CULTURE OF THE GENUS LAGERSTRCEMIA. 
This is certainly so splendid a genus of shrubs, that, taking it altogether, few 
c[ surpass it ; the management of the species, also, when understood, is far from 
b« ig difficult, although a person unacquainted with their habits would be very likely 
t( ( ome to a different conclusion. 
There are only seven species known, all natives of the East Indies, China, and 
tl; neighbouring parts ; six only of these have come under our notice as having been 
if educed; namely, L. elegans, grandijiora , inclica, parvijlora, regince , and speciosa. 
C these, all except elegans are old inhabitants of our stoves, especially indica and 
r\'nce, the former of which was introduced in 1759, and the latter in 1792 : the 
0 3rs, with the exception of the one above-mentioned, have all been brought into this 
ejntry during the present century. 
With us, under proper management, they form deciduous shrubs and trees of 
sae size and great beauty. Growing naturally within the tropics, the temperature 
duhe stove is necessary to grow them to perfection. 
L. elegans is now beautifully in flower in the large conservatory at Chatsworth. 
1 3 plant in some respects resembles L. indica , but its growth is far more 
rust, its flowering season is later, and its whole habit, when the two are seen 
t ether, very distinct. The blossoms are produced in large leafy panicles at the 
e remities of the branches; they are large, rich rose-coloured and yellow, curled, 
al very showy. It is a native of the East Indies, and was discovered by Dr. 
Idlich. Introduced in 1841. 
L. grandijiora. — This is another very gay species, bearing a profusion of rose- 
c lured flowers. The blossoms themselves are something larger than the last, but 
t panicles being less, they scarcely make so much show as those of elegans. 
1 was found on the hill-sides, at Chittagong, in the East Indies, and was introduced 
be in 1818. 
L. indica. — This has been the longest known to us, and is probably the hand- 
6 aest of the whole ; certainly no introduced species has yet surpassed it : its graceful 
i nder branches, small bright green leaves, and large terminal panicles of showy 
3 e-coloured curled flowers, render it an object which cannot be passed without 
f miration. It is a native of China and Japan, where it forms one of the most 
I ^emed shrubs, growing eight or ten feet high. 
L. parvijlora. > — This has perhaps the fewest attractions to recommend it to our 
■ tice of any of the kinds. The panicles are produced at the termination of the 
inches, and are many-flowered, but the flowers are small and white, and although 
stty when examined, yet make but little appearance in a collection of plants, 
grows on the mountain-sides of the Circars, in the East Indies, and forms a 
reading shrub about twelve feet high. The natives are said to make use of its 
VOL. XIV. NO. CLXV. 
E E 
