Class. 
PENTANDRIA. 
ORPHIUM FRUTESCENS. 
(Shrubby Orphium,) 
Natural Order. 
GENTIANACEJE. 
Order. 
MONOGYNIA. 
Generic Character. — Calyx divided into five convex 
lobes. Disk very much annulated, situated between 
the calyx and the corolla. Corolla rotate, marcescent, 
with a five-cleft limb. Stamens five, decimate, inserted 
in the throat of the corolla. Anthers twisted, dehiscent, 
the fissures opening longitudinally. Ovarium partially 
two-celled, with an indefinite number of ovules inserted 
on the margins of the valves. Style distinct, deciduous, 
frequently incurved ; the stigma capitate or bilobed at 
the apex. Capsule two-valved, one-celled, with very 
minute seeds immerged in the placentas. 
Specific Character — Plant rather a dwarf shrub, 
evergreen. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, villose or pubes- 
cent, with scabrous margins. — Be Cand. Prodr ., v. ix. 
Synonymes. — Chironia frutescens, C. decussata, 
llosslinia frutescens . 
Out of nearly sixty Chironias of numerous authors, about a dozen only are left in 
that genus by 13 e Candolle, in the arrangement of it in volume ix. of bis “ Prodro- 
mus.” Orphium frutescens, widely known as Chironia decussata , and also llosslinia 
frutescens of some authors, is the only member, if we except two varieties of it, at 
present forming the genus, which was established by E. Meyer. 
The interesting greenhouse plant here depicted, though invested with the charm 
of novelty as far as its name is concerned— -the one it now hears is not much known 
— cannot boast of it further, 1798 being given as the period of its introduction from 
the Cape, of which it is a native. Under good management it grows into a close 
dwarf, hut, if allowed, rather a large bush ; its branches are short, tolerably strong, 
well clothed with leaves, and bear their large handsome blossoms terminally in great 
profusion, through the latter summer months. When not in flower it is a nice 
evergreen, and plants are more attractive in either state if of medium rather than a 
large size. 
Of greenhouse plants we may remark that it is not a little surprising so few ol 
them are planted in the open ground, in summer. There are few collections that do 
not, every season, furnish several specimens which, either from their too great size 
or old age, and consequent loss of vigour, are regarded as done with, but are year 
after year afforded a place out of mere respect, so to speak. Instead oi treating 
them thus, it would be far better to turn them into the open beds or borders, or give 
them a shift, and plunge them in their pots. Again, there is often a superfluity in 
