Primula
Within the last two or three years, a considerable impetus has been given to Primula cultivation, and a large number of new and rare species and hybrids have been introduced to English gardens. Undoubtedly, the most extensive collection is that of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Mr. D. Dewar-foreman of the Herbaceous Department-who has charge of it, has kindly prepared the following descriptions, and has corrected, from personal observation and study of the plants in a living state, a number of errors common to Primula nomenclature, &c. Those specially interested in Primroses should consult the "Report of the Primula Conference," forming Vol. VII., No. 2, of the "Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society," 1886. The most important of recent monographs is the excellent one of Dr. Pax, of Breslau (1888), entitled "Monographische Uebersicht uber die arten der Gattung Primula."
P. admontensis (Admont). fl., calyx coloured, pubescent; corolla lobes lilac, cordate; scape erect, twice as long as the leaves, few-flowered. May. l. spathulate-ovate, dentate-serrate on the margins, glandular-pilose. Roots tufted. Styrian Alps, 1883. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. Clusiana, found on limestone rock with its parents. SYNS. P. Churchillii, P. Clusiana dentata.
P. alpina (alpine). fl. brilliant violet-purple, large, in a many-flowered bunch. May. l. broadly spathulate or obovate, slightly toothed, covered, as well as the scape, with farina. Grisons. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. viscosa, of great beauty, resembling the former in habit and distribution of the flowers. It is suitable for either the rock-garden or the flower-border. SYNS. P. intermedia (of gardens), P. rhoetica.
P. amethystina (amethystine). fl. red-purple, three to six in an umbel; lobes entire or emarginate. June. l. resembling those of a Daisy, ovate-oblong; petioles winged, short, attenuated. Prairies, Yun-nan, China. Plant glabrous, slightly farinose.
P. arctotis (bear's-ear). fl. white or lilac-purple, smaller than in P. pubescens (to which this plant is closely allied), densely glandular-hairy. l. broadly spathulate-obovate, obtuse, toothed, green. 1886. "A pretty hybrid between P. Auricula and P. hirsuta (Kerner)." (R. G. 1198 B.) P. Auricula dolomitica (Dolomite). fl. of a uniform bright lemon-yellow, having a cylindrical tube and a broadly funnel-shaped limb of obovate, deeply emarginate segments; umbel eight to ten-flowered; scape 2in. to 3in. long, terete, green. l. six to eight, broadly oblong, sessile, dull green, minutely hairy, forming a basal rosette, the margins white and minutely ciliated. Tyrol, 1884. A beautiful, alpine species.
P. Balbisii (Baldo). fl. shining golden-yellow, large, almost scentless; throat white, hairy. April and May. Baldo, and the Alps of South Tyrol, Styria, &c. This is distinguished from its near ally, P. Auricula, by its smaller, rounder, and more glossy leaves, which are entirely free of farina, so conspicuous in this section.
P. bella (pretty). fl. violet-purple, two or three on a scape, sub-sessile, very large. Summer. l. long-petioled, ovate or sub-orbiculate. Habit of the Himalayan P. uniflora, but differing in the narrow, deep lobes of the leaves, in the shape of the calyx, and in the corolla, which has bifid lobes, the throat being closed with whitish hairs. Summit of Mount Tsang-Chan, Yun-nan, 1884.
P. bellunensis (Belluno). fl. golden-yellow, large, on longish scapes, handsome, free. May and June. l. broadly ovate, obtuse; veins prominent; margins deeply and evenly serrated or indented, densely ciliated; petioles winged. Alps of Belluno. Said to be a hybrid between P. Auricula and P. Balbisii.
P. Berninae (Bernina). fl. rosy-purple, large, very free. April and May. l. smaller than in P. viscosa, with slightly crenated margins, entirely glandular-hairy, broad-clasping at base. Rocks, rich vegetable soil, Alps, growing with its parents. A natural hybrid between P. v. hirsuta and P. viscosa, of rare beauty.
P. biflora (two-flowered). fl. pretty, deep rose, large, produced in pairs on short scapes, in great abundance. Spring. Tyrol. Habit and appearance of P. minima, but with larger leaves, sheathing at base, and distinctly serrated. The whole plant is not more than 1in. or so in height: a lovely little subject for the rockery, exposed. Sandy peat and loam. A hybrid between P. Florkeana and P. minima.
