distributed proofreaders europe at http://dp.rastko.net the ~botanical magazine~; or, ~flower-garden displayed~: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. ~by william curtis~, author of the flora londinensis. ~vol. iii.~ "the spleen is seldom felt where flora reigns; the low'ring eye, the petulance, the frown, and sullen sadness, that o'ershade, distort, and mar the face of beauty, when no cause for such immeasurable woe appears; these flora banishes, and gives the fair sweet smiles and bloom, less transient than her own." cowper. london: printed by couchman and fry, throgmorton-street, for w. curtis, at his botanic-garden, lambeth-marsh; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xc. * * * * * [73] monsonia speciosa. large-flower'd monsonia. _class and order._ polyadelphia dodecandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ 5-petala. _stam._ 15. connata in 5 filamenta. _stylus_ 5-fidus. _caps._ 5-cocca. _specific character and synonyms._ monsonia _speciosa_ foliis quinatis: foliolis bipinnatis, _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 697._ monsonia grandiflora. _burm. prodr. 23._ [illustration: no 73] the genus of which this charming plant is the most distinguished species, has been named in honour of _lady anne monson_. the whole family are natives of the cape, and in their habit and fructification bear great affinity to the geranium. the present species was introduced into this country in 1774, by mr. masson. we received this elegant plant just as it was coming into flower, from mr. colvill, nurseryman, king's-road, chelsea, who was so obliging as to inform me that he had succeeded best in propagating it by planting cuttings of the root in pots of mould, and plunging them in a tan-pit, watering them as occasion may require; in due time buds appear on the tops of the cuttings left out of the ground. it rarely or never ripens its seed with us. should be treated as a hardy greenhouse plant; may be sheltered even under a frame, in the winter. [74] antirrhinum triste. melancholy or black-flower'd toad-flax. _class and order._ didynamia angiopspermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ basis deorsum prominens, nectarifera. _caps._ 2. locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ antirrhinum _triste_ foliis linearibus sparsis inferioribus oppositis nectariis subulatis, floribus sub-sessilibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 555._ linaria tristis hispanica. _dill. elth. 201. t. 164. f. 199._ [illustration: no 74] receives its name of _triste_ from the sombre appearance of its flowers; but this must be understood when placed at some little distance, for, on a near view, the principal colour of the blossoms is a fine rich brown, inclined to purple. is a native of spain, and of course a greenhouse plant with us, but it must not be too tenderly treated, as it loses much of its beauty when drawn up, it should therefore be kept out of doors when the season will admit, as it only requires shelter from severe frost, and that a common hot-bed frame will in general sufficiently afford it. it flowers during most of the summer months; as it rarely or never ripens its seeds with us, the usual mode of propagating it, is by cuttings, which strike readily enough in the common way. miller relates that it was first introduced into this country by sir charles wager, from gibraltar seeds. [75] potentilla grandiflora. large-flower'd potentilla. _class and order._ icosandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 10-fidus. _petala_ 5. _sem._ subrotunda, nuda, receptaculo parvo exsucco affixa. _specific character and synonyms._ potentilla _grandiflora_ foliis ternatis dentatis utrinque subpilosis, caule decumbente foliis longiore, _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 715._ fragaria sterilis, amplissimo folio et flore petalis cordatis, _vaill. paris. 55. t. 10. f. 1._ [illustration: no 75] culture is well known to produce great alterations in the appearance of most plants, but particularly in those which grow spontaneously on dry mountainous situations, and this is strikingly exemplified in the present instance, this species of _potentilla_, becoming in every respect much larger, as well as much smoother than in its natural state. _vid._ vaill. above quoted. it is a hardy herbaceous plant, a native of switzerland, siberia, and other parts of europe, and flowers in july. linnæus considers it as an annual; miller, as a biennial; we suspect it to be, indeed have little doubt of its being a perennial; having propagated it by parting its roots, but it may be raised more successfully from seed. [76] epilobium angustissimum. narrowest leav'd willow-herb. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-fidus. _petala_ 4. _caps._ oblonga, infera. _sem._ papposa. _specific character and synonyms._ epilobium angustifolium, foliis sparsis linearibus obsolete denticulatis aveniis, petalis æqualibus integerrimis, _ait. hort. kew. 2. p. 5._ epilobium _angustifolium_, var. _lin. sp. pl._ epilobium flore difformi, foliis linearibus. _hall, hist. helv. p. 427. n. 1001._ [illustration: no 76] though the _epilobium_ here figured has not been many years introduced into this country, it is a plant which has long been well known, and described. linnæus makes it a variety only of the _epilobium angustifolium_; haller, a distinct species, and in our opinion, most justly. those who have cultivated the _epilobium angustifolium_ have cause to know that it increases prodigiously by its creeping roots. the present plant, so far as we have been able to determine from cultivating it several years, in our garden, lambeth-marsh, has not shewn the least disposition to increase in the same way, nor have any seedlings arisen from the seeds which it has spontaneously scattered: we have, indeed, found it a plant rather difficult to propagate, yet it is highly probable that at a greater distance from london, and in a more favourable soil, its roots, though not of the creeping kind, may admit of a greater increase, and its seeds be more prolific. it is a native of the alps of switzerland, from whence it is frequently dislodged, and carried into the plains by the impetuosity of torrents. it flowers with us in july and august, and being a hardy perennial, and perhaps the most elegant species of the genus, appears to us highly deserving a place in the gardens of the curious. [77] centaurea montana. greater blue-bottle. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia frustranea. _generic character._ receptaculum setosum. pappus simplex. corollæ radii infundibuliformes, longiores, irregulares. _specific character and synonyms._ centaurea montana calycibus serratis, foliis lanceolatis decurrentibus caule simplicissimo. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 785._ cyanus montanus latifolius s. verbasculum cyanoides. _bauh. pin. 273._ cyanus major. _lobel. icon. 548._ [illustration: no 77] it has been suggested by some of our readers, that too many common plants, like the present, are figured in this work. we wish it to be understood, that the professed design of the botanical magazine is to exhibit representations of such. we are desirous of putting it in the power of all who cultivate or amuse themselves with plants, to become scientifically acquainted with them, as far as our labours extend; and we deem it of more consequence, that they should be able to ascertain such as are to be found in every garden, than such as they may never have an opportunity of seeing. on viewing the representations of objects of this sort, a desire of seeing the original is naturally excited, and the pleasure is greatly enhanced by having it in our power to possess it. but, while we are desirous of thus creating botanists, we are no less anxious to gratify the wishes of those already such; and we believe, from a perusal of the magazine, it will appear that one-third of the plants figured, have some pretensions to novelty. the _centaurea montana_ is a native of the german alps, flowers during the greatest part of the summer, is a hardy perennial, and will grow in any soil or situation, some will think too readily. [78] narcissus odorus. sweet-scented, or great jonquil. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _petala_ 6-æqualia. _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo. _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _odorus_ spatha sub-biflora, nectario campanulato sexfido lævi dimidio petalis breviore, foliis semicylindricis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 317._ narcissus angustifolius, five juncifolius maximus amplo calice. the great jonquilia with the large flower or cup. _park parad. p. 89. fig. 5._ [illustration: no 78] we shall be thought, perhaps, too partial to this tribe of plants, this being the fifth species now figured; but it should be remembered, that as the spring does not afford that variety of flowers which the summer does, we are more limited in our choice; the flowers of this delightful season have also greater claims to our notice, they present themselves with double charms. this species, which, as its name implies, possesses more fragrance than many of the others, is a native of the south of europe, flowers in the open border in april, is a hardy-perennial, thriving in almost any soil or situation, but succeeds best in a loamy soil and eastern exposure. varies with double flowers, in which slate it is often used for forcing. no notice is taken of this species by miller, except as a variety of the n. _jonquilla_, from which it differs _toto calo_. [79] lotus jacobæus. black-flower'd lotus. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _legumen_ cylindricum strictum. _alæ_ sursum longitudinaliter conniventes. _cal._ tubulosus. _specific character and synonyms._ lotus _jacobæus_ leguminibus subternatis, caule herbaceo erecto, foliolis linearibus. _lin. syst. veg. 601._ lotus angustifolia, flore luteo purpurascente, infulæ s. jacobi. _comm. hort. 2. p. 165. t. 83._ [illustration: no 79] this species of _lotus_ has been called black-flower'd, not that the flowers are absolutely black, for they are of a very rich brown inclined to purple, but because they appear so at a little distance; the light colour of the foliage contributes not a little to this appearance. "it grows naturally in the island of st. james; is too tender to live abroad in england, so the plants must be kept in pots, and in the winter placed in a warm airy glass cafe, but in the summer they should be placed abroad in a sheltered situation. it may be easily propagated by cuttings during the summer season, and also by seeds, but the plants which have been two or three times propagated by cuttings, seldom are fruitful." _miller's gard. dict._ it continues to flower during the whole of the summer; as it is very apt to die off without any apparent cause, care should be taken to have a succession of plants from seeds, if possible. [80] spigelia marilandica. maryland spigelia, or worm-grass. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis. _capsula_ didyma. 2-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ spigelia _marilandica_ caule tetragono, foliis omnibus oppositis. _lin. syst. veg. p. 197._ _mant. 2. p. 338._ lonicera _marilandica_, _spec. pl. ed. 3. p. 249._ periclymeni virginiani flore coccineo planta marilandica spicata erecta foliis conjugatis. _d. sherard raii suppl. p. 32._ _catesb. carol. 11. t. 78._ anthelmia indian pink. _dr. lining. essays physical and literary, vol. 1. and vol. 3._ [illustration: no 80] this plant, not less celebrated for its superior efficacy in destroying worms[a], than admired for its beauty, is a native of the warmer parts of north america; the older botanists, and even linnæus, at one time considered it as a _honeysuckle_, but he has now made a new genus of it, which he has named in honour of spigelius, a botanist of considerable note, author of the _ifagog. in yem herbar_. published at _leyden_ in 1633. "this plant is not easily propagated in england, for the roots make but slow increase, so that the plant is not very common in the english gardens at present; for although it is so hardy as to endure the cold of our ordinary winters in the open air, yet as it does not ripen seeds, the only way of propagating it is by parting of the roots; and as these do not make much increase by offsets, so the plants are scarce; it delights in a moist soil, and must not be often transplanted." _miller's dict._ the scarcity of this plant, even now, is a proof of the justness of mr. miller's observation; it is in fact a very shy plant, and scarcely to be kept in this country but by frequent importation. it flowers in june and july. [footnote a: _vid. lewis's mater. medica._] [81] colutea arborescens. tree colutea, or bladder senna. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-fidus. _legumen_ inflatum, basi superiore dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ colutea _arborescens_ arborea foliolis obcordatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 668._ colutea vesicaria. _bauh. pin. 396._ the greater bastard senna with bladders. _park. par. 440._ [illustration: no 81] the bladder senna, a native of the south of france and italy, produces a profusion of bloom from june to august, when its inflated pods please from the singularity of their appearance; on these accounts, it is one of the most common flowering shrubs cultivated in gardens and plantations. "it is propagated by sowing its seeds any time in the spring in a bed of common earth; and when the plants are come up, they must be kept clear from weeds, and the michaelmas following they should be transplanted either into nursery-rows, or in the places where they are designed to remain; for if they are let grow in the seed-bed too long, they are very subject to have tap roots, which render them unfit for transplanting; nor should these trees be suffered to remain too long in the nursery before they are transplanted, for the same reason." _miller's gard. dict._ we have learned by experience, that a very wet soil will prove fatal to these shrubs. [82] lachenalia tricolor. three-coloured lachenalia. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ subtriphyllus, inferus, coloratus. _corolla_ 3-petala, receptaculo inferta. _jacquin jun. in act. helv. vol. 9._ _specific character and synonyms._ lachenalia _tricolor_. _lin. syst, vegetab. ed. 14. p. 314._ _jacq. icon. pl. rarior, t. 3._ phormium _aloides_. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. p. 336. suppl. 205._ [illustration: no 82] to mr. lee, of the vineyard, hammersmith, the first, and as we understand, the only nurseryman as yet in possession of this plant, which has but lately been introduced into this country from the cape, we are indebted for the present specimen. mr. jacquin, jun. who has figured and described it in the _acta helvetica_, gives it the name of _lachenalia_, in honour of warnerus de la chenal, a very eminent swiss botanist, and the particular friend of the late illustrious haller. our readers should be informed, that it had before been called by two other different names, viz. _hyacinthus orchiodes_, and _phormium aloides_, under the latter of which it now stands in the 14th edition of the _systema vegetabilium_, as well as that of _lachenalia_. its trivial name of _tricolor_ it receives from the three colours observable in the flowers; but it must be noticed, that it is only at the middle period of its flowering, that these three colours are highly distinguishable; as it advances, the brilliant orange of the top flowers dies away; the spots on the leaves also, which when the plant is young, give it the appearance of an orchis, as it advances into bloom become less and less conspicuous. like most of the cape plants, the _lachenalia_ requires to be sheltered in the winter; during that season it must therefore be kept in a greenhouse, or hot-bed frame, well secured. it flowers in the spring, but its blowing may be accelerated by the warmth of the stove, for it bears forcing well enough. it is increased by offsets from the bulbs. [83] hibiscus syriacus. syrian hibiscus; commonly called althæa frutex. _class and order._ monadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ duplex, exterior polyphyllus. _capsula_ 5-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ hibiscus _syriacus_ foliis cuneiformi ovatis superne incise-serratis, caule arboreo. _lin. syst. veg. p. 630._ alcea arborescens syriaca. _bauh. pin. p. 316._ althæa frutex flore albo vel purpureo. _park. par. p. 369._ [illustration: no 83] the _hibiscus syriacus_, known generally by the name of _althæa frutex_, is a native of syria, and forms one of the chief ornaments of our gardens in autumn; we view it, however, with less delight, as it is a sure indication of approaching winter. there are many varieties of it mentioned by authors, as the _purple, red-flowered, white-flowered, variegated red and white flowered_, and the _striped-flowered_, to which may be added, another variety, lately introduced, with double flowers: it varies also in its foliage, which is sometimes marked with white, sometimes with yellow. as from the lateness of its flowering, and the want of sufficient warmth, it rarely ripens its seeds with us; the usual mode of increasing it is by layers, and sometimes by cuttings; but the best plants are raised from seeds. miller observes, that the scarce varieties may be propagated by grafting them on each other, which is the common method of propagating the sorts with striped leaves. in the time of parkinson it was not looked on as a hardy shrub: he thus writes,--"they are somewhat tender, and would not be suffered to be uncovered in the winter time, or yet abroad in the garden, but kept in a large pot or tubbe, in the house or in a warme cellar, if you would have them to thrive." _park. parad._ [84] tussilago alpina. alpine coltsfoot. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia. _generic character._ _receptaculum_ nudum. _pappus_ simplex. _cal._ squamæ æquales, discum æquantes, submembranaceæ. _specific character and synonyms._ tussilago _alpina_ scapo unifloro subnudo, foliis cordato orbiculatis crenatis utrinque virentibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 755._ tussilago alpina rotundifolia glabra. _bauh. pin. 197._ [illustration: no 84] this species, a native of the alps, of switzerland, and austria, is frequently kept in gardens for the sake of variety; like the rest of the genus, it flowers early in the spring, in march and april; is a very hardy perennial, increases most readily in a moist shady situation, is usually kept in pots for the convenience of sheltering it in very severe seasons; but it will grow readily enough in the open border. all plants that flower early, though ever so hardy, require some kind of shelter, previous to, and during their flowering. is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [85] spartium jungeum. spanish broom. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _stigma_ longitudinale, supra villosum. _filamenta_ germini adhærentia. _calyx_ deorsum productus. _specific character and synonyms._ spartium _junceum_ ramis oppositis teretibus apice floriferis, foliis lanceolatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 643._ spartium arborescens, feminibus lenti similibus. _bauh. pin. 396._ spanish broom. _park. parad. p. 442. t. 443. fig. 4._ [illustration: no 85] grows naturally in france, spain, italy, and turkey; bears our climate extremely well; is a common shrub in our nurseries and plantations, which it much enlivens by its yellow blossoms: flowers from june to august, or longer in cool seasons. is raised by seeds, which generally come up plentifully under the shrubs. miller mentions a variety of it, which, as inferior to the common sort, does not appear to be worth cultivating. [86] gladiolus communis. common corn-flag. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ sexpartita, ringens. _stamina_ adscendentia. _specific character and synonyms._ gladiolus _communis_ foliis ensiformibus, floribus distantibus. gladiolus utrinque floridus? _bauh. pin. 41._ the french corn-flag. _park. parad. p. 189. t. 191. f. 1._ [illustration: no 86] grows wild in the corn fields of most of the warmer parts of europe, varies with white and flesh-coloured blossoms, increases so fast, both by offsets and seeds, as to become troublesome to the cultivator; hence, having been supplanted by the greater corn-flag, the _byzantinus_ of miller, whose blossoms are larger, and more shewy, it is not so generally found in gardens as formerly. it flowers in june. [87] hyoscyamus aureus. golden-flower'd henbane. _class and order._ pentandria digynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis, obtusa. _stamina_ inclinata. _capsula_ operculata 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ hyoscyamus _aureus_ foliis petiolatis dentatis acutis floribus pedunculatis, fructibus pendulis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 220._ hyoscyamus creticus luteus major. _bauh. pin. 169._ [illustration: no 87] a native of crete, and other parts of the east. "flowers most part of the summer, but seldom ripens seeds in england; will continue for several years, if kept in pots and sheltered in winter, for it will not live in the open air during that season; if placed under a common hot-bed frame, where it may enjoy as much free air as possible in mild weather, it will thrive better than when more tenderly treated. "it may be easily propagated by cuttings, which if planted in a shady border and covered with hand-glasses, in any of the summer months, they will take root in a month or six weeks, and may be afterwards planted in pots and treated like the old plants." miller's _gard. dict._ it is, however, a more common practice to keep this plant in the stove in the winter; one advantage, at least, attends this method, we secure it with certainty. [88] narcissus bulbocodium. hoop petticoat narcissus. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _petala_ 6, æqualia: _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo. _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _bulbocodium_ spatha uniflora, nectario turbinato petalis majore, staminibus pistilloque declinatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 317._ narcissus montanus juncifolius, calyce aureo. _bauhin. p. 53._ the greater yellow junquilia, or bastard daffodil. _park. parad. p. 106. t. 107. fig. 6. var. min. fig. 7._ [illustration: no 88] grows spontaneously in portugal; flowers in the open border about the middle of may, is an old inhabitant of our gardens, but, like the _triandrus_, is now become scarce, at least in the nurseries about london; in some gardens in hampshire we have seen it grow abundantly: miller calls it the _hoop petticoat narcissus_, the nectary, as he observes, being formed like the ladies hoop petticoats. it certainly is one of the neatest and most elegant of the genus, is propagated by offsets, and should be planted in a loamy soil, with an eastern exposure. [89] viola pedata cut-leav'd violet. _class and order._ syngenesia monogamia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-phyllus. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis, postice cornuta. _capsula_ supera, 3-valvis; 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ viola _pedata_ acaulis, foliis pedatis septempartitis. _lin. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 802. spec. pl. p. 1323._ _gronov. fl. virg. ed. 2. p. 135._ viola _tricolor_ caule nudo, foliis tenuius dissectis. _banist. virg._ viola inodora flore purpurascente specioso, foliis ad modum digitorum incisis. _clayt. n. 254._ [illustration: no 89] this species of violet, a native of virginia, is very rarely met with in our gardens; the figure we have given, was drawn from a plant which flowered this spring in the garden of thomas sykes, esq. at hackney, who possesses a very fine collection of plants, and of american ones in particular. it is more remarkable for the singularity of its foliage than the beauty of its blossoms; the former exhibit a very good example of the _folium pedatum_ of linnæus, whence its name. miller, who calls it _multifida_ from a former edition of linnæus's _species plantarum_, says, that the flowers are not succeeded by seeds here, hence it can only be propagated by parting its roots. the best mode of treating it, will be to place the roots in a pot of loam and bog earth mixed, and plunge the pot into a north border, where it must be sheltered in the winter, or taken up and kept in a common hot-bed frame. [90] gorteria rigens. rigid-leav'd gorteria. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia frustranea. _generic character._ _receptaculum_ nudum. _pappus_ lanatus. _corollæ_ radii ligulatæ. _calyx_ imbricatus, squamis spinosis. _specific character and synonyms._ gorteria _rigens_ foliis lanceolatis pinnatifidis, caule depresso, scapis unifloris. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. 783. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 1284._ arctotis ramis decumbentibus, foliis lineari-lanceolatis rigidis, subtus argenteis. _mill. dict. et icon. t. 49._ arctotheca foliis rigidis leniter dissectis. _vaill. act. 1728. n. 9._ [illustration: no 90] the gorteria, of which there are several species, and most of them, like the present, natives of the cape, has been named in honour of david de gorter, author of the _flora zutphanica_ and _ingrica_; the trivial name of _rigens_ is given to this species from the rigidity of its leaves, a term which it is sometimes apt to exchange for the more common botanic name of _ringens_; an instance of such mistake occurs in the 6th edition of miller's _gard. dict._ the greenhouse, to which it properly belongs, can scarcely boast a more shewy plant; its blossoms, when expanded by the heat of the sun, and it is only when the sun shines on them that they are fully expanded, exhibit an unrivalled brilliancy of appearance. it flowers in june, but rarely brings its seeds to perfection in this country, which is of the less consequence, as the plant is readily enough increased by cuttings. it requires the common treatment of a greenhouse plant. [91] iris surfing. chalcedonian iris. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. _specific character and synonyms._ iris _surfing_ barbata foliis ensiformibus glabris, scapo unifloro, petalis rotundatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. p. 88._ iris surfing flore maximo et albo nigricante. _bauh. pin. 31._ the great turkey flower-de-luce. _park. parad. 179._ [illustration: no 91] this species, by far the most magnificent of the iris tribe, is a native of persia, from a chief city of which it takes the name of surfing; linnæus informs us, that it was imported into holland from constantinople in 1573. though an inhabitant of a much warmer climate than our own, it thrives readily in the open borders of our gardens; and, in certain favourable situations, flowers freely about the latter end of may or beginning of june. it succeeds best in a loamy soil and sunny exposure, with a pure air moisture, which favours the growth of most of the genus, is injurious and sometimes even fatal to this species. as it rarely ripens its seeds with us, it is generally propagated by parting its roots in autumn. these are also usually imported from holland, and may be had of the importers of bulbs at a reasonable rate. being liable to be destroyed by seasons unusually severe, it will be prudent to place a few roots of it in pots, either in the greenhouse or in a hot-bed frame during the winter. it bears forcing well. [92] saxifraga sarmentosa. strawberry saxifrage. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus. _cor._ 5-petala. _caps._ 2-rostris, 1-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ saxifraga _sarmentosa_ foliis radicalibus subrotundis cordatis crenatis, sarmentis axillaribus radicantibus, corolla irregulari, racemo composito. _lin. syst. veg. ed. 14. p. 412._ _suppl. p. 240._ [illustration: no 92] this species of saxifrage differing so widely from the others, both in its habit and fructification, as to create a doubt in the minds of some, whether it ought not to be considered as a distinct genus, is a native of china, and one of the many plants which have been introduced into our gardens since the time of miller. its round variegated leaves, and strawberry-like runners, the uncommon magnitude of the two lowermost pendant petals, joined to the very conspicuous glandular nectary in the centre of the flower, half surrounding the germen, render this species strikingly distinct. it is properly a greenhouse plant; in mild winters indeed it will bear the open air, especially if placed at the foot of a wall, or among rock-work; but, in such situations, it is frequently killed in severe seasons. it flowers in may and june, but does not produce its blossoms so freely as some others. no difficulty attends the propagation of it, for it increases so fast by its runners, as to be even troublesome. [93] sempervivum monanthes. dwarf houseleek. _class and order._ dodecandria dodecagynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 12-partitus. _petala_ 12. _capsulæ_ 12. polyspermæ. _specific character and synonyms._ sempervivum _monanthes_ foliis teretibus clavatis confertis, pedunculis nudis subunifloris, nectariis obcordatis. _aiton. hort. kew._ [illustration: no 93] it appears from the _hortus kewensis_, the publication of which is daily expected, that the plant here figured was first brought to this country from the canary islands, by mr. francis masson, in the year 1777. it is highly deserving the notice of the botanist, not only as being by far the least species of the genus, but on account of its nectaria; these, though not mentioned by linnæus in his character of the genus, have been described by other authors, particularly jacquin and haller; and though not present in most, and but faintly visible in a few species of _sempervivum_, in this plant form a principal part of the fructification; they are usually seven in number, but vary from six to eight. in the specimens we have examined, and which perhaps have been rendered luxuriant by culture, the number of stamina has been from twelve to sixteen; of styles, from six to eight; of flowers on the same stalk, from one to eight. it flowers during most of the summer months, succeeds very well with the common treatment of a greenhouse plant in the summer, but does best in a dry stove in the winter. is readily increased by parting its roots. [94] sisyrinchium irioides. iris-leav'd sisyrinchium. _class and order._ gynandria triandria. _generic character._ monogyna. _spatha_ diphylla. _petala_ 6 plana. _capsula_ tri-locularis, infera. _specific character and synonyms._ sisyrinchium _iridioides_ foliis ensiformibus; petalis oblongo-obcordatis, venosis; germinibus pyriformibus, subhirsutis. sisyrinchium _bermudiana._ _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 820. var. 2. spec. pl. p. 1353._ bermudiana iridis folio, radice fibrosa. _dill. elth. 48. t. 41. f. 48._ sisyrinchium _bermudiana_ foliis gladiolatis amplexicaulibus, pedunculis brevioribus. _miller's dict. ed. 6. 4to._ [illustration: no 94] on comparing the present plant with the _bermudiana graminea flore minore coeruleo_ of dillenius, both of which i have growing, and now in pots before me, the difference appears so striking, that i am induced with him and miller to consider them as distinct species; especially as, on a close examination, there appear characters sufficient to justify me in the opinion, which characters are not altered by culture. it is a native of the bermudian islands, and flowers in the open border from may to the end of july; it is not uncommon to keep it in the greenhouse, for which, from its size &c. it is very well adapted; but it is not necessary to treat it tenderly, as it will bear a greater degree of cold than many plants usually considered as hardy. it may be propagated most readily by seeds, or by parting its roots in the autumn; should be planted on a border with an eastern aspect; soil the same as for bulbs. [95] geranium radula. rasp-leav'd geranium. _class and order._ monadelphia decandria. _generic character._ monogyna. _stigmata_ 5. _fructus_ rostratus, 5-coccus. _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _revolutum_ pedunculis subbifloris, foliis multifidis linearibus scabris ad oras revolutis, caule arboreo. _jacq. ic. 133. collect. 1. p. 84._ geranium _radula._ _cavanill. diss. 4. p. 262. t. 101. f. 1._ [illustration: no 95] this is one of the numerous tribe of _geraniums_ introduced from the cape since the time of miller: it takes the name of _radula_, which is the latin term for a rasp or file, from the rough rasp-like surface of the leaves. there are two varieties of it, a _major_ and a _minor_, which keep pretty constantly to their characters; and as this species is readily raised from seeds, it affords also many seminal varieties. as a botanist, desirous of seeing plants distinct in their characters, we could almost wish it were impossible to raise these _foreign geraniums_ from seeds; for, without pretending to any extraordinary discernment, we may venture to prophecy, that in a few years, from the multiplication of seminal varieties, springing from seeds casually, or perhaps purposely impregnated with the pollen of different sorts, such a crop will be produced as will baffle all our attempts to reduce to species, or even regular varieties. such as are partial to this tribe, will no doubt wish to have this species in their collection; the blossoms are pretty, and the foliage is singular, but it remains but a short time in flower. it is readily propagated by cuttings. [96] lantana aculeata. prickly lantana. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 4-dentatus obsolete. _stigma_ uncinato-refractum. _drupa_ nucleo 2-loculari. _specific character and synonyms._ lantana _aculeata_ foliis oppositis, caule aculeato ramoso spicis hemisphæricis. _lin. syst. veg. ed. 14. p. 566._ [illustration: no 96] according to miller, this species grows naturally in _jamaica_, and most of the other islands in the _west-indies_, where it is called _wild sage_; the flowers, which are very brilliant, are succeeded by roundish berries, which, when ripe, turn black, having a pulpy covering over a single hard seed. it is readily propagated by cuttings. different plants vary greatly in the colour of their blossoms, and the prickliness of their stalks; the prickles are seldom found on the young shoots. this plant will bear to be placed abroad in the warmest summer months, the rest of the year it requires artificial heat. it is usually placed in the dry stove, to which, as it is seldom without flowers, it imparts great brilliancy. [97] fuchsia coccinea. scarlet fuchsia. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 1-phyllus, coloratus, corollifer, maximus. _petala_ 4, parva, _bacca_ infera, 4-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ fuchsia _coccinea_ foliis oppositis ovatis denticulatis; petalis obovatis, obtusis. _hort. kew._ thilco _feuillée it. 3. p. 64. t. 47._ [illustration: no 97] the present plant is a native of _chili_, and was introduced to the royal gardens at kew, in the year 1788, by capt. firth; it takes the name of _fuchsia_ from _fuchs_ a german botanist of great celebrity, author of the _historia stirpium_ in _folio_, published in 1542, containing five hundred and sixteen figures in wood; and which, though mere outlines, express the objects they are intended to represent, infinitely better than many laboured engravings of more modern times. every person who can boast a hot-house will be anxious to possess the _fuchsia_, as it is not only a plant of peculiar beauty, but produces its rich pendant blossoms through most of the summer; the petals in the centre of the flower are particularly deserving of notice; they somewhat resemble a small roll of the richest purple-coloured ribband. though this plant will not succeed well in the winter, nor be easily propagated unless in a stove, it will flower very well during the summer months, in a good greenhouse or hot-bed frame, and though at present from its novelty it bears a high price, yet as it is readily propagated, both by layers, cuttings, and seeds, it will soon be within the purchase of every lover of plants. mr. lee, of hammersmith, we understand first had this plant for sale. [98] tropæolum minus. small tropæolum, or indian-cress. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, calcaratus. _petala_ 5, inæqualia. _bacca_ tres, siccæ. _specific character and synonyms._ tropæolum _minus_ foliis peltatis repandis, petalis acuminato-setaceis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 357._ indian-cresses, or yellow larke's-heeles. _park. parad. p. 280._ [illustration: no 98] this species of _tropæolum_ (which like the _majus_ already figured in this work, is a native of _peru_) has long been an inhabitant of our gardens; it was the only species we had in the time of parkinson, by whom it is figured and described; it appears indeed to have been a great favourite with that intelligent author, for he says this plant "is of so great beauty and sweetnesse withall, that my garden of delight cannot bee unfurnished of it, and again the whole flower hath a fine small sent, very pleasing, which being placed in the middle of some carnations or gilloflowers (for they are in flower at the same time) make a delicate tussimusie, as they call it, or nosegay, both for sight and sent." as the _passiflora cærulea_, from its superior beauty and hardiness, has in a great degree supplanted the _incarnata_, so has the _tropæolum majus_ the _minus_; we have been informed indeed that it was entirely lost to our gardens till lately, when it was reintroduced by dr. j. e. smith, who by distributing it to his friends, and the nurserymen near london, has again rendered it tolerably plentiful. like the _majus_ it is an annual, though by artificial heat it may be kept in a pot through the winter, as usually is the variety of it with double flowers; but as it will grow readily in the open air, in warm sheltered situations, it should be raised on a hot-bed, like other tender annuals, if we wish to have it flower early in the summer, continue long in blossom, and produce perfect seeds. [99] antirrhinum purpureum. purple toad-flax. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-phyllus. _corollæ_ basis deorsum prominens, nectarifera. _capsula_ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ antirrhinum purpureum foliis quaternis linearibus, caule erecto spicato. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 555._ linaria purpurea major odorata. _bauh. pin. 213._ linaria altera purpurea. _dod. pempt. 183._ [illustration: no 99] though not so beautiful as many of the genus, this species is a common inhabitant of the flower-garden, in which it continues to blossom, during most of the summer. it is a native of italy, and delights in a dry soil and situation; it will even flourish on walls, and hence will serve very well to decorate the more elevated parts of rock-work. when once introduced it comes up spontaneously from seeds. [100] lathyrus tingitanus. tangier pea. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior, _cal._ laciniæ superiores 2-breviores. _specific character and synonyms._ lathyrus _tingitanus_ pedunculis bifloris, cirrhis diphyllis, foliolis alternis lanceolatis glabris, stipulis lunatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 663._ lathyrus tingitanus, filiquis orobi, flore amplo ruberrimo. _moris, hist. 2. p. 55._ [illustration: no 100] the tangier pea, a native of morocco, cannot boast the agreeable scent, or variety of colours of the sweet pea; nor does it continue so long in flower; nevertheless there is a richness in the colour of its blossoms, which entitles it to a place in the gardens of the curious, in which it is usually sown in the spring, with other hardy annuals. it flowers in june and july. the best mode of propagating it, is to, sow the seeds on the borders in patches, where the plants are to remain; thinning them when they come up, so as to leave only two or three together. [101] alyssum halimifolium. sweet alyssum. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _filamenta_ quædam introrsum denticulo notata. _silicula_ emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ alyssum _halimifolium_ caulibus suffruticosis, diffusis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis integerrimis, villosiusculis, staminibus simplicibus, siliculis subrotundis integris. _hort. kew. v. 2. p. 381._ alyssum halimifolium caulibus procumbentibus, perennantibus, foliis lanceolato-linearibus, acutis, integerrimis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 590._ thlaspi halimi folio sempervirens. _herm. lugd. 594. t. 595._ [illustration: no 101] grows spontaneously in dry situations, in the southernmost parts of europe, where it is shrubby; and in similar situations it is so in some degree with us; but on our flower-borders, where it is usually sown, it grows so luxuriantly, that the stalks becoming juicy and tender, are generally destroyed by our frosts; hence it is an annual from peculiarity of circumstance; as such, it is very generally cultivated; the flowers exhibit a pretty, innocent appearance, and strongly diffuse an agreeable honey-like smell. they continue to blow through most of the summer months. it is a very proper plant for a wall or piece of rock-work; care must be taken, however, not to sow too much of the seed in one pot, as it spreads wide, but it may easily be reduced at any period of its growth, as it does not creep at the root. the specific description in the _hortus kewensis_ above referred to, admirably characterizes the plant, but surely at the expence of its generic character. [102] campanula speculum. venus's looking-glass. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, fundo clauso valvis staminiferis. _stigma_ trifidum. _capsula_ infera, poris lateralibus dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ campanula speculum caule ramosissimo, diffuso; foliis oblongis subcrenatis, floribus solitariis, capsulis prismaticis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 209._ onobrychis arvensis f. campanula arvensis erecta. _bauh. pin. 215._ [illustration: no 102] grows wild among the corn in the south of europe, is an annual, and, like the _sweet alyssum_, generally cultivated in our gardens, and most deservedly so indeed, for when a large assemblage of its blossoms are expanded by the rays of the sun, their brilliancy is such as almost to dazzle the eyes of the beholder. those annuals which bear our winter's frosts without injury, are advantageously sown in the autumn; for by that means they flower more early, and their seeds ripen with more certainty; the present plant is one of those: it usually sows itself, and is therefore raised without any trouble. it begins to flower in may and june, and continues to enliven the garden till august or september. [103] pelargonium acetosum. sorrel crane's-bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filam._ 10. in æqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _fructus_, 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia, introrsum barbata. _l'herit. geran._ _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _acetosum_ umbellis paucifloris, foliis obovatis crenatis glabris carnosis, petalis linearibus. _l'herit. monogr de geran. n. 97._ geranium _acetosum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis glabris obovatis carnosis crenatis, caule fruticoso laxo. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 613. sp. pl. p. 947._ geranium africanum frutescens, folio crasso et glauco acetosæ sapore. _comm. præl. 51. t. 1._ [illustration: no 103] mons. l'heritier, the celebrated french botanist, who in the number, elegance, and accuracy of his engravings, appears ambitious of excelling all his contemporaries, in a work now executing on the family of _geranium_, has thought it necessary to divide that numerous genus into three, viz. _erodium_, _pelargonium_, and _geranium_. the _erodium_ includes those which linnæus (who noticing the great difference in their appearance, had made three divisions of them) describes with five fertile stamina, and calls myrrhina; the _pelargonium_ those with seven fertile stamina, his _africana_; the _geranium_, those with ten fertile stamina, his _batrachia_. they are continued under the class _monadelphia_, in which they now form three different orders, according to the number of their stamina, viz. _pentandria_, _heptandria_, and _decandria_. if the principles of the linnæan system had been strictly adhered to, they should perhaps have been separated into different classes; for though the _pelargonium_ is monadelphous, the _geranium_ is not so; in consequence of this alteration, the _geranium peltatum_ and _radula_, figured in a former part of this work, must now be called _pelargonium peltatum_, and _radula_, and the _geranium reichardi_ be an _erodium_. the leaves of this plant have somewhat the taste of sorrel, whence its name, it flowers during most of the summer, and is readily propagated by cuttings. miller mentions a variety of it with scarlet flowers. it is a native of the cape, and known to have been cultivated in chelsea garden, in the year 1724. [104] lysimachia bulbifera. bulb-bearing loosestrife. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ rotata. _capsula_ globosa, mucronata, 10-valvis. _specific character and synonyms._ lysimachia _stricta_ racemis terminalibus, petalis lanceolatis patulis, foliis lanceolatis sessilibus. _hort. kew. p. 199._ [illustration: no 104] in the spring of the year 1781, i received roots of this plant from mr. robert squibb, then at new-york, which produced flowers the ensuing summer, since that time, i have had frequent opportunities of observing a very peculiar circumstance in its oeconomy; after flowering, instead of producing seeds, it throws out _gemmæ vivaces_, or _bulbs_ of an unusual form, from the alæ of the leaves, which falling off in the month of october, when the plant decays, produce young plants the ensuing spring. as it is distinguished from all the known species of _lysimachia_ by this circumstance, we have named it _bulbifera_ instead of _stricta_, under which it appears in the _hortus kewensis_. some botanists, whose abilities we revere, are of opinion that the trivial names of plants, which are or should be a kind of abridgment of the specific character, ought very rarely or never to be changed: we are not for altering them capriciously on every trivial occasion, but in such a case as the present, where the science is manifestly advanced by the alteration, it would surely have been criminal to have preferred a name, barely expressive, to one which immediately identifies the plant. the _lysimachia bulbifera_ is a hardy perennial, grows spontaneously in boggy or swampy ground, and hence requires a moist soil. it flowers in august. [105] tradescantia virginica. virginian tradescantia, or spiderwort. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ triphyllus. _petala_ 3. _filamenta_ villis articulatis. _capsula_ 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ tradescantia _virginica_ erecta lævis, floribus congestis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 314. sp. pl. 411._ allium five moly virginianum. _bauh. pin. 506._ phalangium ephemerum virginianum joannis tradescant. the soon-fading spiderwort of virginia, or tradescant his spiderwort. _park. parad. 152. 5. t. 151. f. 4._ [illustration: no 105] under the name of _spiderwort_, the old botanists arranged many plants of very different genera: the name is said to have arisen from the supposed efficacy of some of these plants, in curing the bite of a kind of spider, called _phalangium_; not the _phalangium_ of linnæus, which is known to be perfectly harmless: under this name, parkinson minutely describes it; he mentions also, how he first obtained it. "this spiderwort," says our venerable author, "is of late knowledge, and for it the christian world is indebted unto that painful, industrious searcher, john tradescant, who first received it of a friend that brought it out of virginia, and hath imparted hereof, as of many other things, both to me and others." tournefort afterwards gave it the name of _ephemerum_, expressive of the short duration of its flowers, which linnæus changed to _tradescantia_. though a native of virginia, it bears the severity of our climate uninjured, and being a beautiful, as well as hardy perennial, is found in almost every garden. though each blossom lasts but a day, it has such a profusion in store, that it is seldom found without flowers through the whole of the summer. there are two varieties of it, the one with white the other with pale purple flowers. the most usual way of propagating it is by parting its roots in autumn to obtain varieties, we must sow its seeds. [106] iberis umbellata. purple candy-tuft. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _corolla_ irregularis: _petalis_ 2 exterioribus majoribus: _silicula_ polysperma, emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ iberis _umbellata_ herbacea, foliis lanceolatis, acuminatis, inferioribus serratis; superioribus integerrimis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 589. sp. pl. p. 906._ thlaspi umbellatum creticum, iberidis folio. _bauh. pin. 106._ draba s. arabis s. thlaspi candiæ. _dod. pempt. 713._ thlaspi creticum umbellatum flore albo et purpureo. candy-tufts, white and purple. _park. parad. p. 390._ [illustration: no 106] the candy-tuft is one of those annuals which contribute generally to enliven the borders of the flower-garden: its usual colour is a pale purple, there is also a white variety of it, and another with deep but very bright purple flowers, the most desirable of the three, but where a garden is large enough to admit of it, all the varieties may be sown. for want of due discrimination, as miller has before observed, nurserymen are apt to collect and mix with this species the seeds of another, viz. the _amara_, and which persons not much skilled in plants consider as the white variety; but a slight attention will discover it to be a very different plant, having smaller and longer heads, differing also in the shape of its leaves and seed vessels, too trifling a plant indeed to appear in the flower-garden. purple candy-tuft is a native of the south of europe, and flowers in june and july: it should be sown in the spring, on the borders of the flower-garden in patches; when the plants come up, a few only should be left, as they will thereby become stronger, produce more flowers, and be of longer duration. [107] cassia chamæcrista. dwarf cassia. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _antheræ_ superne 3 steriles; infimæ 3 rostratæ. _legumen._ _specific character and synonyms._ cassia _chamæcrista_ foliis multijugis, glandula petiolari pedicellata, stipulis ensiformibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 394._ _hort. kew. p. 54._ chamæcrista pavonis major. _comm. hort. 1. p. 53. t. 37._ [illustration: no 107] a native of the west-indies, and of virginia according to linnæus; not common in our gardens, though cultivated as long ago as 1699, by the duchess of beaufort; (_vid. hort. kew._) unnoticed by miller. this species, superior in beauty to many of the genus, is an annual, and consequently raised only from seeds, these must be sown in the spring, on a hot-bed, and when large enough to transplant, placed separately in pots of light loamy earth, then replunged into a moderate hot-bed to bring them forward, and in the month of june removed into a warm border, where, if the season prove favourable, they will flower very well towards august; but, as such seldom ripen their seeds, it will be proper to keep a few plants in the stove or greenhouse for that purpose, otherwise the species may be lost. [108] anthyllis tetraphylla. four-leav'd ladies-finger. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ ventricosus. _legumen_ subrotundum, tectum. _specific character and synonyms._ anthyllis _tetraphylla_ herbacea, foliis quaterno-pinnatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 25._ _hort. kew. vol. 3. p. 25._ lotus pentaphyllos vesicaria. _bauh. pin. 332._ trifolium halicacabum. _cam. hort. 171. t. 47._ [illustration: no 108] an annual; the spontaneous growth of spain, italy, and sicily, flowers in the open border in july, and ripens its seeds, in september. long since cultivated in our gardens, but more as a rare, or curious, than a beautiful plant. its seeds are to be sown in april, on a bed of light earth, where they are to remain; no other care is necessary than thinning them, and keeping them clear of weeds. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _third volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 101 alyssum halimifolium. 108 anthyllis tetraphylla. 74 antirrhinum triste. 99 " purpureum. 102 campanula speculum. 107 cassia chamæcrista. 77 centaurea montana. 81 colutea arborescens. 76 epilobium angustissimum. 97 fuchsia coccinea. 95 geranium radula. 86 gladiolus communis. 90 gorteria rigens. 83 hibiscus syriacus. 87 hyoscyamus aureus. 106 iberis umbellata. 91 iris susiana. 82 lachenalia tricolor. 96 lantana aculeata. 100 lathyrus tingitanus. 79 lotus jacobæus. 104 lysimachia bulbifera. 73 monsonia speciosa. 88 narcissus bulbocodium. 78 " odorus. 103 pelargonium acetosum. 75 potentilla grandiflora. 92 saxifraga sarmentosa. 93 sempervivum monanthes. 94 sisyrinchium iridioides. 85 spartium junceum. 80 spigelia marilandica. 105 tradescantia virginica. 98 tropæolum minus. 84 tussilago alpina. 89 viola pedata. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _third volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 101 alyssum sweet. 77 blue-bottle greater. 85 broom spanish. 106 candy-tuft purple. 107 cassia dwarf. 84 coltsfoot alpine. 81 colutea, or bladder-senna tree. 86 corn-flag common. 103 crane's-bill sorrel. 97 fuchsia scarlet. 95 geranium rasp-leav'd. 90 gorteria rigid-leav'd. 87 henbane golden-flower'd. 83 hibiscus syrian. 93 houseleek dwarf. 91 iris chalcedonian. 78 jonquil great. 82 lachenalia three-colour'd. 108 ladies finger four-leav'd. 96 lantana prickly. 102 looking-glass venus's. 104 loosestrife bulb-bearing. 79 lotus black-flower'd. 73 monsonica large-flower'd. 88 narcissus hoop-petticoat. 100 pea tangier. 75 potentilla large-flower'd, 92 saxifrage strawberry. 94 sisyrinchium iris-leav'd. 80 spigelia, or worm-grass maryland. 74 toad-flax black-flower'd. 99 " purple. 105 tradescantia virginian. 98 tropæolum, or indian cress, small. 89 violet cut-leav'd. 76 willow-herb narrowest-leav'd. file made using scans of public domain works at the university of georgia.) the ~botanical magazine~; or, ~flower-garden displayed~: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. ~by william curtis~, author of the flora londinensis. ~vol. ii~ "a garden is the purest of human pleasures." verulam. london: printed by couchman and fry, throgmorton-street, for w. curtis, at his botanic-garden, lambeth-marsh; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xc. [37] ~chironia frutescens. shrubby chironia.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ rotata. _pistillum_ declinatum. _stamina_ tubo corollæ infidentia. _antheræ_ demum spirales. _peric._ 2-loculare. _specific character and synonyms._ chironia _frutescens_, foliis lanceolatis subtomentosis, calycibus campanulatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 229._ centaurium foliis binis oppositis angustis linearibus, flore magno rubente. _burm. afric. 205. t. 74. fig. 1._ [illustration: no 37] of the genus _chironia_, ten species are enumerated in prof. murray's last edition of the _syst. vegetab._ of linnæus, exclusive of the _chironia centaurium_ which we first added to this genus in the 42d number of the _flora londinensis_. of these, the _frutescens_ is the most shewy, and therefore the most cultivated. it is a native of different parts of africa. the flowers are produced from june to autumn, and the seeds ripen in october. this plant should be placed in an airy glass case in winter, where it may enjoy a dry air, and much sun, but will not thrive in a warm stove, nor can it be well preserved in a common green-house, because a damp moist air will soon cause it to rot. the seed of this plant should be sown in small pots filled with light sandy earth, and plunged into a moderate hot-bed; sometimes the seeds will lie a long time in the ground; so that if the plants do not appear the same season, the pots should not be disturbed, but preserved in shelter till the following spring, and then plunged into a fresh hot-bed, which will bring up the plants in a short time if the seeds are good. when the plants are fit to remove, they should be transplanted into small pots, four or five in each pot, then plunged into a moderate hot-bed, where they must have a large share of air in warm weather; when they have obtained some strength, they must be gradually inured to the open air; when exposed abroad, they should be mixed with such plants as require little water, placed in a warm situation, and screened from heavy rains, which are apt to rot them. the cuttings of this sort take root if properly managed. _miller's gard. dict._ [38] ~viburnum tinus. common laurustinus.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria trigynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus, superus. _cor._ 5-fida. _bacca_ 1-sperma. _specific character and synonyms_. viburnum _tinus_ foliis integerrimis ovatis: ramificationibus venarum subtus villoso-glandulosis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 294._ laurus sylvestris, corni fæminæ foliis subhirsutis. _bauh. pin. 461._ the wild bay-tree. _park. parad. p. 400._ [illustration: no 38] we scarcely recollect a plant whose blossoms are so hardy as those of the laurustinus, they brave the inclemency of our winters, and are not destroyed but in very severe seasons. the beauties of this most charming shrub can be enjoyed by those only who cultivate it at some little distance from town, the smoke of london being highly detrimental to its growth. it is a native of portugal, spain, and italy. botanists enumerate many varieties of the laurustinus, and so considerably do some of these differ, that miller has been induced to make two species of them, which he distinguishes by the names of _virburnum tinus_ and _v. lucidum_; the last of these is the most ornamental, and at the same time the most tender; there are some other trifling varieties, besides those, with variegated leaves, or the gold and silver-striped. it is only in very favourable situations that these shrubs ripen their seeds in england, hence they are most commonly propagated by layers, which readily strike root: miller says, that the plants raised from seeds are hardier than those produced from layers. it thrives best in sheltered situations and a dry soil. [39] ~franklin's tartar.~ _a scarlet bizarre carnation._ [illustration: no 39] the carnation here exhibited is a seedling raised by mr. franklin, of lambeth-marsh, an ingenious cultivator of these flowers, whose name it bears: we have not figured it as the most perfect flower of the kind, either in form or size, but as being a very fine specimen of the sort, and one whose form and colours it is in the power of the artist pretty exactly to imitate. the _dianthus caryophyllus_ or _wild clove_ is generally considered as the parent of the carnation, and may be found, if not in its wild state, at least single, on the walls of rochester castle, where it has been long known to flourish, and where it produces two varieties in point of colour, the pale and deep red. flowers which are cultivated from age to age are continually producing new varieties, hence there is no standard as to _name_, _beauty_, or _perfection_, amongst them, but what is perpetually fluctuating; thus the _red hulo_, the _blue hulo_, the _greatest granado_, with several others celebrated in the time of parkinson, have long since been consigned to oblivion; and it is probable, that the variety now exhibited, may, in a few years, share a similar fate; for it would be vanity in us to suppose, that the carnation, by assiduous culture, may not, in the eye of the florist, be yet considerably improved. to succeed in the culture of the carnation, we must advert to the situation in which it is found wild, and this is observed to be dry and elevated; hence excessive moisture is found to be one of the greatest enemies this plant has to encounter; and, on this account, it is found to succeed better, when planted in a pot, than in the open border; because in the former, any superfluous moisture readily drains off; but, in guarding against too much wet, we must be careful to avoid the opposite extreme. to keep any plant in a state of great luxuriance, it is necessary that the soil in which it grows be rich; hence a mixture of light-loam, and perfectly rotten horse or cow dung, in equal proportions, is found to be a proper compost for the carnation. care should be taken that no worms, grubs, or other insects, be introduced with the dung; to prevent this, the dung, when sifted fine, should be exposed to the rays of the sun, on a hot summer's day, till perfectly dry, and then put by in a box for use; still more to increase the luxuriance of the plants, water it in the spring and summer with an infusion of sheep's dung. the carnation is propagated by seeds, layers, and pipings; new varieties can only be raised from seed, which, however, is sparingly produced from good flowers, because the petals are so multiplied, as nearly to exclude the parts of the fructification essential to their production. "the seed must be sown in april, in pots or boxes, very thin, and placed upon an east border. "in july, transplant them upon a bed in an open situation, at about four inches asunder; at the end of august transplant them again upon another bed, at about ten inches asunder, and there let them remain till they flower: shade them till they have taken root, and in very severe weather in winter, cover the bed with mats over some hoops. "the following summer they will flower, when you must mark such as you like, make layers from, and pot them." _ellis's gardener's pocket calendar._ the means of increasing these plants by layers and pipings, are known to every gardener. such as wish for more minute information concerning the culture, properties, divisions, or varieties, of this flower, than the limits of our work will admit, may consult _miller's gard. dict._ or the _florists catalogues_. [40] ~trillium sessile. sessile trillium.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria trigynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 3-phyllus. _cor._ 3-petala. _bacca_ 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ trillium flore sessili erecto. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 349._ paris foliis ternatis, flore sessili erecto. _gron. virg. 44._ solanum triphyllum. _pluk. alm. 352. t. 111. f. 6._ _catesb. car. t. 50._ [illustration: 40] of this genus there are three species, all of which are natives of north-america, and described by miller, in his _gardener's dictionary_, where the genus is called _american herb paris_; but as the _paris_ and _trillium_, though somewhat similar in the style of their foliage, are very different in their parts of fructification, we have thought it most expedient to anglicise _trillium_, it being to the full as easily pronounced as _geranium_, and many other latin names now familiar to the english ear. this species takes its' trivial name of _sessile_, from the flowers having no foot-stalk, but sitting as it were immediately on the end of the stalk. the figure here exhibited was taken from a plant which flowered in my garden last spring, from roots sent me the preceding autumn, by mr. robert squibb, gardener, of charleston, south-carolina, who is not only well versed in plants, but indefatigable in discovering and collecting the more rare species of that country, and with which the gardens of this are likely soon to be enriched. it grows in shady situations, in a light soil, and requires the same treatment as the _dodecatheon_ and _round-leav'd cyclamen_. we have not yet had a fair opportunity of observing whether this species ripens its seeds with us: though of as long standing in this country as the _dodecatheon_, it is far less common; hence one is led to conclude that it is either not so readily propagated, or more easily destroyed. [41] ~calceolaria pinnata. pinnated slipper-wort.~ _class and order._ ~diandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ ringens inflata. _caps._ 2-locularis, 2-valvis. _cal._ 4-partitus æqualis. _specific character and synonyms._ calceolaria _pinnata_ foliis pinnatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 64._ calceolaria foliis scabiosæ vulgaris. _fewill peruv. 3, t. 12. fig. 7._ [illustration: 41] there being no english name to this plant, we have adopted that of _slipper-wort_, in imitation of _calceolaria_, which is derived from _calceolus_, a little shoe or slipper. this species of calceolaria is one of the many plants introduced into our gardens, since the time of miller: it is an annual, a native of peru, and, of course, tender: though by no means a common plant in our gardens, it is as easily raised from seed as any plant whatever. these are to be sown on a gentle hot-bed in the spring; the seedlings, when of a proper size, are to be transplanted into the borders of the flower-garden, where they will flower, ripen, and scatter their seeds; but being a small delicate plant, whose beauties require a close inspection, it appears to most advantage in a tan stove, in which, as it will grow from cuttings, it may be had to flower all the year through, by planting them in succession. this latter mode of treatment is used by mr. hoy, gardener to his grace of northumberland, at sion-house, where this plant may be seen in great perfection. [42] ~camellia japonica. rose camellia.~ _class and order._ ~monadelphia polyandria.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ imbricatus, polyphyllus: foliolis interioribus majoribus. _specific character and synonyms._ camellia _japonica_ foliis acute serratis acuminatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. p. 632._ _thunberg fl. japon. t. 273._ tsubaki _kempfer amoen. 850. t. 851._ rosa chinensis. _ed. av. 2. p. 67. t. 67._ thea chinensis pimentæ jamaicensis folio, flore roseo. _pet. gaz. t. 33. fig. 4._ [illustration: 42] this most beautiful tree, though long since figured and described, as may be seen by the above synonyms, was a stranger to our gardens in the time of miller, or at least it is not noticed in the last edition of his dictionary. it is a native both of china and japan. thunberg, in his _flora japonica_, describes it as growing every where in the groves and gardens of japan, where it becomes a prodigiously large and tall tree, highly esteemed by the natives for the elegance of its large and very variable blossoms, and its evergreen leaves; it is there found with single and double flowers, which also are white, red, and purple, and produced from april to october. representations of this flower are frequently met with in chinese paintings. with us, the _camellia_ is generally treated as a stove plant, and propagated by layers; it is sometimes placed in the green-house; but it appears to us to be one of the properest plants imaginable for the conservatory. at some future time it may, perhaps, not be uncommon to treat it as a _laurustinus_ or _magnolia_: the high price at which it has hitherto been sold, may have prevented its being hazarded in this way. the blossoms are of a firm texture, but apt to fall off long before they have lost their brilliancy; it therefore is a practice with some to stick such deciduous blossoms on some fresh bud, where they continue to look well for a considerable time. petiver considered our plant as a species of tea tree; future observations will probably confirm his conjecture. [43] ~cistus incanus. hoary, or rose cistus.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 5-petala. _calyx_ 5-phyllus, foliolis duobus minoribus. _capsula_. _specific character and synonyms._ cistus _incanus_ arborescens exstipulatus, foliis spatulatis tomentosis rugosis inferioribus basi connatis vaginantibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 497._ cistus mas angustifolius. _bauh. pin. 464._ [illustration: 43] few plants are more admired than the cistus tribe; they have indeed one imperfection, their petals soon fall off: this however is the less to be regretted, as they in general have a great profusion of flower-buds, whence their loss is daily supplied. they are, for the most part, inhabitants of warm climates, and affect dry, sheltered, though not shady, situations. the present species is a native of spain, and the south of france, and being liable to be killed by the severity of our winters, is generally kept with green-house plants. it may be propagated either by seeds, or cuttings; the former make the best plants. [44] ~cyclamen persicum. persian cyclamen.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ rotata, reflexa, tubo brevissimo: fauce prominente. _bacca_ tecta capsula. _specific character._ cyclamen _persicum_ foliis cordatis serratis. _miller's dict. 4to. ed. 6._ [illustration: 44] linnæus in this, as in many other genera, certainly makes too few species, having only two; miller, on the contrary, is perhaps too profuse in his number, making eight. the ascertaining the precise limits of species, and variety, in plants that have been for a great length of time objects of culture, is often attended with difficulties scarcely to be surmounted, is indeed a gordian knot to botanists. our plant is the _cyclamen persicum_ of miller, and has been introduced into our gardens long since the european ones; being a native of the east-indies, it is of course more tender than the others, and therefore requires to be treated more in the style of a green-house plant. it is generally cultivated in pots, in light undunged earth, or in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and kept in frames, or on the front shelf of a green-house, where it may have plenty of air in the summer, but guarded against too much moisture in the winter. may be raised from seeds in the same manner as the round-leaved cyclamen already figured in this work, p. n. 4. flowers early in the spring, and is admirably well adapted to decorate the parlour or study. varies with fragrant flowers, and the eye more or less red. [45] ~crocus vernus. spring crocus.~ _class and order_ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-partita, æqualis. _stigmata_ convoluta. _specific character and synonyms._ crocus _vernus_ foliis latioribus margine patulo. _jacq. fl. austr. vol. 5. app. t. 36._ _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 83. var. sativ._ crocus vernus latifolius. _bauh. pin. 65, 66._ the yellow crocus. _parkins. parad. p. 166._ [illustration: 45] linnæus considers the crocus, or saffron of the shops, which blows invariably in the autumn, and the spring crocus, with its numerous varieties (of which parkinson, in his garden of pleasant flowers, enumerates no less than twenty-seven) as one and the same species; other botanists have considered them as distinct, particularly prof. jacquin, whose opinion on this subject we deem the most decisive. we have figured the yellow variety, which is the one most commonly cultivated in our gardens, though according to the description in the _flora austriaca_, the _crocus vernus_, in its wild state, is usually purple or white. the cultivation of this plant is attended with no difficulty; in a light sandy loam, and dry situation, the roots thrive, and multiply so much as to require frequent reducing; they usually flower about the beginning of march, and whether planted in rows, or patches, on the borders of the flower-garden, or mixed indiscriminately with the herbage of the lawn, when expanded by the warmth of the sun, they produce a most brilliant and exhilirating effect. the most mischievous of all our common birds, the sparrow, is very apt to commit great depredations amongst them when in flower, to the no small mortification of those who delight in their culture; we have succeeded in keeping these birds off, by placing near the object to be preserved, the skin of a cat properly stuffed: a live cat, or some bird of the hawk kind confined in a cage, might perhaps answer the purpose more effectually, at least in point of duration. [46] ~leucojum vernum. spring snow-flake.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ campaniformis, 6-partita, apicibus incrassata, _stigma_ simplex. _specific character and synonyms._ leucojum _vernum_ spatha uniflora, stylo clavato. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 316._ leucojum bulbosum vulgare. _bauh. pin. 55._ the great early bulbous violet. _park. parad._ [illustration: 46] the blossoms of the _leucojum_ and _galanthus_, or snow-drop, are very similar at first sight, but differ very essentially when examined; the snow-drop having, according to the linnæan description, a three-leaved nectary, which is wanting in the leucojum; the two genera then being very distinct, it becomes necessary to give them different names; we have accordingly bestowed on the leucojum the name of _snow-flake_, which, while it denotes its affinity to the snow-drop, is not inapplicable to the meaning of leucojum. as the spring snow-flake does not increase so fast by its roots, as the snow-drop, or even the summer snow-flake, so it is become much scarcer in our gardens; it may, indeed, be almost considered as one of our plantæ rariores, though at the same time a very desirable one. it does not flower so soon by almost a month, as the snow-drop; but its blossoms, which are usually one on each foot-stalk, sometimes two, are much larger, and delightfully fragrant. it is found wild in shady places and moist woods in many parts of germany and italy. the most proper situation for it is a north or east border, soil a mixture of loam and bog earth; but by having it in different aspects, this, as well as other plants, may have its flowering forwarded or protracted, and, consequently, the pleasure of seeing them in blossom, considerably lengthened. in a favourable soil and situation, it propagates tolerably fast by offsets. [47] ~amaryllis formosissima. jacobæan amaryllis.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, campanulata. _stigma_ trifidum. _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _formosissima_ spatha uniflora, corolla inæquali petalis tribus, staminibus pistilloque declinatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 320._ lilio-narcissus jacobæus, flore sanguineo nutante, _dillen. elth. 195. t. 162. f. 196._ the indian daffodil with a red flower. _park. par. 71. f. 3._ [illustration: 47] a native of south-america: according to linnæus, first known in europe in 1593, figured by parkinson in 1629, and placed by him among the daffodils; stoves and green-houses were then unknown, no wonder therefore it did not thrive long. "is now become pretty common in the curious gardens in england, and known by the name of jacobæa lily; the roots send forth plenty of offsets, especially when they are kept in a moderate warmth in winter; for the roots of this kind will live in a good green-house, or may be preserved through the winter under a common hot-bed frame; but then they will not flower so often, nor send out so many offsets as when they are placed in a moderate stove in winter. this sort will produce its flowers two or three times in a year, and is not regular to any season; but from march to the beginning of september, the flowers will be produced, when the roots are in vigour. "it is propagated by offsets, which may be taken off every year; the best time to shift and part these roots is in august, that they may take good root before winter; in doing of this, there should be care taken not to break off the fibres from their roots. they should be planted in pots of a middling size, filled with light kitchen-garden earth; and, if they are kept in a moderate degree of warmth, they will produce their flowers in plenty, and the roots will make great increase." _miller's gard. dict._ [48] ~narcissus triandrus. reflexed daffodil.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _petala_ sex, æqualia. _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo, _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _triandrus_ spatha sub-biflora, floribus cernuis, petalis reflexis, staminibus tribus longioribus. narcissus _triandrus_ spatha sub-uniflora, nectario campanulato crenato dimidio petalis breviore, staminibus ternis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 317._ narcissus juncifolius, albo flore reflexo. _clus. app. alt._ the yellow turning junquilia, or rush daffodil. _parkins. parad. 93. fig. 2, 3._ [illustration: 48] the present species of _narcissus_ is considered by the nursery-men near london as the _triandrus_ of linnæus, which it no doubt is, though it does not accord in every particular with his description: his _triandrus_ is white, ours is pale yellow, but colour is not in the least to be depended on, for it is found to vary in this as in all the other species; his _triandrus_ he describes as having in general only three stamina, whence the name he has given it; ours, so far as we have observed, has constantly six, three of which reach no further than the mouth of the tube, a circumstance so unusual, that linnæus might overlook it without any great impeachment of his discernment; he says, indeed, that it has sometimes six: perhaps, the three lowermost ones may, in some instances, be elongated so as to equal the others; if he had observed the great inequality of their length, he would certainly have mentioned it. this species is found wild on the pyrenean mountains; was an inhabitant of our gardens in the time of parkinson (who has very accurately described it, noticing even its three stamina) to which, however, it has been a stranger for many years: it has lately been re-introduced, but is as yet very scarce. our figure was taken from a specimen which flowered in mr. lee's nursery at hammersmith. it grows with as much readiness as any of the others of the genus, and flowers in march and april. [49] ~soldanella alpina. alpine soldanella.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, lacero-multifida. _caps._ 1-locularis, apice multidentata. _specific character and synonyms._ soldanella _alpina._ _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 194._ soldanella alpina rotundifolia. _bauh. pin. 295._ [illustration: 49] of this genus there is at present only one known species, the _alpina_ here figured, which is a native of germany, and, as its name imports, an alpine plant. its blossoms are bell-shaped, of a delicate blue colour, sometimes white, and strikingly fringed on the edge. it flowers usually in march, in the open ground; requires, as most alpine plants do, shade and moisture in the summer, and the shelter of a frame, in lieu of its more natural covering snow, in the winter; hence it is found to succeed best in a northern aspect: will thrive in an open border, but is more commonly kept in pots. may be increased by parting its roots early in autumn. [50] ~iris sibirica. siberian iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. _thunb. diss. de iride._ _specific character and synonyms._ iris _sibirica_ imberbis foliis linearibus, scapo subtrifloro tereti, germinibus trigonis. _lin. syst. vegetab._ _p._ 91. iris pratensis angustifolia, non foetida altior. _bauh. pin. 32._ iris _bicolor._ _miller's dict. ed. 6, 4to._ the greater blue flower-de-luce with narrow leaves. _parkins. parad. p. 185. fig. 2._ [illustration: 50] this species of iris is a native of germany and siberia, and is distinguished from those usually cultivated in our gardens by the superior height of its stems, and the narrowness of its leaves; from which last character it is often, by mistake, called _graminea_; but the true _graminea_ is a very different plant. the _iris sibirica_ is a hardy perennial, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation; but grows most luxuriantly in a moist one, and flowers in june. is propagated most readily, by parting its roots in autumn. [51] ~narcissus major. great daffodil.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _petala_ 6 æqualia: _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo. _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _major_ foliis subtortuosis, spatha uniflora, nectario campanulato patulo crispo æquante petala. narcissus _major_ totus luteus calyce prælongo. _bauhin pin. 52._ narcissi sylvestris alia icon. _dodon. stirp. p. 227._ the great yellow spanish bastard daffodil. _parkins. parad. t. 101. fig. 1._ [illustration: 51] the present species of daffodil is the largest of the genus, and bears the most magnificent flowers, but, though it has long been known in this country, it is confined rather to the gardens of the curious. it is a native of spain, and flowers with us in april. as its roots produce plenty of offsets, it is readily propagated. it approaches in its general appearance very near to the _narcissus pseudo-narcissus_, but differs in being a much taller plant, having its leaves more twisted, as well as more glaucous, its flowers (but especially its nectary) much larger, and its petals more spreading; and these characters are not altered by culture. it answers to the _bicolor_ of linnæus in every respect but colour, and we should have adopted that name, had not the flowers with us been always of a fine deep yellow; we have therefore taken bauhin's name as the most expressive. it varies with double flowers. [52] ~gentiana acaulis. large-flowered gentian, or gentianella.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria digynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ monopetala. _capsula_ bivalvis, 1-locularis. _receptaculis_ 2-longitudinalibus. _specific character and synonyms._ gentiana _acaulis_ corolla quinquefida campanulata caulem excedente. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 267._ gentiana alpina latifolia magno flore. _bauh. pin. 187._ small gentian of the spring. _park. par. p. 352. t. 351. f. 3._ [illustration: 52] plants growing in mountainous situations, where they are constantly exposed to strong-blowing winds, are always dwarfish; in such situations, the present plant has no stalk, whence its name _acaulis_, but cultivated in gardens it acquires one. most of the plants of this family are beautiful, and, cultivated in gardens, in brilliancy of colour none exceed the present species. as most alpine plants do, this loves a pure air, an elevated situation, and a loamy soil, moderately moist; it is however somewhat capricious, thriving without the least care in some gardens, and not succeeding in others; at any rate it will not prosper very near london. it flowers usually in may, and sometimes in the autumn. is propagated by parting its roots at the close of summer; but miller says, the strongest and best plants are produced from seed. [53] ~cineraria lanata. woolly cineraria.~ _class and order._ ~syngenesia polygamia superflua.