ins, and the corners of the divisions of the leaves marked
with a spot of a purplish brown colour, which PARKINSON has
long since noticed.
Is said by LINNAEUS to be a native of Italy, is a very hardy
plant, flowers in May and June, and may be propagated by parting its
roots in Autumn, or by seed; prefers a loamy soil and shady situation.
[56]
~Geranium lanceolatum. Spear-Leaved Geranium.~
_Class and Order._
~Monadelphia Decandria.~
_Generic Character._
Monogyna. _Stigmata_ 5. _Fructus_ rostratus 5-coccus.
_Specific Character and Synonyms._
GERANIUM _glaucum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis lanceolatis
integerrimis glaucis, caule erecto suffruticoso. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab.
p. 614. Supp. Pl. p. 306._
[Illustration: 56]
This elegant and very singular species of _Geranium_ appears to have
been first cultivated in this country; its introduction was attended
with circumstances rather unusual. Mr. LEE, Nurseryman of the
Vineyard, Hammersmith, in looking over some dried specimens in the
Possession of Sir JOSEPH BANKS, which he had recently received
from the Cape of Good Hope, was struck with the singular appearance of
this Geranium, no species having before been seen in this country with
spear-shaped leaves; on examining the specimens attentively, he
perceived a few ripe seeds in one of them, those he solicited, and
obtained; and to his success in making them vegetate, we are indebted
for the present species.
The shape of the leaf readily suggested the name of _lanceolatum_, an
epithet by which it has been generally distinguished in this country,
and which, from its extreme fitness, we have continued, notwithstanding
young Professor LINNAEUS has given it that of _glaucum_, though,
at the same time, his illustrious father had distinguished another
species by the synonymous term of _glaucophyllum_.
This species rarely ripens its seeds with us, and is therefore to be
raised from cuttings, which however are not very free to strike.
It has been usual to keep it in the stove, but we have found by
experience, that it succeeds much better in a common green-house, in
which it will flower during the whole of the summer. Small young plants
of this, as well as most other Geraniums, make the best appearance, and
are therefore to be frequently obtained by cuttings.
[57]
~Papaver orientale. Eastern Poppy.~
_Class and Order._
~Polyandria Monogynia.~
_Generic Character._
_Cor._ 4-pet
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