This elegant and very singular species of _Geranium_ appears to have
been first cultivated in this country; its introduction was attended
with circumstances rather unusual. Mr. LEE, Nurseryman of the
Vineyard, Hammersmith, in looking over some dried specimens in the
Possession of Sir JOSEPH BANKS, which he had recently received
from the Cape of Good Hope, was struck with the singular appearance of
this Geranium, no species having before been seen in this country with
spear-shaped leaves; on examining the specimens attentively, he
perceived a few ripe seeds in one of them, those he solicited, and
obtained; and to his success in making them vegetate, we are indebted
for the present species.
The shape of the leaf readily suggested the name of _lanceolatum_, an
epithet by which it has been generally distinguished in this country,
and which, from its extreme fitness, we have continued, notwithstanding
young Professor LINNAEUS has given it that of _glaucum_, though,
at the same time, his illustrious father had distinguished another
species by the synonymous term of _glaucophyllum_.
This species rarely ripens its seeds with us, and is therefore to be
raised from cuttings, which however are not very free to strike.
It has been usual to keep it in the stove, but we have found by
experience, that it succeeds much better in a common green-house, in
which it will flower during the whole of the summer. Small young plants
of this, as well as most other Geraniums, make the best appearance, and
are therefore to be frequently obtained by cuttings.
[57]
~Papaver orientale. Eastern Poppy.~
_Class and Order._
~Polyandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Cor._ 4-petala. _Cal._ 2-phyllus. _Capsula,_ 1-locularis sub stigmate
persistente poris dehiscens.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
PAPAVER _orientale_ capsulis glabris, caulibus unifloris scabris
foliosis pinnatis serratis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. p. 490._
Papaver orientale hirsutissimum, magno flore. _Tournes. cor. 17.
itin. 3. p. 127. t. 127._
[Illustration: 57]
Most of the plants of this tribe are distinguished by the splendour of
their colours, most of them also are annuals, in gaiety of colour none
exceed the present species; but it differs in the latter character, in
having not only a perennial root, but one of the creeping kind, whereby
it increases very much, and by which it is most readily propagated.
Though a native of the East, as its name imports, it bears the severity
of our climate without injury, flowers in May, and as its blossoms are
extremely shewy, it gives great brilliancy to the flower-garden or
plantation; prefers a dry soil.
[58]
~Iris spuria. Spurious Iris.~
_Class and Order._
~Triandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Corolla_ 6-petala, inaequalis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus.
_Stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. _Conf. Thunb._ _Diss. de
Iride._
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account