reality consisting of the extreme slender branches, distant from each 
other, but disposed in the fashion of a raceme, at the points of which 
one or two stalked and nodding flowers are placed. Calyx small, 
sepals five, ovate, acute, imbricating. Corolla crimson, tubulose, 
about an inch long, dilating tovrards the upper part, limb somewhat 
unequally five-cleft; segments obtuse, the two superior rather approxi¬ 
mating. Stamens four, didynamous. Anthers smooth, oblong, 
apiculate, lobes parallel. Stigma two-lobed; lobes oblong, flat. 
Popular and Geographical Notice. The species as yet 
known to belong to this small genus, are herbaceous or shrubby plants 
natives of the Antilles and of Mexico. The present species is the pro¬ 
duce of Mexico ; and few plants introduced of late years surpass it in 
the beauty of the flowers, or the delicacy, grace, and singularity of its 
branches. The elegant green pendulous branches terminated by the 
rich crimson flowers, at once charm the eye, and excite an interest by 
causing us to consider how such thread-like'organs, and the minute 
leaves attached to them, can accomplish the elaboration of sufficient sap 
to nourish and perfect the fruit with its multitude of seeds. This is the 
more remarkable when we reflect that in the same country grows the 
Agave Mexicana, with its large, thick, and enduring leaves, which need 
several years before they can elaborate sufficient sap to enable it to ele¬ 
vate its flower stem with its countless flowers. These contrasts testify 
the boundless power of the Sovereign Creator, and the contemplation 
of them prompts us to exclaim with our great poet, 
“ These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, 
Almighty, thine this universal frame. 
Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then ! 
Unspeakable, who sit’st above these heavens 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
In these thy lowest works; yet these declare 
Thy goodness beyond thought, and pow^r divine.” 
Introduction; Where grown; Culture. Sent from Mexico 
by Count Karvvinski to Berlin and Munich, whence it was introduced 
into Britain in 1833. 
It requires the protection of the greenhouse, and flourishes well in 
any light rich soil. It is easily propagated by cuttings. It flowers 
freely in July and August. 
Derivation of the Names. 
Russelia, in compliment to Dr, Alexander Russell, an English physician, wUo 
spent some time at Aleppo, and wrote an account of the Natural History of 
that place. Jcncea from juncus, a rush, from the rush-like character of the 
branches. 
Synonymes. 
Russelia juncea. Bindley: in Botanical Register, t. 1773, 
Russelia equisetiformis? Chamisso and Schlectendal. LinnEea. vi, p, 377. 
