]Q4 GESNERIA OBLONGATA. 
removed from most others as in its general structure. We have witnessed specimens 
flowering with almost equal vigour in the stove, the greenhouse, and a house of 
intermediate temperature. In the former case, the blossoms unfolded themselves 
more rapidly, and the leaves maintained a more vivid verdure, but this appeared to 
be solely owing to its greater exposure to light in the greenhouse. It rarely exceeds 
two or three feet in height, and is invariably handsomest when not suffered to grow 
too luxuriantly. 
If placed in a house appropriated to Camellias, and having a western aspect, it 
would doubtless develop itself as perfectly as if retained in a stove. By this means, 
those individuals who do not possess a structure of the latter description, might easily 
cultivate this plant ; and, as it will continue blooming for three or four months 
incessantly, this period being also the least favourable to the production of any 
other kinds of flowers, we regard it as indispensable to the smallest collections, and 
cordially recommend its extensive culture. To the cultivator of tropical plants it 
is especially acceptable, as the treatment usually bestowed on these is undoubtedly 
the most congenial, and therewith it would supply a brilliant profusion of its showy 
flowers during the entire duration of the most gloomy season of the year. 
With regard to soil, and other particulars of culture, there is nothing peculiar to 
our present plant, and it may be managed as the rest of the genus. Being a kind 
of under-shrub, and an evergreen, it will not endure the drought and dormancy to 
which tuberous species are subjected, although a partial rest is requisite after it has 
ceased growing. When the stems grow too straggling, they may safely be pruned 
to within a few inches of their base. 
Cuttings strike freely at any time when young shoots can be obtained. Their 
extraordinary propensity to flower must be duly checked during the enactment 
of this process, by the removal of the flower buds on their first appearance. 
Several years have elapsed since its first introduction to this country, and it is 
now comparatively common in nurseries, from whence it may be procured for a very 
trifling charge. We believe it to be a native of South America. 
To Messrs. Rollison, of Tooting, we are indebted for the specimen from which 
the accompanying drawing 1 was made. These gentlemen possess a considerable 
number of plants of various sizes. It begins to expand its flowers in the month of 
October, and there yet remain a few scattered blossoms on some specimens. Our 
figure was taken last January. 
The generic name has been explained in vol. i. p. 224. 
