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WITSENIA MAURA, 
In its manner of growth, as we have above observed, it is not unlike 
W. corymbosa. The stems are, however, much stronger, the leaves thicker and 
larger, and confined more to the summit of the stem, while it attains a greater 
average height, and is less bushy. The flowers are, nevertheless, its most remark- 
able features. They proceed in pairs, from imbricated sheaths at the apex of the 
stem, and have a peculiarly long tube, which is green on the lower part, and 
gradually merges into a blackish purple at the top. From this colour the specific 
name is applied. The limb of the flower is bright 
yellow, but, as far as we have been able to deter- 
mine, the lobes never expand, and it is always seen 
in the closed state shown in the figure, with the 
germen and its style protruding slightly beyond. 
The woodcut, as it includes the entire plant, will 
afford a notion of the common habitude of the species. 
With regard to cultivation, it should be potted 
in a soil composed chiefly of turfy heath-mould, to 
which may be added a little open loam and sand. 
The plant must on no account be overpotted, and 
particular caution is requisite to preserve it from 
superfluous moisture, which, if allowed to collect 
either in the air or about the roots, inevitably kills 
it. It should be placed in a light, dry, and airy 
part of the greenhouse, and if thus managed, there 
will be no danger of its being destroyed. Cuttings 
of the young branches may be struck in a moderate heat, if dampness be properly 
avoided. 
The genus commemorates M. Witsen, a Dutch patron of botanical pursuits. 
