SCABIOSA Caucasea.
Caucasean Scabious.
Class and Order.—Tetrandria Monogynia.
Syn. Scabiosa Caucasea. Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 886.
Root fibrous—stem erect, rising to the height of two feet or more—radical leaves on long channelled footstalks, lanceolate, acute, margins undulate, cauline leaves, connate, pinnatifid—peduncles one flowered, flowers terminal—involucre from eight to ten segments, lanceolate, acute—corolla delicate purple, segments trilobed, lobes obtuse, margins undulate, florets of the disk tubular, margins five-cleft—Calyx double—stamens four, anthers oblong, of a bright red, style longer than the stamens; stigma globose; germen downy.
This is perhaps the most beautiful species of the genus; and a highly ornamental plant in the Autumnal months, during which time it continues long in beauty, it is a native of Mount Caucasus, and according to the Bot. Mag. p. 886, was raised by Messrs. Loddiges from seeds received by them about the year 1803—a light soil suits it best, and it may be increased by parting its roots in the spring—it is quite hardy.
The genus Scabiosa is not a favorite one for a flower garden, though a few species may deserve a place in our collections—some of the most desirable are
| S. alpina. | |
| — tatarica. | |
| — atropurpurea. | |
| — lœvigata. |
Pl. 38.