Familiar Indian Flowers: with Coloured Plates

Front matter

Familiar Indian Flowers.

with Coloured Plates.

BY

Lagerstrœmia Indica

Lagerstrœmia Indica.

Natural Order, Lythracæ

The illustration now before us exhibits one, perhaps, of the most familiar and most admired of Indian shrubs.

It has been impossible to do justice, either to the exquisite colour or delicate texture of the original, and also, being limited in space, the grand massiveness of the sprays is wanting, but, nevertheless, I trust the foregoing illustration may recall the lovely bush to the memory of those who have seen it, and give a fair idea of it to those who have not been so fortunate.

Owing to the crinkled, crumpled appearance of the flowers, this bush has obtained the name of the “Crape Flower.”

Three varieties of the Lagerstrœmia are much the same in growth and shape of the flowers, but they differ in colour, being pink, lilac, and white. They are all very beautiful, and, when growing in close proximity, make a gay and striking addition to a garden.

From the illustration it will be noticed that the flowers grow in pyramidic heads or sprays quite at the termination of the branches, whilst the leaves, which are oval-shaped, grow thick and close in the centre of the bush, thereby relieving the dazzling colours, and yet at the same time greatly enhancing by contrast the general beauty of the bush.

There is a slight resemblance between the Lagerstrœmia and our English May in growth and style of the bushes, but it does not extend beyond these.

There is a tinge of red on the buds and stalks.

During the cold season these shrubs present a most ugly and forlorn appearance, for, being deciduous, there is nothing to be seen but the bare and barren stems, which form a great contrast to the glory and splendour of a few months before.

Beddome mentions that the wood of the Lagerstrœmia is valued as excellent timber, and “much used for building, boat-making, ploughs, and axe-handles.” He also states that “Lagerstrœmia Regina has timber of a reddish colour, is tough, and very durable under water, though it soon decays under ground.” Quoting from the same authority, I find that in the Madras gun-carriage manufactory this wood is found most serviceable.

From Dr. Brandis, who writes from Burmah, we learn that, with the exception of teak, these trees are considered the most valuable and most useful of all timbers for a variety of purposes.

The season at which the Lagerstrœmias are at the height of their beauty is during the rains, and it is much to be regretted that, owing to the delicate, fragile arrangement of the petals, their loveliness is but of short duration, for the rain very soon batters and spoils the flowers.

With the exception of the usefulness of its wood the Lagerstrœmia has no other merits for utility, nor has it any medicinal properties.

Mussœnda Macrophylla

MUSSŒNDA MACROPHYLLA.

NATURAL ORDER, CINCHONACEÆ.

The subject of this illustration belongs to a genus of rather large shrubs, with heavy dense foliage, of oval-shaped, deep, dull green leaves.

There is very little difference between the species; they blossom during the hot and rainy seasons, and bear numerous corymbs of bright, star-formed orange-coloured flowers.

The hairy white leaves which constitute the principal ornament of the plants are developed from the calyxes of one or two flowers in each corymb; they make a pleasing contrast to the dull and sombre green leaves.

The orange flowers are bright and dazzling, but they are small, and, were it not for the white or cream-coloured leaves, this bush would not be much sought for as an ornament to our gardens.

If left unchecked, the Musscenda becomes very straggling and scandent in its growth, reaching at times over large mango trees, where its creamy leaves and bright flowers are seen to great advantage amongst the shining glossy foliage of the mango.

During the rains its growth is very rapid, and it spreads considerably, forming quite a jungle of any shrubbery or plantation; it is therefore necessary to prune it well in the cold season when it has shed its leaves.

Ferminger mentions that it seeds abundantly, but this is not the case all over India. I have never been able to get any, nor have I noticed young self-sown plants. It takes easily from cuttings, which is the usual mode of propagation.

Roxburgh remarks that "in some parts of India the white floral leaves are brought to table as an excellent herb.”

It is a very woody, hard-limbed shrub, a native of India, and occasionally found in a wild state in the jungle.

The flowers generally grow in pairs, the stems and calyxes being covered with small fine hairs; the star-like flowers surmount a long narrow tube of a pale yellow colour.

Plumbago Capensis

PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS.

