POTENTILLA FORMOSA. 
HANDSOME NEPAUL CINQUEFOIL. 
Class. Order. 
ICOSANDRIA. POLYGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
ROSACEJS. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
Nepaul. 
6 inches. 
July, Aug. 
Perennial. 
in 1822. 
No. 157. 
The term, Potentilla, probably originated amongst 
the Simplers of the early ages of botany, when ve- 
getables were principally regarded for their medici- 
nal virtues; and specific qualities were attributed to 
each. It is from the Latin potentia, power ; but form- 
ed in the diminutive, to indicate its strength as com- 
paratively little. Formosa, from the Latin, handsome. 
The plant is in some collections under the name 
of Potentilla Nepalensis, after Dr. Hooker. No 
great merit can be claimed for either specific name; 
for as other species are brought from Nepaul, and 
are also equally beautiful, these terms have no pe- 
culiar application to one species alone. 
Several beautiful Potentillas have been introdu- 
ced within the last few years, and this, with one of 
deeper colour, the Potentilla atrosanguinea, has been 
much sought after and admired. As they are in- 
creased with facility, they will soon be generally 
received favourites. 
The Potentilla formosa produces seed, from which 
it may be readily propagated ; or the roots may be 
divided in the spring. A dry light soil, and a warm 
situation, appear most congenial to its habits. 
40 Hooker exot. fl. 88. 
