1S71. ] 
WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS. 
27 
The stem is branched, subherbaceous, 12 in. to 18 in. high, green, covered 
with straight very sharp yellowish prickles, the surface hairy or glabrous. The 
leaves are stalked, cordately ovato-oblong, sinuately-lobed, ciliated, and spiny 
on both surfaces. The flowers are solitary or borne in short axillary racemes ; 
the calyx is saucer-shaped, pentangular, 5-lobed, and increases in size on the 
fertile flowers ; the corolla is white, 5-parted, three-quarters of an inch in 
SOLANUM CILIATUM. 
diameter, with acute, spreading, or reflexed lobes ; the anthers are orange- 
coloured at the base, aggregated in a cone-like mass ; the ovary is white, sub- 
globose, furrowed, surmounted by a white style, which is terminated by a green 
2-lobed stigma. The subspherical berry, which is whitish at first, marked with 
green lines, becomes scarlet as it ripens. The 'orillance and beauty of these fruits, 
must render the plant a great acquisition.—M. 
WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS. 
SHALL not be far wrong if I assert that amongst the small-leaved Begonias 
are to be found some of the best winter-flowering plants in cultivation. 
From their great similarity as regards their habit of growth, and the 
colour of their flowers, it is unnecessary, for a supply either of cut flowers 
or of decorative pot plants, to grow more than two or three varieties, though 
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