situate at the base of the legumen, in form somewhat kidney-shaped; 
testa smooth, and spotted with yellowish white; hilum round, stro- 
phiolate, funiculus short. 
Popular and Geographical Notice. De Candolle in the mo¬ 
nograph of Leguminosae, for his Prodromus in 1825, separated the 
genus Rafnia into two parts, retaining as the genus Rafnia those plants 
which have sessile but not amplexicaul leaves; and separating as a 
new' genus, under the name of Vascoa, those which have amplexicaul 
leaves. In the Linnsea, for the year 1839, Mr. Walpers, of Berlin, 
published a paper, entitled Animadversiones Criticae in Leguminosas 
Capenses, in which he makes Vascoa only a section of the genus 
Rafnia. and the new genus Pelecynthus formed out of the collection 
of Ecklon and Zeyher, by E. Meyer, he also makes a section, as it 
differs chiefly, according to his view, in not having a rostrate keel, 
and amplexicaul leaves. In the union of the genus Vascoa with 
Rafnia Endlicher agrees, but he (Endlicher,) retains the genus Pele¬ 
cynthus as a genus distinct from that of Rafnia, It will therefore 
appear, from the opinion of the above authors, that the genus Vascoa 
D. C. w’ill not be retained, but will go again into the situation where 
it was originally placed by Thunberg, Rafnia. 
This plant when properly cultivated is one of much beauty, arising 
from its soft and pleasing glaucous hue, delicate yellow blossoms, and 
the clear and transparent young shoots. 
Introduction; Where grown; Culture, This plant appears 
to have been introduced many years ago, but yet is by no means com¬ 
mon in collections. That from which our drawing was made grew in 
the collection of the Birmingham Horticultural Society, It should be 
potted in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It may also be raised 
from cuttings, but by that means it does not seem to propagate itself 
so readily as many other plants, therefore care should be taken to insure 
seeds, which vegetate readily, and as they are frequently abortive, 
recourse should be had to impregnation to insure their perfection. 
To grow Imndsoine plants, the leading shoots should be frequently 
stopped, which will prevent it growingtall; and a handsome bushy 
plant will be the result. It flowers in June and July. F. W. 
Derivation of the Names. 
The generic name Rafnia is in compliment to Mr. C. G. Rafn, a Dane, and 
Botanist. The specific name triflora, from having three flow'ers, frequent, 
ly arranged in the axils of the leaf. 
Synonymes, 
Rafnia cordata. Bot. Reg. 
Rafnia intermedia. YogeL 
