Volume 3 — PLATE CXLVII. GLADIOLUS CUSPIDATUS. Spear-spotted Gladiolus.

CLASS III. ORDER I.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Corolla sexpartita, ringens. Stamina adscendentia.

Blossom six divisions, gaping. Chives ascending.

See Gladiolus roseus. Plate XI. Vol. I.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gladiolus foliis lineari-ensiformibus, glabris; corolla ringente; laciniis longissimis, acuminatis, undulatis, subæqualibus, tribus inferioribus in medio macula oblonga notatis.

Gladiolus with leaves that are linearly sword-shaped and smooth; blossom gaping; segments very long, tapered to the point, waved and nearly equal, the three lower in the middle have an oblong spot.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The two sheaths of the Empalement.

2. A blossom cut open, with the Chives remaining attached.

3. The Seed-bud, Shaft, and Summit.

The Gladiolus here figured, represents a variety of one of the most errant species of the Genus, known commonly by the name of Spade Gladiolus, and of which we have drawings of eight, quite distinct; yet all, unquestionably, originating in one common parent. It was introduced in 1796, from the Cape of Good Hope, by Mr. R. Williams, nurseryman of Turnham-green, near Brentford; is a very hardy greenhouse bulb, increases from the root in abundance, if planted in very sandy peat earth, and flowers about the Month of April, or May.