Helmholtzia
(named after Hermann Helmholtz, a celebrated Prussian professor, born in 1821). ORD. Philydraceae. A genus of a couple of species of green-house tufted herbaceous perennials, one of which is from Australia, and the other--the one described below--from the Pacific Islands. They thrive in a well-drained sandy loam and peat compost, and require plenty of water. Increased by divisions, or by seeds.
H. glaberrima (very glabrous). fl. white, panicled. May. l. ensiform, acuminate, equitant, 1in. broad. h. 3ft. 1873. (B. M. 6056, under name of Philydrum glaberrimum.)