Volume 3 — PLATE CLXXI. HYPOXIS LINEARIS. Linear-leaved Hypoxis.

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Six Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Corolla 6-partita, persistens, supera. Capsula basi angustior. Spatha 2-valvis.

Blossom 6-parted, remaining, above. Capsule narrower at the base. Sheath 2-valved.

See Hypoxis stellata, Pl. CI. Vol. II.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Hypoxis foliis linearibus, glabris, canaliculatis, longiore scapo unifloro; corolla intus aurea, extus viridis.

Hypoxis with linear leaves, smooth, channelled, and longer than the flower-stem, which has but one flower; blossom orange within, green without.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. Chives and Seed-bud.

2. Pointal and Seed-bud, magnified.

3. The Seed-bud cut transversely.

At first, we had some doubts whether this plant should not be considered as a variety of Hypoxis stellata, to which it undoubtedly affines; but, upon due examination, find it a distinct and new species; as well, from the shape and length of the leaves, as the shape, character, and colour of the blossom, and figure of the root.

Like Hypoxis stellata it is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced, from thence, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in the year 1792. For its treatment, &c. we must refer our readers to the above species, Pl. 101. Vol. 2. Our drawing was taken in March 1801 from a plant in the Hibbertian Collection, Clapham Common. The flower of this plant, like many of the Ixias, &c. is expanded but a few hours each day, and that only, whilst under the influence of a strong morning sun; as, if the weather is gloomy, it keeps close shut, but does not speedily decay, for it will continue to open, with equal brilliancy, for eight or ten days.