28 ROELLA ELEGANS. 
Our figure represents only a single branch, but tlie plant seldom exceeds nine 
or ten inches in height, and forms a peculiarly neat and symmetrical object. 
Although its habit appears to be herbaceous, we have never observed it destitute 
of stems or leaves, so that these are evidently produced in constant succession. It 
is probable that the plant is suffruticose, but neither its superficial aspect nor a 
close examination warrant us in making such an assertion. 
As its general mode of growth seems to be different from most other herba- 
ceous stove plants, some variation from the usual course of treatment is necessary 
in its cultivation. With regard to soil, it prefers a sandy loam, with a very 
trifling addition of heath-mould. The smallest pot into which the roots can be 
inserted, without undue compression, will be the most suitable, as too much pot- 
room is decidedly prejudicial. As with other stove plants, a period of dormancy 
is beneficial ; still it must be supplied with water during the entire season, 
and will not be injured by being continually subjected to a moderately high tem- 
perature. Indeed, if kept in a hothouse, it will flower during the whole of the 
winter months. Especial care should be taken to place it in a position alike free 
from the shade of other plants and the droppings from them or from the roof 
of the house, caused by the condensation of vapour, or admitted from the exterior 
surface. It should be kept on a dry stage or shelf, but a slightly-humid atmo- 
sphere will be rather propitious than otherwise. 
Seeds are liberally matured, and germinate successfully if sown in very light 
soil in shallow pans, and these plunged in a moderate bottom heat. Cuttings also 
succeed very well under the ordinary treatment, with all due precaution in pre- 
serving them from superabundant moisture. 
We regret that the native country of this plant has hitherto baffled our 
inquiries. It was received at the Epsom nursery from the Glasgow Botanic 
Garden, and our figure was prepared from a plant which flowered beautifully in 
the stove of Messrs. Young, in May, 1838. 
The generic name was applied by Linnaeus in commemoration of Mr. George 
Roelle, professor of anatomy at Amsterdam. 
