about an inch long. The anthers are ovate, with a distinct 
pair of lobes attached to rather a convex connective. The 
ovary is almost entirely buried in a fleshy 4-lobed disk ; the 
style is long, violet, follows the direction of the stamens, and 
ends in a stigma with two equal subulate lobes. Both the 
style and filaments are twisted spirally before the corolla 
expands.” 
* ‘ This plant evidently belongs to the Ocymoideous La- 
biate plants, hut does not agree with any of the published 
genera. Its singular calyx seems by itself to mark it suffi- 
ciently, Independently of which the plant differs from Plectran- 
thus and its allies in the equal size of the two lips of the 
corolla ; and from Ocymum and its allies in the long declinate 
stamens, distinctly bilabiate corolla, and whole habit. 
Such was the view we took of this plant some months ago. 
Since that time it has been suggested to us by Mr. Bentham 
that the plant is very near Ocymum filamentosum, and upon 
turning to the descriptions of that species we find them so 
much alike, that we cannot doubt their belonging to the same 
genus if not the same species. It is not however quite certain 
as to the latter point, because Mr. Bentham describes his 
plant with appendages to the longer pair of anthers, of which 
appendages we have no trace in our plant. 
Be this however as it may, we regard Becium as distinct 
from Ocymum for the reasons formerly given. 
Fig. 1. represents the remarkable calyx; 2. a portion of 
the corolla with the 4 stamens ; 3. the pistil, having its ovary 
plunged in a lobed disk. 
It is a half-hardy plant ; but, coming from a warmer 
climate than many other kinds which we commonly find in 
greenhouses, it will not bear such a great degree of cold in 
winter. It will flower freely in the autumn and winter in a 
temperature of from 40° to 45°, and is adapted for conserva- 
tories which are kept about this temperature. When potted 
in any light common soil, it grows freely and is very easily 
multiplied by cuttings. 