P. blattariformis (Blattaria-formed). fl. lilac, numerous, scattered; corolla lobes broadly obcordate; raceme 8in. to 12in. long. l. ovate or obovate, deeply crenate. Yun-nan. A distinct and handsome species, clothed with short, papilliform hairs.
P. bracteata (bracted). fl. yellow, large; lobes obcordate, emarginate; calyx densely pubescent. March. l. petioled, rugose-oblong, obtuse, with attenuated base; petioles long, narrowly winged. Rhizome thick and woody, very characteristic. Shaded clefts of the limestone rocks, Lankong, Yun-nan. Related to P. bullata, but differing chiefly in the absence of powder, in the shorter pubescence, and in the glandular hairs which cover the entire plant (absent in P. bullata).
P. bullata (inflated). fl. golden-yellow, large; tube narrow at the throat, but broadening towards the calyx, half as long again as the limb; scapes tall, many-flowered. April. l. petiolate, lanceolate, firm, covered underneath with golden dust, reticulated and slightly inflated above; margins doubly dentate or crenate; petioles winged. Rhizome thick, woody, covered with scars above, divided at the base. Calcareous rocks, Yun-nan. A very beautiful species, almost entirely covered with golden farina.
P. calliantha (beautiful-flowered). fl. intense violet-purple, five to ten in an umbel, large; calyx campanulate, the teeth narrow, purplish on the outside; bracts lanceolate, acuminate. June. l. oblong or obovate-oblong; petioles short, winged and attenuated. Rhizome short and thick. Shady places under Fir-trees on Mount Tsang-Chan, Tali, Yun-nan. A charming species, nearly allied to P. secundiflora, differing in its more coriaceous leaves, covered underneath with a fine, golden powder, and finely crenulate instead of serrulate.
P. carniolica (Carniola). fl. pale to deep blue, with a silvery-white throat; scape 3in. to 4in. high, with from three to ten flowers. April and May. l. 2in. long, ovate-lanceolate, tapering to the base, but again broadening at the clasping point, glabrous, shining on the upper surface. Rosettes large, loose. Alps of Carinthia, and Carniola. SYNS. P. Freyeri, P. Jellenkiana. P. c. multiceps has larger and deeper-coloured flowers.
P. cernua (drooping). l. broadly ovate, short, petiolate; margins crenulate. Nearly allied to P. capitata and P. erosa, from which it differs in the flowers (produced in July) being stalked instead of sessile, and in the shape of its leaves and calyx. Chalky, alpine pastures north of Tali, Yun-nan, 1883. P. Churchillii (Churchill's). A synonym of P. admontensis. P. ciliata (ciliated). A variety of P. viscosa.
P. Clusiana dentata (toothed). A synonym of P. admontensis. P. commutata (changed). A variety of P. viscosa.
P. confinis (neighbour). A variety of P. viscosa.
P. cridalensis (Cridala). fl. rosy-purple, large. l. ovate, broadening again at base, slightly ciliated, and rough on the upper surface. Tyrol, 1884. A very distinct hybrid between P. tyrolensis and P. Wulfeniana. It is a fine plant for exposed rockeries.
P. daonensis (Val Daone). fl. pale rose, with a white centre, very large. May and June. l. obovate, glandular-hairy on both sides; margins serrated. Tyrol and Eastern Swiss Alps (6500ft. to 9800ft.), 1854. A small and very pretty plant; it does well on exposed places on rockery. SYN. P. oenensis. P. decora (comely), of Sims. A form of P. viscosa hirsuta. P. Delavayii (Delavay's). fl. intense purple, large, slightly hairy on the outside; peduncles eventually 1ft. or more high. August. l. broadly ovate or sub-orbicular, cordate. Damp situations in clayey soil (16,000ft.), Yun-nan, China. A very interesting new species, constituting a new sub-genus on account of the large, laterally compressed seeds, and by the flowers appearing before the leaves, borne singly on bractless peduncles.
P. denticulata alba (white). A white-flowered variety, requiring the same treatment as the type. 1886.
P. digenea (two-natured, i.e., hybrid). A hybrid between P. elatior and P. vulgaris, nearly allied to the former. It is not distinct enough for general collections. Alps.
