Home1797 Edition

PLUMBAGO

Volume 15 · 132 words · 1797 Edition

lead-wort; a genus of the monogyne order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants. There are four species; the most remarkable of which are the Europaea and Zeylonica. The first grows naturally in the southern parts of Europe, and has a perennial root striking deep in the ground. There are many slender channelled stalks, about three feet high, terminated by tufts of small funnel-shaped flowers, of a blue or white colour. The second grows naturally in both Plumbago, both the Indies. The upper part of the stalk and em- palement are covered with a glutinous juice, which catches the small flies that light upon it. The former species is propagated by parting the roots, and by seeds; but the latter is too tender to thrive in the open air in this country.