LOA'SA ACANTHIFO'LIA. 
ACANTHUS-LEAVED LOASA. 
Class. Order. 
POLYADELPHIA. POLYANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
LOASEJE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
Chili. 
6 inches. 
June, Sept. 
Annual. 
in 1822. 
No. 252. 
The name Loasa, was instituted by Adanson, in 
honour of a Spanish botanist. This is the Loasa 
Placei of some of the modern catalogues ; but hav- 
ing been published under the specific name, acan- 
thifolia, this appellation is better known. 
It may be presumed that Adanson did not choose 
his title because any likeness could be traced be- 
tween the plants of this genus and the individual 
after whom he named it, or some of its qualities 
would resound but little to the praise of Don Loasa. 
Their flowers are extremely curious, and the botanist 
will have gratification in giving place to a plant or 
two of it amongst his annuals ; but, in addition to a 
curious flower, it carries a most virulent sting. 
Our common nettle is inoffensive in comparison 
with the Loasa acanthifolia. The sting of the nettle 
has a local action, of short duration only ; but a punc- 
ture by the Loasa acanthifolia, on the wrist, we have 
known to be severely felt, from that joint to the elbow, 
during the subsequent week. 
The young plants should be raised in the spring, 
with the assistance of a slight hotbed; and when 
removed, they require careful protection from slugs. 
Ency. of Plants 658. 