P. Dinyana (Dinyan's). fl. deep purple, handsome, produced in great abundance; corolla lobes narrow-obcordate; scapes 3in. to 6in. high, disposed in rather large heads of four to ten flowers. Spring. l. 4in. long, ovate-lanceolate, with ciliated and slightly dentate margins. Bavaria. A hybrid between P. integrifolia and P. viscosa, most nearly allied, however, to the first parent, from which it takes its habit. It is a very useful plant for the rockery, doing best in rather shady nooks, in rich, vegetable soil. P. discolor (two-coloured). fl. lilac or violet-purple, with silvery eye, large; scape 3in. to 4in. high, covered with farina. April. l. ovate, with dentate margins, sparingly covered with glandular hairs. Western and South Tyrolese Alps (in fissures of granite rocks, 6000ft. to 7000ft.). A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. daonensis, resembling the former in habit. It is a charming plant, easily managed in the open border. A possible parent of the garden Auriculas.
P. dolomitica (Dolomite). A variety of P. Auricula.
P. dryadifolia (Dryas-leaved). fl. violet, three to five in an umbel, sub-sessile; calyx campanulate; bracts broadly ovate. July. l. ovate or sub-cordate; petioles short, winged. Rhizome long, slender. Glacier of Li-Kiang, Yun-nan. Habit much resembling that of Dryas octopetala, well characterised by its leaves and the shape of its bracts. P. Dumoulinii (Dumoulin's). fl. deep rose-coloured, large for the size of the plant; corolla lobes obcordate; scapes not more than 2in. high, producing numerous flowers, in compact bunches. Spring. l. more spreading, larger, and broader than in P. minima (which this plant resembles in habit), with numerous small pits on the upper surface. Collected on the Mountain Trate, Indicarien, Austria, 1877. A robust-growing, free-flowering hybrid between P. minima and P. spectabilis, with the characters of both parents distinctly shown in robust specimens. It is pretty for rockeries, doing well wherever P. minima grows. Sandy peat, in rather dry positions.
P. elatior calycantha (calyx-flowered). A pretty, garden form, having a large, leafy, frilled and lobed calyx, which is coloured like the corolla. 1886. (R. G. 1886, p. 242, f. 17.) P. e. intricata (perplexing). A very distinct, Continental form ofour wild Oxlip, but not worth adding to general collections.
P. elliptica (elliptic). fl. four to twelve in a loose umbel, violet or bluish-purple, with broad, deeply-cleft lobes; tube variable in length. June and July. l. not mealy, 2in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, narrowed into a broad petiole, with sharply-toothed margins, dark green and shiny above. h. 6in. to 12in. Near Thibet, Cashmere, &c. (8000ft. to 12,000ft.). Habit of P. rosea.
P. Elwesiana (Elwes'). fl. dark purple, solitary, very large; calyx five-parted, the segments ovate-lanceolate; scape 6in. to 7in. high. l. 2in. to 3in. long, oblanceolate, acute, entire; petioles broadly winged. Rootstock stout, with broad, fleshy, leafy scales. Sikkim-Himalaya. A remarkable and beautiful species. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 645.) P. Escheri (Escher's). fl. rose or lilac-purple, large; scapes 2in. to 3in. high, bearing several flowers. April. l. 1in. to 2in. long, half as broad, ovate-lanceolate, the margins cartilaginous, serrated. 1880. Whole plant glandular-hairy. Habit of P. integrifolia, in close, dense, tufty rosettes of numerous leaves. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. integrifolia, growing with its parents.
P. Facchinii (Facchin's). fl. rosy-purple, rather large, two or three to each scape. May and June. l. spathulate, gracefully curved, and usually deeply crenated at apex, bright green; rosettes compact. Granite region, Southern Tyrol. An extremely graceful and useful plant, hybrid between P. minima and P. spectabilis, most nearly allied to P. minima. It is the easiest to manage of the newer hybrids, and a profuse blossomer.
P. farinosa var. (of Scopoli). A synonym of P. longiflora. P. Florkeana (Florke's). fl. deep lilac or lilac-purple; corolla lobes obovate, deeply bifid; scape 2in. high, bearing several flowers, surrounded by a leafy involucre. Spring. l. cuneate or tongue-shaped, broad at the apex, dentate or serrated, about 1in. long. Growing with its parents on the Swiss and Tyrolean granite Alps (7000ft.). A charming little hybrid between P. glutinosa and P. minima; very free and vigorous. SYN. P. minima hybrida. P. Forsteri (Forster's). fl. deep rose-coloured, with white throat, large, produced two or three on each scape, and usually twice in the year-early spring and autumn-rarely failing. l. three to four times larger than in P. minima, deeply and sharply serrated at apex, hairy on the margins and upper surface. Padaster, in Gschnitz Valley, Central Tyrol, 1880. A hybrid between P. minima and P. viscosa hirsuta. Habit and leaves resembling P. minima, but very robust, and having the hairs of the latter parent. P. Freyeri (Freyer's). A synonym of P. carniolica.
