220 BLANDFORDIA GRANDIFLORA. 
when we state that, unlike the bulbous plants with which it is naturally associated, 
it retains its blooms in all their beauty for several weeks. 
Its chief merits, besides that above mentioned, are that it is a tuberous-rooted, 
not a bulbous perennial, in consequence of which, its habit is altogether dissimilar 
to that of bulbs ; that its foliage is preserved throughout the winter ; that the 
inflorescence is borne on a strong rigid flower-stalk, just short and stout enough to 
support itself; and that it produces blossoms which are copious, elegantly disposed, 
large, and of very bright as well as variously-shaded tints. 
The original species (B. nohilis) on which the genus Blandfordia was originally 
founded, in honour of the Marquis of Blandford, by Sir J. E. Smith, is not very 
manifestly distinct from B. grandiflora, except in its much larger flowers, in the 
length of the bracts being equal to that of the peduncles during the expansion of the 
inflorescence, (although the peduncles are considerably elongated after the flowers 
have withered,) and in the numerous small serratures along the margins of the leaves. 
The latter point, which would seem to have been overlooked by Mr. Brown in his 
description of the species, has been particularly observed by Dr. Lindley who 
prefers it as a specifically representative feature. 
With reference to the direct origin of the species, nothing is correctly known. 
Dr. Lindley says, that it was growing, many years ago, in Mr. Colville's nursery, 
of Chelsea ; and that it had been raised from seeds collected in some part of 
New Holland by Mr. John Richardson. That New Holland is really its native 
country there can be little question ; and it was most probably introduced to our 
greenhouses about the year 1812. 
From the evergreen character of its leaves, it may easily be augured that 
the treatment bestowed on Cape bulbs would not be appropriate for this plant. 
Owing to the necessity for watering the soil in which it grows all the winter, 
it becomes important that a little more heath-mould than is afforded to bulbs 
should be employed, and that it be kept perpetually in a light airy greenhouse, 
with a dry winter atmosphere, but not too dry at the roots. It is said to thrive 
most luxuriantly when planted in the border of a conservatory, but of this method 
of treatment we cannot speak personally, not having seen it practised. Grown 
in a pot of moderate dimensions, it flowers profusely at Messrs. Loddiges, and 
is increased by division of the roots. 
