at least in one of 
intermediate temperature between that and the stove. 
It is a shrubby or subshrubby plant, delighting in any common mixture of 
loam and peat, which is of a light porous description, and adequately drained. 
Only a moderate-sized pot is demanded, and a liberal supply of water in the 
growing season. It must be kept tolerably dry in the winter, or the shoots will 
be injured. 
Its flowering period is from August to November, during which time it bears a 
great profusion of blossoms, which, besides the pleasing features before pointed out, 
are beset with white hairs. 
These, on the blue ground, 
have a very neat effect. Pro- 
j^agation is performed by cut- 
tings. The subjoined woodcut 
will furnish a better illustra- 
tion of its general aspect. 
The generic name is de- 
rived from koleos, a sheath ; 
the filaments being connected 
By this peculiarity, the genus 
is easily distinguished from all others of the order. 