P. Gambeliana (Gambel's). fl. purple, the mouth annulate; corolla lobes round, emarginate; scape few-flowered. l. 1in. in diameter, orbicular-cordate, toothed, glabrous. Buds mealy. Temperate Himalayas. Similar to P. rotundifolia, but with fewer and larger flowers. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. geraniifolia (Geranium-leaved). fl. many, in a solitary, terminal umbel, with sometimes a whorl below the umbel, spreading and drooping; corolla pale purple, glabrous, the tube a little longer than the pubescent calyx, rather inflated and contracted at the yellow, annulate mouth; scape erect, 6in. to 10in. long, softly hairy. May. l. spreading, 1in. to 1 1/2in. in diameter, orbicular and deeply cordate, pale yellow-green, membranous, hirsute on both surfaces, eleven to fourteen-lobulate. Rootstock short. Eastern Himalaya, 1887. (B. M. 6984.) P. glacialis (glacial). fl. violet, three to five in an umbel. June. A charming little species, distinguished by its long calyx, divided four-fifths of its entire length into very narrow lobes, and by its corolla, with narrow, quite entire divisions. Nearest P. nivalis (of Pallas, not of gardens) and P. Fedschenkoi. It differs in its larger, more deeply-lobed calyx. Clefts of rocks on the glacier of Li-Kiang, Yun-nan, China.
P. Heerii (Heer's). fl. purple, large, several on a scape. April. Habit low, close, and tufty, like that of P. integrifolia, from which the leaves differ in being 1in. to 2in. long, ovate-lanceolate, slightly toothed, and hairy. A hybrid between P. viscosa hirsuta and P. integrifolia, growing with its parents.
P. hirsuta (hairy). A variety of P. viscosa.
P. Hugueninii (Huguenin's). fl. fine, deep purple, large; scape 2in. to 3in. high, bearing several flowers. April and May. l. 1in. long, obovate-or ovate-lanceolate, toothed from the middle of the blade to the apex; margins covered with short hairs, slightly glutinous. 1880. Habit tufty, like that of P. integrifolia; rosettes close and large. A hybrid between P. glutinosa and P. integrifolia, growing with its parents.
P. humilis (dwarf). A synonym of P. pusilla, of Wallich. P. Huteri (Huter's). fl. deep violet; limb shorter than the tube; scape glutinous, with three or four oblong bracts. May. l. long-spathulate, with eleven to fifteen short, broad, triangular teeth, thickened at the tips like small bladders. Tyrol, &c. A pretty little hybrid between P. Florkeana and P. glutinosa; habit of the latter, not more than 1in. high. P. intermedia (intermediate). A garden synonym of P. alpina. P. Jaeschkiana (Jaeschke's), of Kerner. A synonym of P. Stuartii purpurea. P. Jellenkiana (Jellenk's). A synonym of P. carniolica. P. Kerneri (Kerner's). fl. of a reddish-violet colour, with a yellowish-white throat; calyx campanulate; teeth twice as long as broad, elliptic, and pointed; scapes stout, 2in. to 4in. high, bearing several flowers. April and May. l. bright green, slender, broadly spathulate-obovate, dentate-serrate. Styria and Eisenhut, near Turrach, in Stieirmark, in company with P. Goblii. Habit of P. viscosa, the entire plant covered with black, glandular hairs. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. villosa.
P. Kitaibeliana (Kitaibel's). A variety of P. spectabilis. P. latifolia (broad-leaved). See P. viscosa latifolia, on p. 223, Vol. III. P. Lebliana (Leblian's). fl. rose-purple, large and fine; scape 3in. to 4in. high, three to eight-flowered. April and May. l. ovate-lanceolate, 1in. to 2in. long, in close rosettes; upper surface glabrous, shiny; margins cartilaginous, dentately serrated. 1880. Habit of P. Wulfeniana, which it most nearly resembles, although the traces of the other parent are most distinct both in leaves and flowers. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. Wulfeniana, growing with its parents.
