Volume 4 — PLATE CCLXXVII. PROTEA SPECIOSA. Var. foliis glabris.

Smooth-leaved Shewy Protea.

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Corolla 4-fida seu 4-petala. Antheræ lineares, inserta petalis infra apicem. Calyx proprius nullus. Semina solitaria.

Blossom 4-cleft or 4 petals. Tips linear, inserted into the petals below the point. Cup proper none. Seeds solitary.

See Protea formosa, Pl. XVII. Vol. I.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Protea foliis lanceolatis, glabris; squamæ calycinæ interiores barbatæ, apice incurvatæ, fuscæ.

Protea with lance-shaped smooth leaves; the inner scales of the empalement are bearded, turned inward at the point and brown.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Seed-bud and Pointal.

2. A Flower spread open, with the tips in their places.

This fine variety of the Shewy Protea might, indeed, almost pass for a distinct species. It was introduced, to Britain, in the year 1794, by Mr. Williams, Nurseryman, of Turnham Green. The only living specimen in Britain, we believe, of this plant, is at present in the Hammersmith collection. As yet no increase has been produced from it, either by cuttings, or seeds; for although the plant flowers every year, and the seeds in the cone, or rather flower-cup, seem perfect, they never vegetate. It is a hardy, and handsome growing Protea, requiring little attention, and may be placed in any part of the green-house; grows about three feet high, very bushy, and flowers near the month of October.