Zenobia
(so called after the famous Empress of Palmyra, who lived in the third century). ORD. Ericaceae. A monotypic genus. The species is a hardy, highly glabrous, often glaucescent shrub, with terete branchlets. It thrives in a compost of sandy loam and peat. Propagation may be effected by seeds, or by layers.
Z. speciosa (showy).* fl. in umbel-like fascicles from axillary buds, mostly racemose on naked branches of the preceding year; calyx lobes short, triangular; corolla white, five-lobed; pedicels drooping. Summer. l. coriaceous, but deciduous, oval or oblong, 1in. to 2in. long, commonly crenulated or sparsely serrulated, reticulate-veined. h. 2ft. to 4ft. South United States, 1800. (S. B. F. G. ser. ii. 330.) SYNS. Andromeda cassinaefolia (B. M. 970), A. speciosa (L. B. C. 551).
Z. s. pulverulenta (powdery).*. A white, glaucous form. (G. C. n. s., xx., p. 109; Gn. xxiv., p. 572). SYNS. Andromeda dealbata (B. R. 1010); A. pulverulenta (B. M. 667).