P. longiflora (long-flowered). fl. brilliant violet or purple, over 1/2in. in diameter, enveloped in farina; tube three times longer than the calyx divisions, the latter triangular, pointed; scapes 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, stout, the bracts surrounding the umbel larger and broader than in P. farinosa. May and June. l. only slightly farinose underneath, 1in. to 2in. long, ovate-oblong, pointed, irregularly notched or toothed, slightly dilated at base. Grassy regions of the high Alps (5000ft. to 7000ft.). Somewhat resembling P. farinosa in habit and general appearance. SYN. P. farinosa var. (of Scopoli). P. l. Krattli is said to be hybrid between P. farinosa and P. longiflora, found in 1876.
P. longobarda (Lombard). fl. rose-purple, large, several on a scape; calyx campanulate; teeth short and obtuse. April. l. not glutinous, obovate-lanceolate, acute, hardly punctured. Calcareous and granite regions, South Tyrol, Lombardy. A very distinct plant, nearest to P. calycina, of which it may turn out to be a variety; habit much the same. P. magiassonica (Mount Magiassone). fl. large, like those of P. spectabilis. May. l. ovate or obovate, 1in. long and about as broad, glabrous; upper surface closely pitted; margins cartilaginous, slightly serrated. 1880. Habit and disposition of P. spectabilis; rosettes close, tufty. A hybrid between P. spectabilis and P. minima, growing with its parents. P. minima hybrida (hybrid). A synonym of P. Florkeana. P. m. pubescens (downy), of Josch. A synonym of P. Sturii. P. minutissima (very minute). fl. bright purple, 1/3in. to 1/2in. in diameter (large for the size of the plant); lobes bifid; scape hardly rising above the leaves, bearing one to three flowers. June. l. densely crowded, dark green, oblanceolate, acute or obtuse, toothed, mealy beneath. Alpine Himalaya. A pretty little species, forming large patches of rosettes, each 1/2in. to 1in. in diameter.
P. multiceps (many-headed). A variety of P. carniolica. P. Mureti (Muret's). A synonym of P. Muretiana.
P. Muretiana (Muret's). fl. rich, deep purple, many in a head, large, opening earlier than those of P. integrifolia. April and May. l. broader than in P. Dinyana, entire or slightly toothed, viscous-hairy. High Alps. Closely allied to P. Dinyana, and also a hybrid between P. integrifolia and P. viscosa, taking more after the latter than the former parent. Rich, deep loam, in a cool position. SYN. P. Mureti.
P. muscoides (Moss-like). fl. purplish, small, solitary; corolla segments deeply two-lobed. l. sessile, obovate, oblong, or sub-spathulate, dilated at the base; margins coarsely toothed. Sikkim-Himalaya. Plant densely tufted, small, not mealy (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. m. tenuiloba (slender-lobed). fl., corolla tube narrower, slightly hairy; lobes very narrow, deeply cleft, with narrow lobules. P. Nelsoni (Nelson's). A variety of P. viscosa.
P. nivalis (snowy), of gardens. A synonym of P. pubescens alba. P. nivalis (snowy), of Pallas. fl. lilac-purple; calyx tube oblong or broadly lanceolate, shorter than the oblong capsule; corolla lobes oblong or oval, entire, three to four lines long, the tube funnel-formed; umbels consisting of two to ten flowers on scapes 3in. to 18in. high. Spring. l. 1in. to 6in. long, thickish, perfectly glabrous and often mealy on the under surface; margins often entire, but usually closely denticulate. Caucasus, &c., 1790. (R. H. 1878, p. 12.) The description of P. nivalis given on p. 221, Vol. III., is that of P. pubescens alba (SYNS. P. nivalis and P. nivea, of gardens), and should be replaced by the above.
P. nivea (snowy), of gardens. A synonym of P. pubescens alba. P. obovata (obovate). fl. pale rose or purple, several on a stout scape. April and May. l. 1in. long, ovate, obtuse, glandular-hairy above; margins evenly and distinctly serrated, glandular-hairy. Valmenon. A hybrid between P. tyrolensis (of which it is a near ally) and P. Balbisii, growing with its parents.
