SILENE LACINIATA. 
(cUT-PET ALLED CATCHFLY.) 
CLASS. ORDER. 
DECANDRIA. TRIGYNIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
CARY GPHYLLEiE. 
Generic Character Calyx angular, five-cleft. Petals five, clawed, as long as the calyx. Capsule 
slightly three-celled opening at the end. Seeds many, kidney-shaped. 
Specific Character Stem erect and branching, covered with soft hairs. Leaves spear-shaped, acute. 
Flowers axillary, and terminal. Calyx cylindric, inflated, greenish yellow, with a slight tinge of 
red. Corolla twice the length of the calyx, petals five, each cut into four narrow segments two 
thirds of the length of the limb, segments acute, whole of the corolla bright scarlet. 
This plant was introduced from Mexico, in 1823, by the Right Hon. George 
Canning, and more recently by Mr. Graham. 
It is nearly hardy, and thrives pretty well in a cool part of the greenhouse; 
but if the situation be dry, the plant is apt to become infested with the red spider. 
This may be remedied by occasionally sprinkling clear water over the leaves in 
fine weather at the time of watering. It may also be grown in a frame, with 
little trouble, or in the open border during the summer season. 
The best sort of soil is a mixture of sandy loam and peat. It is increased 
by cuttings and by seeds, which are sometimes produced. 
Our drawing was taken from a plant which flowered in the greenhouse at 
Chats worth. 
VOL. i. — no, xir. 
N N 
