Volume 10 — PLATE DCXXV. BARLERIA CRISTATA. Crested Barleria.

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. Four Stamens in unequal Pairs. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Calyx 4-partitus, inaequalis. Stamina 2, longè minora. Capsula 4-angularis, bilocularis, bivalvis.

Cup 4-parted, unequal. Stamens 2, much smaller. Capsule 4-angled, 2-celled, 2-valved.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Barleria foliis oblongis integerrimis; calycis foliolis duobus latioribus ciliatis, duobusque linearibus acutis.

Barleria with oblong entire leaves; two of the calyx-leaves broader and ciliated, and two linear acute.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Linnæus’s excellent description of this species in the first edition of the Species Plantarum is rather at variance with his character of the genus; nor can the plant certainly be a congener of either of the two original species of Plumier, one of which indeed the late Professor Vahl found it necessary to remove to Ruellia. To the curious little sheath within the corolla, which encloses the germen about two-thirds of its length, in Barleria cristata, and one side of which is shorter than the other, we do not recollect having ever before met with any thing analogous.

We are indebted for fine specimens in blossom to T. Evans, esq., in whose collection it has continued flowering during the autumn, and by whom it was introduced to this country in 1808. The plant seems to grow freely, and is propagated by cuttings. It requires to be kept in the hot-house.