P. Obristii (Obrist's). A hybrid between P. Balbisii and P. Auricula; very near the former, but more robust.
P. obtusifolia (obtuse-leaved). fl., calyx dark brown when not mealy, campanulate; corolla claret or almost port-wine coloured, rarely yellow, the mouth orange-yellow, the lobes broadly obcordate; scape 6in. to 10in. high. May and June. l. variable, 2in. to 5in. long, usually obtuse, the under surface naked or mealy. Himalayas, 1887. (B. M. 6956.) P. cenensis (a mistake for Val Daone). A synonym of P. daonensis. P. Olgae (Olga's). fl. pretty rosy-lilac or purple, resembling those of P. sibirica; corolla lobes obcordate, bifid; scape 3in. to 4in. high, terminating in a few-flowered umbel. Spring. l. ovate-oblong, tapering to a narrow, winged petiole, glabrous, shiny on both sides. Turkestan, 1887. Said to be nearly allied to P. nivalis (of Pallas), and a great acquisition. P. pallida (pale). A very slight form of P. viscosa hirsuta. P. pedemontana (Piedmont). See P. Viscosa pedemontana, on p. 223, Vol. III. P. Peyritschii (Peyritsch's). A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. viscosa. It may be treated as a very robust form of the latter species. Alps. SYN. P. viscosa major (of English gardens).
P. pinnatifida (pinnatifid). fl. violet; tube long, cylindrical; lobes entire. July. l. long-petiolate, winged, ovate or oblong, the base entire, cuneate, pinnatifid. Glacier of Li-Kiang, Yun-nan, China. The flowers of this species recall those of Erinus alpinus, but are, of course, larger. P. Plantae (Planta's). fl. rose-purple, rather large. April and May. l. ovate, pointed, finely serrated from the middle to the apex, entirely covered with brown, glandular hairs. 1880. Habit robust, like that of P. viscosa hirsuta; rosettes close and tufty. A hybrid between P. viscosa hirsuta and P. daonensis, growing with its parents.
P. Portae (Porta's). fl. wine-red, large, several on a scape. April and May. l. small, viscous, obovate, serrated only on the upper half. South Tyrol, 1873. A hybrid between P. Auricula and P. daonensis. It is allied to P. discolor, but differs in the glandular-hairy scape and in the absence of farina on the calyx and corolla. A useful little plant for rockeries. P. pubescens alba (white). See description under P. nivalis, on p. 221, Vol. III. This plant has been long known in English gardens under the names of P. nivalis and P. nivea, and has been supposed to be a variety of P. viscosa. It is, however, not viscid, and is usually mealy, which not only excludes it from P. viscosa, but also from P. v. hirsuta, under which it is often quoted. P. pulchra (beautiful). fl. purple, large for the size of the plant (1in. in diameter); tube funnel-shaped. l. oblong or ovate-oblong, glaucous beneath; base round or cordate; margins wavy. Sikkim-Himalaya. Plant glabrous, not mealy. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. pumila (dwarf). fl. rosy-purple, large, free; calyx tubular-campanulate, the teeth ovate; scape about 1in. high, glandular-hairy, two or more-flowered. April and May. l. cuneate, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, half as broad, with seven to nine large, triangular teeth at the apex; margins covered with small, sessile glands. Southern Tyrol, &c. (6000ft. to 7000ft.). This hybrid between P. minima and P. daonensis is well named, being amongst the smallest of its class. It is nearly allied to P. minima in habit and general appearance. P. purpurea (purple), of Royle. A variety of P. Stuartii. P. pusilla (weak), of Wallich. fl. violet-purple, sessile, about 1in. in diameter; calyx hoary; tube short, terete; lobes oblong, obtuse or acute; scape slender, one to four-flowered. Spring. l. 1/2in. to 1in. long, spathulate-oblanceolate, pinnatifidly toothed. Central and Eastern Himalayas (13,000ft. to 16,000ft.). Plant densely tufted, hoary. This must not be confounded with P. pusilla, of Goldie. SYN. P. humilis. P. Reidii (Reid's). fl. ivory-white, fragrant, very shortly pedicellate, nodding; calyx ample, glandular-ciliate; corolla tube as long as the calyx, the lobes broadly oblong, connivent in a globe, bilobed at apex; scape rigid, many-flowered. May. l. oblong or oblong-oblanceolate, deeply lobulate-toothed or crenate, narrowed into the petioles, bullate, loosely silky-villous. Sikkim-Himalaya, 1886. (B. M. 6961; G. C. n.s., xxvi., p. 691.) P. reticulata (netted). fl. yellow; corolla tube funnel-shaped, the much-exserted mouth not annulate; scape 6in. to 12in. high. Late spring. l. oblong-cordate, obtuse, doubly crenate, reticulated, glaucous beneath, on long petioles. Central and Eastern Himalayas (11,000ft. to 15,000ft.), 1887. Plant glabrous, mealy or not. A close ally of P. sikkimensis. P. rhaetica (Rhetian Alps). A synonym of P. alpina.
