234 
FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
column, it takes the name of syncarpous. Considerable import is attached to these 
differences. The divisions or walls of the ovary, separating it into distinct chambers 
or cells, have received the appellation of placenta. The position of these latter in 
reference to the axis of inflorescence, constitutes an essential feature in some 
Orders, as they either diverge to the right and left, or point towards the stalk and 
in a contrary direction. Lastly, the ovary is sometimes inferior and sometimes 
superior to the calyx, the utility of which character has been pointed out under the 
remarks on the latter organ. 
FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
NEW AND RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS FOR 
OCTOBER. 
Batatas betacea. A very interesting and novel Convolvulaceous plant, 
native of Demerara, from whence it has recently been imported. Its greatest 
peculiarities are the red, fleshy, fusiform roots, which are said to resemble red beet, 
and purplish white flowers, with a dark centre. The species has a climbing 
herbaceous habitude, with ordinary leaves, and large axillary racemes of showy 
blossoms. " According to Mr. May, of the Ripon nursery, who first had it for 
sale, it is a stove plant, with sufficient hardiness to succeed in a good greenhouse ; 
which, considering the habits of such plants, is probable ; but it is doubtful 
whether it will flower well without high heat." Bot. Reg. 56. 
Calanthe discolor. Most probably introduced from Japan or Java, and 
first flowered at Ghent, but subsequently in England. " Its rich wine-red sepals 
and petals form so good a back-ground for the white lip, which they so much 
relieve, that this species is to be regarded as one of the handsomer species of the 
genus, and is certainly much more worth cultivating than C. veratrifolia, furcata, 
or densiflora^ which have whole-coloured blossoms." Plants sometimes grow a 
foot and a half in height, and seem to flower profusely. It requires to be planted 
in heath-soil, as the other species of the genus, and kept in a moist stove in 
summer. During winter, a cool dry house will be preferable. Bot. Reg. 55. 
Cystanthe sprengelioIdes. A singular shrub, discovered by Mr. Brown in 
Van Diemens Land, and very like a Cosmelia in general appearance. It is of an 
erect branching character, with small, rigid, stem-clasping, evergreen, reflexed 
leaves, and insignificant greenish yellow axillary flowers, which are, however, 
disposed in a cluster towards the ends of the branches. " The specimen described 
(now three feet and a half high, and growing freely) was raised in 1836 at the 
Botanical Garden, Edinburgh, from seeds obligingly communicated by N. B. 
Ward, Esq., of London, in the autumn before." Altogether it seems a plant of no 
particular ornament, with some curious botanical features. Bot. Mag. 3826. 
