Polyxena
(named after Polyxena, the daughter of Priam, beloved by Achilles). SYNS. Manlilia, Polyanthes (of Jacquin). ORD. Liliaceae. A genus comprising about seven species of greenhouse, South African, bulbous plants, included, by Mr. Baker, as a section of Massonia. Flowers sometimes very short, sometimes long, loosely spicate or racemose; perianth tube cylindrical or slightly swollen above; lobes six, sub-equal, much shorter than the tube; scape simple below the inflorescence, short; racemes frequently shorter than the leaves. Radical leaves two, spreading or erect, sub-sessile or petiolate. P. odorata and P. pygmaea, the only species which call for mention here, require culture similar to Massonia (which see).
P. odorata (odorous). fl. white, small, Hyacinth-like, deliciously sweet-scented, disposed in a dense corymb, which is seated between the pair of leaves. October. l. erect, lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. high. 1871. A pretty plant. (B. M. 5891, under name of Massonia odorata.) P. pygmaea (pigmy). This is the correct name of the plant described in this work under name of Massonia ensifolia.