OP ORNAMENTAL ANNUALS. 
141 
M. VISCOSA, Cav., syn. OXYBAPHUS VISCOSUS, Bot. Mag. t. 434. 
This species, Curtis tells us, is an annual, growing about two feet high. The whole plant is clammy, “ and 
if bruised smells somewhat disagreeably. The flowers do not open at any particular time like those ” of the 
common Marvel of Peru, and each contains only three stamens. When the flowers fall, which they do very soon 
after expanding, “ the calyx closes on the germen, enlarges, droops, and becomes deeply plaited; on the ripening 
of the seed it turns brown, expands, and is suspended like a little umbrella over the seed, which when perfectly 
ripe, drops out on the ground.” This plant is a native of Peru, and it was first raised in England in 1796 from 
seeds sent to the Marchioness of Bute, by Professor Ortega, of Madrid, who had obtained them from Peru. 
CHAPTER XXY. 
PRIMULACE7E. 
Essential Character. —Calyx 5-cleft, persistent. Corolla regular, central. Seeds numerous, peltate. Albumen none.— Leaves usually 
monopetalous, 5-cleft. Stamens 5, epipetalous, opposite the segments opposite, rarely alternate, usually radical.—( G. Don.) 
of the corolla. Stigma capitate. Capsule valvate, 1-celled. Placenta 
Description, &c.— This order contains the primrose, cowslip, polyanthus, cyclamen, &c., all well-known 
plants, but perennials. The genus Anagallis is indeed the only one belonging to the order which contains 
annuals, and even these might be called perennials, as most of them may, with care, be kept alive several years. 
GENUS I. 
ANAGALLIS, Lin. THE PIMPERNEL. 
Lin. Syst. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 
Generic Character. —Calyx 5-parted. Corolla wheel-shaped, 5-cleft, deciduous. Stamens 5. Filaments bearded, distinct at the base. 
Capsule truncated. 
% 
Description, &c.— The genus Anagallis is remarkable for the beauty and elegance of its flowers. Even the 
common Pimpernel or Shepherd’s Weather-glass ( A . aroensis), is one of the prettiest of our common British 
weeds, and the Bog Pimpernel ( A. tenella) is recommended for cultivation by Dr. Bindley, as a most 
delicate and elegant flower. (See Ladies Botany , vol. ii. p. 161.) The flower of the Anagallis, though 
monopetalous, like all the Primulacem, is so deeply lobed that it seems to consist of five petals. The seed-vessel 
is also remarkable, as it resembles an egg-shaped box, opening in the middle, and the lid coming off like a little 
cap with a feather in it, and showing the seeds closely packed up in the remaining half of the box below. The 
stems of the Pimpernels are prostrate and angular; and the flowers, which are produced in great abundance, 
are generally very showy. 
1.—ANAGALLIS INDICA, Suit. 
Engraving. —Swt. Brit. Flow. Gard. t. 132. 
Specific Character. —Stem ascending, branched, slightly winged. 
Leaves sessile, ovate-cordate, rough at the margin, somewhat blunt, 
THE INDIAN PIMPERNEL. 
clasping the stem, 5-nerved at the base, dotted beneath. Segments of 
the calyx acute, keeled, somewhat shorter than the petals, which are 
toothed. —( Sweet .) 
Description, &c.— A very pretty little plant having bright blue flowers, with a reddish purple style, and 
golden yellow anthers. The stem is nearly erect and angular; and the leaves, which are rather broad, 
