bling that with downy leaves, ‘‘ excepto quod folia inferits 
non sunt hirsuta, sed levia ut superné, et flosculi sunt rubri,” 
is probably the plant now before us. The figure of Piso 
is expressive, although rude. 
This and other species of the same tribe, all of which 
seem to be known in Brazil under the collective name of 
Paco Caatinga, are in high repute among the natives of the 
countries where they grow, as very powerful antisyphilitic 
medicines. 
Our drawing of this species was made in the Garden of 
the Horticultural Society during last summer. It had 
been received in 1823, from Robert Hesketh, Esq., his 
Majesty's Consul-general at Maranhao. 
An herbaceous tender stove plant, rising to the height of 
four feet, quite upright, and very smooth in every part. 
Leaves large, coriaceous, elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate, 
narrow towards the base; the upper smaller. Head of 
flowers terminal, the size of a pigeon’s egg, few-flowered, 
imbricated with blood-red scales. The latter are shining, 
ovate, obtuse, with a membranous edge; the lower being 
leafy at end. lowers large, rose-coloured, bursting out 
from among the scales, and quickly perishing, 
J.L. 
