Though it may be considered by some, as deviating from the botanical
rule we prescribed to ourselves, at the outset of this work, not to
figure any flower, but what could be systematically ascertained; double
flowers, &c. having lost those constituent characters necessary to the
Sexual System; yet having seen this most delightful plant in bloom last
year, the temptation was too powerful to be resisted, for giving a
figure of it in the Botanist’s Repository. This fine variety of the
Camellia, was first imported from China about the year 1793, by Captain
Connor of the Carnatic East-indiaman, for the gardens of the late I.
Slater, Esq. a gentleman of most indefatigable spirit, for the
introduction of new plants to this kingdom; indeed, it is to him we owe
most of the plants received from China within these few years; he having
procured a catalogue to be printed of all the described Chinese plants
in that language, with the descriptions translated, and by various hands
transmitted it to that country. The finest plants in this kingdom, of
the double white Camellia, are now in the collection of Sir Joseph
Banks, Bart. P.R.S. This, like the others of this genus, we may consider
of sufficient hardiness to resist our winters; being a native of the
Japanese isles, where, as well as in China, it was seen by Thunberg. As
yet (from its scarcity) that cannot be ascertained; but from the easy
method by which it is propagated by cuttings, we are in hopes it soon
may. It is at present cultivated as a hot-house plant, where certainly
it will be always seen in the greatest perfection; the flowers being of
so delicate and brilliant a white, their beauty is easily destroyed,
even by watering. Flowers in the autumnal months, and thrives best in
rich loam.
[Illustration]
PLATE XXVI.
CRASSULA ODORATISSIMA.
_Sweet-scented Crassula._
CLASS V. ORDER V.
_PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Five Chives. Five Pointals.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium pentaphyllum; foliolis lanceolatis,
canaliculato-concavis, erectis, acutis, conniventibus in tubum,
persistentibus.
COROLLA. Petala quinque, unguibus longis, linearibus, rectis,
conniventibus, reflexo-patentibus.
_Nectaria_ quinque; singulum squamula minima, emarginata basi
germinis extrorsum annexa.
STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, subulata, longitudine tubi, unguibus
corollæ inserta. Antheræ simplices.
PISTILLUM. Germina quinque, oblonga, acuminata, desinentia in
stylos subulatos, longitudine staminum. Stigmata obtusa.
PERICARPIUM. Capsulæ quinque, oblongæ, acuminatæ, rectæ, compressæ,
longitudinaliter introrsum dehiscentes.
SEMINA plura, parva.
EMPALEMENT. Cup of five leaves; the small leaves are lance-shaped,
concave and channelled, upright, sharp, formed into a tube, and
remaining.
BLOSSOM. Petals five, claws long, linear, upright, joined together,
bent back, and spreading.
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