Philydrum
(from phileo, to love, and hydor, water). SYN. Garciana. ORD. Philydraceae. A monotypic genus, the species being a greenhouse biennial, rather more interesting than ornamental. It requires a sandy loam and peat compost. Seeds should be sown in a gentle heat.
P. glaberrimum (very glabrous). A synonym of Helmholtzia glaberrima. P. lanuginosum (woolly). fl. yellow, solitary or twin, on long, simple, interrupted spikes, protected by sheathing bracts; perianth segments four, the outer ones much shorter than the inner ones. June. l. lanceolate, divided at the base, covered with dense, woolly hairs, spongy within. Stem erect, slightly branched. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Tropical Asia, Australia, &c., 1801. (B. M. 783.)