RANUN^CULUS PLATANIFO'LIUS. 
flore pleno. 
PLANE-TREE-LEAVED CROWFOOT, 
Class. Order. 
POLYANDRIA. POLYGYNIA. 
Natural Order . 
RANUNCULACB^. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
Germany. 
2 feet. 
.lune, July. 
Perennial. 
in 1769. 
No. 295. 
The name Rammculiis is generally allowed to have 
had its orgin in the Latin word rana, a frog; in con- 
sequence of some of these plants growing in moist 
situations, such as are inhabited by frogs. Platani- 
folius, from platanus, the plane-tree, and folium, a 
leaf. It is to be regretted that botanists ever estab- 
lish names on the comparison of plants. The practice 
can but be considered very imperfect, inasmuch as 
it supposes a previous knowledge of a plant not 
present; and furthermore, confusion is created by 
the change of genera consequent on the extension of 
the science. 
This plant is the Ranunculus aconitifolius of Curtis, 
and frequently known by the name of Fair Maids of 
France. Its delicate and neatly formed blossoms 
make it a great favourite with most cultivators. 
It will not flourish in every soil and situation, as 
many have proved, who possess only a damp worn- 
out soil, in a smoky situation. In a rather sandy 
reddish loam, and a pure atmosphere, it will not fail 
to prosper, and to produce great plenty of its delicate 
flowers. It may be divided at the root, either in 
autumn or spring. 
Hort. Kew. 2. v. 3, 354. 