P. rotundifolia (round-leaved). fl. pale purple or pink, with a yellow throat; corolla tube twice as long as the calyx; limb flat, 1in. in diameter; inflorescence puberulous and mealy; scape 8in. to 12in. high. June. l. 1in. to 4in. in diameter, orbicular-cordate, crenately toothed; petioles 6in. to 12in. long. Buds in resting season densely covered with sulphurous meal. Temperate Himalayas (12,000ft. to 14,000ft.).
P. Rusbyi (Rusby's). fl. deep purple, with a yellow eye; calyx mealy-white at base, the meal running up between the lobes in acute, tooth-like patches; corolla lobes obcordate; umbels six to ten-flowered; scapes 5in. to 10in. high. Spring. l. oblong-spathulate, denticulate. New Mexico, 1881. A distinct species.
P. salisburgensis (Salzburg). fl. reddish-purple, rather large, several in a head; bracts oblong, as broad as the calyx teeth; scape not viscous. April and May. l. cuneate, the upper quarter of their margins set with seven to nine acute, triangular teeth, the tips blunt. A hybrid between P. glutinosa (which it resembles in habit) and P. minima, growing with its parents. It should be grown in peaty soil, sphagnum, &c.
P. secundiflora (side-flowering). fl., calyx purplish, the lobes deltoid, lanceolate, acute; corolla intense violet, the tube cylindrical, the lobes broadly obovate, entire. July. l. papery, covered with golden dust, oblong or ovate-oblong; margins equally serrulate; petioles broadly winged, attenuated. Glacier of Li-Kiang, Yun-nan, China. Plant glabrous, allied to P. sikkimensis. It is one of the most beautiful of the Primulas.
P. septemloba (seven-lobed). fl., calyx campanulate, glabrous or nearly so, divided to the middle into equal, lanceolate, acute divisions; corolla purple, 1in. long, the limb concave, the lobes obovate, emarginate. July. l. nearly round, deeply cordate at base, deeply seven-lobed; lobes broadly ovate, obtuse. Rhizome slender, horizontal. Forests at the base of the Glacier Li-Kiang, Yun-nan, China. Entire plant covered with soft, pliant, jointed hairs. Nearly allied to P. mollis.
P. serratifolia (serrate-leaved). fl. golden-yellow, five to ten in an umbel, large; scapes longer than the leaves. June. l. thin, papery, oblong or obovate towards the long and winged petioles; margins acutely denticulate or erose. Prairies, Yun-nan. This is a near ally of P. obtusifolia, entirely glabrous, and without meal. It must not be confounded with the obscure European P. serratifolia, a hybrid between P. minima and P. Wulfeniana. P. similis (like). A hybrid between P. Balbisii and P. Auricula, apparently about intermediate between them. It is a fine, robust plant for the rockery or flower-border. April and May. Indicarien and Petrasch, Styria. P. soldanelloides (Soldanella-like). fl. white, large, nodding; scape one-flowered; corolla lobes obcordate. l. 1/4in. to 1/2in. long, petioled, ovate, runcinate-pinnatifid. Sikkim-Himalaya. Plant quite glabrous, not mealy. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. sonchifolia (Sonchus-leaved). fl. violet. June. l. glabrous, oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, attenuated, sinuate, resembling those of Sonchus asper; petioles broadly winged. Slopes of the mountain Tsang-Chan, China. Nearly allied to P. obtusifolia, but distinguished by its almost runcinate leaves.
P. spectabilis Kitaibeliana (Kitaibel's). fl. rosy-purple, larger than in the type, several on each scape, produced in abundance. April and May. l. ovate, pointed, serrated, densely covered with short, white hairs. Sub-alpine stations in Croatia. Habit of P. spectabilis. A charming plant for the rock-garden, on sunny, exposed places. It requires rich, vegetable soil. P. spicata (spiked). fl. violet, spicate, resembling those of P. uniflora. June. l. papery, pale green, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, attenuated at base, doubly crenate; petioles narrowly winged. Elevated pastures of Tsang-Chan, above Tali, Yun-nan, 1884. A very remarkable species, with unilateral, spicate flowers, a form of inflorescence unique amongst Primulas. P. Steinii (Stein's). fl. violet-purple, with a white throat, large; scape 1in. to 2in. high, three or four-flowered. April. l. in large rosettes, obovate-spathulate, with seven to nine large teeth at apex, and having thinly-scattered, glandular hairs along their margins. Central Tyrolean Alps, 1878. A hybrid between P. minima and P. viscosa hirsuta, resembling the former in habit. It is a splendid plant for the rock-garden, producing flowers in the greatest profusion, and as robust as in P. Forsteri. P. Stuartii purpurea (purple). fl. pale or deep purple, often in two whorls; lobes obcordate or bifid, entire. Summer. l. rarely toothed, broad, white or yellow beneath. Sub-alpine and Alpine Himalayas. Habit and leaves resembling P. Stuartii. SYN. P. Joeschkiana (of Kerner).