NATURAL ORDER, PLUMBAGINACEÆ.

OUR present subject is a shrub of prostrate growth, about three or four feet high.

The foliage is arranged in a succession of whorls of lanceolate leaves from half an inch to two inches long, by no means attractive either in shape or colour.

From its untidy, straggling appearance this shrub is not ornamental or pleasing in its growth, and would hardly deserve a place in the garden were it not for its beautiful heads of azure-blue flowers.

The profusion of these lovely blue flowers is the beauty of the plant, and make up in a great measure for its otherwise unattractive appearance.

The Plumbago is a very familiar shrub in all parts of India, and seems to have no favourite locality, but thrives well in all districts.

During the hot weather it may be seen in its greatest perfection, but a few stray heads of blossom may be found at all times of the year.

The form and arrangement of the flowers have aptly been described by Ferminger and others as similar to the Phlox.

The soft mossy look of the buds and calyxes is a great addition to the prettiness of these flowers.

In addition to the present subject there are three varieties of the Plumbago, viz., "Plumbago Larpentæ," "Plumbago Rosea," and "Plumbago Zeylanica." The first of these three is a native of China, and, according to Ferminger, does not thrive in India; the flowers are a deeper blue and larger in size than the subject of our illustration, but otherwise there is a great resemblance between them.

"Plumbago Rosea," as the name suggests, has reddish flowers; they are borne on a spiral head, and blossom in the cold weather. This variety, however, is more delicate and difficult to cultivate than the foregoing.

Ferminger makes the following remarks regarding "Plumbago Zeylanica": "A small, slender, and not very pleasing shrub, bearing at all seasons racemes of small, white, sparkling flowers, very clammy and disagreeable to the touch." This variety is more uncommon than the preceding ones, owing perhaps to its being less showy and attractive.

PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS.

Russelia Juncea

RUSSELIA JUNCEA.

NATURAL ORDER, SCROPHULARIACEÆ.

AS far as I have been able to ascertain there are only two varieties of this plant met with in India. The "Russelia Juncea,” which is depicted in the opposite plate, is certainly the most common, and becomes almost a weed during the rains, when every portion that touches the ground takes root, thereby considerably extending and increasing the size of the original bush.

It is an extremely handsome plant, being of a bushy appearance with tubular bright scarlet flowers, which grow in great profusion on its rush-like stems.

The flowers vary in length from half an inch to an inch, and have a sort of open lip at the termination.

The general appearance is very pleasing, as there are no harsh or angular stems or stalks to offend the eye; but the whole bush looks like a graceful feathery mass of a bright green hue, spangled over with the above-named brilliant tube-like flowers.

It is necessary to prune this bush well when not in blossom, or it soon gets beyond bounds.

It is propagated either by division of roots or by layers, which, as before remarked, take most easily.

This plant is often grown in hothouses in England, but its treatment there is totally different, and would never answer in this hot climate. It is usually placed in hanging baskets, from which it droops in a picturesque manner; but this treatment would be unsuccessful in India from want of sufficient moisture and depth of earth for the roots.

It is a peculiarity about this plant worthy of remark that it has no green leaves of any size or importance; the entire bush, which is about three or four feet high, consists of green reed-like stems upon which the flowers grow.

I have never been able to obtain seeds from the Russelia, though I often watched for the seed capsules to form; but it was only curiosity that prompted me to do so, as propagation is so casy in other ways. From its light and feathery, appearance this plant is a great addition to a bouquet, especially when the flowers are out in perfection.

It is a hardy plant on the whole and will grow in almost any soil, but is much i improved by irrigation.

It requires a good deal of water, but if allowed to lodge or rest among the roots they very soon rot and the plant is destroyed.

"Russelia Floribunda,” the second variety, bears yery little resemblance to the foregoing plant; the flowers are the same colour and shape, but are borne in crowded bunches along and at the head of every stem. This variety is also more constantly in blossom.

If grown in pots these plants must be often taken up and the roots divided; but they are much more suited to a border or shrubbery where there is space to show off their handsome feathery appearance.

RUSSELIA JUNCEA.

Poinciana Pulcherrima

POINCIANA PULCHERRIMA.

BARBADOES PRIDE.

NATURAL ORDER, LEGUMINOSÆ.

