THE 
FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
August, 1844. 
THE GENUS LOASA. 
WITH AN ENGRAVING OF L. LUCIDA. 
The derivation of the singular name bestowed on this genus 
by Adanson has never been explained, nor can we now attempt 
it, unless by supposing it to be an alteration of some native 
name. It is for the most part of South American origin, occu¬ 
pying in that hemisphere the station of our bryony and wild 
nettles, several of the species possessing in even a stronger 
degree the stinging properties of the latter ; the flowers of the 
whole genus are extremely curious, and many of the later im¬ 
portations have large showy blossoms. The first introduction 
of Loasa was in 1820, when L. incana was brought from Peru, 
but having little to recommend it to general notice has since 
fallen out of cultivation. This was followed by some others in 
1822-5-7 and 1830, that, like the first, were grown only for a 
year or two, and thrown aside to make room for newer and 
better kinds. One species only has preserved its popularity ; 
this is L. palmata, or, as it is now called, JBlumenbachia insignis , 
which is still regarded as a desirable annual. 
L. lateritia , from Tucuman, in 1836, directed cultivators to a 
proper estimate of the capabilities of the genus, and since that 
time the climbing kinds especially have received a fair share of 
attention. Those usually found in collections of the present day 
are L. Pentlandica , a pretty bright red and yellow free-flowering 
species, but a most troublesome one to train or keep in order, 
on account of its abominable sharp-stinging leaves, which, oq 
VOL. V. NO. VIII. Q 