P. Sturii (Stur's). fl. rose-purple, large and free. April and May. l. about 1in. long, wedge-shaped, glandular-hairy, coarsely toothed at the almost truncate apex. Steiermark, near Eisenhut, 1856. A hybrid between P. minima and P. viscosa, with the habit and general appearance of the former, but freer and more robust. SYN. P. minima pubescens (of Josch).
P. tenella (tender). fl. bluish-white, large, solitary, erect; corolla lobes obcordate. l. numerous, mealy all over, cuneate and entire below the middle, toothed above. Eastern Thibet. Whole plant 2in. to 2 1/2in. high, glabrous. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. tenuiloba (slender-lobed). A variety of P. muscoides. P. uniflora (one-flowered). fl. pale lilac, larger than the whole rosette of leaves; corolla lobes shallow, unequally toothed; scape slender, one or two-flowered. l. few, 1/2in. long, orbicular or broadly ovate, pinnatifidly crenate. Sikkim-Himalaya. A charming little species. (G. C. n. s., xxi., p. 545.) P. Venzoi (Venzo's). fl. pale purple, one to three to a scape, 1in. in diameter, very pretty; petals deeply cut. April. l. 1in. to 1 1/2in.long, ovate-lanceolate, pointed; margins rough, cartilaginous, slightly indented; surface hairy and densely pitted. Tyrol, &c. Habit tufty, in dense rosettes. A hybrid between P. tyrolensis and P. Wulfeniana, nearly allied to the latter. P. vinciflora (Periwinkle-flowered). fl. purplish-violet, 1 1/2in. in diameter; tube long, pubescent, swollen at the base; corolla lobes obcordate; scape hairy, one-flowered. l. cuneate-oblong, ciliated, covered with reddish, sessile glands. Yun-nan, China. (G. C. ser. iii., vol. i., p. 575, f. 108.) P. viscosa ciliata (fringed). A very robust form, with larger flowers, produced in greater abundance than in the type.
P. v. commutata (changed). fl. bright rose, large. May and June. l. broadly ovate or obovate, viscous-hairy; margins entire or slightly toothed. Porphyritic region, Eastern Alps.
P. v. confinis (neighbour). fl. bright, deep rose, large, very handsome, approaching those of P. v. ciliata, but larger and more vigorous. May and June. l. small, obovate, toothed, viscous-hairy. Alps. P. v. hirsuta (hairy). fl. pale lilac, with a bright silvery eye, large. Spring. Eastern Switzerland, Tyrol, &c. (6000ft. to 7000ft.). A charming variety, forming large rosettes of ovate or ovate leaves, deeply and sharply toothed, and densely covered with soft hairs. P. decora, of Sims (B. M. 1922), is very nearly allied to this variety, as also is P. pallida. P. v. major (larger). A garden synonym of P. Peyritschii. P. v. Nelsoni (Nelson's). fl. pale purple or pink, many on a scape. April and May. l.obovate, entire or slightly serrated; margins glandular-hairy. Habit of P. viscosa; rosettes neat. Originated in English gardens. P. Wulfeniana (Wulfen's). fl. deep purple-violet, large. April and May. l. not punctate as in P. spectabilis, lanceolate-spathulate, shiny green; margins rough, cartilaginous. Alps. A good and very free rockery plant, requiring calcareous soil. In Vol. III., p. 222, it is placed as a variety of P. spectabilis, but it is quite entitled to specific distinction. P. yunnanensis (Yun-nan). fl. violet-purple; corolla tube narrow, twice as long as the calyx; limb concave, bilobed, the lobes ovate, entire. July. l. ovate-oblong, crenulate, mucronate; petioles short, narrowly winged, glabrous. Clefts of limestone rocks at foot of Li-Kiang Glacier, China. A very fine species, closely allied to P. uniflora.