The foliage of the plant now before us is, perhaps, as ornamental as the flowers.

From the illustration it will be seen that the leaves are oblong leaflets, set in pairs up a thin stem. When seen in a mass, especially when waving in a breeze, these leaves look very eraceful and elegant.

This shrub is in blossom during the hot and rainy seasons; it bears, panicles of bright yellow, or red and yellow flowers, which are in great profusion at the ends of the stems.

The brilliant and gaudy effect may readily be imagined.

There are two varieties, one having pure yellow flowers, and the other yellow marked with red, as depicted in the plate before us.

The buds before expanding are like small round balls at the end of their stalks, about two inches long.

According to the advice given by Ferminger, fresh plants should be raised from seed every year; but my experience does not corroborate this, as a year would hardly allow the shrubs to attain their full perfection.

I find also, from the above authority, that this shrub cannot stand extreme cold, but attains greater perfection in hot climates.

When kept low and thick these shrubs make a capital hedge, from which fact I imagine it is occasionally called "Barbadoes Flower Fence,” but when treated in this manner the handsome look of the bush is completely spoilt.

For useful and medicinal purposes this plant is singularly valuable. Major Drury states "that a decoction is made by the natives of the West Indies of the leaves and flowers, which is serviceable in fevers,” and the roots and seeds are also used in pharmacy. The wood makes very good charcoal.

The height of the bush is about seven or eight feet; when first expanding the leaves are of a bright, light green. They have been very appropriately compared "to numerous fans floating and waving in the air.”

Great care is required in the treatment of young plants. They grow well from seed, but when a few inches high they cannot bear too much heat or too much rain, and also are often killed by the ravages of white ants.

POINCIANA PULCHERRIMA.

Petræa Stapelia

PETRÆA STAPELIA.

NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACEÆ.

The plant now under consideration is a native of South America, and is not generally met with; in India it is considered a rare object, but it deserves a place in every garden and repays any trouble that may be taken in its culture.

The lovely, blue, starlike sprays of blossom remind one at a distance of the English creeper named “Wisteria,” though the actual form of the separate flowers is totally different.

When not in blossom there is nothing pleasing or attractive in the “Petræa,” for the leaves are small and very dry-looking, while the stems are bare and have a barren ugly appearance.

It is an extensively scandent shrub, requiring a strong framework as a support; the trunk often attaining to the size of a man’s leg.

It blossoms twice in the year, in February and October, but the former is when the flowers show to the best advantage and the shrub is at its greatest beauty; at that time a more enchanting object the eye could hardly rest upon.

The mass of colour and graceful drooping heads of blossom are most fascinating.

The dark plum-coloured centre adds considerably to the general beauty of the flower; it is raised from the five blue petals, and is the first to wither and fade.

The seed capsules are in the centre of the flower, consequently, when ripe, they drop with the petals, and are not left on the plant as is usually the case.

Plants have been raised by seed, but I always found cuttings by far the most satisfactory, though layers also are successful.

Occasionally young shoots appear from the parent shrub.

It remains in blossom some time, and is one of the choicest Flora that adorn our gardens.

PETRÆA STAPELIA.

Calistemon Linearis

CALISTEMON LINEARIS.

NATURAL ORDER, MYRTACEÆ.

IT may be disputed whether the above name is the proper one for this plant, but after careful study of various books it seems to me without doubt to be correct, especially as I find it is the name by which people generally know the plant.

Don writes of this genus as follows: "All small trees worthy of cultivation, from the neatness of their foliage and beauty of their blossoms, especially those with splendid flowers of crimson and white.”

On close observation this species will be found to have tiny white flowers, the crimson tint being given by the clusters of final elongated stamens, tipped with black.

The effect of these long brilliant stamens is aptly described by Ferminger "as numerous tufts of bottle-brush crimson flowers.”

It is a woody, low-growing bush or tree, very pretty when covered with the soft crimson ball-like tufts of blossom.

The buds are small green knob-like balls, and it is peculiar to see them when half expanded, as a few flowers open producing their stamens, while the remainder of the bud is still greenish-brown. I have endeavoured to give this strange look in the picture.

