[468] OEnothera Tetraptera. White-Flowered OEnothera.

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Class and Order.

Octandria Monogynia.

Generic Character.

Cal. 4-fidus. Petala 4. Caps. cylindrica infera. Sem. nuda.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

ŒNOTHERA tetraptera foliis lanceolatis, basi pinnatifido-dentatis, capsulis pedicellatis obovatis quadrialatis. Linn. Sp. Pl. edit. Wildenou.

ŒNOTHERA foliis alternis subpinnatis crispis, flore mutabili fructÛ tetraptero. Cavanill. Icon. t. 3. p. 40. tab. 279.

468
No468.

Of this genus we have already figured six different species; this is another newly discovered one, which, like most of its kind, displays its beauties chiefly in the night. It is the only one, as far as we yet know, that has white blossoms; these, when first expanded, are beautifully so, but in the morning they change to a purple colour, fade, and their place is supplied by a fresh succession. In this remarkable change of colour, it bears some affinity to the Œnothera anomala, which may be considered as strengthening our opinion that the latter plant belongs to this genus rather than to that of Gaura. The Œnothera tetraptera is a native of Mexico, its duration as yet not certainly ascertained, but may be treated as a tender annual; and such plants as do not flower the first year, may be preserved under glasses through the winter. It was raised from seeds sent by Mr. Donn, from Cambridge; but was probably first introduced into this country from seeds sent to the Marchioness of Bute, by Prof. Ortega, of Madrid.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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