_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LATHYRUS _articulatus_ pedunculis subunifloris, cirrhis
polyphyllis; foliolis alternis. _Linn. Syst. Veg. ed. 14._ _Murr.
p. 662._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2. p. 41._

CLYMENUM hispanicum, flore vario, siliqua articulata. _Tourn. Inst.
396._

LATHYRUS hispanicus, pedunculis bifloris, cirrhis polyphyllis
foliolis alternis. _Mill. Dict. ed. 6. 4to._

The seed-vessels are of the first importance in ascertaining the several
species of Lathyrus, some being naked, others hairy, some long, others
short, some having a smooth and perfectly even surface, others, as in
the present instance, assuming an uneven or jointed appearance.

Of this genus we have already figured three annual species, common in
flower-gardens, viz. _odoratus_, _tingitanus_, and _sativus_; to these
we now add the _articulatus_, not altogether so frequently met with, but
meriting a place on the flower-border, as the lively red and delicate
white so conspicuous in its blossoms, causes it to be much admired.

It is a native of Italy, and was cultivated at the Chelsea Garden, in
the time of Mr. RAND, anno 1739.

It is a hardy annual, requiring support, and rarely exceeding the height
of two feet, flowering in July and August, and is readily raised from
seeds, which should be sown in the open border at the beginning of
April.

[Illustration: No 253]

[Illustration: No 254]

[254]

LOPEZIA RACEMOSA. MEXICAN LOPEZIA.

_Class and Order._

MONANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

_Generic Character._

_Cal._ 4-phyllus. _Cor._ irregularis, pentapetala, duo superiora
geniculata, quintum inferne declinatum, plicatum, ungue arcuata.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LOPEZIA _racemosa_ caule herbaceo ramoso; foliis alternis
ovato-lanceolatis, serratis; floribus racemosis. _Cavanilles Ic. et
descr. Pl._

Some plants have a claim on our attention for their utility, some for
their beauty, and some for the singularity of their structure, and the
wonderful nature of their oeconomy; in the last class we must place
the present plant, the flowers of which we recommend to the examination
of such of our readers as may have an opportunity of seeing them; to the
philosophic mind, not captivated with mere shew, they will afford a most
delicious treat.

We first saw this novelty in flower, towards the close of the year 1792,
at the Apothecaries Garden, Chelsea, where Mr. FAIRBAIRN i