When withering the blossoms look deplorable, as they do not drop off, but the faded stamens lie dejected on the stalk, turning black and brown.

The under side of the leaves is a light, pale yellow, while the upper is dark green, rather shining. The foliage is described by Ferminger as “willow-like.”

The seed pods protrude also in a cluster, but I found layers took well and were the best mode of propagation.

The roots spread far under the surface; consequently it is a hazardous undertaking to try transplanting these bushes.

They are of very slow growth, and require little or no pruning.

The beauty of each head only lasts one day, the tender stamens withering at sunset.

I should certainly recommend this shrub to all anxious to have ornamental and curious flowers in their gardens.

CALISTEMON LINEARIS.

Hibiscus Rosa Linensis

HIBISCUS ROSA LINENSIS.

NATURAL ORDER, MALVACEÆ.

AT would be quite beyond the scope of a superficial work of this kind to depict or even enumerate the numerous plants in this genus. They are so associated with India and so well known to all who have lived there that one specimen will recall the others.

The single variety given in the plate is the one most frequently met with; and the gay, cheerful appearance of the bushes, when covered with blossom, may be imagined from the one flower before us.

Common as these plants may be, especially the single varieties, it would be difficult to find more ornamental and showy-looking plants.

The Hibiscus is of the same order as the English Hollyhock, and there is a great resemblance between the flowers of some of the varieties and the much-loved Hollyhock of our English borders; in growth, however, they differ considerably, the Hibiscus being a thick, woody bush.

Roxburgh mentions that the Double Hibiscus is only found in a cultivated state, while the single variety is found wild in Central India. He also tells us “that the English name is ‘Shoe Plant,’ on account of the juice from the petals of the flowers being used for blacking shoes.” I have also heard it stated that the native women dye their hair and eyebrows with the same juice.

“In China,” writes Major Drury, “they make these handsome flowers into garlands and festoons on all occasions of festivities, and even in their sepulchral rites.”

The leaves are used medicinally, and are said to be very powerful in checking certain diseases.

During the rains the Hibiscus is at its greatest perfection, and many of the flowers would then measure six or eight inches in circumference. They fade very quickly if cut. When several of these gaudy, striking flowers are open at once it is impossible to describe the brilliancy of the bush.

The leaves are small in comparison to the flower; they are smooth, with sharp points, and very serrated edges.

This is such a large and extensive genus that almost every shade of colour and hue may be found in it, and when several varieties are near each other the effect is very lovely, and other plants appear thrown into the shade.

HIBISCUS ROSA LINENSIS.

Tecoma Jasminoides

TECOMA JASMINOIDES.

TECOMA VELUTINA.

NATURAL ORDER, BIGNONIACEÆ.

ARACEFUL as all the Indian climbers are, it would perhaps be difficult to find any which are more so than the two now before us, the foliage, growth, and lovely flowers all tending to captivate the eye and please the senses.

The glossy light foliage which distinguishes all the Tecoma plants is worthy of notice, and the subjects of our illustration are no exception to the rule.

There are six varieties, two of which are either stunted trees or scandent shrubs, whilst those given in the present plate are unquestionably climbers. “Tecoma Jasminoides,” the white variety, is a lovely object with its corymbs of white flowers and deep pink centre; the delicate flowers hang in loose bunches, and droop amongst the shining wax-like foliage.

The foliage, as its name implies, is very like that of a jasmine, consisting of five or seven leaflets, growing in pairs on a thin, green stalk.

“Tecoma Velutina," the primrose-coloured variety, is equally beautiful, except perhaps that the leaves are not quite so graceful.

These flowers are funnel-shaped, of a pale, delicate, primrose colour; they fade very quickly.

The stamens, which grow quite at the back of the flower, have a singular appearance, and, when seen through its semi-transparent tube, look like a spider or some flat insect therein imbedded.

The leaves of this variety are lanceolate and vary from two to five inches in length, serrated at the edges. “Tecoma Radicans” is, perhaps, the commonest variety of these shrubs; it is a sprawling bush with pretty delicate foliage, and bright orange scarlet flowers of a tube-like shape.

The propagation of this variety is more easily accomplished, as it takes root wherever the branches touch the ground.

I am not aware of these plants being mentioned in any botanical book as useful, either medicinally or for other purposes.

