Volume 10 — PLATE DCLIV. GNAPHALIUM EXIMIUM. Showy Gnaphalium.

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

SYNGENESIS POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

Receptaculum nudum. Pappus pilosus vel plumosus. Calyx, imbricatus, radiatus, radio colorato.

Receptacle naked. Down hairy or feathery. Empalement imbricated, rayed, with the ray coloured.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gnaphalium foliis sessilibus, ovatis, confertis, erecto-patentibus, lanatis: floribus terminalibus, paniculatis.

Gnaphalium with sessile ovate leaves crowded together, erect, spreading, and woolly: flowers paniculated and terminal.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

This magnificent species of Gnaphalium was introduced to the British gardens from the Cape of Good Hope by Capt. W. Paterson in 1704, and is said to be found in a wild state on the borders of the Caffre country 50O miles from the Cape. It flowers in perfection during the months of July and August, and when in the bud state much resembles a rich ripe fruit, with leaves like flannel. The only figure we have seen of it is a small one given in the Botanical Magazine many years ago, before it was well naturalized, and on that account better adapted to the scale of their work. Our figure was taken from the Clapham collection when in its greatest splendour, and where several fine plants of it flowered with a luxuriance fully equal to what we have represented. It should be kept in an airy part of the greenhouse; and when watered, care should be taken not to wet the leaves, as that frequently destroys the plant.