SALPIGLOSSIS Picta.
Painted Salpiglossis.
Class and Order.—Didynamia Angiospermia.
Syn. Salpiglossis Picta. Sweets B. F. G. vol. 3. p. 258.
Root fibrous, stem erect, branching, lower leaves broadly lanceolate, margins deeply serrate—cauline leaves sessile, linear, acute, margins slightly undulate, becoming smaller as they approach the flower—peduncles long, leafy, flowers terminal—calyx five segments, acute—corolla beautifully pencilled with yellow and purple, funnel shaped, tube long, limb spreading, five segments, emarginate—stamens four, two long and two short—anthers large, yellow—style longer than the stamens—stigma obtuse, whole plant villous.
The genus Salpiglossis is one of late introduction into this country, none of the species being known here before the year 1826, when seeds were sent from Chili by Mr. Cruikshanks to the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The species figured is perhaps the most beautiful, and promises to be a great acquisition to our collection of new herbaceous plants, it may be raised from seeds or cuttings, likes a light soil, and a sheltered situation, and will continue in flower for a considerable time. It has hitherto been treated chiefly as a green-house plant, but it will grow much stronger, and the colours finer, in the open border; it would, however, be desirable to keep some plants in a green-house or frame during the winter, as it is doubtful how it may bear the severe frosts. There are only two other species,
| S. straminea. | |
| — atro-purpurea. |
Pl. 25.