To be seen to advantage these plants should be trained to hang over a trellis-work, so that the handsome heads of blossom may be allowed to droop gracefully, whilst the pretty foliage soon covers the ugly wooden frame.

The orange variety spreads rapidly, and requires to be more constantly pruned than the climbers, to prevent it from straggling and choking other plants. In a bouquet the foliage of these plants looks very pretty, but the flowers soon wither when cut.

TECOMA JASMINOIDES. TECOMA VELUTINA.

Clitoria Ternatea

CLITORIA TERNATEA.

MUSSEL-SHELL CREEPER.

NATURAL ORDER, FABACEÆ.

This lovely, delicate little creeper is one of the most common and at the same time one of the most ornamental to be found in our gardens.

The leaves are pinnate, with two or three pairs of oval leaflets. In growth it is a rambling and untidy plant, spreading over bushes or anything that comes in its way.

It is particularly slender and graceful, and hangs "its handsome flowers, sparkling among the fine verdant green leaves,” in a most charming manner.

There are three or four varieties of this beautiful plant; but with regard to colour, none of them can equal the subject of our illustration. The brilliant azure blue seems deeper and richer when seen amidst the delicate green leaves.

There is a double variety, which is of the same deep blue colour; this is rather a rare species, and I find that Ferminger mentions, "it is unnamed in the Calcutta Botanical Gardens,” in the year 1864. The Clitoria is in blossom all the year, though during the rains it is much more luxuriant and is then in its greatest perfection.

Roxburgh describes this flower as having the “Corolla supine; banner large expanding under the wings”: he also says, "it is common in ever hedgerow all over India, and is in flower the greater part of the year. Its root probably is not inferior to jalap.” The powdered seeds are also used medicinally.

The seed-pod is very like a French bean, the seeds are small but very abundant and very soon germinate; young plants come up self-sown, and therefore no trouble is required in propagation. The English name, I imagine, has been suggested by its shape and deep colour, as it recalls the rich look of a polished mussel-shell.

There is no scent from the Clitoria; it is usually treated as an annual, for if left long in one place it becomes a complete jungle and extends in all directions.

CLITORIA TERNATEA.

Clerodendron Thomsones

CLERODENDRON THOMSONES.

NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACEÆ.

WHOEVER," says Dr. Lindley, “shall investigate the true distinctions between the beautiful species of Clerodendron with scarlet inflorescence, will find as ample a harvest of confusion to be reaped as he can desire." To these words every one will assent who has in the smallest degree cultivated these handsome flowers or attempted to classify or enumerate them.

I am a little doubtful as to the correctness of the above name for the species exhibited in the Plate, but after careful study of various books on the subject, the description given of “Clerodendron Thomsones” is the one that tallies best with the plant before us.

It would be difficult to find anything that can surpass the great loveliness of many of the species of this genus; they are also well known, and may be found adorning every garden.

Unlike most of the other varieties, our present subject is a scandent shrub, and might almost be denominated a climber, It requires a support, and will spread over any bush or shrub close at hand.

The stems are a dark, almost purple colour, and the bright scarlet flowers with their creamy calyxes droop most gracefully from the tips.

The extreme elegance and grace of this bush can hardly be imagined, unless once beheld: during the cold weather, when in its greatest beauty, it has a very fascinating and charming effect, appearing lke a multitude of creamy bells, tipped with bright scarlet tongues.

It is difficult to procure the seeds of this species, as they are light and soon blown away, but as it takes well from cuttings, there is no difficulty in raising young plants. Many of the other varieties throw up young suckers very abundantly, which should be transplanted to prevent too thick a growth of these plants.

The coral-crimson blossoms and handsome umbrella-like leaves of the other varieties are well known, but the heads of flowers being over a foot in length, they are quite beyond anything but a casual mention in this work.

CLERODENDRON INERME.

Thevetia Nereifolia

THEVETIA NEREIFOLIA.

NATURAL ORDER, APOCYNACEÆ.

The Hindustani name for this flower is "Zurd Kurnel,” which probably originated in the strong resemblance between its foliage and that of the Oleander, for that is also called by the natives "Kurnel.”

The specimen in the illustration is the only one met with in India. It is now a very common shrub in this country, but South America is its native land.

Ferminger describes this plant in the following manner: "It is a small, handsome, spreading tree, from eight to ten feet high; the flowers are thimble-formed and bright yellow.” Owing to the leaves and flowers growing at the extremity of the boughs this bush shows to greater advantage if placed in a shrubbery, where its bare stems are hidden by low bushes, and over which it can droop its clusters of shining bright leaves and brilliant flowers.

Being very like a willow in growth, and having no trunk to speak of, each bough appears to spring from the ground separately; like the willow, also, it is often found on the banks of tanks, or overhanging water.

There is a powerful but rather sickly scent from the flowers, which is unbearable to many people, and may account for the Thevetia being seldom seen in a garden and considered only fit for a hedgerow.

Like all the plants of this order, a thick milky juice exudes from any part that is cut or broken; it is sticky and most disagreeable to the touch.

The flowers are very short-lived; expanding one day, they seem to droop and fall off the next, covering the ground with their bright, golden blossoms.

Young shoots are continually springing and shooting up, so that propagation is very easy; and, in fact, if these young plants are not thinned out or removed, a small forest soon arises. It bears seed abundantly, in the shape of nuts, and may also be raised by them.

From these seeds a clear yellow oil is extracted, but its uses and properties are not yet determined.

In Major Drury’s valuable book on the “Useful Plants,” &c., he mentions that “the bitter and cathartic bark of the Thevetia is useful as a febrifuge, having the same properties as cinchona.”

THEVETIA NEREIFOLIA.

Duranta Plumieri

DURANTA PLUMIERI.

NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACEÆ.

FROM what I can learn about this shrub there are only two varieties of it known in India, but both are very common, and seem to grow in all parts of the country. I have classed it among the shrubs of India, and in so doing am supported by Ferminger and other good botanical authorities; but, notwithstanding this, I have seen it attain to the height of a small tree, and possibly in an uncultivated state it may grow considerably higher and larger still.

It is a showy, pretty bush, growing in a thick compact form, and even when left unchecked it does not get straggling and unsightly as is generally the case with the Flora of this country.

Constant pruning and cutting back, however, improves these bushes, and should be unsparingly administered,

The leaves are bright and shining, and set the flowers off to great advantage. Like many of the flowers of this order, taken singly they are small and delicate, and might be passed over as insignificant; but when taken either in heads, like the ordinary Verbena, or in sprays, as in our present subject, they are both striking and pleasing to the eye.

This shrub looks green and fresh at all times, as not being deciduous it retains its leaves, and when the flowers fall they are succeeded by bright amber-coloured berries, making it a pretty object throughout the year. The berries are about the size of those of Holly, but each berry hangs separate, a short distance from the stem, instead of in a compact bunch upon the stalk, as is the case with Holly.

It is a common practice to make use of the Duranta as a hedge, for which purpose it is admirably suited, being thick and thorny; but it must be kept low, and never allowed to shoot upwards. When treated in the same manner as Box-edging is done at home it becomes almost, if not entirely, impenetrable.

The Durante is a native of the West Indies, but it thrives in India quite as well as many of the indigenous plants of that country.

It is propagated by either cuttings or seeds, of which latter it bears abundantly.

Soil is of no importance to these plants, as, being very hardy, they grow everywhere.

One botanist, in writing on the “Duranta Plumieri," states it has the perfume of almonds, but I have never been able to discover any scent about either of the varieties; nor is the fact mentioned by other botanical authorities.

The second variety of this shrub is called “Duranta Ellisii,” and the only perceptible difference between them is, that the flowers of this one are white instead of blue.

From a utilitarian point of view the Duranta, as far as I know, is of no use or importance; it possesses no qualities to render it of any value either in pharmacy or otherwise.

DURANTA PLUMIERI.

Quisqualis Indica

QUISQUALIS INDICA.

RANGOON CREEPER.

NATURAL ORDER, COMBRETACEÆ.

PERHAPS one of the most striking features in Indian horticulture is the number and variety of climbers that are to be found growing in the greatest luxuriance and profusion all over the country.

In the accompanying plate is exhibited one of the commonest and, at the same time, one of the loveliest of these climbers.