~ _generic character._ _receptaculum_ nudum. _pappus_ simplex. _calyx_ simplex, polyphyllus, æqualis. _specific character and synonyms._ cineraria _lanata_ caule suffruticoso, foliis subquinquelobis, subtus tomentosis; foliolis ad pedunculos lanatis. [illustration: 53] in the beauty of its blossoms, this species of _cineraria_, lately introduced from africa, by far eclipses all the others cultivated in our gardens; its petals exteriorly are of a most vivid purple, interiorly white; this change of colour adds much to the brilliancy of the flower. what renders this plant a more valuable acquisition to the green-house, is its hardiness, its readiness to flower, and the facility with which it may be propagated. it flowers early in the spring, and, by proper management, may be made to flower the whole year through; it is sometimes kept in the stove, and may be made to flower earlier by that means; but it succeeds better in a common green-house, with no more heat than is just necessary to keep out the frost, indeed it may be preserved in a common hot-bed frame through the winter, unless the weather prove very severe. certain plants are particularly liable to be infested with _aphides_, or, in the vulgar phrase, to become lousy, this is one: the only way to have handsome, healthy, strong-flowering plants, is to procure a constant succession by cuttings, for there is no plant strikes more readily; these should be placed in a pot, and plunged into a bed of tan. [54] ~anemone sylvestris, snowdrop anemony.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ nullus. _petala_ 6-9. _semina_ plura. _specific character and synonyms._ anemone _sylvestris_ pedunculo nudo, feminibus subrotundis, hirsutis, muticis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 510._ anemone sylvestris alba major. _bauh. pin. p. 176._ the white wild broad-leafed wind-flower. _park. par. 202._ [illustration: 54] parkinson very accurately notices the striking characters of this species of anemone, which are its creeping roots, its large white flowers standing on the tops of the flower-stalks, which sometimes grow two together, but most commonly singly; the leaves on the stalk, he observes, are more finely divided than those of the root, and its seeds are woolly. miller describes it as having little beauty, and therefore but seldom planted in gardens; it is true, it does not recommend itself by the gaudiness of its colours, but there is in the flowers, especially before they expand, a simple elegance, somewhat like that of the snowdrop, and which affords a pleasing contrast to the more shewy flowers of the garden. it flowers in may, and ripens its seeds in june. it will grow in almost any soil or situation, is propagated by offsets from the root, which it puts out most plentifully, so as indeed sometimes to be troublesome. is a native of germany. [55] ~geranium striatum. striped geranium.~ _class and order._ ~monadelphia decandria.~ _generic character._ monogynia. _stigmata_ 5. _fructus_ rostratus 5-coccus. _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _striatum_ pedunculis bifloris, foliis quinquelobis: lobis medio dilatatis, petalis bilobis venosoreticulatus. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 616._ geranium _striatum_ pedunculis bifloris, foliis caulinis trilobis, obtuse crenatis. _miller's dict._ geranium romanum versicolor sive striatum. the variable striped cranesbill. _park. parad. p. 229._ [illustration: 55] this species is distinguished by having white petals, finely reticulated with red veins, and the corners of the divisions of the leaves marked with a spot of a purplish brown colour, which parkinson has long since noticed. is said by linnæus to be a native of italy, is a very hardy plant, flowers in may and june, and may be propagated by parting its roots in autumn, or by seed; prefers a loamy soil and shady situation. [56] ~geranium lanceolatum. spear-leaved geranium.~ _class and order._ ~monadelphia decandria.~ _generic character._ monogyna. _stigmata_ 5. _fructus_ rostratus 5-coccus. _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _glaucum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis lanceolatis integerrimis glaucis, caule erecto suffruticoso. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 614. supp. pl. p. 306._ [illustration: 56] this elegant and very singular species of _geranium_ appears to have been first cultivated in this country; its introduction was attended with circumstances rather unusual. mr. lee, nurseryman of the vineyard, hammersmith, in looking over some dried specimens in the possession of sir joseph banks, which he had recently received from the cape of good hope, was struck with the singular appearance of this geranium, no species having before been seen in this country with spear-shaped leaves; on examining the specimens attentively, he perceived a few ripe seeds in one of them, those he solicited, and obtained; and to his success in making them vegetate, we are indebted for the present species. the shape of the leaf readily suggested the name of _lanceolatum_, an epithet by which it has been generally distinguished in this country, and which, from its extreme fitness, we have continued, notwithstanding young professor linnæus has given it that of _glaucum_, though, at the same time, his illustrious father had distinguished another species by the synonymous term of _glaucophyllum_. this species rarely ripens its seeds with us, and is therefore to be raised from cuttings, which however are not very free to strike. it has been usual to keep it in the stove, but we have found by experience, that it succeeds much better in a common green-house, in which it will flower during the whole of the summer. small young plants of this, as well as most other geraniums, make the best appearance, and are therefore to be frequently obtained by cuttings. [57] ~papaver orientale. eastern poppy.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ 4-petala. _cal._ 2-phyllus. _capsula,_ 1-locularis sub stigmate persistente poris dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ papaver _orientale_ capsulis glabris, caulibus unifloris scabris foliosis pinnatis serratis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 490._ papaver orientale hirsutissimum, magno flore. _tournes. cor. 17. itin. 3. p. 127. t. 127._ [illustration: 57] most of the plants of this tribe are distinguished by the splendour of their colours, most of them also are annuals, in gaiety of colour none exceed the present species; but it differs in the latter character, in having not only a perennial root, but one of the creeping kind, whereby it increases very much, and by which it is most readily propagated. though a native of the east, as its name imports, it bears the severity of our climate without injury, flowers in may, and as its blossoms are extremely shewy, it gives great brilliancy to the flower-garden or plantation; prefers a dry soil. [58] ~iris spuria. spurious iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. _conf. thunb._ _diss. de iride._ _specific character and synonyms._ iris _spuria_ imberbis foliis linearibus, scapo subtrifloro tereti, germinibus hexagonis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 91._ _jacq. fl. austr. tab. 4._ iris pratensis angustifolia, folio foetido. _bauh. pin. 32._ the greater blue flower-de-luce with narrow leaves. _park. parad. p. 184._ [illustration: 58] some plants afford so little diversity of character, that an expressive name can scarcely be assigned them; such is the present plant, or linnæus would not have given it the inexpressive name of _spuria_, nor we have adopted it. this species is distinguished by the narrowness of its leaves, which emit a disagreeable smell when bruised, by the colour of its flowers, which are of a fine rich purple inclining to blue, and by its hexangular germen. it is a native of germany, where, as professor jacquin informs us, it grows in wet meadows; is a hardy perennial, thrives in our gardens in almost any soil or situation, flowers in june, and is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [59] ~mesembryanthemum bicolorum. two-coloured fig-marigold.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _petala_ numerosa, linearia. _caps._ carnosa, infera, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ mesembryanthemum _bicolorum_ foliis subulatis punctatis lævibus distinctis, caule frutescente, corollis bicoloribus. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 470._ mesembryanthemum tenuifolium fruticescens, flore croceo. _dill. elth. 267. t. 202. f. 258._ [illustration: 59] contrary to the _mesembryanthemum dolabriforme_, lately figured in this work, this species expands its flowers in the day-time, and that only when the sun shines powerfully on them; on such occasions, the blossoms on the top of the branches being very numerous, exhibit a most splendid appearance. it is a native of the cape of good hope, flowers in july, and is most readily propagated by cuttings. like most of the cape plants, it requires the shelter of a green-house during the winter. [60] ~lathyrus odoratus. sweet pea, or vetchling.~ _class and order._ ~diadelphia decandria.~ _generic character._ _stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior. _cal._ laciniæ superiores 2-breviores. _specific character and synonyms._ lathyrus _odoratus_ pedunculis bifloris, cirrhis diphyllis, foliolis ovato-oblongis, leguminibus hirsutis, _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 663._ lathyrus distoplatyphyllos hirsutus mollis, magno et peramæno flore odoro. _comm. hort. 2. p. 219. t. 80._ [illustration: 60] there is scarcely a plant more generally cultivated than the _sweet pea_, and no wonder, since with the most delicate blossoms it unites an agreeable fragrance. several varieties of this plant are enumerated by authors, but general cultivation extends to two only, the one with blossoms perfectly white, the other white and rose-coloured, commonly called the _painted lady pea_. the sweet pea is described as a native of sicily, the painted lady variety as an inhabitant of ceylon; they have both been introduced since the time of parkinson and evelyn. it is an annual, and not a very tender one; seedling plants sown in autumn frequently surviving our winters. as it is desirable to have this plant in flower for as great a length of time as possible, to have them early, we must sow them in the autumn, either in pots or in the open border; if sown in pots, they can the more readily be secured from any severe weather, by placing them in a hot-bed frame, a common practice with gardeners who raise them for the london markets, in which they are in great request: others again should be sown early in the spring, and the sowings repeated every month; they grow readily in almost any soil or situation, and by this means may be had to flower most of the year through. if sown in pots, care must be taken to water them frequently. [61] ~iris ochroleuca. tall iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. _thunb. diss. de iride._ _specific character and synonyms._ iris _ochroleuca_ imberbis foliis ensiformibus, scapo subtereti germinibus hexagonis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 90._ [illustration: 61] of the several species of iris cultivated in our gardens, this excels in point of height; we have taken our english name therefore from this character, and not from the term _ochroleuca_, which, if translated, would be too expressive of the colour of the blossoms of the _iris pseudacorus_, with which the _ochroleuca_ has some affinity in point of size as well as colour. notwithstanding mr. miller's description of his _orientalis_ accords very badly with that of linnæus's _ochroleuca_, they have been generally considered in this country as one and the same plant, distinguished by the name of pococke's iris, dr. pococke being the person who, according to miller, in his time first introduced it from _carniola_ (by inadvertence spelt _carolina_, in the 6th 4to edition of the dictionary). there are grounds, however, for suspecting some error in the habitat of this plant, for had it grown spontaneously in carniola, it is not probable that scopoli would have omitted it in his _flora carniolica_. leaving its place of growth to be more accurately ascertained hereafter, we shall observe, that it appears perfectly naturalized to this country, growing luxuriantly in a moist rich soil, and increasing, like most of the genus, very fast by its roots. it flowers later than most of the others. [62] ~centaurea glastifolia. woad-leaved centaurea.~ _class and order._ ~syngenesia polygamia superflua.~ _generic character._ _receptaculum_ setosum. _pappus_ simplex. _corollæ_ radii infundibuliformes, longiores, irregulares. _specific character and synonyms._ centaurea _glastifolia_ calycibus scariosis, foliis indivisis integerrimis decurrentibus. _lin. syst. veg. p. 787._ _gmelin sib. 2. p. 83._ centaurium majus orientale erectum, glasti folio, flore luteo. _comm. rar. 39. t. 39._ [illustration: 62] assumes the name of _glastifolia_ from the similitude which the leaves bear to those of the _isatis tinctoria_, or _woad_, _glastum_ of the old botanists. in this plant we have an excellent example of the _folium decurrens_ and _calyx scariosus_ of linnæus, the leaves also exhibit a curious phenomenon, having veins prominent on both their sides; the scales of the calyx are moreover distinguished by a beautiful silvery appearance, which it is difficult to represent in colours. it is a native of the east, as well as of siberia; flowers with us in july, in the open border, and is readily propagated by parting its roots in autumn, which are of the creeping kind: requires no particular treatment. miller, in the last 4to edition of his dictionary, enumerates a _cent. glastifolia_; but his description in detail, by no means accords with the plant. [63] ~fragaria monophylla. one-leaved strawberry, or strawberry of versailles.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ 10-fidus. _petala_ 5. _receptaculum_ feminum ovatum, baccatum, deciduum. _specific character and synonyms._ fragaria _monophylla_ foliis simplicibus. _lin. syst. veg. p. 476._ _le fraisier de versailles. duchesne hist. nat. des frais, p. 124._ [illustration: 63] the first mention made of this strawberry, we find in duchesne's _histoire naturelle des fraisiers_, where we have its complete history, and from which we learn, that it was originally raised by him at versailles, in the year 1761, from seeds of the wood strawberry. from france this plant has been conveyed to most parts of europe; how it has happened we know not, but it is certainly very little known in this country: in the 14th edit of the _syst. veg._ of linnæus, it appears as a species under the name of _monophylla_, originally imposed on it by duchesne; linnæus, however, has his doubts as to its being a species distinct from the _vesca_, and, in our humble opinion, not without reason; for it can certainly be regarded as a very singular variety only; its origin indeed is a proof of this; in addition to which we may observe, that plants raised from the runners will sometimes, though very rarely indeed, have three leaves instead of one: and it is observed by the very intelligent author of the _hist. nat._ abovementioned, that seedling plants sometimes produced leaves with three divisions, like those of the wood strawberry. besides the remarkable difference in the number of the leaves in this plant, the leaves themselves are observed to be much smaller in the winter season, and their ribs less branched; the runners also are slenderer and more productive, and the fruit in general more oblong or pyramidal. as an object of curiosity, this plant is deserving a place in every garden of any extent; nor is its singularity its only recommendation, its fruit being equal to that of the finest wood strawberry, with which it agrees in the time of its flowering, fruiting, and mode of treatment. [64] ~hemerocallis fulva. tawny day-lily.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata: tubo cylindrico. _stamina_ declinata. _specific character and synonyms._ hemerocallis _fulva_ foliis lineari-subulatis carinatis, corollis fulvis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 339._ lilium rubrum asphodeli radice. _bauh. pin. 80._ the gold red day-lily. _park. parad. p. 148. t. 149. f. 5._ [illustration: 64] according to linnæus, this species is a native of china. it has long been inured to our climate, and few plants thrive better in any soil or situation, but a moist soil suits it best; its leaves on their first emerging from the ground, and for a considerable time afterwards, are of the most delicate green imaginable; the appearance which the plant assumes at this period of its growth is, indeed, so pleasing, that it may be said to constitute one half of its beauty; its blossoms which appear in july and august, are twice the size of those of the _flava_, of a tawny orange colour, without gloss or smell, the petals waved on the edge, the flowers are rarely or never succeeded by ripe capsules as in the _flava_, which is a circumstance that has been noticed by parkinson; when these several characters, in which the _fulva_ differs so essentially from the _flava_, are attentively considered, we shall wonder that linnæus could entertain an idea of their being varieties of each other. the _hemerocallis fulva_, from its size, and from the great multiplication of its roots, is best adapted to large gardens and plantations. may be propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [65] ~clematis integrifolia. entire-leaved clematis, or virgins-bower.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _petala_ 4. rarius 5.--vel 6. _sem._ caudata. _specific character and synonyms._ clematis _integrifolia_ foliis simplicibus ovato-lanceolatis, floribus cernuis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 512._ clematitis coerulea erecta. _bauh. pin. 300._ clematis coerulea pannonica. the hungarian climer. _park. parad. p. 393._ [illustration: 65] the _clematis integrifolia_ is not an uncommon plant in the nurseries about london, and is deserving a place in gardens, if not for the beauty of its flowers, at least for their singularity. it is a native of germany, flowers in july, and is one of those hardy perennials which suit most people, requiring little more than an introduction. is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [66] ~passiflora alata. winged passion-flower.~ _class and order._ ~gynandria pentandria.~ _generic character._ trigyna. _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _nectarium_ corona. _bacca_ pedicellata. _specific character._ passiflora _alata_ foliis indivisis cordatis integerrimis, petiolis quadriglandulosis, cauli membranaceo tetragono. [illustration: 66] this species of passion-flower is one of those which have been introduced into the english gardens since the time of miller; if it does not equal the _coerulea_ in elegance, it excels it in magnificence, in brilliancy of colour, and in fragrance, the blossoms being highly odoriferous: as yet, it is by no means so general in this country, as its extraordinary beauty merits, we have seen it flower this year, both summer and autumn, in great perfection in the stove of our very worthy friend james vere, esq. kensington-gore; at the physic garden, chelsea; and at mr. malcom's, kennington; at chelsea, in particular, it afforded the richest assemblage of foliage and flowers we ever saw. it appears to the greatest advantage, when trained up an upright pole, nearly to the height of the back of the stove, and then suffered to run along horizontally. by some it has been considered as a variety only of the _passiflora quadrangularis_, others, with whom we agree in opinion, have no doubt of its being a very distinct species; it differs from the _quadrangularis_, in having leaves more perfectly heart-shaped, and less veiny; in having four glands on the foot-stalks of the leaves, instead of six; and in not producing fruit with us, which the _quadrangularis_ has been known frequently to do. the nursery-men report, that this species was first raised in this country, by a gentleman in hertfordshire, from west-india seeds. the usual mode of propogating it here, is by cuttings. [67] ~mesembryanthemum pinnatifidum. jagged-leaved fig-marigold.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _petala_ numerosa linearia. _caps._ carnosa infera polysperma. _specific character._ mesembryanthemum _pinnatifidum_ foliis pinnatifidis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 470. suppl. p. 260._ [illustration: 67] this species of _mesembryanthemum_, so different in the shape of its foliage from all the others hitherto introduced into this country, is first described in the _supplementum plantarum_ of the younger linnæus, from which we learn that it grew in the upsal garden, into which it was most probably introduced by professor thunberg, as on his authority it is mentioned as a native of the cape of good hope. mr. zier, apothecary, of castle-street, was so obliging as to present me this summer with the seeds of this curious plant, i sowed them in a pot of earth, plunged in a tan pit, whose heat was nearly exhausted; they quickly vegetated, and though the summer was far advanced, they proceeded rapidly into flower, and bid fair to produce ripe seeds, as the capsules have long since been formed. the whole plant is sprinkled over with glittering particles like the ice plant, to which it bears some affinity in its duration, being an annual and requiring the same treatment. the blossoms are small and yellow, and if the weather be fine, open about two or three o'clock in the afternoon, the stalks are of a bright red colour, and the foliage yellowish green. [68] ~sempervivum arachnoideum. cobweb houseleek.~ _class and order._ ~dodecandria dodecagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 12-partitus. _petala_ 12. _caps._ 12. polyspermæ. _specific character._ sempervivum _arachnoideum_ foliis pilis intertextis, propaginibus globosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 456._ sedum montanum tomentosum. _bauh. pin. 284._ [illustration: 68] by the old botanists, this plant was considered as a _sedum_; and to this day it is generally known in the gardens by the name of the _cobweb sedum_, though its habit or general appearance, independent of its fructification, loudly proclaims it a _houseleek_. in this species the tops of the leaves are woolly; as they expand they carry this woolly substance with them, which being thus extended, assumes the appearance of a cobweb, whence the name of the plant. like most of the houseleeks it is best kept in a pot, or it will grow well and appear to great advantage on a wall or piece of rock-work; the more it is exposed to the sun, the more colour will enliven its stalks and foliage, and the more brilliant will be its flowers; the latter make their appearance in july. it is propagated by offsets which it sends forth in abundance. it is no uncommon practice to treat this beautiful species of houseleek, as a native of a warm climate; under such an idea we have seen it nursed up in stoves, while the plant spontaneously braves the cold of the switzerland alps. [69] ~rosa muscosa. moss rose.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ _petala_ 5. _cal._ urceolatus, 5-fidus, carnosus, collo coarctatus. _sem._ plurima, hispida, calycis interiori lateri affixa. _specific character and synonyms._ rosa _muscosa_ caule petiolisque aculeatis, pedunculis calycibusque pilosissimis. _miller's dict._ [illustration: 69] if there be any one genus of plants more universally admired than the others, it is that of the rose--where is the poet that has not celebrated it? where the painter that has not made it an object of his imitative art? in the opinion of miller, the moss rose, or moss province, as it is frequently called, is a perfectly distinct species; linnæus considers it as a variety only of the _centifolia_: as it is found in our nurseries in a double state only, and as we are ignorant of what country it is the produce, the decision of this matter must be left to future observation and inquiry. though it may not increase so fast by suckers, nor be increased so readily by layers, as the _centifolia_, there is no difficulty in propagating it either way; the latter mode is usually adopted. [70] ~mesembryanthemum barbatum. bearded fig-marigold.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria pentagynia~. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. petala numerosa, linearia. _caps._ carnosa, infera, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ mesembryanthemum _barbatum_, foliis subovatis papulosis distinctis, apice barbatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p. 469._ mesembryanthemum radiatum, ramulis prolixis recumbentibus. _dillen. hort. elth. 245. t. 190. f. 234._ [illustration: 70] the leaves of this species have small hairs, issuing like rays from their points, whence its name of _barbatum_; there are two others figured by dillenius, whose leaves have a great similarity of structure, and which are considered by linnæus as varieties of this species; our plant is the _stellatum_ of miller's _dict._ _ed._ 6. 4_to_. like most of this tribe it inhabits the cape, flowers in july, and is readily propagated by cuttings. [71] ~statice sinuata. purple-cup't statice, or thrift.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, integer, plicatus, scariosus. _petala_ 5. _sem._ 1. superum. _specific character and synonyms._ statice _sinuata_ caule herbaceo, foliis radicalibus alternatim pinnato sinuatis: caulinis ternis triquetris subulatis decurrentibus. _lin. syst. vegetab._ _p._ 301. limonium peregrinum foliis asplenii. _bauh. pin. 192._ limonium rauwolfii marsh buglosse. _parkins. parad. p. 250._ [illustration: 71] that this singular species of _statice_ was long since an inhabitant of our gardens, appears from parkinson, who in his _garden of pleasant flowers_, gives an accurate description of it, accompanied with an expressive figure; since his time it appears to have been confined to few gardens: the nurserymen have lately considered it as a newly-introduced species, and sold it accordingly. it is one of those few plants whose calyx is of a more beautiful colour than the corolla (and which it does not lose in drying); it therefore affords an excellent example of the _calyx coloratus_, as also of _scariosus_, it being sonorous to the touch. being a native of sicily, palestine, and africa, it is of course liable to be killed with us in severe seasons, the common practice is therefore to treat it as a green-house plant, and indeed it appears to the greatest advantage in a pot; it is much disposed to throw up new flowering stems; hence, by having several pots of it, some plants will be in blossom throughout the summer; the dried flowers are a pretty ornament for the mantle-piece in winter. though a kind of biennial, it is often increased by parting its roots, but more advantageously by seed; the latter, however, are but sparingly produced with us, probably for the want, as parkinson expresses it, "of sufficient heate of the sunne." [72] ~helleborus lividus. livid or purple hellebore.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ nullus. _petala_-5. sive plura. _nectaria_ bilabiata, tubulata. _caps._ polyspermæ, erectiusculæ. _specific character._ helleborus _lividus_ caule multifloro folioso, foliis ternatis. _ait. hort. kew. ined. 2. p. 272._ [illustration: 72] it is not a little extraordinary that this plant which has for many years been cultivated in this country, should have escaped the notice of linnæus; it is equally wonderful that we should at this moment be strangers to its place of growth. having three leaves growing together, it has been considered by many as the _trifoliatus_ of linnæus but his _trifoliatus_ is a very different plant, a native of canada, producing small yellow flowers. it has been usual to treat this species as a green-house plant, or at least to shelter it under a frame in the winter; probably it is more hardy than we imagine. it is propagated by parting its roots in autumn, and by seeds, though few of the latter in general ripen, nor do the roots make much increase--to these causes we must doubtless attribute its present comparative scarcity. it flowers as early as february; on which account, as well as that of its singularity, it is a very desirable plant in collections. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _second volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 47 amaryllis formosissima. 54 anemone sylvestris. 41 calceolaria pinnata. 42 camellia japonica. 62 centaurea glastifolia. 37 chironia frutescens. 53 cineraria lanata. 43 cistus incanus. 65 clematis integrifolia. 45 crocus vernus. 44 cyclamen persicum. 39 dianthus caryophyllus, var. 63 fragaria monophylla. 52 gentiana acaulis. 55 geranium striatum. 56 ---lanceolatum. 72 helleborus lividus. 64 hemerocallis fulva. 61 iris ochroleuca. 50 ---sibirica. 58 ---spuria. 60 lathyrus odoratus. 46 leucojum vernum. 70 mesembryanthemum barbatum. 59 ---bicolorum. 67 ---pinnatifidum. 51 narcissus major. 48 ---triandrus. 57 papaver orientale. 66 passiflora alata. 69 rosa muscosa. 49 soldanella alpina. 68 sempervivum arachnoideum. 71 statice sinuata. 40 trillium sessile. 38 viburnum tinus. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _second volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 47 amaryllis jacobean. 54 anemony snowdrop. 42 camellia rose. 43 centaurea woad-leaved. 37 chironia shrubby. 53 cineraria woolly. 43 cistus, hoary or rose. 65 clematis, or virgin's-bower entire-leaved. 45 crocus spring. 44 cyclamen persian. 51 daffodil great. 48 ---reflexed. 64 day-lily tawny. 39 franklin's tartar. 70 fig-marigold bearded. 67 ---jagged-leaved. 59 ---two-coloured. 52 gentian large-flowered, or gentianella. 56 geranium spear-leaved. 55 ---striped. 68 houseleek cobweb. 72 hellebore, livid or purple. 50 iris siberian. 58 ---spurious. 61 ---tall. 38 laurustinus common. 66 passion-flower winged. 60 pea, or vetchling sweet. 57 poppy eastern. 69 rose moss. 41 slipper-wort pinnated. 46 snow-flake spring. 49 soldanella alpine. 63 strawberry one-leav'd. 40 trillium sessile. 71 thrift purple-cup't. janet blenkinship and the online distributed proofreaders europe at http://dp.rastko.net the ~botanical magazine;~ or, ~flower-garden displayed:~ in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by _william curtis_, author of the flora londinensis. ~vol. iv.~ observe the rising lily's snowy grace, observe the various vegetable race; they neither toil nor spin, but careless grow, yet see how warm they blush! how bright they glow! what regal vestments can with them compare! what king so shining, or what queen so fair. thomson. london: printed by couchman and fry, throgmorton-street. for w. curtis, no 3, _st. george's-crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xci. * * * * * [109] lavatera trimestris. annual lavatera. _class and order_. monadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ duplex: exterior 3-fidus. _arilli_ plurimi, monospermi. _specific character and synonyms._ lavatera _trimestris_ caule scabro herbaceo, foliis glabris, pedunculis unifloris, fructibus orbiculo tectis. _linn. sp. pl. 974._ _hort. kew. v. 2. p. 452._ lavatera _(althææfolia)_ foliis infimis cordato-orbiculatis, caulinis trilobis acuminatis glabris, pedunculis unifloris, caule herbaceo. _miller's gard. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ malva folio vario. _bauh. pin. 315._ malva hispanica flore carneo amplo. the spanish blush mallow. _park. parad. p. 366._ [illustration: no 109] our plant is undoubtedly the _spanish blush mallow_ of parkinson, and the _lavatera althææfolia_ of miller according to the former, it is a native of spain, according to the latter, of syria. mr. miller considers it as distinct from the _trimestris_; mr. aiton has no _althææfolia_ in his _hort. kew._ we are therefore to conclude that the _althææfolia_ of miller, and the _trimestris_ of linnæus are one and the same species. of the annuals commonly raised in our gardens, this is one of the most shewy, as well as the most easily cultivated; its seeds are to be sown in march, on the borders where they are to remain, the plants, thinned as they come up, and kept clear of weeds. it varies with white blossoms, and flowers from july to september. [110] mimosa verticillata. whorl'd-leav'd mimosa. _class and order._ polygamia monoecia. _generic character._ hermaphrod. _cal._ 5-dentatus. _cor._ 5-fida. _stam._ 5. f. plura. _pist._ 1. _legumen._ masc. _cal._ 5-dentatus. _cor._ 5-fida. _stam._ 5. 10. plura. _specific character and synonyms._ mimosa _verticillata_ intermis, foliis verticillatis linearibus pungentibus. _l'herit. fert. angl. t. 41._ _hort. kew. p. 438._ [illustration: no 110] the radical leaves of plants usually differ in shape from those of the stalk, in some plants remarkably so; the _lepidium perfoliatum_ figured in the _flora austriaca_ of professor jacquin is a striking instance of this dissimilarity: the _lathyrus aphaca_, a british plant, figured in the _flora lond._ is still more such, as large entire leaf-like stipulæ grow in pairs on the stalk, instead of leaves, while the true leaves next the root, visible when the plant first comes up from seed, are few in number, and those pinnated. the present plant no less admirably illustrates the above remark, the leaves which first appear on the seedling plants being pinnated, as is represented in the small figure on the plate, while those which afterwards come forth grow in whorls. we have observed the same disposition to produce dissimilar leaves in several other species of _mimosa_, which have arisen from botany-bay seeds, lately introduced. this singular species, on the authority of mr. david nelson, is a native of new south wales, and was introduced to the royal garden at kew by sir joseph banks, bart. we first saw it in flower, and have since seen it with ripe seed-pods, at mr. malcolm's, kennington. it is properly a green-house plant, and propagated only by seeds, which are to be sown on a gentle hot-bed. it is some years in arriving at its flowering state. [111] lathyrus tuberosus. tuberous lathyrus, or pease earth-nut. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior. _cal._ laciniæ superiores 2 breviores. _specific character and synonyms._ lathyrus _tuberosus_ pedunculis multifloris, cirrhis diphyllis: foliolis ovalibus, internodiis nudis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 663._ lathyrus arvensis repens tuberosus. _bauh. pin. 344._ lathyrus arvensis sive terræ glandes. pease earth-nuts. _parkins. theat. p. 1061._ [illustration: no 111] grows spontaneously in various parts of france and germany; mr. philip hurlock lately shewed me some dried specimens of this plant, which he gathered in the corn fields, on the _luneburgh heide_, in _upper lusatia_, where it grew plentifully, and afforded a pleasing appearance to the curious traveller:--not so to the husbandman, to whom it is as noxious as the _convolvulus arvensis_ (_small bindweed_) is with us, and equally difficult to extirpate, having powerfully creeping roots, which somewhat like the _helianthus tuberosus_ (commonly called _jerusalem artichoke_) produce large tubera, and which like those of that plant, are in high esteem with some as an article of food, and as such even cultivated abroad. it flowers from june to the end of august. it is certainly a beautiful hardy perennial, similar to (but of more humble growth) than the everlasting pea, yet must be cautiously introduced on account of its creeping roots, by which it is most readily propagated, rarely ripening its seeds with us. it is, perhaps, better suited to decorate the unclip'd hedge of the pleasure-ground, than the border of the flower-garden. [112] cistus ladaniferus. gum cistus. _class and order._ polyandria monognia. _generic character._ _corolla_ 5-petala. _calyx_ 5-phyllus: foliolis duobus minoribus. _capsula_. _specific character and synonyms._ cistus _ladaniferus_ arborescens ex stipulatus, foliis lanceolatis supra lævibus, petiolis basi coalitis vaginantibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 497._ cistus ladanifera hispanica incana. _bauh. pin. 467._ cistus ledon. the gum cistus or sweete holly rose. _park. parad. p. 422._ [illustration: no 112] one of the most ornamental hardy shrubs we possess; at once pleasing to the eye, and grateful to the smell; for, as miller observes, the whole plant in warm weather exudes a sweet glutinous substance, which has a very strong balsamic scent, so as to perfume the circumambient air to a great distance. its blossoms, which appear in june and july in great profusion, exhibit a remarkable instance of quickly-fading beauty, opening and expanding to the morning sun, and before night strewing the ground with their elegant remains: as each succeeding day produces new blossoms, this deciduous disposition of the petals, common to the genus, is the less to be regretted. is a native of spain and portugal, prefers a dry soil and warm sheltered situation, and in very severe seasons requires some kind of covering. cultivated 1656, by mr. john tradescant, jun. _ait. hort. kew._ is readily increased from cuttings; but miller remarks, that the best plants are raised from seeds. varies with waved leaves, and in having petals without a spot at the base. is not the plant from whence the ladanum of the shops is produced, though affording in warmer countries than ours a similar gum, hence its name of _ladanifera_ is not strictly proper. [113] convolvulus purpureus. purple bindweed, or convolvulus major. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, plicata. _stigmata_ 2. _capsula_ 2-locularis; loculis dispermis. _specific character and synonyms._ convolvulus _purpureus_ foliis cordatis indivisis, fructibus cernuis, pedicellis incrassatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 200._ convolvulus purpureus folio subrotundo. _bauh. pin. 295._ convolvulus cæruleus major rotundifolius. the greater blew bindweede or bell-flower with round leaves. _park. parad. p. 358._ [illustration: no 113] "is an annual plant which grows naturally in asia and america, but has been long cultivated for ornament in the english gardens, and is generally known by the title of convolvulus major. of this there are three or four lasting varieties; the most common hath a purple flower, but there is one with a white, another with a red, and one with a whitish-blue flower, which hath white seeds. all these varieties i have cultivated many years, without observing them to change. if the seeds of these sorts are sown in the spring, upon a warm border where the plants are designed to remain, they will require no other culture but to keep them clear from weeds, and place some tall stakes down by them, for their stalks to twine about, otherwise they will spread on the ground and make a bad appearance. these plants, if they are properly supported, will rise ten or twelve feet high in warm summers: they flower in june, july, and august, and will continue till the frost kills them. their seeds ripen in autumn." _miller's gard. dict. ed. 4to. 1771._ [114] silene pendula. pendulous catchfly. _class and order._ decandria trigynia. _generic character._ calyx ventricosus. petala 5, unguiculata coronata ad faucem, capsula 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ silene _pendula_ calycibus fructiferis pendulis inflatis: angulis decem scabris. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 421._ viscago hirsuta sicula, lychnidis aquaticæ facie, supina. _dill. hort. elth. 421. t. 312. f. 404._ [illustration: no 114] grows spontaneously in sicily and crete; is an annual of humble growth, and hence a suitable plant for the borders of the flower garden, or the decoration of rock-work, as its blossoms are shewy, and not of very short duration. it flowers in june and july, and if once permitted to scatter its seeds, will come up yearly without any trouble. [115] lathyrus sativus. blue-flower'd lathyrus, or chichling-vetch. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior. _calycis_ laciniæ superiores 2 breviores. _specific character and synonyms._ lathyrus _sativus_ pedunculis unifloris, cirrhis diphyllis tetraphyllisque, leguminibus ovatis compressis dorso bimarginatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 662._ lathyrus sativus, flore fructusque albo. _bauh. pin. 343._ [illustration: no 115] a native of france, spain, and italy, and distinguishable when in flower by the blue colour of its blossoms, which are sometimes, however, milk-white; but its seed-pods afford a more certain mark of distinction, being unusually short, broad, and winged on the back. this species grows to the height of about two feet, and is usually sown in the spring with other annuals; though not so beautiful, it forms a contrast to the sweet and tangier pea, and may be introduced where there is plenty of room, or a desire of possessing and knowing most of the plants of a genus. it flowers in june and july. cultivated 1739, by mr. philip miller. _ait. hort. kew._ [116] limodorum tuberosum. tuberous-rooted limodorum. _class and order._ gynandria diandria. _generic character._ nectarium monophyllum, concavum, pedicellatum, intra petalum infimum. _specific character and synonyms._ limodorum _tuberosum_ floribus subspicatis barbatis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 301._ [illustration: no 116] for this rare plant i am indebted to the very laudable exertions of a late gardener of mine, james smith, who, in the spring of the year 1788, examining attentively the bog earth which had been brought over with some plants of the _dionæa muscipula_, found several small tooth-like knobby roots, which being placed in pots of the same earth, and plunged into a tan-pit having a gentle heat, produced plants the ensuing summer, two of which flowered, and from the strongest of those our figure was taken. from this circumstance we learn, that this species is a native of south carolina, and properly a bog plant, growing spontaneously with the _dionæa muscipula_. both mr. dryander and dr. j. e. smith assure me, that it is the true _limodorum tuberosum_ of linnæus; the one usually called by that name is a native of the west-indies, and treated as a stove plant. from the little experience we have had of the management of this species, it appears to us to be scarcely hardy enough for the open border, yet not tender enough to require a stove. we have succeeded best by treating it in the manner above mentioned; we may observe, that the tan-pit spoken of was built in the open garden, not in a stove, and was for the purpose of raising plants or seeds by a gentle heat, as well as for striking cuttings and securing plants from cold in the winter. our figure will make a description of the plant unnecessary, its flowering stem with us has arisen to the height of a foot and a half, the number of flowers has not exceeded five. in its most luxuriant state it will probably be found much larger, and to produce more flowers. [117] campanula carpatica. carpatian bell-flower. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata fundo clauso valvis staminiferis. _stigma_ trifidum. _capsula_ infera poris lateralibus dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ campanula _carpatica_ foliis glabris cordatis serratis petiolatis, pedunculis elongatis, calyce reflexo glutinoso. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 207. suppl. p. 140._ _jacq. hort. v. i. t. 57._ [illustration: no 117] this species of bell-flower, which takes its name from its place of growth, is a native of the carpatian alps, and was introduced into the royal garden at kew, by _professor_ jacquin, of _vienna_, in the year 1774. it flowers in june and july. as yet it is scarce in our gardens, but deserves to be more generally known and cultivated; its flowers, in proportion to the plant, are large and shewy: like many other alpine plants, it is well suited to decorate certain parts of rock-work, or such borders of the flower garden, as are not adapted for large plants. it is a hardy perennial, and propagated by parting its roots in autumn. our figure, from a deficiency in the colouring art, gives a very inadequate idea of its beauty. [118] sedum anacampseros. evergreen orpine. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ 5-petala. _squamæ_ nectariferæ 5, ad basin germinis. _caps._ 5. _specific character and synonyms._ sedum _anacampseros_ foliis cuneiformibus basi attenuatis subsessilibus, caulibus decumbentibus, floribus corymbosis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 108._ sedum _anacampseros_ foliis cuneiformibus integerrimis caulibus decumbemtibus, floribus corymbosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. murr. p. 430._ telephium repens folio deciduo. _bauh. pin. 287._ telephium tertium. _dodon. pempt. p. 130._ [illustration: no 118] grows spontaneously out of the crevices of the rocks in the south of france; flowers in our gardens in july and august; is a very hardy perennial, and in sheltered situations retains its leaves all the year. the singular manner in which the leaves are attached to the flowering stem, deserves to be noticed. as many of the succulent plants are tender, and require a green-house in the winter, cultivators of plants are apt indiscriminately to extend the same kind of care to the whole tribe, hence it is not uncommon to find this and many other similar hardy plants, nursed up in the green-house or stove, when they would thrive much better on a wall or piece of rock-work, for the decoration of which this plant in particular is admirably adapted. like most of the sedum tribe it may readily be propagated by cuttings, or parting its roots in autumn. dodonæus' figure admirably represents its habit. according to the _hort. kew._ it was cultivated in this country by gerard, in 1596. +------------------------------------------------------+ |transcriber's note: | |there is a departure from the usual format here with | |strelitzia reginæ having two illustrations, no 119 and| |no 120, thus creating a gap in the sequence. | +------------------------------------------------------+ [119] strelitzia reginæ. canna-leaved strelitzia. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _spathæ. cal._ 0. _cor._ 3-petala. _nectarium_ triphyllum, genitalia involvens. _peric._ 3-loculare, polyspermum. strelitzia _reginæ ait. hort. kew. v. i. p. 285. tab. 2._ heliconia _bibai j. mill. ic. tab. 5, 6._ [illustration: no 119] in order that we may give our readers an opportunity of seeing a coloured representation of one of the most scarce and magnificent plants introduced into this country, we have this number deviated from our usual plan, with respect to the plates, and though in so doing we shall have the pleasure of gratifying the warm wishes of many of our readers, we are not without our apprehensions least others may not feel perfectly well satisfied; should it prove so, we wish such to rest assured that this is a deviation in which we shall very rarely indulge and never but when something uncommonly beautiful or interesting presents itself: to avoid the imputation of interested motives, we wish our readers to be apprized that the expences attendant on the present number, in consequence of such deviation, have been considerably _augmented_, not lowered. it is well known to many botanists, and others, who have experienced sir joseph banks's well known liberality, that previous to the publication of the _hortus kewensis_ he made a new genus of this plant, which had before been considered as a species of _heliconia_, and named it _strelitzia_ in honour of our most gracious queen charlotte; coloured engravings of which, executed under his direction, he presented to his particular friends; impressions of the same plate have been given in the aforesaid work, in which we are informed that this plant was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by sir joseph banks, bart. in the year 1773, where it lately flowered--of some other plants introduced after that period from the cape, of which it is a native, one flowered in the pine stove of bamber gascoyne, esq. several years ago, from whence mr. millar drew his figure, and the plant from which our drawing was made flowered this spring, in the bark stove of the garden belonging to the apothecaries company, at chelsea, where it will also soon flower again. this plant has usually been confined to the stove, where it has been placed in a pot, and plunged into the tan, as the plants in such situations usually are; it has been found that when the roots have been confined to the narrow limits of a pot, the plant has rarely or never flowered, but that when the roots have by accident extended into the rotten tan, it has readily thrown up flowering stems, the best practice therefore, not only with this, but many other plants, is to let the roots have plenty of earth to strike into. as it is a cape plant it may perhaps be found to succeed best in the conservatory. it has not, that we know of, as yet ripened its seeds in this country; till it does, or good seeds of it shall be imported, it must remain a very scarce and dear plant, as it is found to increase very slowly by its roots: plants are said to be sold at the cape for three guineas each. _general description of the strelitzia reginæ._ [illustration: no 120] from a perennial stringy root shoot forth a considerable number of leaves, standing upright on long footstalks, front a sheath of some one of which, near its base, springs the flowering stem, arising somewhat higher than the leaves, and terminating in an almost horizontal long-pointed spatha, containing about six or eight flowers, which becoming vertical as they spring forth, form a kind of crest, which the glowing orange of the corolla, and fine azure of the nectary, renders truly superb. the outline in the third plate of this number, is intended to give our readers an idea of its general habit and mode of growth. _particular description of the same._ root perennial, stringy, somewhat like that of the tawny day-lily (hemerocallis fulva); strings the thickness of the little finger, blunt at the extremity, extending horizontally, if not confined, to the distance of many feet. leaves numerous, standing upright on their footstalks, about a foot in length, and four inches in breadth, ovato-oblong, coriaceous, somewhat fleshy, rigid, smooth, concave, entire on the edges, except on one side towards the base, where they are more or less curled, on the upper side of a deep green colour, on the under side covered with a fine glaucous meal, midrib hollow above and yellowish, veins unbranched, prominent on the inside, and impressed on the outside of the leaf, young leaves rolled up. leaf-stalks about thrice the length of the leaves, upright, somewhat flattened, at bottom furnished with a sheath, and received into each other, all radical. scapus or flowering stem unbranched, somewhat taller than the leaves, proceeding from the sheath of one of them, upright, round, not perfectly straight, nearly of an equal thickness throughout, of a glaucous hue, covered with four or five sheaths which closely embrace it. two or more flowering stems spring from the same root, according to the age of the plant. spatha terminal, about six inches in length, of a glaucous hue, with a fine bright purple at its base, running out to a long point, opening above from the base to within about an inch of the apex, where the edges roll over to one side, forming an angle of about forty-five degrees, and containing about six flowers. flowers of a bright orange colour, becoming upright, when perfectly detached from the spatha, which each flower is a considerable time in accomplishing. in the plant at chelsea, the two back petals, or, more properly segments of the first flower, sprang forth with the nectary, and while the former became immediately vertical, the latter formed nearly the same angle as the spatha; four days afterwards the remaining segment of the first flower, with the two segments and nectary of the second came forth, and in the same manner at similar intervals all the flowers, which were six in number, continued to make their appearance. corolla deeply divided into three segments, which are ovato-lanceolate, slightly keeled, and somewhat concave, at the base white, fleshy, and covered with a glutinous substance flowing in great quantities from the nectary. nectary of a fine azure blue and most singular form, composed of two petals, the upper petal very short and broad, with a whitish mucro or point, the sides of which lap over the base of the other petal; inferior petal about two inches and a half in length, the lower half somewhat triangular, grooved on the two lowermost sides, and keeled at bottom, the keel running straight to its extremity, the upper half gradually dilating towards the base, runs out into two lobes more or less obtuse, which give it an arrow-shaped form, bifid at the apex, hollow, and containing the antheræ, the edges of the duplicature crisped and forming a kind of frill from the top to the bottom. stamina five filaments arising from the base of the nectary, short and distinct; antheræ long and linear, attached to and cohering by their tips to the apex of the nectary. style filiform, white, length of the nectary. stigma three quarters of an inch long, attached to, and hitched on as it were to the tip of the nectary, roundish, white, awl-shaped, very viscid, becoming as the flower decays of a deep purple brown colour, and usually splitting into three pieces, continuing attached to the nectary till the nectary decays. mr. fairbairn, to whose abilities and industry the companies garden at chelsea is indebted for its present flourishing state, being desirous of obtaining ripe seeds, i had no opportunity of examining the germen. such were the appearances which presented themselves to us in the plant which flowered at the chelsea garden; that they are liable to considerable variation is apparent from the figure of mr. millar, which appears to have been drawn from a very luxuriant specimen, as two spathæ grow from one flowering stem, the stigma is also remarkably convoluted, many other appearances are likewise represented, which our plant did not exhibit: in the figure given in the _hortus kewensis_, the stigma appears to have separated from the nectary on the first opening of the flower, and to be split into three parts, neither of which circumstances took place in our plant till they were both in a decaying state. [121] narcissus incomparabilis. peerless daffodil. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _petala_ 6 æqualia: _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo: _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _incomparabilis_ spatha uniflora, nectario campanulato plicato crispo petalis dimidio breviore, foliis planis. narcissus latifolius omnium maximus amplo calice flavo sive nompareille. the great nonesuch daffodil, or incomparable daffodil. _park. par. p. 68._ [illustration: no 121] this species of narcissus, though well described and figured by the old botanists, especially parkinson; has been overlooked by linnæus. it is undoubtedly the _incomparable daffodil_ of parkinson, figured in his garden of pleasant flowers; and the _incomparabilis_ of miller's _dict. ed. 6. 4to._ the latter informs us, that he received roots of it from spain and portugal, which fixes its place of growth. it is a very hardy bulbous plant, and flowers in april; in its single state it is very ornamental, the petals are usually pale yellow, and the nectary inclined to orange, which towards the brim is more brilliant in some than in others; in its double state, it is well known to gardeners, by the name of butter and egg narcissus, and of this there are two varieties, both of which produce large shewy flowers, the one with colours similar to what we have above described, which is the most common, the other with petals of a pale sulphur colour, almost white, and the nectary bright orange; this, which is one of the most ornamental of the whole tribe, is named in the dutch catalogues, the _orange phoenix_; its blossoms are so large as frequently to require supporting; its bulbs may be had of many of the nurseries about london, and of those who, profiting by the supineness of our english gardeners, import bulbs from abroad. like most of the tribe, this species will grow well without any care, the bulbs of the double sort should be taken up yearly, otherwise they are apt to degenerate. [122] hyacinthus racemosus. starch hyacinth. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ corolla campanulata: pori 3 melliferi germinis. _specific character and synonyms._ hyacinthus _racemosus_ corollis ovatis, summis sessilibus, foliis laxis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 336._ _sp. pl. 455._ hyacinthus racemosus cæruleus minor juncifolius. _bauh. pin. p. 43._ hyacinthus botryodes 1. _car clus. hist. p. 181._ hyacinthus racemosus. _dodon. pempt. p. 217._ hyacinthus botroides minor cæruleus obscurus. the darke blew grape-flower. _park. par. p. 114._ [illustration: no 122] the _hyacinthus racemosus_ and _botryoides_ are both cultivated in gardens, but the former here figured is by far the most common; _racemosus_ and _botryoides_, though different words, are expressive of the same meaning, the former being derived from the latin term _racemus_, the latter from the greek one [greek: votrus], both of which signify a bunch of grapes, the form of which the inflorescence of these plants somewhat resembles, and hence they have both been called grape hyacinths, but as confusion thereby arises, we have thought it better to call this species the starch hyacinth, the smell of the flower in the general opinion resembling that substance, and leave the name of grape hyacinth for the _botryoides_. the _hyacinthus racemosus_ grows wild in the corn fields of germany, in which it increases so fast by offsets from the root as to prove a very troublesome weed, and on this account it must be cautiously introduced into gardens. it flowers in april and may. we have found the nurserymen very apt to mistake it for the _botryoides_, a figure of which it is our intention to give in some future number. [123] anemone hortensis. star anemone, or broad-leav'd garden anemone. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ cal. 0. petala 5-9. semina plura. _specific character and synonyms._ anemone _hortensis_ foliis digitalis, feminibus lanatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed murr. p. 510._ _ait. hort. kew. vol. 2. p. 256._ anemone geranii rotundo folio, purpurascens. _bauh. pin. 173._ anemone prima. _dodon. pempt. 434._ anemone latifolia purpurea stellata sive papaveracea. the purple star-anemone or windflower. _park. parad. p. 204._ [illustration: no 123] we are more and more convinced, that in our eagerness, for novelties, we daily lose plants by far more ornamental than the new ones we introduce; the present, a most charming spring plant, with which the gardens abounded in the time of parkinson, is now a great rarity; its blossoms, which are uncommonly brilliant, come forth in april, and, like those of many other plants, appear to advantage only when the sun shines. it may be propagated either by seeds, or by parting its roots in autumn, in the former way we may obtain many beautiful varieties. it prefers a light loamy soil and moderately exposed situation. roots of a variety of this plant with scarlet double flowers are imported from holland, under the name, of _anemonoides_, and sold at a high price. [124] iberis gibraltarica. gibraltar candy-tuft. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _corolla_ irregularis: petalis 2 exterioribus majoribus. _silicula_ polysperma, emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ iberis _gibraltarica_ frutescens foliis apice dentatis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 589._ thlaspidium hispanicum, ampliore flore folio crasso dentato. _dill. elth. 382. t. 287. f. 37._ [illustration: no 124] the flowers of this plant, a native of gibraltar, bear some resemblance to those of the common candy-tuft, but when they blow in perfection, they are usually twice as large; hence they are highly ornamental in the green-house, which early in the spring, the time of their coming forth, stands in need of some such shewy flowers. this plant is easily raised from cuttings, and easily preserved; it may be kept through the winter in a common hot-bed frame, and in mild winters will stand abroad, especially if sheltered amongst rock-work; its greatest enemy is moisture in the winter season, this often proves fatal to it, as indeed a long continued damp atmosphere does to many others; the nurserymen about london complain of losing more plants the last mild winter, from this cause, than they generally do from severe frosts. in a little green-house which i had in my late garden, lambeth-marsh, most of the plants became absolutely mouldy; in such seasons then, though in point of cold the plants may not require it, we must dissipate the superfluous moisture by a gentle heat. [125] alstroemeria ligtu. striped-flower'd alstroemeria. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, sub-bilabiata: petalis 2 inferioribus basi tubulosis. _stamina_ declinata. _specific character and synonyms._ alstroemeria _ligtu_ caule erecto, foliis spathulato-oblongis, pedunculis umbellæ involucro longioribus, corolla bilabiata. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. suppl. p. 207._ _amoen. acad. v. 6. p. 247._ hemerocallis floribus purpurascentibus striatis. _few. peruv. 2. p. 710. t. 4._ [illustration: no 125] this plant receives its generic name from claudius alstroemer (son of sir jonas alstroemer, a most respectable swedish merchant) who first found the other most beautiful species the _pelegrina_ in spain, whither it had been transmitted from peru; its trivial name _ligtu_ is a provincial one. according to fewillee, who has written on the plants of peru, this species is found on the banks of the rivers in chili: we treat it, and successfully, as a stove plant; its flowers, which usually make their appearance in february and march, emit a fragrance scarcely inferior to mignonet; its leaves, contrary to most others, grow inverted, which is effected by a twist of the footstalk, and afford an excellent example of linnæus's _folium resupinatum_; the filaments, after the pollen is discharged, turn upwards, and the antheræ become almost globular. it is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn. our figure was drawn from a plant which flowered extremely well in the stove of messrs. grimwood and co. kensington. [126] alyssum deltoideum. purple alyssum. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _filamenta_ quædam introrsum denticulo notata. _silicula_ emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ alyssum _deltoideum_ caulibus suffrutescentibus prostratis, foliis lanceolato-deltoidibus, siliculis hirtis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 591._ _sp. pl. 908._ leucojum saxatile thymifolio hirsutum cæruleo-purpureum. _bauh. pin. 201._ [illustration: no 126] plants which flower early, and continue a long while in bloom, are deservedly preferred, more especially by those who content themselves with a partial collection; of that number is the present species of alyssum, which begins to flower in march, and continues to blossom through april, may, and june, and, if favourably situated, during most of the summer. it is properly a rock plant, being hardy, forming with very little care a neat tuft of flowers, and not apt to encroach on its neighbours. may be propagated by parting its roots in autumn, or by cuttings. is a native of the levant, according to mr. aiton; and cultivated by mr. miller, in 1739, but omitted in the 6th 4to. edition of his dictionary: has usually been considered by the nurserymen about london as the _hyperboreum_. [127] ixia flexuosa. bending-stalk'd ixia. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-partita, campanulata, regularis. _stigmata_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ ixia _flexuosa_ foliis linearibus, racemo flexuoso multifloro. _linn. sp. pl. p. 51._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 58._ [illustration: no 127] the ixias are a numerous tribe, chiefly natives of the cape, and in general remarkable either for their delicacy, or brilliant colours. the one here figured appears to be a variety of the _flexuosa_ with a purple eye, its blossoms are fragrant, and come forth in april or may. "all the sorts multiply very fast by offsets, so that when once obtained, there will be no occasion to raise them from seeds: for the roots put out offsets in great plenty, most of which will flower the following season, whereas those from seeds are three or four years before they flower. these plants will not thrive through the winter in the full ground in england, so must be planted in pots, and placed under a frame in winter, where they may be protected from frost, but in mild weather should enjoy the free air; but they must be guarded from mice, who are very fond of these roots, and if not prevented will devour them." _millers gard. dict._ [128] scilla campanulata. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, patens, decidua. _filamenta_ filiformia. _specific character and synonyms._ scilla _campanulata_ bulbo folido, racemo multifloro oblongo-subconico, corollis campanulatis erectis, bracteis bipartitis, pedunculo longioribus, foliis lanceolatis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 444._ hyacinthus hispanicus major flore campanulæ instar. the greater spanish bell-flowred jacinth. _park. par. 123._ [illustration: no 128] there are few old gardens which do not abound with this plant; it bears great affinity to our hare-bell, with which it appears to have been confounded by most botanists. _parkinson_ thus discriminates it: "this spanish bell-flowred jacinth is very like the former english or spanish jacinth, but greater in all parts, as well of leaves as flowers, many growing together at the toppe of the stalke; with many short greene leaves among them, hanging doune their heads with larger, greater, and wider open mouths, like unto bels of a darke blew colour, and no good sent." _park. parad._ though not remarkable for the fineness of its colours, or pleasing from its fragrance, it contributes with other bulbous plants to decorate the flower border or plantation in the spring, when flowers are most wanted. it is very hardy, and increases abundantly by offsets; its seeds also ripen well. [129] amaryllis vittata. superb amaryllis. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ hexapetaloidea, irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta, declinata, inæqualia proportione vel directione, _linn. fil._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis floribus pedicellatis, corollis cuneiformi-infundibuliformibus, petalorum exteriorum rachibus interiorum margini adnatis, scapo tereti, stigmatibus sulcatis. _linn. fil._ amaryllis _vittata._ _l'herit. sert. angl. t. 15._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 418._ [illustration: no 129] linnæus, the son, took much pains in new modelling the generic and specific characters of this genus; as may be seen in the _hort. kew_: mons. l'heritier, when in england a few years since, saw this species, described and named it _vittata_[1]. of what country it is a native is not known with certainty, most probably of the cape, was first introduced into england by mr. malcolm. our figure was drawn from a fine specimen which flowered this spring with messrs. grimwood and co. kensington. it usually flowers in april or may, but may be forwarded by artificial heat. it rarely puts forth offsets from the root, but readily produces seeds, by which it is propagated without difficulty. when it blossoms in perfection it truly deserves the name of superb, which mr. aiton has given it, the stem rising to the height of three feet or more, and producing from two to five flowers. [130] alyssum utriculatum. bladder-podded alyssum. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _filamenta_ quædam introrsum denticulo notata. _silicula_ emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ alyssum _utriculatum_ caule herbaceo erecto, foliis lævibus lanceolatis integerrimis, filiculis inflatis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr._ alyssoides fruticosum, leucoji folio viridi. _tourn. inst. 218._ [illustration: no 130] a native of the levant, and cultivated by mr. miller in the year 1739. is a hardy and beautiful perennial, flowering from april to june, at which time it begins to form its curiously inflated pods. like the _alyssum deltoideum_, it is well adapted to the decorating of walls, or rock-work, and is readily propagated either by seeds or slips. [131] catesbæa spinosa. thorny catesbæa, or lily-thorn. _class and order._ tetrandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 1-petala, infundibuliformis, longissima, supera. stamina intra faucem. _bacca_ polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ catesbæa _spinosa._ _linn. syst. vegetab, ed. 14._ _murr. p. 152._ _sp. pl. p. 159._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 159._ frutex spinosus, buxi foliis plurimis simul nascentibus, flore tetrapetaloide pendulo sordide flavo, tubo longissimo, fructu ovali croceo semina parva continente. _catesb. carol. 2. p. 100. t. 100._ [illustration: no 131] of this genus there is only one species described by authors, and which linnæus has named in honour of our countryman mark catesby, author of the natural history of carolina. "this shrub was discovered by mr. catesby, near nassau-town, in the island of providence, where he saw two of them growing, which were all he ever saw; from these he gathered the seeds and brought them to england. "it is propagated by seeds, which must be procured from the country where it naturally grows. if the entire fruit are brought over in sand, the seeds will be better preserved; the seeds must be sown in small pots filled with light sandy earth, and plunged into a moderate hot-bed of tanner's-bark. if the seeds are good, the plants will appear in about six weeks; these plants make little progress for four or five years. if the nights should prove cold the glasses must be covered with mats every evening. as these plants grow slowly, so they will not require to be removed out of the seed-pots the first year, but in the autumn the pots should be removed into the stove, and plunged into the tan-bed; in spring the plants should be carefully taken up, and each planted in a separate small pot, filled with light sandy earth, and plunged into a fresh hot-bed of tanner's-bark. in summer when the weather is warm, they should have a good share of air admitted to them, but in autumn must be removed into the stove; where they should constantly remain, and must be treated afterwards in the same manner as other tender exotic plants." _miller's dict._ it is more usual with nurserymen to increase this plant by cuttings. our drawing was made from a plant which flowered this spring, with mr. colvill, nurseryman, king's-road, chelsea. it flowers most part of the summer, but not so freely as many other stove-plants. [132] rubus arcticus. dwarf bramble. _class and order._ icosandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. petala 5. _bacca_ composita acinis monospermis. _specific character and synonyms._ rubus _arcticus_ foliis ternatis, caule inermi unifloro. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 476._ rubus humilis flore purpureo. _buxb. cent. 5. p. 13. t. 26._ rubus trifolius humilis non spinosus, sapore et odore fragariæ, fructu rubro polycocco. _amm. ruth. 185._ [illustration: no 132] the rubus arcticus grows wild in the northern parts of europe and america, in moist, sandy, and gravelly places. linnæus has figured and minutely described it in his _flora lapponica_, out of gratitude, as he expresses himself, for the benefits reaped from it in his lapland journey, by the nectareous wine of whose berries he was so often recruited when sinking with hunger and fatigue; he observes that the principal people in the north of sweden make a syrup, a jelly, and a wine, from the berries, which they partly consume themselves, and partly transmit to stockholm, as a dainty of the most delicious kind; and truly he adds, of all the wild swedish berries this holds the first place. our figure does not correspond altogether with linnæus's description, but it is drawn as the plant grew; culture doubtless made it produce more than its usual number of flowering stems and petals. it grows readily and increases rapidly in bog-earth, on a north border, and flowers in may and june, but very rarely ripens its fruit in gardens. [133] hyacinthus comosus. two coloured, or, tassel hyacinth. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata: pori 3-melliferi germinis. _specific character and synonyms._ hyacinthus _comosus_ corollis angulato-cylindricis: summis sterilibus longius pedicellatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. 336._ hyacinthus comosus major purpureus. _bauh. pin. 42._ the purple faire haired jacinth; or purse tassels. _park. parad. p. 117._ [illustration: no 133] most of the old botanists arranged this plant, the _racemosus_, and others having almost globular flowers with the hyacinths. tournefort, struck with the difference of their appearance, made a distinct genus of them under the name of _muscari_, in which he is followed by miller, and should have been by linnæus, for they differ so much that no student would consider the present plant as belonging to the same genus with the hare-bell. this species grows wild in the corn-fields of spain, portugal, and some parts of germany, and flowers in may and june. it is distinguished more by its singularity than beauty, the flowers on the summit of the stalk differing widely in colour from the others, and being mostly barren: parkinson says, "the whole stalke with the flowers upon it, doth somewhat resemble a long purse tassell, and thereupon divers gentlewomen have so named it." it is a hardy bulbous plant, growing readily in most soils and situations, and usually propagated by offsets. [134] adonis vernalis. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ quinis plura absque nectario. _sem._ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ adonis _vernalis_ flore dodecapetalo, fructu ovato. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. murr. p. 514._ _ait. hort. kew. vol. 2. p. 264._ helleborus niger tenuifolius, buphthalmi flore. _bauh. pin. 186._ buphthalmum _dodon. pempt. 261._ helleborus niger ferulaceus sive buphthalmum. the great ox-eye, or the great yellow anemone. _parkins. parad. p. 291. f. 6._ [illustration: no 134] of this plant linnæus makes two species, viz. the _vernalis_ and _appennina_, differing in their specific character merely in the number of their petals, which are found to vary from situation and culture; as the first name taken from its time of flowering is the most expressive, we have followed mr. miller and mr. aiton in adopting it. it is an old inhabitant of the english gardens, and a most desirable one, as it flowers in the spring; produces fine shewy blossoms, which expand wide when exposed to the sun, is hardy and readily cultivated. grows wild on the mountainous pastures of some parts of germany. it may be increased by parting its roots in autumn or spring, or by seed. miller recommends the latter mode. [135] gladiolus cardinalis. superb gladiolus; or, corn-flag. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-partita, irregularis, inæqualis, _stigmata_ 3. _specific character._ gladiolus _cardinalis_ corollæ erectæ limbo campanulato, floribus secundis, scapo multifloro, foliis ensiformibus multinerviis. [illustration: no 135] this new species of gladiolus, of whose magnificence our figure can exhibit but an imperfect idea, was introduced into this country from holland, a few years since, by mr. graffer, at present gardener to the king of naples; and first flowered with messrs. lewis and mackie, nurserymen, at kingsland; a very strong plant of it flowered also this summer at messrs. grimwoods and co. which divided at top into three branches, from one of which our figure was drawn. it obviously differs from the other more tender plants of this genus, in the colour of its flowers, which are of a fine scarlet, with large white somewhat rhomboidal spots, on several of the lowermost divisions of the corolla; strong plants will throw up a stem three or four feet high. it is most probably a native of the cape, flowers with us in july and august, and is increased by offsets from the bulbs; must be treated like the ixias and other similar cape plants. [136] pelargonium tetragonum. square stalked geranium. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus, lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filamenta_ 10, inæqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ spiralia, introrsum barbata. _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _tetragonum_ pedunculis bifloris, ramis tetragonis carnosis, corollis tetrapetalis, _l'herit. n. 72. t. 23._ geranium _tetragonum_. _linn. suppl. p. 305._ [illustration: no 136] a vein of singularity runs through the whole of this plant, its stalks are unequally and obtusely quadrangular, sometimes more evidently triangular; its leaves few, and remarkably small; its flowers, on the contrary, are uncommonly large, and what is more extraordinary have only four petals; previous to their expansion they exhibit also an appearance somewhat outrè, the body of the filaments being bent so as to form a kind of bow, in which state we have represented one of the blossoms in our figure. when it flowers in perfection, which it is not apt to do in all places, the largeness of its blossoms renders it one of the most ornamental of the genus. there is a variety of it with beautifully coloured leaves, of which we have availed ourselves in its representation. it flowers from june, to august, and september; requires the same treatment as the more common geraniums, and is readily propagated by cuttings. was first introduced to the royal garden at kew, by mr. masson, in 1774, from the cape, of which, it is a native. _ait. hort. kew._ [137] hypericum balearicum. warty st. john's-wort. _class and order._ polyadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _nectarium_ 0. _capsula_. _specific character and synonyms._ hypericum _balearicum_ floribus pentagynis, caule fruticoso foliis ramisque cicatrizatis. _linn. syst. veget. p. 102._ myrto-cistus pennæi _clus. hist. 1. p. 68._ [illustration: no 137] is according to linnæus a native of _majorca_; miller says that it grows naturally in the island of _minorca,_ from whence the seeds were sent to england by mr. salvador, an apothecary at barcelona, in the year 1718. the stalks of this species are usually of a bright red colour, and covered with little warts; the leaves are small with many depressions on their upper sides like scars; the flowers are not always solitary, but frequently form a kind of corymbus. it is a hardy green-house plant, and readily propagated by cuttings. it flowers during most of the summer. clusius informs us in his _hist. pl. rar. p. 68._ that he received from thomas penny, a physician of london, in the year 1580, a figure of this elegant plant, and who the next year shewed a dried specimen of the same in london, which had been gathered in the island of majorca, and named by him [greek: murto kison], or myrtle-cistus[2] it appears therefore that this plant has long been known, if not cultivated in this country. we may remark that clusius's figure of this plant is not equally expressive with many of his others. [138] kalmia hirsuta. hairy kalmia. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus. _corolla_ hypocrateriformis: limbo subtus quinquecorni _caps._ 5-locularis. _specific character._ kalmia _hirsuta_ foliis ovato-lanceolatis hirsutis sparsis, floribus racemosis. [illustration: no 138] this new species of kalmia which we have called _hirsuta,_ the stalk, leaves, and calyx, being covered with strong hairs, was imported from carolina in the spring of 1790, by mr. watson, nurseryman at islington, with whom several plants of it flowered this present autumn, about the middle of september, from one of which our drawing was made. the plants were brought over with their roots enclosed in balls of the earth in which they naturally grew, which on being examined appeared of a blackish colour, and full of glittering particles of sand; similar indeed to the bog-earth which we find on our moors and heaths; there is therefore little doubt (for no account accompanied the plants) but this kalmia grows on moorish heaths, or in swamps. in its general appearance it bears some resemblance to the _andromeda daboecii_; from the specimens we have seen its usual height would appear to be from two to three feet; it grows upright; the flowers which are about the size of those of the _kalmia glauca_, are of a purple colour, and contrary to all the other known kalmia's grow in racemi. it is propagated by layers, and requires the same treatment as the rest of the genus, that is, to be planted in bog-earth, on a north border: as this however is a new, and of course a dear plant, it will be most prudent till we know what degree of cold it will bear, to keep it in a pot of the same earth, plunged in the same situation, which may be removed in the winter to a green-house or hot-bed frame. [139] alstroemeria pelegrina. spotted-flower'd alstroemeria. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, supera, irregularis. _stamina_ declinata. _specific character and synonyms._ alstroemeria _pelegrina_ caule erecto, corollis campanulatis rectis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis sessilibus. _linn. syst. veg. p. 338. ed. murr._ _amoen. acad. 6. p. 247. cum icone._ hemerocallis floribus purpurascentibus maculatis vulgo pelegrina. _feuill. peruv. 2. p. 711. t. 5._ [illustration: no 139] father feuillee[3] figures and describes three species of _alstroemeria_, viz. _pelegrina_, _ligtu_, and _salsilla_, common names by which they are severally distinguished in peru: the present species, which is much valued by the natives on account of its beauty, he informs us is found wild on a mountain to the north of, and a mile distant from lima. from peru, as might be expected, the present plant found its way into spain, from whence by the means of his beloved friend alstroemer, linnæus first received seeds of it; the value he set on the acquisition is evident from the great care he took of the seedling plants, preserving them through the winter in his bed-chamber. according to mr. aiton, this species was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by messrs. kennedy and lee, as long ago as the year 1753. being a mountainous plant, it is found to be much more hardy than the _ligtu_ already figured, and is generally treated as a green-house plant; it is found, however, to flower and ripen its seeds better under the glass of a hot-bed frame, where air is freely admitted. it flowers from june to october, and, though a perennial, is generally raised from seeds, yet may sometimes be increased by parting its roots, which somewhat resemble those of the asparagus: the seeds should be sown in the spring, in a pot of light earth, on a gentle hot-bed, either of dung or tan. [140] lupinus luteus. yellow lupine. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 2-labiatus. _antheræ_ 5 oblongæ, 5 subrotundæ. _legumen_ coriaceum. _specific character and synonyms._ lupinus _luteus_ calycibus verticillatis appendiculatis: labio superiore bipartito; inferiore tridentato. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 656._ lupinus sylvestris, flore luteo. _bauh. pin. 348._ the yellow lupine. _park. parad. p. 336._ [illustration: no 140] the present, with many other species of lupine, is very generally cultivated in flower gardens, for the sake of variety, being usually sown in the spring with other annuals; where the flower-borders are spacious, they may with propriety be admitted, but as they take up much room, and as their blossoms are of short duration, they are not so desirable as many other plants. it is a native of sicily, and flowers in june and july. we have often thought that the management of the kitchen garden, in point of succession of crops, might be advantageously transplanted to the flower garden; in the former, care is taken to have a regular succession of the annual delicacies of the table, while in the latter, a single sowing in the spring is thought to be all-sufficient; hence the flower garden, which in august, september, and part of october, might be covered with a profusion of bloom, exhibits little more than the decayed stems of departed annuals. [141] heliotropium peruvianum. peruvian turnsole. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ hypocrateriformis, 5-fida, interjectis dentibus: fauce clausa fornicibus. _specific character and synonyms._ heliotropium _peruvianum_ foliis lanceolato-ovatis, caule fruticoso, spicis numerosis aggregato-corymbosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 184._ heliotropium foliis ovato-lanceolatis, spicis plurimis; confertis, caule fruticoso. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to. icon. t. 143._ [illustration: no 141] this plant recommends itself by its fragrance rather than its beauty, so delicious indeed is the odour it diffuses, that it is considered as essential to every green-house and stove. "it grows naturally in peru, from whence the seeds were sent by the younger jussieu to the royal garden at paris, where the plants produced flowers and seeds; and from the curious garden of the duke d'ayen, at st. germain's, i was supplied with some of the seeds, which have succeeded, in the chelsea garden, where the plants have flowered and perfected their seeds for some years." _miller's gard. dict._ you may consider it either as a stove or a green-house plant, the former is more congenial to it in the winter season. a pure atmosphere is essential to its existence, as i experienced at lambeth-marsh, where i in vain endeavoured to cultivate it. it is propagated by cuttings as easily as any geranium, and requires a similar treatment; in hot weather it must be well supplied with water, and in winter carefully guarded against frost, so fatal to most of the natives of peru. [142] scorzonera tingitana. tangier scorzonera, or poppy-leav'd vipers grass. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia æqualis. _generic character._ _receptaculum_ nudum. _pappus_ plumosus. _calyx_ imbricatus, squamis margine scariosis. _specific character and synonyms._ scorzonera _tingitana_ foliis omnibus runcinatis amplexicaulibus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 711._ sonchus tingitanus papaveris folio _raii suppl. 137._ chondrilla tingitana, floribus luteis papaveris hortensis folio. _herm. lugdb. 657. t. 659._ [illustration: no 142] i am indebted for seeds of this plant to my very worthy and liberal friend nich. gwyn, m. d. of ipswich, to whose penetrating genius, and learned researches, botany owes much. as its name implies, it is a native of the province of tangier, on the barbary coast; appears to have been cultivated here, according to the _hort. kew._ in 1713, but is not mentioned in the 6th 4to. edit. of miller's dictionary. it may be considered as forming a valuable addition to our stock of annuals, being a beautiful plant, and easily cultivated: it thrives best on a moderately dry soil, warmly situated: should be sown in the spring with other annuals. i have observed, that in the middle of summer, a hot unclouded sun, which is favourable to the expansion of most of the flowers of this class, is too powerful for those of the present plant, which then appear to the greatest advantage in warm hazy weather. [143] pelargonium glutinosum. clammy crane's bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillare nectariferum fecus pedunculum decurrentem. _corolla_ pentapetala, irregularis. _filamenta_ 10 inæqualia, quorum 3 raro 5 castrata. _fructus_ pentacoccus, rostratus, rostra spiralia introrsum barbata. _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _glutinosum_ umbellis paucifloris foliis cordatis hastato-quinquangulis viscosis. _l'herit. ger. ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 426._ geranium _glutinosum_. _jacq. ic. collect. 1. p. 85._ geranium _viscosum_. _cavanill. diss. 4. p. 246. t. 108. f. 2._ [illustration: no 143] the leaves of this species exhibit, on being touched, a manifest viscidity, or clamminess, which, independent of their shape, serves to characterize the species; the middle of the leaf is also in general stained with purple, which adds considerably to its beauty; but this must be regarded rather as the mark of a variety, than of the species. with most of its congeners, it is a native of the cape, and of modern date in this country, being introduced to the royal garden at kew, by messrs. kennedy and lee, in the year 1777. it flowers from may to september; is readily propagated by cuttings, and sometimes raised from seeds, from whence several varieties have been produced. [144] ferraria undulata. curled ferraria. _class and order._ gynandria triandria. _generic character._ monogyna. _spathtæ_ unifloræ. _petala_ 6, undulato-crispata. _stigmata_ cucullata. _caps._ 3-locularis, infera. _specific character and synonyms._ ferraria _undulata_ caule multifloro. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 820. ed. 14._ _murr. ait. kew. p. 305. v. 3._ flos indicus e violaceo fuscus radice tuberosa. _i. b. ferrar. flora, ed. nov. p. 167. t. 171._ gladiolus indicus e violaceo fuscus radice tuberosa nobis. _moris. hist. f. 4. t. 4. f. 7._ narcissus indicus flore saturate purpureo. _rudb. elys. 2. t. 49. f. 9._ iris stellata cyclamine radice pullo flore. _barrel. icon. 1216._ [illustration: no 144] the old botanists appear to have been wonderfully at a loss to what family they should refer this very singular plant, as will appear on consulting the synonyms; burman at length made a distinct genus of it, naming it _ferraria_ in honour of joh. baptista ferrarius, by whom it was described, and very well figured, in his _flora feu de florum cultura_, published at amsterdam, in 1646. mr. miller informs us, that he received roots of this plant from dr. job baster, f. r. s. of zirkzee, who obtained it from the cape, of which it is a native. in the vegetable line, it is certainly one of the most singular and beautiful of nature's productions; much it is to be regretted that its flowers are of very short duration, opening in the morning and finally closing in the afternoon of the same day; a strong plant will, however, throw out many blossoms in succession. in its structure and oeconomy, it approaches very near to the _sisyrinchium_. it flowers very early in the spring, from february to may, and is usually propagated by offsets, which its bulbs produce in tolerable plenty. it requires a treatment similar to the ixias and other cape bulbs. our figure was drawn from a plant which flowered this spring, in the possession of r. forster, esq. of turnham-green. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _fourth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 134 adonis vernalis. 125 alstroemeria ligtu. 139 -----------pelegrina. 126 alyssum deltoideum. 130 ------utriculatum. 129 amaryllis vittata. 123 anemone hortensis. 117 campanula carpatica. 131 catesbæa spinosa. 112 cistus ladaniferus. 113 convolvulus purpureus. 144 ferraria undulata. 135 gladiolus cardinalis. 141 heliotropium peruvianum. 122 hyacinthus racemosus. 133 ---------comosus. 137 hypericum balearicum. 124 iberis gibraltarica. 127 ixia flexuosa. 138 kalmia hirsuta. 111 lathyrus tuberosus. 115 -------sativus. 109 lavatera trimestris. 116 limodorum tuberosum. 140 lupinus luteus. 110 mimosa verticillata. 121 narcissus incomparabilis. 136 pelargonium tetragonum. 143 ----------glutinosum. 132 rubus arcticus. 128 scilla campanulata. 142 scorzonera tingitana. 118 sedum anacampseros. 114 silene pendula. 119 strelitzia reginæ. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _fourth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 134 adonis spring. 125 alstroemeria striped-flowered. 139 -----------spotted-flowered. 129 amaryllis superb. 130 alyssum bladder-podded. 126 ------purple. 123 anemone star. 117 bell-flower carpatian. 113 bindweed purple. 132 bramble dwarf. 124 candy-tuft gibraltar. 114 catchfly pendulous. 131 catesbæa thorny. 112 cistus gum. 143 crane's-bill clammy. 121 daffodil peerless. 144 ferraria curled. 136 geranium square-stalked. 135 gladiolus superb. 122 hyacinth starch. 133 -------two-coloured. 127 ixia bending-stalked. 138 kalmia hairy. 111 lathyrus tuberous. 115 -------blue-flowered. 109 lavatera annual. 116 limodorum tuberous-rooted. 140 lupine yellow. 110 mimosa whorl'd-leaved. 118 orpine evergreen. 142 scorzonera tangier. 137 st. john's-wort warty. 119 strelitzia canna-leaved. 128 squill bell-flowered. 141 turnsole peruvian. footnotes [1] from the gaiety of its flowers, which, from their stripes, appear like an object decorated with ribbands.--_vitta_, a ribband; _vittata_, dressed with ribbands. _ainsw._ [2] the leaves being somewhat like those of the myrtle, and a gummy substance exuding from the plant as in the gum cistus. [3] in his journal des observations physiques, mathematiques, et botaniques, faites sur les côtes orientales de l'amerique meridionale, &c. printed in 1714. file made using scans of public domain works at the university of georgia.) [transcriber's note: many inconsistencies appeared in the original book and were retained in this version.] the ~botanical magazine~; or, ~flower-garden displayed~: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by william curtis, author of the flora londinensis. vol. i "a garden is the purest of human pleasures." verulam. london: printed by couchman and fry, throgmorton-street, for w. curtis, at his botanic-garden, lambeth-marsh; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xc. preface. the present periodical publication owes its commencement to the repeated solicitations of several ladies and gentlemen, subscribers to the author's botanic garden, who were frequently lamenting the want of a work, which might enable them, not only to acquire a systematic knowledge of the foreign plants growing in their gardens, but which might at the same time afford them the best information respecting their culture--in fact, a work, in which botany and gardening (so far as relates to the culture of ornamental plants) or the labours of linnæus and miller, might happily be combined. in compliance with their wishes, he has endeavoured to present them with the united information of both authors, and to illustrate each by a set of new figures, drawn always from the living plant, and coloured as near to nature, as the imperfection of colouring will admit. he does not mean, however, to confine himself solely to the plants contained in the highly esteemed works of those luminaries of botany and gardening, but shall occasionally introduce new ones, as they may flower in his own garden, or those of the curious in any part of great-britain. at the commencement of this publication, he had no design of entering on the province of the florist, by giving figures of double or improved flowers, which sometimes owe their origin to culture, more frequently to the sportings of nature; but the earnest entreaties of many of his subscribers, have induced him so far to deviate from his original intention, as to promise them one, at least, of the flowers most esteemed by florists. the encouragement given to this work, great beyond the author's warmest expectations, demands his most grateful acknowledgements, and will excite him to persevere in his humble endeavours to render botany a lasting source of rational amusement; and public utility. botanic garden, lambeth-marsh, 1787. [1] ~iris persica. persian iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ corolla 6-partita: petalis alternis, reflexis. stigmata petaliformia. _specific character and synonyms._ iris _persica_ corolla imberbi, petalis interioribus brevissimis patentissimis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p._ 79. _sp. pl. p._ 59. iris bulbosa præcox minus odora persica variegata. _moris. hist._ 2. _p._ 357. xiphium persicum. _miller dict. ed._ 6. 4_to._ the persian bulbous flower-de-luce. _parkins. parad. p._ 172. [illustration: no 1] a native of persia. flowers in february and march. its beauty, early appearance, and fragrant blossoms, make it highly esteemed by all lovers of flowers; like the hyacinth or narcissus it will blow within doors in a water-glass, but stronger in a small pot of sand, or sandy loam; a few flowers will scent a whole apartment: it will also blossom in the open air, but requires warmth and shelter; it is propagated by offsets and seeds; the best flowering roots are imported from holland, they bear forcing well; and hence this plant may be had to flower a full month or six weeks in succession. parkinson remarks, that in his time (1629) it was very rare, and seldom bore flowers. [2] ~rudbeckia purpurea. purple rudbeckia.~ _class and order._ ~syngenesia polygamia frustranea.~ _generic character._ receptaculum paleaceum, conicum. pappus margine quadri-dentato. calyx duplici ordine squamarum. _specific character and synonyms._ rudbeckia _purpurea_ foliis lanceolato-ovatis alternis indivisis, radii petalis bifidis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p._ 651. _sp. pl. p._ 1280. dracunculus virginianus latifolius, petalis florum longissimis purpurascentibus. _moris. hist._ 3. _p._ 42. _f._ 6. _t._ 9. _f._ 1. [illustration: no 2] this species differs from the other plants of the genus, in the colour of its outermost petals, which are long, narrow, purple, and pendulous, and not unaptly resemble small pieces of red tape. notwithstanding it is a native of the warm climates carolina and virginia, it succeeds very well with us in an open border: but, as mr. miller very justly observes, it will always be prudent to shelter two or three plants under a common hot-bed frame in winter, to preserve the kind, because in very severe winters, those in the open air are sometimes killed. it flowers in july. as it rarely ripens its seeds with us, the only mode of propagating it, is by parting the roots; but in that way the plant does not admit of much increase. [3] ~helleborus hyemalis. winter hellebore, or aconite.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia[a].~ _generic character._ calyx 0. petala 5 sive plura. nectaria bilabiata, tubulata. capsulæ polyspermæ erectiusculæ. _specific character and synonyms._ helleborus _hyemalis_ flore folio infidente. _linn. syst. vegetab. p._ 431. _sp. pl. p._ 783. aconitum unifolium bulbosum. _bauh. pin._ 183. the winter's wolfesbane. _park. parad. p._ 214. [illustration: no 3] grows wild in lombardy, italy, and austria, affects mountainous situations, flowers with us in february, and hence is liable to be cut off by severe frosts. "is propagated by offsets, which the roots send out in plenty. these roots may be taken up and transplanted any time after their leaves decay, which is generally by the beginning of june till october, when they will begin to put out new fibres; but as the roots are small and nearly the colour of the ground, so if care is not taken to search for them, many of the roots will be left in the ground. these roots should be planted in small clusters, otherwise they will not make a good appearance, for single flowers scattered about the borders of these small kinds are scarce seen at a distance; but when these and the snowdrops are alternately planted in bunches, they will have a good effect, as they flower at the same time, and are much of a size." _millers gard. dict._ [footnote a: most of the hellebores vary greatly in the number of their pistils, which in general are too few to justify the placing those plants in the order polygynia.] [4] ~cyclamen coum. round-leav'd cyclamen.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ corolla rotata, reflexa, tubo brevissimo fauce prominente. bacca tecta capsula. _specific character and synonyms._ cyclamen _coum_ foliis orbiculatis planis, pediculis brevibus, floribus minoribus. _miller's dict._ cyclamen hyemale orbiculatis foliis inferius rubentibus purpurascente flore; coum herbariorum. _hort. reg. paris._ _herm. cat._ cyclamen orbiculato folio inferne purpurascente. _bauh. pin. p._ 307. the common round-leav'd sowebread. _park. parad. p._ 198. [illustration: no. 4] grows wild in many parts of italy and germany, and is sometimes found with white flowers; if the season be mild, or the plants sheltered from the inclemency of the weather, this species will flower as early as february, or much earlier by artificial heat. as it grows naturally in woods and shady places, it will thrive best in a mixture of bog-earth and loam placed in a north border; if planted in the open border, it will require to be covered with a hand-glass during winter, and in the spring, when in bloom; the more usual method with gardeners is to preserve them in pots in a common hot-bed frame, the advantage of this method is that they may, at any time, be removed to decorate the parlour or the study. the plants of this genus admit of but little increase by their roots; the best method of propagating them is by seed, which should be sown soon after they are ripe in boxes or pots, and covered about half an inch deep, placing them where they may have only the morning-sun, till the beginning of september, when they may be removed to a warmer exposure. [5] ~erythronuim dens canis. dogs-tooth, or dogs-tooth violet.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ corolla 6-petala, campanulata: nectario tuberculis 2-petalorum alternorum basi adnatis. _specific character and synonyms._ erythronium _dens canis._ _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 269. _sp. pl. p._ 437. dens canis latiore rotundioreque folio. _bauh. pin._ 87. dogs-tooth with a pale purple flower. _park. parad. p._ 194. [illustration: no. 5] of this genus mr. miller makes two species; linnæus, perhaps with more propriety, only one, for breadth of leaves or colour of flowers can scarcely be considered as sufficient to constitute a specific difference. it is found in the gardens with purple flowers of two different tints, also with white and yellow blossoms, grows naturally in hungary and some parts of italy, and blows in the open border at the beginning of april. "they are propagated by offsets from their roots. they love a shady situation and a gentle loamy soil, but should not be too often removed. they may be transplanted any time after the beginning of june, when their leaves will be quite decayed, till the middle of september; but the roots should not be kept very long out of the ground, for if they shrink it will often cause them to rot. the roots of these flowers should not be planted scattering in the borders of the flower-garden, but in patches near each other, where they will make a good appearance." _miller's gard. dict._ [6] ~narcissus minor. least daffodil.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ petala 6, æqualia: nectario infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo. stamina intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _minor_ spatha uniflora, nectario obconico erecto crispo sexfido æquante petala lanceolata. _lin. sp. pl. p._ 415. _syst. vegetab. p._ 262. narcissus parvus totus luteus. _bauhin. pin._ 53. the least spanish yellow bastard daffodil. _park. parad. p._ 105. [illustration: no. 6] we are not a little surprised that mr. miller should have taken no notice of the present species, as it must have been in the english gardens long before his time, being mentioned by parkinson in his garden of pleasant flowers: it is nearly related to the _pseudo-narcissus_, but differs from it in many particulars except size, _vid. lin. sp. pl._ and parkinson above quoted. though its blossoms are not so large as those of the other species, yet when the roots are planted in a cluster, they make a very pretty shew, and have this advantage, that they flower somewhat earlier than any of the others. like the common daffodil it propagates very fast by the roots, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation. though a native of spain, it is seldom injured by the severity of our climate. [7] ~cynoglossum omphalodes. blue navelwort.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ corolla infundibuliformis, fauce clausa fornicibus. semina depressa interiore tantum latere stylo affixa. _specific character and synonyms._ cynoglossum omphalodes repens, foliis radicalibus cordatis[b], _lin. sp. pl. p._ 193. _syst. vegetab. p._ 157. _scopoli fl. carn. p._ 124. _t._ 3. symphytum minus borraginis facie. _bauh. pin._ 259. borago minor verna repens, folio lævi. _moris. hist._ 3. _p._ 437. _s._ 11, _t._ 26. _fig._ 3. [illustration: no. 7] a native of spain, portugal, and carniola, and an inhabitant of woods and shady situations, flowers in march and april: in the autumn it puts forth trailing shoots, which take root at the joints, whereby the plant is most plentifully propagated; thrives best under a wall in a north border. [footnote b: "stolones repunt non caulis florifer, cui folia ovalia, et minime cordata. tournefortius separavit a symphito, et dixit omphallodem _pumilam vernam, symphyti folio_, sed bene monet linnæus solam fructus asperitatem aut glabritiem, non sufficere ad novum genus construendum." _scopoli fl. carn. p._ 124.] [8] ~helleborus niger. black hellebore, or christmas rose.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ calyx nullus. petala 5 sive plura. nectaria bilabiata, tubulata. capsulæ polyspermæ, erectiusculæ. _specific character and synonyms._ helleborus niger scapo sub-bifloro subnudo, foliis pedatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 431. _sp. pl. p._ 783. helleborus niger flore roseo, _bauh. pin._ 186. the true black hellebore, or christmas flower. _parkins. parad. p._ 344. [illustration: no. 8] as our publication seems likely to fall into the hands of such as are totally unacquainted with botany, or botanical writings, it must plead as an apology for our often explaining many circumstances relative to plants, which may be well known to adepts in the science. this plant derives its first name from the black colour of its roots, its second from its early flowering, and the colour of its petals, which though generally milk-white on their first appearance, yet have frequently a tint of red in them, which increases with the age of the blossom and finally changes to green; in some species of hellebore, particularly the _viridis_, the flower is green from first to last. black hellebore grows wild on the appenine and other mountains, preferring such as are rocky. if the weather be unusually mild, it will flower in our gardens, in the open border, as early as december and january; it may indeed be considered as the herald of approaching spring. like most other alpine plants, it loves a pure air, a situation moderately moist, and a soil unmanured: as the beauty of its flowers is apt to be destroyed by severe frosts, it should be covered during the winter with a hand-glass, or if it be treated in the manner recommended for the round-leav'd cyclamen, it may be had to flower in still greater perfection. it is propagated by parting its roots in autumn: neither this species nor the _hyemalis_ thrive very near london. [9] ~iris pumila. dwarf iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ corolla sex-partita: petalis alternis, reflexis. stigmata petaliformia. _specific character and synonyms._ iris pumila corollis barbatis, caule foliis breviore unifloro. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 78. _sp. plant. p._ 56. _jacq. fl. austr. t._ 1. chamæiris minor flore purpureo. _bauh. pin._ 33. the lesser purple dwarf flower-de-luce. _park. parad. p._ 186. [illustration: no. 9] gardeners, in former days, not having that profusion of plants to attend to and cultivate, which we can at present boast, appear to have been more solicitous in increasing generally the varieties of the several species; accordingly, we find in the _paradisus terrestris_ of the venerable parkinson, no less than six varieties of this plant[c], most of which are now strangers to the nursery gardens. we may observe, that varieties in general not being so strong as the original plant, are consequently much sooner lost. the iris pumila grows wild in many parts of hungary, affects open and hilly situations, and flowers in our gardens in the month of april; it is a very hardy plant, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation; is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [footnote c: the lesser purple dwarf flower-de-luce with white blossoms, - --- --- -- --- -- straw colour ditto. - --- --- -- --- -- pale blue ditto. - --- --- -- --- -- blush-coloured ditto. - --- --- -- --- -- yellow variable ditto. - --- --- -- --- -- blue variable ditto, and the purple dwarf sea flower-de-luce of the same author, is probably no other than a variety.] [10] ~anemone hepatica. hepatica, or noble liverwort.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria polygynia.~ _generic character._ calyx nullus. petala 6. 9. semina plura. _specific character and synonyms._ anemone hepatica foliis trilobis integerrimis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 424. _sp. pl. p._ 758. _fl. suec. n._ 480. trifolium hepaticum flore simplici et pleno. _bauh. pin._ 339. red hepatica or noble liverwort. _park. parad. p._ 226. [illustration: no. 10] dillenius, miller, and some other authors, make a distinct genus of the _hepatica_: linnæus unites it with the _anemone_, observing, that though it differs from the _anemone_ in having a calyx, yet that calyx is at some distance from the flower, and partakes more of the nature of an involucrum, which is not uncommon to the anemonies. the hepaticas, as parkinson observes, flower soon after the winter hellebore, "and making their pride appear in winter, are the more welcome early guests." it is found wild in its single state, with red, blue, and white flowers, in the woods and shady mountains of sweden, germany, and italy; the red variety with double flowers is the one most commonly cultivated in our gardens; the double blue is also not unfrequent; the single white is less common; and the double white miller never saw, yet admits that it may exist spontaneously, or be produced from seed: parkinson mentions a white variety with red threads or stamina. according to miller, this plant delights in a loamy soil, and in an eastern position where it may have only the morning sun: the single sorts are easily raised from seed; the double, increased by parting the roots, which ought to be done in march when they are in bloom; they should not be divided into very small heads: these plants, if often removed and parted, are apt to die, but left undisturbed for many years, they will thrive exceedingly, and become very large roots. [11] ~erica herbacea. herbaceous heath.~ _class and order._ ~octandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ calyx 4-phyllus. corolla 4-fida. filamenta receptaculo inserta. antheræ bifidæ. capsula 4-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _herbacea_ antheris muticis exsertis, corollis oblongis, stylo exserto, foliis quaternis, floribus secundis, _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 306. _carnea sp. pl. ed._ 3. _p._ 504. erica _carnea_. _jacq. fl. austr. v._ 1. _tab._ 32 erica procumbens herbacea. _bauh. pin. p._ 486. [illustration: no. 11] since the days of mr. miller, who, with all his imperfections, has contributed more to the advancement of practical gardening than any individual whatever, our gardens, but more especially our green-houses, have received some of their highest ornaments from the introduction of a great number of most beautiful heaths: the present plant, though a native of the alps and mountainous parts of germany, is of modern introduction here, what renders it particularly acceptable, is its hardiness and early flowering; its blossoms are formed in the autumn, continue of a pale green colour during the winter, and expand in the spring, flowering as early as march, especially if kept in a green-house, or in a common hot-bed frame, which is the more usual practice. it may be propagated by seeds or cuttings, the latter is the most ready way of increasing this and most of the other species of the genus: when the cuttings have struck root, they should be planted in a mixture of fresh loam and bog earth, either in the open border, under a wall, or in pots. the name of _herbacea_, which linnæus has given to this plant, is not very characteristic, but it should be observed, that linnæus in this, as in many other instances, has only adopted the name of some older botanist; and it should also be remembered, that in genera, where the species are very numerous, it is no easy matter to give names to all of them that shall be perfectly expressive. this species does not appear to us to be specifically different from the _mediterranea_. [12] ~dodecatheon meadia. mead's dodecatheon, or american cowslip.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ rotata, reflexa. _stamina_ tubo insidentia. _capsula_ unilocularis, oblonga. _specific character and synonyms._ dodecatheon _meadia_. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 163. _sp. plant. p._ 163. meadia _catesb. car._ 3. _p._ 1. _t._ 1. _trew. ehret. t._ 12. auricula ursi virginiana floribus boraginis instar rostratis, cyclaminum more reflexis. _pluk. alm._ 62. _t._ 79. _f._ 6. [illustration: no. 12] this plant grows spontaneously in virginia and other parts of north america, from whence, as miller informs us, it was sent by mr. banister to dr. compton, lord bishop of london, in whose curious garden he first saw it growing in the year 1709. it is figured by mr. catesby, in his natural history of carolina, among the natural productions of that country, who bestowed on it the name of _meadia_, in honour of the late dr. mead, a name which linnæus has not thought proper to adopt as a generic, though he has as a trivial one. "it flowers the beginning of may, and the seeds ripen in july, soon after which the stalks and leaves decay, so that the roots remain inactive till the following spring. "it is propagated by offsets, which the roots put out freely when they are in a loose moist soil and a shady situation; the best time to remove the roots, and take away the offsets, is in august, after the leaves and stalks are decayed, that they may be fixed well in their new situation before the frost comes on. it may also be propagated by seeds, which the plants generally produce in plenty; these should be sown in autumn, soon after they are ripe, either in a shady moist border, or in pots, which should be placed in the shade; in the spring, the plants will come up, and must then be kept clean from weeds; and, if the season proves dry, they must be frequently refreshed with water: nor should they be exposed to the sun; for while the plants are young, they are very impatient of heat, so that i have known great numbers of them destroyed in two or three days, which were growing to the full sun. these young plants should not be transplanted till the leaves are decayed, then they may be carefully taken up and planted in a shady border, where the soil is loose and moist, at about eight inches distance from each other, which will be room enough for them to grow one year, by which time they will be strong enough to produce flowers, so may then be transplanted into some shady borders in the flower-garden, where they will appear very ornamental during the continuance of their flowers." _miller's gard. dict._ [13] ~coronilla glauca. sea-green, or day-smelling coronilla.~ _class and order._ ~diadelphia decandria.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ bilabiatus: 2/3: dentibus superioribus connatis. _vexillum_ vix alis longius. _legumen_ isthmis interceptum. _specific character and synonyms._ coronilla _glauca_ fruticosa, foliolis septenis, obtusissimis, stipulis lanceolatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p._ 557. _sp. pl._ 1047. coronilla maritima, glauco folio. _tournef. inst._ 650. colutea scorpioides maritima, glauco folio. _bauh. pin._ 397. _prodr._ 157. [illustration: no. 13] this charming shrub, which is almost perpetually in blossom, and admirably adapted for nosegays, is a native of the south of france, and a constant ornament to our green-houses. linnæus has observed, that the flowers, which in the day time are remarkably fragrant, in the night are almost without scent. "it is propagated by sowing the seeds in the spring, either upon a gentle hot-bed, or on a warm border of light earth: when the plants are come up about two inches high, they should be transplanted either into pots, or into a bed of fresh earth, at about four or five inches distance every way, where they may remain until they have obtained strength enough to plant out for good, which should be either in pots filled with good fresh earth, or in a warm situated border, in which, if the winter is not too severe, they will abide very well, provided they are in a dry soil." _miller's gard. dict._ [14] ~primula villosa. mountain primula.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _involucrum_ umbellulæ. _corollæ_ tubus cylindricus: ore patulo. _specific character and synonyms._ primula _villosa_ foliis obovatis dentatis villosis, scapo brevissimo multifloro. primula _villosa_. _jacquin fl. austr. app. t._ 27. [illustration: no. 14] mr. miller, in the sixth edition of the abridgment of his gardener's dictionary, mentions only four primulas, exclusive of the auricula, the two first of which are named erroneously, and of the two last not a syllable is said either as to their place of growth or culture. the plant here figured, has been introduced pretty generally into the nursery-gardens in the neighboured of london within these few years: mr. salisbury informs me, that a variety of this plant with white flowers, brought originally from the alps of switzerland, has for many years been cultivated in a garden in yorkshire. it is not noticed by linnæus: professor jacquin, in his flora austriaca, has figured and described a primula, which, though not agreeing so minutely as could be wished with the one we have figured, is nevertheless considered by some of the first botanists in this country as the same species; he gives it the name of _villosa_, which we adopt, though with us it is so slightly villous as scarcely to deserve that epithet. it varies in the brilliancy of its colours, flowers in april, and will succeed with the method of culture recommended for the round-leaved cyclamen. [15] ~narcissus jonquilla. common jonquil.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _petala_ sex. _nectario_ infundibuliformi, monophyllo. _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _jonquilla_ spatha multiflora, nectario hemisphærico crenato, breviore petalis, foliis semiteretibus. _lin. spec. pl. p._ 417. [illustration: no. 15] the fragrant jonquil is a native of spain, flowers in the open ground, about the latter-end of april, or beginning of may, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation, but prefers, as most bulbs do, a fresh loamy earth; indeed such a soil is favourable to the growth of most plants, as being exempt from a variety of subterraneous insects, which are apt to infest ground which has been long cultivated. it is found in the gardens with double flowers. our plant accords exactly with the description of linnæus, above quoted, but must be carefully distinguished from some others very similar to it. [16] ~iris variegata. variegated iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-partita; _petalis_ alternis, reflexis. _stigmata_ petaliformia. _specific character and synonyms._ iris _variegata_ corollis barbatis, caule subfolioso longitudine foliorum multifloro. _linn. spec. pl. p._ 56. iris latifolia pannonica, colore multiplici. _bauh. pin._ 31. the yellow variable flower-de-luce. _parkinson parad. p._ 182. [illustration: no. 16] this species of iris, inferior to few in point of beauty, is a native of the hilly pastures of hungary, and flowers in our gardens in the month of may, and beginning of june. it is a hardy perennial, requires no particular treatment, and may be easily propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [17] ~cactus flagelliformis. creeping cereus.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ 1-phyllus, superus, imbricatus. _corolla_ multiplex. _bacca_ 1-locularis, polysperma. _specific character._ cactus _flagelliformis_ repens decemangularis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14 _p._ 460. cereus _flagelliformis_. _miller's gard. dict. ed._ 6. 4_to._ [illustration: no. 17] grows spontaneously in south-america, and the west-indies, flowers in our dry stoves early in june, is tolerably hardy, and will thrive even in a common green-house, that has a flue to keep out the severe frosts. it is superior to all its congeners in the brilliancy of its colour, nor are its blossoms so fugacious as many of the other species. no plant is more easily propagated by cuttings; these miller recommends to be laid by in a dry place for a fortnight, or three weeks, then to be planted in pots, filled with a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, having some stones laid in the bottom of the pot to drain off the moisture, and afterwards plunged into a gentle hot-bed of tanners bark, to facilitate their rooting, giving them once a week a gentle watering: this business to be done the beginning of july. it is seldom that this plant perfects its seeds in this country: miller relates that it has borne fruit in chelsea gardens. [18] ~geranium reichardi. dwarf geranium.~ _class and order._ ~monadelphia decandria.~ _general character._ monogynia. stigmata 5. fructus rostratus, 5-coccus. _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _reichardi_ scapis unifloris, floribus pentandris, foliis subreniformibus inciso-crenatis. geranium _reichardi_ scapis unifloris, foliis plerisque oblongis trilobis vel quinquelobis inciso-crenatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. murr._ 14. _p._ 618. [illustration: no. 18] this species of geranium, so strikingly different from all others at present cultivated in our gardens, has been known for several years to the nursery-men in the neighbourhood of london, by the name of _acaule_, a name we should gladly have retained, had not professor murray described it in the 14th edition of linnæus's _systema vegetabilium_, under the name of _reichardi_, a name he was disposed to give it in compliment to a french gentleman, who first discovered it in the island of minorca, and introduced it into the gardens of france. linnæus describes many of the geraniums, as having only five antheræ, though several of those he thus describes have to our certain knowledge ten, the five lowermost of which shedding their pollen first, often drop off, and leave the filaments apparently barren: but in this species (with us at least) there never are more than five, but betwixt each stamen, there is a broad pointed barren filament or squamula, scarcely to be distinguished by the naked eye. the usual and best practice is to make a green-house plant of this species, though it has been known to remain in the open ground, during a mild winter, unhurt. it continues to have a succession of blossoms during the greatest part of the summer, and may be propagated either by seed or parting its roots. [19] ~hemerocallis flava. yellow day-lily.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, tubus cylindraceus. _stamina_ declinata. _specific character and synonyms._ hemerocallis _flava_ foliis lineari-subulatis carinatis, corollis flavis. _linn. syst. veg. ed._ 14. _p._ 339. lilium luteum, asphodeli radice. _bauh. pin._ 80. the yellow day-lily. _parkins. parad. p._ 148. [illustration: no. 19] this genus has been called _hemerocallis_, in english, _day-lily_, from the short duration of its blossoms, but these are not quite so fugacious in this species as in the _fulva_. it very rarely happens that linnæus, in his specific character of a plant, has recourse to colour, he has however in this instance; but this seems to arise from his considering them rather as varieties, than species. to us they appear to be perfectly distinct, and in addition to several other characters, the flava is distinguished by the fragrance of its blossoms. this species is an inhabitant of hungary and siberia, and consequently bears our climate exceedingly well; it requires a moist soil, and a situation somewhat shady, and is easily propagated by parting its roots in autumn. [20] ~geranium peltatum. ivy-leaved geranium.~ _class and order._ ~monadelphia decandria.~ _generic character._ monogyna. _stigmata_ quinque. _fructus_ rostratus. 5-coccus. _specific character._ geranium _peltatum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis quinquelobis integerrimis glabris subpeltatis, caule fruticoso. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14. _p._ 613. geranium africanum, foliis inferioribus asari, superioribus staphidisagriæ maculatis splendentibus et acetosæ sapore. _comm. præl._ 52. _t._ 2. [illustration: no. 20] a native of africa, as are most of our shewy geraniums, is not so tender as many others, and may be propagated very readily from cuttings. a leaf, having its foot-stalk inserted into the disk or middle part of it, or near it, is called by linnæus, peltatum, hence the latin trivial name of this plant. it may be observed, however, that some of the leaves have this character more perfectly than others. the african geraniums differ much from the european, in the irregularity of their petals, but exhibit the character of the class _monadelphia_ much better than any of our english ones, having their filaments manifestly united into one body; this species has only 7 filaments bearing antheræ, but 3 barren ones may be discovered upon a careful examination, which makes it of the order _decandria_. [21] ~iris versicolor. particoloured iris.~ _class and order._ ~triandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia, cucullato-bilabiata. conf. _thunb. dis. de iride._ _specific character and synonyms._ iris _versicolor_ imberbis foliis ensiformibus, scapo tereti flexuoso, germinibus subtrigonis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14. _murr. p._ 90. _sp. plant. ed._ 3. _p._ 57. iris americana versicolor stylo crenato. _dill. elth._ 188. 1. 155. _f._ 188. [illustration: no. 21] a native of virginia, maryland, and pensylvania, has a perennial root, is hardy, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation; may be increased by parting its roots in autumn. our plant is the _picta_ of miller, and the _versicolor_ of miller is, we believe, the _sibirica_ of linnæus. this species has, for the most part, a stalk unusually crooked or elbowed, by which it is particularly distinguished. it flowers in june, as do most of this beautiful tribe. [22] ~nigella damascena. garden fennel-flower, love in a mist, devil in a bush.~ _class and order._ ~polyandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ nullus. _petala_ 5. nectaria 5. trifida, intra corollam. _capsulæ_ 5 connexæ. _specific character and synonyms._ nigella _damascena_ floribus involucro folioso cinctis. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14. _murr. p._ 506. _sp. pl. p._ 753. nigella angustifolia, flore majore simplici cæruleo. _bauh. pin._ 145. the great spanish nigella. _park. parad. p._ 287. [illustration: no. 22] is an annual, and grows wild among the corn in the southern parts of europe; varies with white and blue flowers, both single and double. "may be propagated by sowing their seeds upon a bed of light earth, where they are to remain (for they seldom succeed well if transplanted); therefore, in order to have them intermixed among other annual flowers in the borders of the flower garden, the seeds should be sown in patches at proper distances: and when the plants come up, they must be thinned where they grow too close, leaving but three or four of them in each patch, observing also to keep them clear from weeds, which is all the culture they require. in july they will produce their flowers, and their seeds will ripen in august. "the season for sowing these seeds is in march; but if you sow some of them in august, soon after they are ripe, upon a dry soil and in a warm situation, they will abide through the winter, and flower strong the succeeding year; by sowing of the seeds at different times, they may be continued in beauty most parts of the summer." _miller's gard. dict. ed._ 6. 4_to._ [23] ~tropæolum majus. greater indian-cress, or nasturtium.~ _class and order._ ~octandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ 1-phyllus, calcaratus. _petala_ 5 in æqualia. _baccæ_ tres, siccæ. _specific character and synonyms._ tropæolum _majus_ foliis peltatis subquinquelobis, petalis obtusis. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14. _murr. p._ 357. _sp. pl. p._ 490. cardamindum ampliori folio et majori flore. _grande capucine tournef. inst. p._ 430. [illustration: no. 23] the present plant is a native of peru, and is said by linnæus to have been first brought into europe in the year 1684; it is certainly one of the greatest ornaments the flower-garden can boast: it varies in colour, and is also found in the nurseries with double flowers. the former, as is well known, is propagated by seed; the latter by cuttings, which should be struck on a hot-bed. to have these plants early, they should be raised with other tender annuals; they usually begin to flower in july, and continue blossoming till the approach of winter: the stalks require to be supported, for if left to themselves they trail on the ground, overspread, and destroy the neighbouring plants. elizabeth christina, one of the daughters of linnæus, is said to have perceived the flowers to emit spontaneously, at certain intervals, sparks like those of electricity, visible only in the dusk of the evening, and which ceased when total darkness came on. the flowers have the taste of water-cress, with a degree of sweetness, which that plant does not possess, more particularly resident in the spur of the calyx or nectary; hence are sometimes used in sallads, and hence the plant acquires its name of _nasturtium_. [24] ~agrostemma coronaria. rose cockle, or campion.~ _class and order._ ~decandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ 1-phyllus, coriaceus. _petala_ 5 unguiculata: limbo obtuso, indiviso. _caps._ 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ agrostemma _coronaria_ tomentosa, foliis ovato-lanceolatis, petalis emarginatis coronatis serratis. _lin. syst. vegetab. ed._ 14. _murr. p._ 435. _sp. pl. p._ lychnis coronaria dioscoridis sativa. _bauh. pin._ 203. the single red rose campion. _parkins. parad. p._ 252. [illustration: no. 24] grows spontaneously in italy and siberia; linnæus informs us that the blossom is naturally white, with red in the middle. "the single rose campion has been long an inhabitant of the english gardens, where, by its seeds having scattered, it is become a kind of weed. there are three varieties of this plant, one with deep red, another with flesh-coloured, and a third with white flowers, but these are of small esteem, for the double rose campion being a finer flower, has turned the others out of most fine gardens. the single sorts propagate fast enough by the seeds, the sort with double flowers never produces any, so is only propagated by parting of the roots; the best time for this is in autumn, after their flowers are past; in doing of this, every head which can be slipped off with roots should be parted; these should be planted in a border of fresh undunged earth, at the distance of six inches, observing to water them gently until they have taken root, after which they will require no more, for much wet is injurious to them, as is also dung. after the heads are well rooted, they should be planted into the borders of the flower-garden, where they will be very ornamental during the times of their flowering, which is in july and august." _miller's gard. dict. ed._ 6. 4_to._ miller, by mistake, calls this plant _cælirosa_. [25] ~dianthus chinensis. china or indian pink.~ _class and order._ ~decandria digynia.~ _generic character._ _calyx_ cylindricus, 1-phyllus: basi squamis 4. _petala_ 5, unguiculata. _capsula_ cylindrica, 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ dianthus _chinensis_ floribus solitariis, squamis calycinis subulatis patulis, tubum æquantibus, corollis crenatis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 418. _sp. pl._ 588. caryophyllus sinensis supinus, leucoji folio, flore unico. _tournef. act._ 1705. _p._ 348. _f._ 5. [illustration: no. 25] this species, unknown to the older botanists, is a native of china, hence its name of china pink; but, in the nurseries, it is in general better known by the name of indian pink. though it cannot boast the agreeable scent of many of its congeners, it eclipses most of them in the brilliancy of its colours; there are few flowers indeed which can boast that richness and variety found among the most improved varieties of this species; and as these are easily obtained from seed, so they are found in most collections, both single and double. it is little better than an annual, but will sometimes continue two years in a dry soil, which it affects. attempts have been made to force it, but, as far as we have learned, with no great success. [26] ~stapelia variegata. variegated stapelia.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria digynia.~ _generic character._ contorta. _nectarium_ duplici stellula tegente genitalia. _specific character and synonyms._ stapelia _variegata_ denticulis ramorum patentibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 260. _sp. pl. p._ 316. asclepias aizoides africana. _bradl. suc._ 3. _p._ 3. _t._ 22. [illustration: no. 26] this very singular plant is a native of the cape of good hope, where it grows and flourishes on the rocks with the _stapelia hirsuta_. if these plants be kept in a very moderate stove in winter, and in summer placed in an airy glass-case where they may enjoy much free air, but screened from wet and cold, they will thrive and flower very well; for although they will live in the open air in summer, and may be kept through the winter in a good green-house; yet these plants will not flower so well as those managed in the other way. they must have little water given them, especially in winter. it is very seldom that the _variegata_ produces seed-vessels in this country; miller observes, in upwards of forty years that he cultivated it, he never saw it produce its pods but three times, and then on such plants only as were plunged into the tan-bed in the stove. this plant may be propagated without seeds, as it grows fast enough from slips; treatment the same as that of the creeping cereus, which see. it takes its name of _stapelia_ from _stapel_, a dutchman, author of some botanical works, particularly a description of theophrastus's plants. [27] ~convolvulus tricolor. small convolvulus or bindweed.~ _class and order._ ~pentandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, plicata. _stigmata_ 2. _capsula_ 2-locularis: loculis dispermis. _specific character and synonyms._ convolvulus _tricolor_ foliis lanceolato ovatis glabris, caule declinato, floribus solitariis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 203. _sp. pl. p._ 225. convolvulus peregrinus cæruleus, folio oblongo. _bauh. pin._ 295. flore triplici colore insignito. _moris. hist._ 2. _p._ 17. _s._ 1. _t._ 4. _f._ 4. the spanish small blew bindeweede. _parkins. parad. p._ 4. [illustration: no. 27] this species has usually been called _convolvulus minor_ by gardeners, by way of distinguishing it from the _convolvulus purpureus_, to which they have given the name of _major_. it is a very pretty annual; a native of spain, portugal, and sicily, and very commonly cultivated in gardens. the most usual colours of its blossoms are blue, white, and yellow, whence its name of _tricolor_; but there is a variety of it with white, and another with striped blossoms. the whole plant with us is in general hairy, hence it does not well accord with linnæus's description. it is propagated by seeds, which should be sown on the flower-borders in the spring, where the plants are to remain: they require no other care than to be thinned and weeded. [28] ~passiflora coerulea. common passion-flower.~ _class and order._ ~gynandria hexandria.~ _generic character._ trigyna. _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _nectarium_ corona. _bacca_ pedicellata. _specific character and synonyms._ passiflora _coerulea_ foliis palmatis integerrimis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 823. _sp. pl. p._ 1360. granadilla polyphyllos, fructu ovato. _tourn. inst._ 241. flos passionis major pentaphyllus. _sloan. jam._ 104. _hist._ 1. _p._ 229. [illustration: no. 28] the passion-flower first introduced into this country was the _incarnata_ of linnæus, a native of virginia, and figured by parkinson in his _paradisus terrestris_, who there styles it the surpassing delight of all flowers: the present species, which, from its great beauty and superior hardiness, is now by far the most common, is of more modern introduction; and, though a native of the brasils, seldom suffers from the severity of our climate; flowering plentifully during most of the summer months, if trained to a wall with a southern aspect, and, in such situations, frequently producing ripe fruit, of the size and form of a large olive, of a pale orange colour. this most elegant plant may be propagated by seeds, layers, or cuttings; foreign seeds are most to be depended on; they are to be sown in the spring, on a moderate hot-bed, and when the plants are grown to the height of two or three inches, they are to be carefully taken up, and each planted in a separate small pot, filled with good loam, then plunged into a moderate hot-bed, to forward their taking new root; after which they should be gradually inured to the common air: the younger the plants the more shelter they require, and if ever so old or strong, they are in danger from severe frosts. the layers and cuttings are to be treated in the common way, but seedling plants, if they can be obtained, are on many accounts to be preferred. [29] ~reseda odorata. sweet-scented reseda or mignonette.~ _class and order._ ~dodecandria trigynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, partitus. _petala_ laciniata. _caps._ ore dehiscens, 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ reseda _odorata_ foliis integris trilobisque, calycibus florem æquantibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 449. reseda foliis integris trilobisque, floribus tetragynis. _mill. dict. t._ 217. [illustration: no. 29] _mignonette_ grows naturally in egypt, it was unknown to the older botanists; miller says he received the seeds of it from dr. adrian van royen, professor of botany at leyden, so that it is rather a modern inhabitant of our gardens. the luxury of the pleasure-garden is greatly heightened by the delightful odour which this plant diffuses; and as it is most readily cultivated in pots, its fragrance may be conveyed to the parlour of the recluse, or the chamber of the valetudinarian; its perfume, though not so refreshing perhaps as that of the sweet-briar, is not apt to offend on continuance the most delicate olfactories. being an annual it requires to be raised yearly from seed; when once introduced on a warm dry border it will continue to sow itself, and grow very luxuriantly, flowering from june to the commencement of winter; but as it is desirable to have it as early as possible in the spring, the best way is either to sow the seed in pots in autumn, securing them through the winter in frames, or in a greenhouse, or to raise the seeds early on a gentle hot bed, thinning the plants if they require it, so as to have only two or three in a pot. [30] ~lilium chalcedonicum. chalcedonian lily.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, campanulata: _linea_ longitudinali nectarifera. _caps._ valvulis pilo cancellato connexis. _specific character and synonyms._ lilium _chalcedonicum_ foliis sparsis lanceolatis, floribus reflexis, corollis revolutis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 324. lilium byzantium miniatum. _bauh. pin._ 78. the red martagon of constantinople. _park. parad. p._ 34. [illustration: no. 30] this species is best known in the nurseries by the name of the _scarlet martagon_; but as it is not the martagon of linnæus, to avoid confusion it will be most proper to adhere to the name which linnæus has given it. it is a native not only of persia, but of hungary; professor jacquin, who has figured it in his most excellent _flora austriaca_, describes it as growing betwixt carniola and carinthia, and other parts of hungary, but always on the tops of the largest mountains. it varies in the number of its flowers, from one to six, and the colour in some is found of a blood red. authors differ in their ideas of its smell: jacquin describing it as disagreeble, while scopoli compares it to that of an orange. it flowers in june and july; and is propagated by offsets, which it produces pretty freely, and which will grow in almost any soil or situation. the best time for removing the roots is soon after the leaves are decayed, before they have begun to shoot. [31] ~jasminum officinale. common jasmine or jessamine.~ _class and order._ ~diandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ 5-fida. _bacca_ dicocca. _sem_. arillata. _antheræ_ intra tubum. _specific character and synonyms._ jasminum _officinale_ foliis oppositis; foliolis distinctis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 56. jasminum vulgatius flore albo. _bauh. pin._ 397. jasmine or gesmine. _park. parad. p._ 406. [illustration: no. 31] there is an elegance in the jasmine which added to its fragrance renders it an object of universal admiration. "it grows naturally at malabar, and in several parts of india, yet has been long inured to our climate, so as to thrive and flower extremely well, but never produces any fruit in england. it is easily propagated by laying down the branches, which will take root in one year, and may then be cut from the old plant, and planted where they are designed to remain: it may also be propagated by cuttings, which should be planted early in the autumn, and guarded against the effects of severe frosts. "when these plants are removed, they should be planted either against some wall, pale, or other fence, where the flexible branches may be supported. these plants should be permitted to grow rude in the summer, otherwise there will be no flowers; but after the summer is past, the luxuriant shoots should be pruned off, and the others must be nailed to the support. "there are two varieties of this with variegated leaves, one with white, the other with yellow stripes, but the latter is the most common: these are propagated by budding them on the plain jasmine; they require to be planted in a warm situation, especially the white-striped, for they are much more tender than the plain, and in very severe winters their branches should be covered with mats or straw to prevent their being killed." _miller's gard. dict._ [32] ~mesembryanthemum dolabriforme. hatchet-leav'd fig-marigold.~ _class and order._ ~icosandria pentagynia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _petala_ numerosa, linearia. _caps._ carnosa infera, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ mesembryanthemum _dolabriforme_ acaule, foliis dolabriformibus punctatis. _lin. syst. veg. p._ 470. ficoides capensis humilis, foliis cornua cervi referentibus, petalis luteis noctiflora, _bradl. suc._ 1. _p._ 11. _t._ 10. _dillen hort. elth. t._ 191. _f._ 237. [illustration: no. 32] though many latin names of plants, as _geranium_, _hepatica_, _convolvulus_, &c. are more familiar to the ear, and more generally used than their english ones, yet _mesembryanthemum_ though used by some, appears too long to be generally adopted, its english name of _fig-marigold_ is doubtless to be preferred. the fig-marigolds are a very numerous tribe, chiefly inhabitants of the cape of good hope; no less than thirty-three species are figured in that inestimable work the _hortus elthamensis_ of dillenius. as most of these plants grow readily from slips, or cuttings, and require only the shelter of a common greenhouse, and as they recommend themselves to our notice, either from the extreme singularity of their foliage, the beauty of their flowers, or the peculiarity of their expansion, so they are a favourite class of plants with many. the present species is a native of the cape of good hope, and is particularly distinguished by having leaves somewhat resembling a hatchet, whence its name; it is as hardy as most, and flowers as freely, but its blossoms fully expand in the evening and night only. it is very readily propagated by cuttings. [33] ~aster tenellus. bristly-leav'd aster.~ _class and order._ ~syngenesia polygamia superflua.~ _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ simplex. _cor._ radii plures 10. _cal._ imbricati squamæ inferiores patulæ. _specific character and synonyms._ aster _tenellus_ foliis subfiliformibus aculeato-ciliatis, pedunculis nudis, calycibus hemisphæricis æqualibus. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 760. aster parvus æthiopicus, chamæmeli floribus, tamarisci ægyptiaci foliis tenuissime denticulatis. _pluk. alm._ 56. _t._ 271. _f._ 4. _raii. suppl._ 164. _n._ 84. [illustration: no. 33] most of the numerous species of this genus flower about michaelmas, hence their vulgar name of _michaelmas-daisy_; a name exceptionable not only on account of its length, but from its being a compound word. _aster_, though a latin term, is now so generally received, that we shall make no apology for adopting it. we are indebted to north-america for most of our asters, but the present species, which is omitted by _miller_, and is rather a scarce plant in this country, though not of modern introduction, being figured by _plukenet_ and described by _ray_, is a native of africa, and, like a few others, requires in the winter the shelter of a greenhouse. it is particularly distinguished by having very narrow leaves with short bristles on them, and by its blossoms drooping before they open. it is a perennial, flowers in september and october, and may be propagated by slips or cuttings. the plant from whence our drawing was made, came from messrs. _gordon_ and _thompson_'s nursery, mile-end. [34] ~browallia elata. tall browallia.~ _class and order._ ~didynamia gymnospermia.~ _generic character._ _cal._ 5-dentatus. _cor._ limbus 5-fidus, æqualis, patens: umbilico clauso antheris 2, majoribus. _caps._ 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ browallia _elata_ pedunculis unifloris multiflorisque. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 572. _sp. pl._ 880. _mill. dict._ [illustration: no. 34] of this genus there are only two species, both natives of south-america, the _elata_, so called from its being a much taller plant than the _demissa_, is a very beautiful, and not uncommon stove or green-house plant; it is impossible, by any colours we have, to do justice to the brilliancy of its flowers. being an annual, it requires to be raised yearly from seed, which must be sown on a hot-bed in the spring, and the plants brought forward on another, otherwise they will not perfect their seeds in this country. some of these may be transplanted into the borders of the flower-garden which are warmly situated, where, if the season prove favourable, they will flower and ripen their seeds; but, for security's sake, it will be prudent to keep a few plants in the stove or green-house. as these plants have not been distinguished by any particular english name, miller very properly uses its latin one; a practice which should as much as possible be adhered to, where a genus is named in honour of a botanist of eminence. [35] ~crepis barbata. bearded crepis, or purple-eyed succory-hawkweed.~ _class and order._ ~syngenesia polygamia æqualis.~ _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _cal._ calyculatus squamis deciduis. _pappus_ plumosus, stipitatus. _specific character and synonyms._ crepis _barbata_ involucris calyce longioribus: squamis setaceis sparsis. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 719. hieracium proliferum falcatum. _bauh. pin._ 128. hieracium calyce barbato. _col. ecphr._ 2. _p._ 28. _t._ 27. _f._ 1. hieracium boeticum medio nigro. _herm. parad. bat._ 185. _t._ 185. [illustration: no. 35] grows spontaneously in the south of france, about montpelier; also, in spain, italy, sicily, and elsewhere in the south of europe: is one of the most common annuals cultivated in our gardens. it begins flowering in july, and continues to blossom till the frost sets in. no other care is necessary in the cultivation of this species than sowing the seeds in the spring, in little patches, on the borders where they are to remain, thinning them if they prove too numerous. miller calls this species _boetica_, and improperly describes the centre of the flower as black, as also does herman: in all the specimens we have seen, it has evidently been of a deep purple colour, or, as linnæus expresses it, _atropurpurascens_. [36] ~lilium bulbiferum. orange lily.~ _class and order._ ~hexandria monogynia.~ _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, campanulata: _linea_ longitudinali nectarifera. _caps._ valvulis pilo cancellato connexis. _specific character and synonyms._ lilium _bulbiferum_ foliis sparsis, corollis campanulatis erectis: intus scabris. _lin. syst. vegetab. p._ 324. _jacq. fl. austr. t._ 226. lilium purpureo-croceum majus. _bauh. pin._ 76. lilium aureum, the gold red lily. _park. parad. p._ 37. [illustration: no. 36] "the common orange or red lily is as well known in the english gardens as the white lily, and has been as long cultivated here. this grows naturally in austria and some parts of italy. it multiplies very fast by offsets from the roots, and is now so common as almost to be rejected; however, in large gardens these should not be wanting, for they make a good appearance when in flower if they are properly disposed; of this sort there are the following varieties: the orange lily with double flowers, the orange lily with variegated leaves, the smaller orange lily. these varieties have been obtained by culture, and are preserved in the gardens of florists. they all flower in june and july, and their stalks decay in september, when the roots may be transplanted and their offsets taken off, which should be done once in two or three years, otherwise their branches will be too large, and the flower-stalks weak. this doth not put out new roots till towards spring, so that the roots may be transplanted any time after the stalks decay till november. it will thrive in any soil or situation, but will be strongest in a soft gentle loam, not too moist." _mill. dict._ bears the smoke of london better than many plants. varies with and without bulbs on the stalks. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _first volume_, are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 24 agrostemma coronaria. 10 anemone _hepatica_. 33 aster tenellus. 34 browallia elata. 17 cactus flagelliformis. 27 convolvulus tricolor. 13 coronilla glauca. 35 crepis barbata. 4 cyclamen _coum_. 7 cynoglossum _omphalodes_. 25 dianthus chinensis. 12 dodecatheon _meadia_. 11 erica herbacea. 5 erythronium _dens canis_. 18 geranium reichardi. 20 geranium peltatum. 3 helleborus hyemalis. 8 helleborus niger. 19 hemerocallis flava. 31 jasminum officinale. 1 iris persica. 9 iris pumila. 16 iris variegata. 21 iris versicolor. 30 lilium chalcedonicum. 36 lilium bulbiferum. 32 mesembryanthemum dolabriforme. 6 narcissus minor. 15 narcissus _jonquilla_. 22 nigella damascena. 28 passiflora coerulea. 14 primula villosa. 29 reseda odorata. 2 rudbeckia purpurea. 26 stapelia variegata. 23 tropæolum majus. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _first volume_, are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 33 aster bristly-leav'd. 34 browallia tall. 17 cereus creeping. 24 cockle rose. 13 coronilla sea-green. 27 convolvulus small. 35 crepis bearded. 4 cyclamen round-leav'd. 6 daffodil lesser. 19 day-lily yellow. 12 dodecatheon mead's. 5 dog's-tooth. 22 fennel-flower garden. 32 fig-marigold hatchet-leav'd. 18 geranium dwarf. 20 geranium ivy-leav'd. 11 heath herbaceous. 8 hellebore black. 3 hellebore winter. 10 hepatica. 31 jasmine common. 23 indian-cress greater. 15 jonquil common. 9 iris dwarf. 21 iris particoloured. 1 iris persian. 16 iris variegated. 30 lily chalcedonian. 36 lily orange. 7 navel-wort blue. 28 passion-flower common. 25 pink china. 14 primula mountain. 29 reseda sweet-scented. 2 rudbeckia purple. 26 stapelia variegated. janet blenkinship and the online distributed proofreaders europe at http://dp.rastko.net +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ |transcriber's note: older spellings of place names have been left as in| |the original. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ the ~botanical magazine;~ or, ~flower-garden displayed:~ in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by _william curtis_, author of the flora londinensis. ~vol. v.~ ----"the garden yields a soft amusement, an humane delight. to raise th' insipid nature of the ground, or tame its savage genius to the grace of careless sweet rusticity, that seems the amiable result of happy chance, is to create, and give a god-like joy, which ev'ry year improves." armstrong. london: printed by couchman and fry, throgmorton-street. for w. curtis, no 3, _st. george's-crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xci. * * * * * [145] monarda fistulosa, _var._ crimson monarda. _class and order._ diandra monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ inæqualis: labio superiore lineari filamenta involvente. _semina_ 4. _specific character and synonyms._ monarda _fistulosa_ capitulis terminalibus, caule obtusangulo. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 68. ed. 14. murr._ _hort. kew. v. 1. p. 36._ origanum fistulosum canadense. _corn. canad. 13. t. 14._ [illustration: no 145] the _monarda fistulosa_, a hardy herbaceous plant, growing spontaneously in canada, and other parts of north-america, has long been cultivated in the english gardens, to which it recommends itself as much by the fragrance of its foliage, as the beauty of its flowers; of this species the plant here figured is an uncommonly beautiful variety, its blossoms far surpassing those of the original in size, as well as brilliancy of colour, the floral leaves also are highly coloured; we have represented a single blossom of the common _monarda fistulosa_, that the difference of the two may be rendered obvious. this variety has been very lately introduced from holland, by messrs. grimwood and co. kensington; it flowers from june to september, and is propagated by parting its roots in spring or autumn. [146] hypericum calycinum. large-flower'd st. john's-wort. _class and order._ polyadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus. _petala_ 5. _filamenta_ multa, in 5 phalanges basi connata. _capsula._ _specific character and synonyms._ hypericum _calycinum_ floribus pentagynis solitariis terminalibus, caule tetragono fruticoso, foliis oblongo-ovatis coriaceis. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 700. mant. 106._ _hort. kew. v. 3. 103._ ascyrum magno flore. _bauh. pin. 280. prodr. 130._ androsæmum constantinopolitanum flore maximo. _wheler's journey into greece, p. 205. cum fig._ [illustration: no 146] this species of st. john's-wort, particularly distinguished by the largeness of its flowers, has very generally been considered as the _ascyron_ of linnæus, owing to his giving to that plant the synonyms which properly belong to the present one: in his _mantissa_, this species is called _calycinum_, which name is adopted in the 14th edition of the _systema vegetabilium_, and also in the _hortus kewensis_, where the proper synonyms are applied to it, and from which we learn, that it is a native of the country near constantinople, and was introduced into this country by sir george wheler, bart. in 1676. it is a hardy perennial, increasing much by its roots, which are of the creeping kind, and by parting of which in the autumn it is most readily propagated; like the periwinkle, it is a plant well adapted to cover a bank, or bare, spots under trees, where other plants will not thrive. it flowers from july to september. [147] dais cotinifolia. cotinus-leav'd dais. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ involucrum 4-phyllum. _cor._ 4 s. 5-fida. bacca 1-sperma. _specific character and synonyms._ dais _cotinifolia_ floribus quinquefidis decandris. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 403._ _spec. pl. p. 556._ dais _laurifolia_. _jacq. ic. collect. 1. p. 46._ [illustration: no 147] the _dais cotinifolia_ is an ornamental green-house shrub, of the deciduous kind, and though it appears from the _hortus kewensis_ to have been introduced by mr. james gordon, of mile-end, in 1776, is yet a great rarity with us, and only to be found in some of the first collections. its scarcity, and consequent very high price, is attributed to the nursery-men's not having yet discovered the means of propagating it freely. messrs. grimwood and co. of kensington, have some very fine plants of it, which flower every year in the months of june and july, but as yet have produced no perfect seeds, which they may be expected to do when grown older; such having been known to ripen them in holland. it is a native of the cape, and appears to have been long possessed by the dutch, as its generic character taken from d. v. royen, is printed in the genera plantarum of linnæus in 1764. there are only two known species, and they vary in the number of their stamina, and divisions of the corolla. [148] pelargonium betulinum. birch-leav'd crane's-bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filamenta_ 10, inæqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia, introrsum barbata. _l'herit. geran._ _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _betulinum_ umbellis paucifloris, foliis ovatis inæqualiter serratis lævigatis. _l'herit. n. 84._ geranium _betulinum_ calycibus monophyllis, foliis ovatis inæqualiter serratis planis, caule fruticoso. _linn. sp. pl. p. 946._ _burm. ger. 38._ geranium fruticosum, betulæ folio, africanum. _raii suppl. 513._ [illustration: no 148] though long since described, we have been in possession of this species of crane's-bill but a few years; it is one of the many new ones introduced by mr. masson from the cape, and at the same time one of the most desirable, as its blossoms which are ornamental, are freely produced during most of the summer, and the plant itself is readily propagated by cuttings. the flowers vary considerably, both in size, and colour; its foliage is different from that of most others, and, as its name imports, like that of the birch-tree. it requires the same treatment as most other green-house plants. [149] zinnia multiflora. many-flowered zinnia. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ paleaceum. _pappus_ aristis 2 erectis. _cal._ ovato-cylindricus, imbricatus. _flosculi_ radii 5-10, persistentes, integri. _specific character and synonyms._ zinnia _multiflora_ floribus pedunculatis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 777._ [illustration: no 149] the _zinnia, multiflora_, a native of louisania, is a plant of more modern introduction, but requires the same treatment, and flowers at the same time, as the _tagetes patula_, with which, though far inferior in brilliancy of colour, it contributes to decorate the borders of the flower-garden from june to september. there is a variety of it with yellow flowers, nearly as common in our gardens as the present plant. linnæus gave to this genus the name of zinnia, in honour of joh. gottfr. zinn, the pupil of haller, and his successor at the university of gottingen. the plant we have figured, answers to the name and to the specific description of linnæus's _multiflora_; having never seen his _pauciflora_, we cannot say whether there be any just cause for suspecting them to be varieties of each other. [150] tagetes patula. spreading tagetes, or french marigold. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _receptaculum_ nudum. _pappus_ aristis 5 erectis. _cal._ 1-phyllus, 5-dentatus, tubulosus. flosculi radii 4-8, persistentes. _specific character and synonyms._ tagetes _patula_ caule subdiviso patulo. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. 228._ tanacetum africanum flos africanus minor. _bauh. pin. 132._ flos africanus. _dod. pempt. 255._ the small single french marigold. _park. par. p. 304._ [illustration: no 150] for richness and variety of tints few flowers can vie with this species of tagetes, which forms one of the chief ornaments of our gardens at the close of summer. some authors make it a native of africa, others of america. two principal varieties are usually kept in the gardens, the common small sort with a strong disagreeable smell, and a larger one here figured, usually called sweet-scented, the former is of more humble growth, its branches more spreading, its blossoms smaller than those of the latter, the flowers of which have usually a greater portion of the yellow tint, and the smell of the other so modified as to be far less disagreeable; sweet-scented we fear it can scarcely be called: from the seed of both sorts some flowers will be produced extremely double, and others single. miller recommends the seed to be frequently changed, to prevent them from degenerating. it is one of our tender annuals which require to be raised on a gentle hot-bed, if we are desirous of having them early; if that be not an object, they may be sown under a common hand-glass on a warm border the beginning of may, and, when large enough, planted out in the flower-beds, where they are to remain. dodonæus observes, that the leaves, if held up to the light, appear as if perforated; and he adduces some instances, which prove the plant to be of a poisonous nature. [151] lotus tetragonolobus. winged lotus. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _legumen_ cylindricum strictum. _alæ_ sursum longitudinaliter conniventes. _cal._ tubulosus. _specific character and synonyms._ lotus _tetragonolobus_ leguminibus solitariis membranaceo-quadrangulis, bractæis ovatis. _linn. syst. vegetab, p. 691._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 91._ lotus ruber siliqua angulosa. _bauh. pin. 332._ lotus pulcherrima tetragonolobus. _comm. hort. 91. t. 26._ pisum quadratum, the crimson-blossom'd or square-codded pease. _park. parad. p. 338._ [illustration: no 151] a common annual in our gardens, where it has been long cultivated; is a native of sicily, and flowers in the open borders in july and august; requires the same management as other hardy annuals. miller observes, that it was formerly cultivated as an esculent plant, the green pods being dressed and eaten as peas. [152] epidendrum cochleatum. two-leav'd epidendrum. _class and order._ gynandria diandria. _generic character._ nectarium turbinatum, obliquum, reflexum. _specific character and synonyms._ epidendrum _cochleatum_ foliis oblongis geminis glabris striatis bulbo innatis, scapo multifloro, nectario cordato. _linn. syst. vegetab, ed. 14. murr. p. 819._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 303._ helleborine cochleato flore. _plum. sp. 9. u. 185. fig. 2._ [illustration: no 152] plants which draw their support from other living ones, of which there are numerous instances, are by botanists termed parasitical, and of this kind are most of the present family; deriving their generic name, which is of greek extraction, from growing on trees, into the bark of which they fix their roots; some of them are also found to grow on dead wood, as the present plant, which is described by sir hans sloane, in his history of jamaica, _v. 1. p. 250. t. 121. f. 2._ as not only growing plentifully on trees, but also on the palisadoes of st. jago de la vega. instances of these plants flowering in england are very rare; commodore gardner, in the year 1789, presented to the apothecaries company some roots of this plant, taken up in the woods of jamaica with great care, and which being successfully treated by mr. fairbairn in their garden at chelsea, one of them threw up a flowering stem last february, from whence our drawing was made. mr. fairbairn planted the roots in pots of earth, composed of rotten wood and decayed leaves, plunging them into the tan-bed of a pit of considerable size. in its fructification, the epidendrum obviously agrees with the orchis tribe, but differs essentially in the oeconomy of its roots; in the orchis the roots spring from the crown of the bulb, which is formed in the earth; in the epidendrum the bulb, or the part which appears to be analogous to a bulb, though of a green colour, is produced above ground, while the roots or fibres proceed from below it. [153] bulbocodium vernum. vernal bulbocodium. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis, hexapetala: unguibus angustis staminiferis. _capsula_ supera. _specific character and synonyms._ bulbocodium _vernum_ foliis lanceolatis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 320._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 421._ _retz. obs. bot. fasc. 2. t. 1._ colchicum vernum hispanicum. _bauh. pin. 69._ medowe saffron of the spring. _park. parad. p. 158-159. f. 7._ [illustration: no 153] the excellent and learned clusius, in the second appendix to his history of rare plants, gives a very good figure of this plant, both in flower and seed, accompanied with its history; our parkinson also represents it in his _parad. terr._ and gives such a minute description of it, as convinces us he must have cultivated it at the time he wrote: mr. miller appears not to have been well acquainted with it, or he would not have described its root to be like that of the snowdrop; had he said colchicum, he would not have misled: retzius also in his bot. obs. gives a figure of it with the flower dissected. the _bulbocodium_, of which there is only one species, is a mountainous plant, a native of spain, and flowers in the open ground at the same time as the crocus, for a purple variety of which it might easily be mistaken at first sight; but it differs from the crocus in having six stamina, and from the colchicum, to which it is very nearly allied, in having one style instead of three. it is at present a rare plant in our gardens, which we attribute to its bulbs not admitting of much increase, as well as to its being liable to be killed by frost, and hence requiring more care than it may be thought entitled to from its appearance. it varies in the colour of its flowers. [154] saponaria ocymoides, basil soap-wort. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, nudus. _petala_ 5 unguiculata. _caps._ oblonga 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ saponaria _ocymoides_ calycibus cylindricis villosis, caulibus dichotomis procumbentibus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr._ _jacq. fl. austr. v. 5. app. t. 23._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 87._ lychnis vel ocymoides repens montanum. _bauh. pin. 206._ [illustration: no 154] the _saponaria ocymoides_ has been figured in the appendix to the fifth volume of the _flora austriaca_ in its wild state, as in similar works every plant is expected to be; our figure represents a branch of it only, taken (as all ours in this work professedly are) from a garden specimen which grew on a wall of a particular construction in our garden at brompton, and of which it was the principal ornament through the months of may, june, and july, during most of which time it was covered with a profusion of bloom[1]. though it produces blossoms in abundance, it affords but little seed, but may be increased by slips or cuttings. it is a hardy perennial, a native of france, italy, switzerland, and carinthia, loves a pure air and a dry situation[2], grows best among rocks, stones, or out of a wall, and certainly is one of the best plants imaginable for ornamenting of rock-work. i received seeds of it, and many other rare plants, from my very kind friend mr. daval, of orbe, in switzerland. [155] oxalis versicolor. striped-flower'd wood-sorrel. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ unguibus connexa. _caps._ angulis dehiscens, 5-gona. _specific character and synonyms._ oxalis _versicolor_ caule erecto hirto, pedunculis unifloris, foliis ternatis: foliolis linearibus callosis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 114. p. 434._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 114._ oxys africana foliis tenuissimis, flore amplo versicolore. _pluk. amalth. 169. t. 434. f. 5._ oxys africana foliis tenuissimis in summitate caulis. _raii suppl. 598._ [illustration: no 155] the _oxalis-versicolor_ is considered as one of the most beautiful of the many species cultivated in gardens; and, though well known to, and described by several of the older botanists, has graced our collections but a few years, being introduced to the royal garden at kew, from the cape (where, as well as in ethiopia, it grows spontaneously) by mr. masson, in the year 1774. many of this genus flower early in the spring, the season in which this species also puts forth its blossoms, but by dexterous management it may be made to flower during most of the year; and this is effected by placing the pea-like tubera or knobs which the root sends forth, and by which the plant is propagated, in pots filled with loam and bog-earth at stated distant periods. like most of the cape plants, it is well adapted to the greenhouse, and succeeds best when placed on a front shelf of the house, where it can have plenty of light and air; some keep it in the stove, but there the plant is drawn up, and the flowers lose a part of their brilliancy: in no situation do they ever expand but when the sun shines on them; this is the less to be regretted, as they are most beautiful when closed. [156] coreopsis verticillata. whorled coreopsis. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia frustranea. _generic character._ _receptaculum_ paleaceum. _pappus_ bicornis. _calyx_ erectus, polyphyllus, basi radiis patentibus cinctus. _specific character and synonyms._ coreopsis _verticillata_ foliis decomposito-linearibus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 782._ coreopsis foliis verticillatis linearibus multifidis. _gronov. fl. virgin. p. 131._ delphinii vel mei foliis planta ad nodos positis caule singulari. _clayt. n. 308._ [illustration: no 156] the _coreopsis verticillata_ is a hardy, perennial, herbaceous plant, a native of north-america; producing its blossoms, which are uncommonly shewy, from july to october, and is readily propagated by parting its roots in autumn. it grows to a great height, and is therefore rather adapted to the shrubbery than the flower-garden. clayton remarks, that the petals, though of a yellow colour, are used by the inhabitants to dye cloth red. [157] hyacinthus botryoides. grape hyacinth. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata: _pori_ 3 melliferi germinis. _specific character and synonyms._ hyacinthus _botryoides_ corollis globosis uniformibus, foliis canaliculato-cylindricis strictis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr. p. 336._ _aiton hort. kew. v. 1. p. 459._ hyacinthus _racemosus_ cæruleus major. _bauh. pin. 42._ hyacinthus botroides cæruleus amoenus. the skie-coloured grape-flower. _park. par. p. 114. p. 113. f. 5._ [illustration: no 157] the _hyacinthus botryoides_, a native of italy, and cultivated in the time of gerard and parkinson, is now become scarce with us, being only to be accidentally met with in long-established gardens; we first saw it in the garden of our very worthy and much valued friend, mr. john chorley, of tottenham, to whose lady my collection stands indebted for several rare and valuable plants. this species increases sufficiently fast by offsets, but in the open border does not very readily produce flowering stems: as both it and the _racemosus_ are apt to become troublesome in a garden from their great increase, we would recommend their bulbs to be placed in moderately sized pots filled with light earth, and plunged in the borders where they are designed to flower; in the autumn they should be regularly taken out, the offsets thrown away, and about half a dozen of the largest bulbs left, all of which will most probably flower at the usual time, the end of march or beginning of april. parkinson, who most admirably describes this and the _racemosus_, enumerates three varieties, viz. the _white_, the _blush-coloured_, and the _branched_; the first is frequently imported with other bulbs from holland, the second and third we have not seen; the latter, if we may judge from parkinson's _fig._ in his _parad._ is a most curious plant, and was obtained, as clusius reports, from seeds of the white variety; whether it now exists is deserving of inquiry. the _botryoides_ differs from the _racemosus_, in having its leaves upright, its bunch of flowers smaller, the flowers themselves larger, rounder, of a paler and brighter blue. [158] hibiscus rosa sinensis. china-rose hibiscus. _class and order._ monadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _calyx_ duplex, exterior polyphyllus. _capsula_ 5-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ hibiscus _rosa sinensis_ foliis ovatis acuminatis serratis, caule arboreo. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 629._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 629._ alcea javanica arborescens, flore pleno rubicundo. _breyn. cent. 121. t. 56._ hibiscus _javanica_. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ by whom cultivated in 1731. [illustration: no 158] rumphius in his _herbarium amboinense_ gives an excellent account of this beautiful native of the east-indies, accompanied by a representation of it with double flowers, in which state it is more particularly cultivated in all the gardens in india, as well as china; he informs us that it grows to the full size of our hazel, and that it varies with white flowers. the inhabitants of india, he observes, are extremely partial to whatever is red, they consider it as a colour which tends to exhilarate; and hence they not only cultivate this plant universally in their gardens, but use its flowers on all occasions of festivity, and even in their sepulchral rites: he mentions also an oeconomical purpose to which the flowers are applied, little consistent with their elegance and beauty, that of blacking shoes, whence their name of _rosæ calceolariæ_; the shoes, after the colour is imparted to them, are rubbed with the hand, to give them a gloss, and which thereby receives a blueish tinge, to discharge which they have recourse to lemon juice. with us it is kept in the stove, where it thrives and flowers readily during most of the summer; the single blossoms last but a short time, yet their superiority arising from the curious and beautiful structure of the interior parts of the flower, compensates for the shortness of their duration. it is usually increased by cuttings. [159] alyssum saxatile. yellow alyssum. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _filamenta_ quædam introrsum denticulo notata. _silicula_ emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ alyssum _saxatile_ caulibus frutescentibus paniculatis, foliis lanceolatis mollissimis repandis. _linn. syst. veg, ed. 14. murr. p. 590._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 381._ alyssum creticum saxatile, foliis undulatis incanis. _tourn. cor. 15._ thlaspi luteum leucoji folio. _bocc. muf. 79. t. 93._ [illustration: no 159] as this plant has very generally obtained in gardens and nurseries the name of yellow alyssum, we have retained it; for though it is not the only one of the genus which produces yellow flowers, it may still be called yellow by way of eminence, such is the extreme brilliancy and profusion of its blossoms. it is a native of crete, and was first cultivated in this country by mr. miller, in 1731[3], at chelsea garden. it begins to flower about the latter end of april, and continues to blossom through great part of may; and it is not uncommon for it to flower again in autumn. if it has a pure air and a dry situation, it will grow in almost any soil. the usual mode of propagating it is by slips, or cuttings. as it is a small, shewy, hardy plant, and not disposed to over-run others, it is very suitable to embellish rock-work. [160] pulmonaria virginica. virginia lungwort. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis fauce pervia. _calyx_ prismatico-pentagonus. _specific character and synonyms._ pulmonaria _virginica_ calycibus abbreviatis, foliis lanceolatis obtusiusculis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 187._ pulmonaria non maculosa, floribus tubulosis longis pulcherrimis cæruleis, in panicula pendula congestis, foliis teneribus glabris latis obtusis, ad margines æqualibus, pediculis dilute purpureis infidentibus, radice crassa instar symphyti. mountain cowslip. _clayt. gron. fl. virg. p. 25._ [illustration: no 160] miller informs us in his dictionary, that the _pulmonaria virginica_ grows naturally upon mountains in most parts of north-america, that the seeds were sent many years since by mr. banister, from virginia; and some of the plants were raised in the garden of the bishop of london, at fulham, where for several years it was growing. though a native of virginia, it ranks with the hardy herbaceous plants of our gardens, and flowers in the open border about the middle of april; the blossoms before their expansion are of a reddish purple colour, when fully blown they become of a light bright blue, the foliage is glaucous, or blueish green; it is said to vary with white and flesh-coloured flowers. in favourable seasons, the flower-garden owes much of its gaiety to this elegant plant, and at a time when ornament is most desirable. it requires a pure air, and a situation moderately sheltered, as the cold easterly winds which too readily prevail in april, when it is in flower, are apt to deface it. it is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn, and is a free grower. [161] amygdalus nana. dwarf almond. _class and order._ icosandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus, inferus. _petala_ 5. drupa nuce poris perforata. _specific character and synonyms._ amygdalus _nana_ foliis basi attenuatis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 162._ _pallas. ross. 1. p. 12. t. 6._ amygdalus indica nana. _pluk. alm. 28. t. 11. f. 3._ armeniaca persicæ foliis, fructu exsucco. _amm. ruth. 273. t. 30._ [illustration: no 161] the dwarf almond, a native of russia and tartary, is justly considered as one of our most ornamental shrubs; it rarely rises above the height of three feet, and hence becomes very suitable for the shrubbery of small extent. it flowers about the middle of april, somewhat later than the common almond. miller observes, that the roots are apt to put out suckers, by which the plant may be increased in plenty; and if those are not annually taken away, they will starve the old plant. cultivated in 1683, by mr. james sutherland. _ait. hort. kew._ [162] sanguinaria canadensis. canada puccoon, or bloodwort. _class and order._ polyandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 8-petala. _cal._ 2-phyllus. siliqua ovata, 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ sanguinaria _canadensis_. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 489._ chelidonium majus canadense acaulon. _corn. canad. 212._ ranunculus virginiensis albus. _park. theat. 226._ sanguinaria flore simplici. _dill. elth. t. 252._ [illustration: no 162] though the sanguinaria cannot be considered as a handsome shewy plant, yet we scarcely know its equal in point of delicacy and singularity; there is something in it to admire, from the time that its leaves emerge from the ground, and embosom the infant blossom, to their full expansion, and the ripening of its seed vessels. the woods of canada, as well as of other parts of north-america, produce this plant in abundance with us it flowers in the beginning of april: its blossoms are fugacious, and fully expand only in fine warm weather. it is a hardy perennial, and is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn; a situation moderately shady, and a soil having a mixture of bog-earth or rotten leaves in it suits it best. its knobby roots, when broken asunder, pour forth a juice of a bright red or orange colour, whence its name of sanguinaria: with this liquid the indians are said to paint themselves. dillenius, has figured it in his admirable work, the hortus elthamensis, where three varieties of it are represented, viz. a large one, a small one, and one in which the petals are multiplied, but which can scarcely be called double. it appears from morison[4], that the sanguinaria was cultivated in this country in 1680, the date of his work. [163] phlox divaricata. early-flowering lychnidea. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ hypocrateriformis. _filamenta_ inæqualia. _stigma_ 3-fidum. _cal._ prismaticus. _caps._ 3-locularis, i-sperma. _specific character and synonyms._ phlox _divaricata_ foliis lato-lanceolatis: superioribus alternis, caule bifido, pedunculis geminis. _linn. syst. vegetab, p. 199._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 206._ lychnidea virginiana, alsines aquaticæ foliis, floribus in ramulis divaricatis. _pluk. mant. 121?_ [illustration: no 163] most of the plants of this genus are natives of north-america, and remarkable for their beauty; they were first introduced under the name of _lychnidea_, which, though a latin term, is now familiarized to the english ear. mr. aiton has given to this species the name of early-flowering, it coming much sooner into blossom than any of the others, beginning to flower in may with the yellow alyssum; its blossoms, however, are not of so long duration, nor so ornamental as some others of the same family. it seldom exceeds a foot in height, and, on this account, may be regarded as a suitable rock-plant. it rarely ripens its seeds with us, but is readily increased either by cuttings or layers; succeeds best in a pure air and a situation moderately dry. like most other american plants, it is of modern introduction, was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1758, and figured in his icones. [164] ranunculus gramineus. grass-leaved crowfoot. _class and order._ polyandria polygnia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5 intra ungues poro mellifero. _semina_ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ ranunculus _gramineus_ foliis lanceolato linearibus indivisis, caule erecto lævissimo paucifloro. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 515._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 265._ ranunculus gramineo folio bulbosus. _bauh. pin. 181?_ ranunculus montanus folio gramineo. _bauh. pin. 180._ ranunculus gramineus. grasse leafed crowfoot. _park. parad. p. 218. 221. f. i._ [illustration: no 164] this species of ranunculus, an inhabitant of the dry pastures south of france and italy, and a hardy herbaceous plant of ready growth, recommends itself by the earliness of its flowering and the delicate glaucous colour of its foliage. parkinson figures it with double flowers, though he describes it with semi-double ones only; we have not observed either of these varieties in the gardens about london, they have most probably fallen victims to the rage for novelty, at the shrine of which many a fair and goodly flower is yearly sacrificed. it flowers towards the end of april, and is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. the synonyms of this and other species of ranunculus described in gerard's _fl. gallopr._ are very inaccurately quoted in professor murray's edition of the _syst. vegetab._ [165] pelargonium cordifolium. heart-leaved geranium. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema, definente in tubulum capilarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filam_. 10 inæqualia: quorum 3. (raro 5) castrata. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia introrsum barbata. _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _cordatum_ umbellis multifloris, foliis cordatis acutis dentatis, petalis inferis linearibus acutis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 427._ geranium _cordifolium_. _cavan. diss. p. 240. t. 117. f. 3._ [illustration: no 165] our readers are here presented with the figure of another geranium of modern introduction, not enumerated by linnæus or miller, and which in point of beauty, duration of flowering, and facility of culture, is equal to most. it was introduced to the royal garden, at kew, from the cape, by mr. masson, in 1774. there are several varieties of it, but the one here figured is the most beautiful. it strikes readily from cuttings, by which it is usually propagated. requires the same treatment as the more common geraniums, and flowers, from march to july. [166] cheiranthus maritimus. mediterranean stock. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliquosa. _generic character._ _germen_ utrinque denticulo glandulato. _cal._ clausus: foliolis duobus basi gibbis. _semina_ plana. _specific character and synonyms._ cheiranthus _maritimus_ foliis ellipticis obtusis nudis scabriusculis, caule diffuso scabro. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 597._ _mantiss. p. 568._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 395._ leucojum minus flore violaceo. _barr. ic. 1127._ [illustration: no 166] linnæus has described this plant minutely in his _mantissa plant_, so that no doubt remains of its being his _maritimus_. with us, it has been customary for gardeners and nurserymen to distinguish this species by the name of virginia stock, a name highly improper, as it is found to be a native of the mediterranean coast. the blossoms which this plant first puts forth are of a lively red, in a few days they become of a blueish purple colour; to this variety of hues the plant owes its chief beauty. being of humble growth, and producing a profusion of bloom, which is of long duration, it is frequently used as an edging to borders, and sometimes sown in little patches with other annuals; in whatever way used, it contributes greatly to enliven the borders of the flower-garden. it is one of those annuals whose seeds should be sown in the autumn, as it thereby comes much forwarder into bloom, and its blossoms are more lively than those arising from seeds sown in the spring; by varying the time of sowing, it may be had to flower in spring, summer, and autumn. small pots of it in bloom have a pretty appearance, and may be used to decorate the windows of those who reside in cities or great towns, where the pleasures of the garden are not to be enjoyed. [167] sophora tetraptera. winged-podded sophora. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-dentatus, superne gibbus. _cor._ papilionacea: alis-longitudine vexilli. _legumen._ _specific character and synonyms._ sophora _tetraptera_ foliis pinnatis foliolis numerosis (17--19) lanceolato-oblongis villosiusculis: leguminibus membranaceo-quadrangulis, caule arboreo. _ait. hort. kew. p. 43._ sophora _tetraptera_. _job. miller ic. tab. 1._ [illustration: no 167] the magnificent and highly curious species of sophora here represented, is one of the many plants discovered by sir joseph banks at new-zealand, where it forms a tree of a considerable size. a finer sight can scarcely be imagined than a tree of this sort, extending to a great breadth on a wall with a western aspect, in the apothecaries garden at chelsea, where it was planted by mr. forsyth about the year 1774, and which at this moment (april 28, 1791) is thickly covered with large pendulous branches of yellow, i had almost said golden flowers; for they have a peculiar richness, which it is impossible to represent in colouring; in the winter care is taken to cover it carefully with mats, least it should suffer from any extraordinarily severe weather. it usually produces a few seed vessels of an uncommon form, having four wings, whence its name of _tetraptera_; from some of the seeds which have ripened in this country plants have been raised, and by these the plant is found to be propagated with the most success; it may also be increased by cuttings and layers. [168] iris pavonia. peacock iris. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala inæqualis, _petalis_ alternis geniculato-patentibus, _stigmata_ petaliformia; cucullato-bilabiata. _specific character and synonyms._ iris _pavonia_ imberbis folio lineari glabro, scapo subunifloro. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 92._ [illustration: no 168] we have our doubts whether the plant here figured be the _pavonia_ of the _systema vegetabilium_, as it does not accord so well with the description there given, as we could wish; as such however it has been regarded by some here, and it must be allowed to answer extremely well to the name. it is a small delicate iris, about a foot and a half high, with very narrow leaves, bearing on the top of the stalk one or at most two flowers, three of the petals are large and white, with a brilliant blue spot at the base of each, edged on the outer side with deep purple; the delicacy of the flower, and the eye-like spot at the base of three of the petals, render at one of the most striking plants of the genus. the figure here given was drawn from a plant which flowered with messrs. grimwood and co. last june, who received it from holland, and treat it in the same way as their cape bulbs, of which country it is said to be a native. it is not mentioned either in mr. miller's _gardener's dictionary_, or the _hortus kewensis_. [169] ixora coccinea. scarlet ixora. _class and order._ tetrandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 1-petala, infundibuliformis, longa, supera, _stamina_ supra faucem. _bacca_ 4-sperma. _specific character and synonyms._ ixora _coccinea_ foliis ovalibus semiamplexicaulibus, floribus fasciculatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 148._ jasminum indicum, lauri folio, inodorum umbellatum, floribus coccineis. _pluk. alm. 196. t. 59. s. 2._ cerasus zeylanica humilis sylvestris, floribus holosericeis intense rubris umbellatim congestis, fructibus nigris. _mus. zeyl. p. 15._ flamma sylvarum _rumph. amb. 4. p. 105. t. 46._ [illustration: no 169] it will appear strange, we presume, to most of our readers, when they are informed, that the _ixora coccinea_, a plant at present in few hands, and which a short time since was sold in some of our nurseries for five guineas, should have been known in this country a hundred years ago; and yet mr. aiton, who has so laudably exerted himself, in ascertaining the precise period, when most of the exotics cultivated in the royal garden at kew first made their appearance in great-britain, informs us on very respectable authority, that this plant was introduced by mr. bentick in 1690. there is every reason to suppose, that this splendid exotic did not long survive its introduction; on inquiry, we learn that it was reintroduced about fifteen years ago, by the late dr. john fothergill, a name, to medicine and botany ever dear, in whose rich and magnificent collection at upton was first known to flower; about the same time, the late mr. thoburn, nurseryman at brompton, raised a few ixoras from foreign seeds, and from these (an accident having happened to the plant which was dr. fothergill's) are said to have arisen the plants at present in this country. both rheede and rumphius describe and figure this plant in their respective works, the _hortus malabaricus_ and _herbarium amboinense_; it is mentioned also by several other authors: from their various accounts we discover, that in different parts of india, where it grows wild, it forms a slender shrub, or tree, about six feet high, rising generally with a single stem; that its clusters of flowers, seen from afar are so brilliant as to resemble a burning coal, especially in a dark wood, whence its name of _flamma sylvarum_; that it grows in the woods, and flowers in september and october, producing a black fruit, the size of small cherries, on which the peacocks are supposed to feed, and from whence they have obtained the name of _cerasa pavonina_. the chinese call it _santanhoa_; with them it produces flowers and fruit the year through, and they hold the blossoms in such veneration, as to use them in the sacrifices they make to their idol ixora, whence linnæus has taken the name applied by him to this genus. the root is said to possess some acrimony, and to be made use of by the natives in curing the toothach. it is customary in this country, to treat the _ixora_ as a stove plant; perhaps it may be less tender than we are aware of; it flowers in july and august, but has not been known to produce fruit; is increased from cuttings, without much difficulty. our drawing was taken from a small but very healthy plant in the stove of mr. whitley (late thoburn and whitley, brompton). linnæus describes, and some authors figure this plant with stipulæ, which our plant had not, not being arrived at an age, perhaps, to produce them. [170] draba aizoides. sengreen draba, or whitlow-grass. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliculosa. _generic character._ _silicula_ integra, ovali-oblonga: valvis planiusculis, dissepimento parallelis. _stylus_ nullus. _specific character and synonyms._ draba _aizoides_ scapo nudo simplici, foliis ensiformibus carinatis ciliatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. murr. p. 372._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 372._ sedum alpinum hirsutum luteum. _bauh. pin. 284._ leucojum luteum aizoides montanum. _col. ecphr. 2. p. 62._ [illustration: no 170] the plant here figured, a native of the german alps, is one of those whose beauty cannot be shewn in a small detached piece of it; to be admired, it must be seen in a tuft of some considerable size, which it is much disposed to form when growing among rock-work, for which, like many other small alpine plants, it is well suited; thus elevated above the surface of the ground, the various beauties of this humble race are more distinctly seen, and their curious structure more readily inspected. this species is the more to be esteemed, as it flowers very early in the spring, in march, and the beginning of april, and continues in blossom about six weeks. linnæus originally confounded it with a similar plant, the _draba alpina_, a mistake since rectified in his _mantissa plant. p. 91._ [171] ixia chinensis. chinese ixia. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-partita, campanulata, regularis. _stigmata_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ ixia _chinensis_ foliis ensiformibus; floribus remotis, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis. _linn. sp. pl. v. i. p. 52._ _ait. hort. kew. v. i. p. 62._ moræa _chinensis_ caule compresso, foliis ensiformibus, panicula dichotoma, floribus pedunculatis. _murr. syst. vegetab. p. 93._ [illustration: no 171] in that elaborate and inestimable work, the _hortus malabaricus_, we have a good figure of the plant here exhibited, accompanied by a minute description; the author informs us that it grows spontaneously in india, attaining the height even of five or six feet, and affecting a sandy soil; the natives consider it as an antidote to poisons in general, and regard the bruised root as peculiarly efficacious in curing the bite of the serpent, called cobra de copella. we raised plants of it last year from seeds imparted to us by j. ibbettson, esq. of the admiralty; this year, during the months of august and september, many of them have flowered, and capsules are forming which have every appearance of producing perfect seeds; the root of this plant is yellow, and tuberous like that of the iris, the leaves also greatly resemble those of that tribe, it grows to the height of about three feet, and produces a considerable number of flowers in succession each of which is of short duration. the root and radical leaves as represented on the plate are much smaller than in plants which have been long established. our plants stood in pots in the open ground through the winter of 1790-1 without injury, but it must be remembered, that the weather during that period was uncommonly mild; it will be safest therefore to consider it as a tender herbaceous plant. it differs so much in its fructification from many others of the genus, that prof. murray has considered it as a _moræa_, with which, in our humble opinion, it has scarcely any affinity. [172] lamium orvala. balm-leaved archangel, or dead-nettle. _class and order._ didynamia gymnospermia. _generic character._ _corollæ_ labium superius integrum, fornicatum; lab. infer. 2-lobum; faux utrinque margine dentata. _specific character and synonyms._ lamium _orvala_ foliis cordatis inæqualiter arguteque serratis, corollis fauce inflata, caulibus coloratis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 534._ lamium maximum sylvaticum alterum. _bauh. pin. 231._ galeopsis maxima pannonica. _clus. hist. 2. p. 35._ hungary dead-nettle, or the dragon flower. _park. parad. p. 385._ [illustration: no 172] few of the plants of this genus have been thought to possess sufficient beauty for the flower-garden, the present one excepted, the magnificence of whose blossoms justly entitles it to rank with the more curious, if not the most beautiful of the vegetable tribes. though not common in our gardens, it has long been introduced, having been cultivated and accurately described, though badly figured, by parkinson in his _parad. terr._ it grows spontaneously in the woods of italy and hungary, and flowers with us about the latter end of april, at which time, if cold winds prevail, it is apt to be injured, unless placed in a sheltered part of the garden. it may be propagated either by seeds, or by parting its roots in autumn, is a hardy plant and grows readily. [173] aitonia capensis. cape aitonia. _class and order._ monadelphia octandria. _generic character._ monogyna. _cal._ 4-partitus. _cor._ 4-petala. _bacca_ sicca, 4-angularis, 1-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ aitonia _capensis_. _linn. suppl. pl. p. 303._ _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 612._ cotyledon foliis linearibus, flore quadrifido, fructu subrotundo. _burm. afric. 53. t. 21. s. 2._ [illustration: no 173] this genus, of which there is only one known species, has been named by the younger linnæus, in honour of mr. william aiton, author of the _hortus kewensis_, and botanic gardener to his majesty. the great length of time[5], mr. aiton has been engaged in the cultivation of plants, the immense numbers which have been the constant objects of his care through every period of their growth, joined to his superior discernment, give him a decided superiority in the _prima facie_ knowledge of living plants over most botanists the present day; his abilities in the other line of his profession, are displayed in the eulogies of all who have seen the royal collection at kew, which he has the honour to superintend. the aitonia is a native of the cape, and was introduced by mr. masson, in the year 1774. it is a greenhouse shrub of slow growth, seldom exceeding three feet in height; producing, when of sufficient age, flowers and fruit through most of the year; the fruit is a large dry angular berry, of a fine red colour. our drawing was made from a very fine plant, formerly dr. fothergill's, now in the collection of messrs. grimwood and co. kensington. it is only to be raised from seeds, which are sparingly produced in this country. [174] buddlea globosa. round-headed buddlea. _class and order._ tetrandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-fidus. _cor._ 4-fida. _stamina_ ex incifuris. _caps._ 2-fulca, 2-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ buddlea _globosa_ foliis lanceolatis, capitulis solitariis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 150. v. 1._ budleja _globosa_. _hope in act. harlem, v. 20. part. 2. p. 417. t. 11._ palquin _feuil. it. 3. p. 51. t. 38._ [illustration: no 174] mr. adam buddle, in honour of whom the present genus has been originally named by dr. houston, was an ingenious english botanist, cotemporary with, and the friend of petiver; his name is often mentioned in the _synopsis_ of mr. ray and his _hortus siccus_, or dried collection of british plants, preserved in the british museum, still resorted to in doubtful cases. the present species not enumerated either by linnæus or miller, is a native of chili, and according to the _hort. kew._ was introduced by messrs. kennedy and lee, in 1774. it has been customary, in consideration of its native place of growth, to treat it here as a greenhouse plant, for which situation it soon becomes unfit from its magnitude; some have ventured to plant it in the open borders in warm sheltered situations, where it has been found to succeed very well, producing its beautiful yellow blossoms in abundance; care must be taken, however, to guard it carefully from severe frosts, which are apt to destroy it. it flowers in may and june, and is usually propagated by cuttings or layers. [175] kalmia latifolia. broad-leav'd kalmia. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _calyx_ 5-partitus. _cor._ hypocrateriformis: limbo subtus quinquecorni. _caps._ 5-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ kalmia _latifolia_ foliis ovato-ellipticis ternis sparsisque, corymbis terminalibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 64. ed. 14. murr._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 64._ andromeda foliis ovatis obtusis, corollis corymbosis infundibuliformis, genitalibus declinatis. _fl. virg. 160._ chamædaphne foliis tini, floribus bullatis. _catesb. car. 11. t. 98._ cistus chamærhododendros mariana laurifolia, floribus expansis, summo ramulo in umbellam plurimis. _pluk. mant. 49. t. 379. s. 6._ the common laurel, vulgarly called ivy. [illustration: no 175] professor kalm (in honour of whom linnæus, as before has been observed, named this genus of plants) in his travels into north-america, published in english by mr. forster, relates that he found this species in various provinces of that extensive continent, as pensylvania, new-jersey, and new-york, growing most commonly on the sides of hills, sometimes in woods; that it flourished most on the northern sides of the hills, especially where they were intersected by rivulets; he observes, that when all the other trees had lost their ornaments, this enlivened the woods by the verdure of its foliage, and that about the month of may, it was covered with a profusion of blossoms of unrivalled beauty. [176] cytisus laburnum. common laburnum. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3. _legumen_ basi attenuatum. _specific character and synonyms._ cytisus _laburnum_ racemis simplicibus pendulis, foliolis ovato-oblongis. _linn. syst. veg. p. 666. ed. 14. murr._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 49._ laburnum arbor trifolia anagyridi similis. _bauh. hist. 2. p. 361._ laburnum. beane trefoile. _park. parad. p. 438._ [illustration: no 176] of the laburnum, our nurseries afford two principal varieties, the broad and narrow-leav'd; the latter (which is the one here figured) mr. miller was induced to make a species of under the name of _alpinum_; it certainly differs very materially from the broad-leav'd one, yet is most probably only a seminal variety; the laburnum figured in its wild state by professor jacquin, in his _flora austriaca_, has much broader leaves than ours, no mention is made by him of its being subject to vary. both miller and hanbury recommend the laburnum to be cultivated not only as an ornamental but as a timber tree, the wood having a very close grain, a good colour, and bearing a high polish;[6] they urge in its favour, that it is very hardy, a quick grower, and one that will thrive in almost any soil; the latter says, it will become a timber tree of more than a yard in girt: whatever success may attend its cultivation for the more useful purposes, as a hardy, deciduous, ornamental tree, it has long been the pride of our shrubberies and plantations. it blossoms in may, and is usually very productive of seeds, by which it may be propagated most readily. hares and rabbits being fond of its bark, do great damage to plantations of laburnum, especially in severe weather; i remember somewhere to have read, that these animals will not touch a tree if soot has been placed about it; perhaps, a circle drawn round the base of the tree with the new coal tar, which has a powerful smell of long duration, might keep off these noxious animals. the professor does not mention the precise height which he had observed these trees to attain in north-america, but it is evident that they acquire a considerable thickness, as the wood of the root as well as the body of the tree is manufactured into various utensils by the natives, and by the indians into spoons in particular, whence it has obtained the name of the _spoon tree_. the leaves have been found to prove poisonous to kine, horses, and sheep, but the deer are observed to brouse on them with impunity. peter collinson, esq. who was highly instrumental in enriching this country with the native plants of north-america, is said to have introduced this elegant species about the year 1734. with us it succeeds best when planted with a northern aspect, well sheltered, in a soil composed of loam and bog earth, in a situation moderately moist, where the air is perfectly pure. being with difficulty propagated by suckers or layers, it is most commonly raised from american seeds. [177] kalmia glauca. glaucous kalmia. _specific character and synonyms._ kalmia _glauca_ foliis oppositis oblongis lævigatis, subtus glaucis, margine revolutis, corymbis terminalibus, ramulis ancipitibus. _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 64. tab. 8._ [illustration: no 177] this species (much inferior in size to the _latifolia_, as it rarely exceeds two feet in height) is a native of newfoundland, where it was discovered by sir joseph banks, bart. and by him introduced to this country in the year 1767. it is of course not described by mr. miller, nor is it mentioned the in the 14th edition of linnæus's _syst. vegetab._ by professor murray; in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton, it is both described and figured. it flowers in april and may, is propagated in the same manner and requires the same treatment as the _latifolia_. [178] hypericum coris. heath-leav'd. st. john's-wort. _class and order._ polyadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _nect._ 0. _capsula._ _specific character and synonyms._ hypericum _coris_ floribus trigynis, calycibus serrato-glandulosis, foliis subverticillatis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr. p. 702._ coris lutea. _bauh. pin. 280._ coris legitima, ericæ similis. _hon. belli, ep. 1. ad cluj. clus. op. v. 1. p. 299._ coris. _matthioli 939._ [illustration: no 178] there is an elegance and neatness in most of this tribe, and none possess those qualities in a greater degree than the present species, which is a charming little evergreen, admirably adapted for the greenhouse, as it forms a pretty bulb, and flowers during most of the summer. it grows spontaneously in the south of europe, and many parts of the levant; honorius bellus, in his epistle clusius (_vid. clus. op_.) describes it as growing on the hilly parts of the island of crete. mr. lee, of hammersmith, received it about four years since from the crimea. it is propagated by cuttings. [179] fumaria glauca. glaucous fumitory. _class and order._ diadelphia hexandria. _generic character._ _cal._ diphyllus. _cor._ ringens. _filamenta_ 2, membranacea, singula _antheris_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ fumaria _sempervirens_ siliquis linearibus paniculatis, caule erecto. _linn. sp. pl. v. 2. p. 984. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 837._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 2._ bastard fumitory. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ fumaria siliquosa sempervirens. _corn. canad. 57. t. 57._ [illustration: no 179] the term _sempervirens_ applied to this plant by linnæus, originated in the description given of it by cornutus; (_vid. syn_.) the impropriety of calling an annual plant (for such it undoubtedly is with us, and must be in canada, its native place of growth) an _evergreen_, has appeared to us too glaring to be continued; we have thought the promotion of the science required a change in the name, and have therefore altered it to that of _glauca_, as coinciding with the english name of _glaucous_, given it by mr. aiton in his _hortus kewensis_; for to the delicate, pleasing, glaucous hue of its foliage, it owes its beauty, as much as to the lively colours of its blossoms. it is a hardy annual, coming up spontaneously in the open border where it has once flowered and seeded, and sometimes reaching the height of two feet. it flowers from june to september. mr. aiton informs us of its having been cultivated by mr. james sutherland in the year 1683. strange! that it should yet be a rarity in our gardens. [180] azalea nudiflora _var._ coccinea. scarlet azalea. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata. _stamina_ receptaculo inferta. _caps._ 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ azalea _nudiflora_ foliis ovatis, corollis pilosis, staminibus longissimis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 198._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 202._ cistus virginiana, periclymeni flore ampliori minus odorato. _pluck. mant. 49._ [illustration: no 180] whether the variety of the azalea nudiflora here figured, was originally introduced to this country by mrs. norman of bromley in kent, or mr. bewick of clapham in surrey (both celebrated for their collections of american plants) we cannot with certainty assert; true it is, the azalea coccinea was little known here till the sale of mr. bewick's plant in 1722; a considerable number of these shrubs formed the choicest part of that collection, and sold at high prices, one of them produced twenty guineas: prior to this period, mr. bewick had presented one of the same sort of shrubs to mr. thoburn, the fruits of whose skill and assiduous care in the cultivation of american plants are apparent in his late nursery at brompton, now mr. whitley's, and from the produce of which plant our figure was taken. the original species, found abundantly in the more southern parts of north-america, was introduced, according to mr. aiton's account, by peter collinson, esq. about the year 1724. the brilliancy of colour and a happy combination of form, unite in rendering the variety here figured, one of the most beautiful plants in nature: yet it wants the fragrance of some of the varieties of the _viscosa_. it flowers in june and continues in blossom about three weeks, requires a sheltered but not too shady a situation, more dry than moist, and a soil composed of loam and bog earth, or rotten leaves. the usual mode of propagating it is by layers; care must be taken not to remove the offspring too soon from the mother plant. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _fourth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 173 aitonia capensis. 159 alyssum saxatile. 161 amygdalus nana. 180 azalea nudiflora _var._ coccinea. 174 buddlea globosa. 153 bulbocodium vernum. 166 cheiranthus maritimus. 156 coreopsis verticillata. 176 cytisus laburnum. 147 dais continifolia. 170 draba aizoides. 152 epidendrum cochleatum. 179 fumaria glauca. 158 hibiscus rosa sinensis. 157 hyacinthus botryoides. 146 hypericum calycinum. 178 hypericum coris. 168 iris pavonia. 171 ixia chinensis. 169 ixora coccinea. 175 kalmia latifolia. 177 kalmia glauca. 172 lamium orvala. 151 lotus tetragonolobus. 145 monarda fistulosa _var._ 155 oxalis versicolor. 165 pelargonium cordifolium. 148 pelargonium betulinum. 163 phlox divaricata. 160 pumonaria virginica. 164 ranunculus gramineus. 162 sanguinaria canadensis. 167 sophora tetraptera. 154 saponaria ocymoides. 150 tagetes patula. 149 zinnia multiflora. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _fourth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 173 aitonia cape. 161 almond dwarf. 159 alyssum yellow. 172 archangel balm-leav'd. 180 azalea scarlet. 174 buddlea round-headed. 153 bulbocodium vernal. 148 crane's-bill birch-leav'd. 165 crane's-bill heart-leav'd. 164 crowsfoot grass-leav'd. 156 coreopsis whorled. 147 dais continus-leav'd. 170 draba fengreen. 152 epidendrum two-leav'd. 179 fumitory glaucous. 158 hisicus china-rose. 157 hyacinth grape. 168 iris peacock. 171 ixia chinese. 169 ixora scarlet. 175 kalmia broad-leav'd. 177 kalmia glaucous. 176 laburnum common. 151 lotus winged. 160 lungwort virginian. 163 lychnidea early-flowering. 150 marigold french. 145 monarda crimson. 162 puccoon canada. 146 st. john's-wort large-flower'd. 178 st. john's-wort heath-leav'd. 154 soap-wort basil. 167 sophora winged-podded. 166 stock mediterranean. 155 wood-sorrel striped-flower'd. 149 zinnia many-flower'd. * * * * * footnotes [1] pulcherrimos et latissimos in rupibus cespites efficit. _haller._ [2] delectatur solo duro, arenoso, umbroso sylvarum. _jacquin._ [3] _ait. hort. kew._ [4] provenit sponte in america occidentali five in virginia seu canada, unde semen ad nos delata, quibus propagata ejus fobeles abundanter satis in hortulo suburbano gul. walker non longe a palatio divi jacobi, sito in vico ejusdem nominis jacobeo dicto. [5] mr. a. was a pupil of the celebrated mr. miller. [6] matthiolus long since noticed the excellence of this wood, and speaks of it as being particularly used for making the best kind of bows; are our modern toxopholites acquainted with this circumstance? file made using scans of public domain works at the university of georgia.) the botanical magazine; or, flower-garden displayed: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by _william curtis_, author of the flora londinensis. vol. vii. "now let us range both far, and wide, "thro' all the gardens boasted pride. "here jasmines spread the silver flow'r, "to deck the wall or weave the bow'r, "the woodbines mix in am'rous play, "and breathe their fragrant lives away. "there rising myrtles form a shade; "there roses blush, and scent the glade; "the orange, with a vernal face, "wears ev'ry rich autumnal grace; "while the young blossoms here unfold, "there shines the fruit like pendant gold; "citrons their balmy sweets exhale, "and triumph in the distant gale. cotton. _london:_ printed by stephen couchman, for w. curtis, no 3, _st. george's-crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. mdccxciv. [217] buchnera viscosa. clammy buchnera. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal_. obsolete 5-dentatus. _corollæ_ limbus 5-fidus, æqualis: lobis cordatis. _caps_. 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ buchnera _viscosa_ foliis lineari-lanceolatis laxe dentatis subglutinosis, floribus pedunculatis, caule fruticoso. _l' herit. strip. nov. tom. 2. tab. 34. ait. kew. v. 2. p. 357._ _buchnera_ is a genus of plants established by linnæus in honour of a. e. buchner, a german naturalist. of this genus, nine species are enumerated in the 14th edition of the _systema vegetabilium_, by professor murray. we learn from mr. aiton, that the present species (a native of the cape) was introduced to the royal garden at kew in 1774. it cannot boast much beauty, yet as it occupies but little room, grows readily from cuttings, and flowers during most of the summer: it obtains a place in most greenhouses. [illustration: _no 217_] [illustration: _no 218_] [218] disandra prostrata. trailing disandra. _class and order._ heptandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ sub 7-partitus. _cor._ rotata, subseptem-partita. _caps._ 2-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ disandra prostrata. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. suppl. pl. p. 32. 214._ _ait. kew, v. 1. p. 493._ sibthorpia peregrina. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 880._ the foliage of this plant greatly resembles that of ground ivy, and its branches trail on the ground somewhat in the same manner, extending to the length of several feet; but it is not on the ground that it is best seen, as its flowers are apt to be hid among the leaves: it appears most advantageously when growing in a pot, placed on a pedestal, or in some elevated situation, where its branches may hang carelessly down: thus treated, when fully blown, it becomes a most pleasing object. linnæus, the son, in his _suppl. plant._ observes, that the _disandra_ varies extremely in the number of its stamina, as it does also in the divisions of its calyx, and corolla; in this respect;, indeed, we do not know its equal: fortunately for those systems of botany, which are formed from the number of certain parts of the fructification, few such inconstants exist. professor murray observes, that seven is the most prevalent number of its stamina, five the most natural. linnæus describes it as a native of the east; mr. aiton informs us, that it was introduced here about the year 1771, from madeira. it flowers during most of the summer months; in the winter it must be kept in the green-house; in the summer it will bear the open air, grows readily from cuttings, should be planted in rich earth, and plentifully watered in dry weather. [illustration: _no 219_] [219] michauxia campanuloides. rough-leav'd michauxia. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 16-partitus. _cor._ rotata, 8-partita. _nectarium_ 8-valve, staminiferum. _caps._ 8-locularis, polysperma. _l' heritier monogr._ _specific character and synonyms._ michauxia campanuloides. _l' heritier monogr._ the celebrated author of the _hortus kewensis_ informs us, that the plant here figured is a native of the levant, and was introduced to this country in the year 1787, by mons. l'heritier, who first gave it the name of _michauxia_, and wrote a monographia, or particular treatise on it. we have before observed, that when a plant has been named in honour of any particular person, that name must be retained in all countries, however uncouth its pronunciation may be, and there are few of our readers but what will think the present name sufficiently so. last summer 1792, in the month of july, we had the pleasure to see a fine plant of this sort, fully blown, in the collection of messrs. grimwood and co. kensington; though in a small pot, it grew nearly to the height of six feet, was branched almost to the bottom, and loaded with a profusion of blossoms, such as are represented on the plate, and which bore some distant resemblance to those of a passion-flower. it is a biennial green-house plant, and, of course, only to be raised from seeds, which we are sorry to find have not ripened in this country, though they are said to do so in france. [220] erica cerinthoides. honeywort-flower'd heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inferta. _antheræ_ bifidæ. _caps._ 4-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _cerinthoides_ antheris muticis inclusis, corollis clavatis grossis, stigmate incluso cruciato, foliis quaternis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 368._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 22._ the _erica cerinthoides_ is one of the most magnificent and shewy of the genus, grows wild at the cape, from whence it was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by mr. masson, in 1774; it is the more valuable, as it flowers during most of the year: its blossoms are found to vary from a deep to a very pale red. it is a hardy green-house plant, and usually propagated by cuttings. to have this beautiful tribe of plants in perfection, they must be kept in pots proportioned to their size, filled with that kind of bog earth in which our british heaths grow spontaneously, finely sifted; to which it may be necessary sometimes to add a third part of the mould of rotten leaves, or choice loam, partaking more of a clayey than a sandy nature: we must be careful not to let them suffer for want of water in dry hot weather, as such an omission, even for one day, may be fatal; and to give them as much air as possible at all times when the weather is mild. [illustration: _no 220_] [221] ipomoea coccinea. scarlet ipomoea. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ infundibuliformis, _stigma_ capitato-globosum, _caps._ 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ ipomoea _coccinea_ foliis cordatis acuminatis basi angulatis, pedunculis multifloris. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 204._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 215._ convolvulus coccineus, folio anguloso, _plum. amer. 89. t. 103._ quamolcit americana, folio hederæ, flore coccineo. _comm. rar. 21. t. 21._ the _ipomoea_ is very nearly related to the _convolvulus_, one principal difference consists in the different form of its stigma, which is globular, like that of the primrose; whereas in the convolvulus it is divided into two substances, as is obviously shewn in the _convolvulus arvensis_ and _sepium_, but all the plants of these two genera have not this character marked with equal strength. the present species is a twining plant, will run up a stick to the height of six, eight, or ten feet, and produce an abundance of flowers, of a rich orange colour tending to scarlet, which renders it one of the most ornamental annuals cultivated in our gardens, into which it is not as yet generally introduced, though cultivated by mr. miller, in 1759. mr. miller describes it as a native of carolina, and the bahama islands, mr. aiton of the west-indies; it flowers from june to september. it is cultivated in the same manner, and with the same ease as other annuals; three seeds may be set in the ground, about four inches asunder, in the form of a triangle; when the seedlings are sufficiently advanced, a tall stick is to be thrust down in the centre betwixt the three plants, for them to twine around: the warmer and more sheltered the situation, and the richer the soil in which they are placed, the taller the plants will grow; by raising them on a hot bed, you may anticipate their natural time of flowering, and be more certain of obtaining good seed. [illustration: _no 221_] [illustration: _no 222_] [222] struthiola erecta. smooth struthiola. _class and order._ tetrandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ nulla. _cal._ tubulosus, ore glandulis 8. _bacca_ exsucca, polysperma. _linn. mant. p. 4. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 165._ _specific character and synonyms._ struthiola _erecta_ glabra. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 164._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 165._ passerina _dodecandra_. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 513._ _amæn. acad. v. 4. p. 271._ passerina filiformis. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ passerina. _burm. afric. t. 47. f. 1._ the plant here represented appears to have been first described and figured by burman, in his _pl. afric._ under the name of _passerina_: linnæus introduced it in the 3d edition of his _sp. pl._ by the title of _passerina dodecandra_; discovering afterwards that it had in reality only four stamina, and that the other eight substances, mistaken for such, were so many glandular nectaria, he made in his _mantiss. plant._ a new genus of it, by the name of _struthiola_, and assigned it the trivial name of _erecta_; in the abbreviated generic description given of it by prof. murray, an alteration is made in this generic character, and what before was considered as corolla, is here regarded as calyx; no reason is assigned for this alteration, and we are at a loss to account for the propriety of it. mr. miller, who cultivated this plant in 1758, describes it in his dictionary, and observes very justly, that though its branches when young are erect, when loaded with blossoms they incline to a horizontal position; hence the term _erecta_ becomes an improper one, and should be changed for one more expressive. this species of struthiola is a very common shrub in our greenhouses, will grow to the height of five or six feet, and, though not so ornamental as some other plants, has the merit of flowering during most of the year, and often in the depth of winter. is readily increased by cuttings. [223] lychnis coronata. chinese lychnis. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, oblongus, lævis. _petala_ 5, unguiculata: _limbo_ sub-bifido. _caps._ 5-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ lychnis _coronata_ glabra, floribus axillaribus terminalibusque solitariis, petalis laciniatis. _thunb. japon. p. 187._ _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 435._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 117._ lychnis _grandiflora_ floribus axillaribus terminalibusque folitariis, petalis inæqualiter crenatis. _jacq. collect. v. 1. p. 149. icon. v. 1._ japonice sen sjun ra, vulgo ganpi. _kempf. amæn. exot. fasc. v. p. 873._ the rich and elegant blossoms of this chinese or japanese beauty, possess a flatness and stiffness, which gives them an artificial air, to which their colour, which is exactly that of common red lead, may perhaps somewhat contribute; they make their appearance towards the close of the summer, and as many (when the plant is in health and vigour) are produced on the same stem, they continue a considerable time in bloom; its root is perennial, and its stem, which rises to the height of about two feet, herbaceous. we remember to have seen this plant in the collection of the late dr. fothergill at upton, about the year 1774, by whom it was first introduced to this country: kæmpfer, the celebrated dutch traveller, who saw it growing in japan, gives a very short description of it in his _amænitates exoticæ_, and mentions a variety of it with white flowers: professor thunberg, who saw it also in its wild state, as well as in the gardens of that country, confines himself to describing the plant more at large: professor jacquin, in his _icones_, has given an admirable figure of it. persons here differ in their mode of cultivating this species of lychnis, some treating it as a stove others as a greenhouse and others as a hardy herbaceous plant; the latter mode is to be preferred, provided care be taken to plant it in a sheltered situation, and to guard it against the inclemency of particular seasons; it is propagated by parting its roots, also by slips, and cuttings, but in this business more than ordinary care is required to be successful. [illustration: _no 223_] [illustration: _no 224_] [224] phylica ericoides. heath-leav'd phylica. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _perianthium_ 5-partitum, turbinatum. _petala_ 0. _squamæ_ 5, stamina munientes. _caps._ tricocca, infera. _specific character and synonyms._ phylica _ericoides_ foliis linearibus verticillatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 235._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 268._ alaternoides africana ericæ foliis, floribus albicantibus et muscosis. _comm. hort. 2. p. 1. t. 1._ mr. miller, who cultivated this plant in 1731, informs us, that it grows wild about lisbon, where it covers extensive tracts of ground, in the same manner as the heath does in this country; it seldom rises above the height of three feet, and is much disposed to become bushy; its flowers, which are slightly odoriferous, begin to appear in autumn, and continue during the winter and spring; they grow in little heads on the summits of the branches: their whiteness, contrasted with the dark colour of the foliage, forms a pleasing appearance, and entitles this plant, though a common and long-established inhabitant of the greenhouse, to a place with such as may boast more brilliancy of colour. its leaves, which thickly cover the stalks, do not well accord with linnæus's specific description. it is usually propagated by cuttings, which strike readily. [illustration: _no 225_] [225] lobelia surinamensis. shrubby lobelia. _class and order._ syngenesia monogamia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ 1-petala, irregularis. _caps._ infera, 2 sive 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ lobelia _surinamensis_ caule suffruticoso, foliis oblongis glabris serratis, floribus axillaribus pedunculatis. _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 498. sp. pl. 1320._ lobelia _lævigata_ foliis ellipticis serratis glabris, capsulis grossis globosis, calycibus subulatis, corollis glaberrimis. _linn. suppl. p. 392._ the lobelia surinamensis, a plant newly introduced here, is minutely described in the _suppl. pl._ of the younger linnæus, under the name of _lævigata_, apparently from the smoothness of its flowers: in the year 1786, mr. alexander anderson sent this plant to the royal garden at kew, from the west-indies, where it grows spontaneously, as well as at surinam; and mr. aiton has inserted it at the end of the _hort. kew._ assigning to it a new specific description, and a new trivial name: our drawing was made from a plant which flowered in the stove of messrs. grimwood and co. kensington, to whom it was imparted by richard molesworth, esq. of peckham, a gentleman liberal in his communications, and anxious to promote the cause of botany. this species of lobelia is a stove plant, having a some-*what shrubby stalk, growing to the height of several feet; its blossoms are very large, of a pale red colour, and its antheræ, which might be mistaken for the stigma, unusually hairy. it begins to flower in january and february, and continues to blossom during most of the summer. is increased by cuttings. [226] arabis alpina. alpine wall-cress. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliquosa. _generic character._ _glandulæ_ nectariferæ 4, singulæ intra calycis foliola, squamæ instar reflexæ. _specific character and synonyms._ arabis _alpina_ foliis amplexicaulibus dentatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 599._ _ait. kew. vol. 2. p. 399._ _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ draba alba siliquosa repens. _bauh. pin. p. 109._ an early-blowing plant, if it has no great pretensions to beauty, brings with it a powerful recommendation, more especially if its flowers are not of the more common hue; such are the claims which the present plant has to a place in this work: it is perennial, hardy, herbaceous, of low growth, rarely exceeding a foot in height, producing its white blossoms in april and may: its size renders it a suitable plant for the border of a small garden, or for the covering of rock-work. it is readily increased by parting its roots in autumn. grows spontaneously on the alps of switzerland, austria, and lapland, and was cultivated (_vid. hort. kew_) in the botanic garden at oxford, in 1658. [illustration: _no 226_] [227] helianthus multiflorus. many-flowered or perennial sun-flower. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia frustranea. _generic character._ _recept._ paleaceum, planum. _pappus_ 2-phyllus. _cal._ imbricatus, subsquarrosus. _specific character and synonyms._ helianthus _multiflorus_ foliis inferioribus cordatis trinervatis superioribus ovatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 781._ chrysanthemum americanum majus perenne, floris folis foliis et floribus. _moris. hist. 3. p. 23._ the helianthus multiflorus, a native of north-america, is a hardy perennial herbaceous plant, arising usually to the height of five or six feet, and producing a great number of large yellow shewy blossoms, which renders it a suitable plant to ornament the shrubbery or garden of large extent; the variety with double flowers is the one most commonly cultivated, and this we find in almost every garden: it flowers from july to september, and is propagated by parting its roots in autumn. this is a hardy plant, of ready growth, will bear the smoke of london better than many others; if it continues in the same spot for a great number of years, the blossoms are apt to become single. the single sort, according to morison, was introduced before 1699 by lord lemster. _ait. kew._ [illustration: _no 227_] [illustration: _no 228_] [228] bellis perennis _var._ major flore pleno. great double daisy. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum, conicum. _pappus_ nullus. _cal._ hemisphæricus: squamis æqualibus. _sem._ subovata. _specific character and synonyms._ bellis _perennis_ scapo nudo. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 770._ bellis hortensis flore pleno. _bauh. pin. p. 261._ bellis minor hortensis flore pleno. double garden daisy. _park. parad. p. 322._ the daisy, a plant common to europe, in its wild state delights in open situations, which are moderately moist, its root is perennial, and increases greatly; the usual colour of its flowers is white, the florets are sometimes tipt with red, but more frequently red on the under side. when double, the daisy becomes much more ornamental, and in this state many varieties of it have long been cultivated, very generally in gardens; those principally found in our nurseries are the large double daisy with florets of a deep red colour on the under side, figured on the plate; the flowers of this sort will sometimes expand nearly to the size of a half-crown piece, and are the most shewy of any that we have seen; the foliage of this sort is also proportionably larger. the pale red double daisy, more delicate in its appearance, but smaller, varying in its shades of colour. the pure white double daisy. the deep red double daisy; in this the petals are usually tubular or quilled. besides these, there are the coxcomb double daisy, both red and white, in which the flowering stem rises up preternaturally flattened, and carries on its summit a long-extended ridge of flowers, frequently of an enormous size; this monstrous production seems to arise from the coalescence of two or more flowering stems: and as it is of accidental origin, so we find that a daisy which has been a coxcomb one year, shall lose that appearance entirely the next, and out of a long edging of daisies growing luxuriantly, new ones shall here and there arise; we cannot therefore depend upon the constancy of this variety. another singular variety is the proliferous or hen and chicken daisy, in which a number of flowers standing on short footstalks spring circularly out of the main flower; as this appearance for the most part arises from great luxuriance[a], this sort of daisy is also found occasionally to lose its prolific character: in my garden at lambeth-marsh, i once had a daisy growing in an edging among a number of others, which not only became proliferous, or of the hen and chicken kind, but its stalk also, or scapus, became branched, producing six or seven flowering-stems, with flowers at their extremities of the size of the common daisy; thus we find that the most permanent characters of plants are liable to be altered, and even destroyed, by accident, or culture. daisies appear to most advantage planted as an edging to a border, not that they are superior, or even equal to box for the great purposes of an edging; but in the spring of the year they enliven the border more, and add much to the general gaiety of the garden: in the formation of these, we shall give our readers some practical instructions, which will enable them to succeed much better than by following the mode commonly practised. the last week in september, or the first in october, take up your daisy roots, and divide them into single plants; your border being dug, put down your line, and make a shallow trench along it as for the planting of box; in this trench place your plants three inches apart, spreading out their fibres in the trench, and pressing the earth closely round them; in this way they will soon become rooted, and firmly fixed in the ground before the approach of frost; should this business be deferred later, as it frequently is, and the daisies be planted with a dibber in the usual way, in all probability the worms will draw out every plant before spring, especially if the earth has been rendered loose by repeated frosts. edgings of this kind require to be replanted in the same way every autumn, as the plants, if they grow well, spread too wide; if the summer prove dry, many of the roots fail, and if they remain undisturbed in the same spot, they will degenerate and become single, notwithstanding mr. miller informs us, that he never observed them to do so. [footnote a: we once saw a specimen of a hen and chicken daisy gathered on a hill in sussex, much inferior in size to the daisy as it usually grows.] [229] primula acaulis fl. pleno carneo. double lilac primrose. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _involucr._ umbellulæ. _corollæ_ tubus cylindricus ore patulo. _specific character and synonyms._ primula _acaulis_ foliis rugosis dentatis, subtus hirsutis; scapis unifloris. _jacq. misc. austr. p. 158._ _curt. flor. lond. fasc. 6._ the primrose in its wild single state is frequently introduced into shrubberies and plantations, for the purpose of enlivening them in the spring months; in its double state it has been deemed peculiarly worthy of cultivation by the curious in flowers. of the _double yellow_ primrose, which seems to have been the first known, we meet with a figure in the _hort. eyst._ and in the _parad. terrestr._ of parkinson, since those publications many new and perfectly double varieties have been introduced, as the _double white_, rarely met with. the _double deep red or velvet_, the blossoms of this will sometimes come single. the _double pink or lilac_, here figured, a plant much admired. the _double crimson_, a new variety, which, in brilliancy of colour, far surpasses all the others. the _red_, commonly called the _scotch primrose_, less ornamental than any of the preceding: besides these, we have observed a variety with blossoms of a dingy yellow inclining to red, not worth cultivating. these several varieties of primrose are admirably adapted to the decoration of the shrubbery, plantations, or even the north side of rock-work; they delight to grow in a stiff loam, a moist and somewhat shady situation, so planted they thrive admirably, the double succeeding almost as well as the single; every second or third year their roots should be divided, which may be done either in spring or autumn, they may be cultivated also in pots for the convenience of removing them when in blossom. [illustration: _no 229_] [illustration: _no 230_] [230] plumbago rosea. rose-coloured leadwort. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis: _stamina_ squamis basin corollæ claudentibus inserta. _stigma_ 5-fidum. _sem._ 1. oblongum tunicatum. _specific character and synonyms._ plumbago _rosea_ foliis petiolatis ovatis glabris, subdenticulatis caule geniculis gibbosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 199. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 215._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 205._ plumbago zeylanica, folio splendento ocymastri, flore rubro. _burm. zeyl. 195._ radix vesicatoria. _rumph. amboin. 5. p. 453. t. 168._ the _plumbago rosea_, one of the most ornamental plants which we keep in our stoves, is a native of india, from whence it was introduced to this country by the late dr. fothergill, in the year 1777, posterior to the publication of the last edition of mr. miller's dictionary. it is a shrubby plant, which frequently grows to the height of four or five feet, and is perpetually putting forth flowering spikes; these continue a long while in blossom, and hence, with proper management, it may be had to flower during most of the year, a very desirable circumstance in a plant of such singular beauty. the usual mode of increasing it is by cuttings, which strike freely. its parts of fructification, whether we regard their colour or structure, are highly deserving of notice. [illustration: _no 231_] [231] fumaria solida. solid-rooted fumitory. _class and order._ diadelphia pentandria. _generic character._ _cal._ diphyllus. _cor._ ringens. _filam._ 2 membranacea, singula _antheris_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ fumaria _solida_, caule simplici, bracteis brevioribus multifidis, radice solida. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ fumaria _bulbosa_, caule simplici, bracteis longitudine florum. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 636. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 983._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 1._ fumaria _bulbosa_ radice non cava major. _bauh. pin. p. 144._ small hollow roote. _park parad. p. 275. 279. f. 2._ by the old botanists this species of _fumaria_, whose root is constantly solid, was considered as a distinct species from another similar to it of larger growth, whose root is as constantly hollow, and which will be figured in the next number of this work; caspar bauhine in particular, in his _pinax_, describes the characters in which they differ: linnæus nevertheless makes them varieties of each other, uniting them under the name of _bulbosa_; from this union we have taken the liberty to dissent, choosing rather to follow miller, who regards them as distinct, and the botanists preceding him. the _fumaria solida_, a very old inhabitant of our gardens, is a plant of very humble growth, rarely exceeding three or four inches in height, and producing its spike of purple flowers in april, which continue in blossom about a fortnight. in point of colour the flowers of this plant are not subject to much variation, we possess a variety of it with blossoms of a much brighter colour than those of the common sort, and which, on that account, is much more worthy of cultivation. as a spring plant, it deserves a place in the garden; in point of ornament, it is applicable to the same purposes as the primrose, will grow in almost any soil or situation, requires to be taken up in the autumn, and fresh-planted every two or three years; if suffered to remain in the same spot for a great length of time, it becomes smaller, produces few or no flowers, and is so altered in its appearance, as to look like another species. [illustration: _no 232_] [232] fumaria cava. hollow-rooted fumitory. _class and order._ diadelphia hexandria. _generic character._ _cal_. diphyllus. _cor._ ringens. _filamenta_ 2 membranacea singula _antheris_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ fumaria _cava_, caule simplici, bracteis longitudine florum integris, radice cava. fumaria _bulbosa_ radice cava major. _bauh. pin. p. 143._ radix _cava_ major. _park. parad. p. 275._ the hollow-rooted fumitory differs from the _solida_, already figured, and that constantly, in a variety of particulars; its root is always, as far as we have observed, hollow, appearing sometimes, as parkinson informs us, "like a shell, every part of which when broken will grow;" frequently acquiring a very great size; the plant itself usually grows to twice the height of the _solida_, bearing foliage and flowers proportionably large; its bracteæ or floral leaves, which in the _solida_ assume a kind of finger'd appearance from the manner in which they are divided, in this are entire or but slightly indented; it flowers also about three weeks earlier. of the _fumaria cava_ there are three principal varieties in point of colour, viz. the white, the blush-coloured, and the purple, which, though plentiful in our gardens formerly, are now rarely met with; mr. chappelow informs me, that he found them all this spring, in an old plantation at teddington, where they produced the most pleasing effect. it begins to flower in march and continues in bloom three weeks or a month, rarely produces any seed, so that it is to be propagated only by dividing its roots; it is a hardy herbaceous plant, a native of germany, and will grow in almost any soil provided it be planted in a shady situation. [233] chironia baccifera. berry-bearing chironia. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ rotata. _pistillum_ declinatum. _stamina_ tubo corollæ infidentia. _antheræ_ demum spirales. _peric._ 2-loculare. _specific character and synonyms._ chironia _baccifera_ frutescens baccifera. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 229._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 258._ centaurium minus arborescens pulpiferum. _comm. rar. 9. t. 9._ centaurium minus africanum arborescens angustifolium. _old. afr. 26._ the _chironia baccifera_, a native of africa, is a plant not unfrequent in our greenhouses; its flowers are curious in their structure, of a lively hue, and suceeded by round seed-vessels, which, when ripe, have the appearance of red berries, whence its name of _baccata_; if we carefully examine these seed-vessels, we shall find that they are not properly berries, for on cutting them transversly, they are found to be hollow and to be divided into two cells (_vid. pl._) in which are contained small black seeds, whose surface is beautifully reticulated with impressed dots; the sides of the seed-vessel are fleshy, and do not appear to divide or split in any regular manner for the discharge of the seed; they must however be regarded rather as capsules than berries: in the genus _hypericum_, the seed-vessels are found to vary in a somewhat similar manner; in this part of the fructification there is not, therefore, that deviation which has been supposed, but there is a very great one in the antheræ, which do not ultimately become spiral. this plant, which grows to the height of a foot and a half or two feet, becomes very bushy, rather too much so in point of ornament, and produces both flowers, and fruit, during most of the summer. though regarded as a greenhouse plant, it does not ripen its seeds well unless kept in the stove; is with difficulty raised from cuttings, from seeds readily, by which it requires to be frequently renovated. was cultivated by mr. miller in 1759. _ait. kew._ [illustration: _no 233_] [illustration: _no 234_] [234] linum arboreum. tree flax. _class and order._ pentandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _caps._ 5-valvis, 10-locularis. _sem._ solitaria. _specific character and synonyms._ linum _arboreum_ foliis cuneiformibus, caulibus arborescentibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 303._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 388._ linum _arboreum_. _alp. exot. 19. t. 13._ contrary to what we observe in most of the plants of this genus, the present very rare and no less beautiful species of flax forms (if not a tree, as its name imports) a shrub of the height of several feet, which begins to flower in the green-house in march, and continues to be more or less covered with blossoms to the close of the summer. it is a native of the levant, from whence it was introduced to this country in the year 1788, with a profusion of other vegetables, by john sibthorp, m. d. the present celebrated professor of botany in the university of oxford; who, for the laudable purpose of promoting the science in which he is so eminent, and of enriching the oxford collection, already rendered most respectable by his unwearied labours, meditates, as we are informed, a second journey into greece. hitherto this plant has produced no seeds in this country, and it is with difficulty increased by cuttings. our figure was drawn from a plant which flowered in the spring with messrs. grimwood and co. kensington. [235] trollius asiaticus. asiatic globe-flower. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _petala_ circiter 14. _capsulæ_ plurimæ, ovatæ, polyspermæ. _specific character and synonyms._ trollius _asiaticus_ corolla patula, nectariis staminibus longioribus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 518._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 271._ helleborus aconiti folio, flore globoso croceo. _amm. ruth. 101._ of this genus, two species only have as yet been discovered, the one a native of great-britain, the other here figured the produce of siberia and cappadocia, both hardy, perennial, herbaceous plants; the latter, more particularly, from the bright orange colour of its flowers, held in high estimation as an ornamental plant, and flowering in may and june. this species, as yet rare in this country, is usually propagated by parting its roots in autumn; it may also be raised from seeds, which ripen frequently on strong healthy plants: to succeed in its cultivation, we should plant it in a composition of loam and bog earth, and place it in a north border, taking care that it does not suffer from want of watering in dry summers. was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1759. _ait. kew._ [illustration: _no 235_] [illustration: _no 236_] [236] verbascum myconi. borage-leav'd mullein. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ rotata, subinæqualis. _caps._ 1-locularis 2-valvis. _specific character and synonyms._ verbascum _myconi_ foliis lanatis radicalibus, scapo nudo. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 220._ _ait. kew. p. 238._ cortusa foliis ovatis sessilibus. _linn. hort. cliff. 50._ sanicula alpina, foliis boraginis villosa. _bauh. pin. 243._ auricula _ursi_ myconi. _dalech. hist. 837._ auricula _ursi_ flore coeruleo folio boraginis. blew beares eares with borage leaves. _park. parad. p. 236. 237. f. 3._ most of the plants of this genus are tall and shewy; the one here figured is however, of very humble growth, its flowering stem in the cultivated plant rarely exceeding six inches in height; its flowers are proportionably large, of a blueish purple colour, and highly ornamental; they make their appearance in may, and continue successively in blossom for several months, hence it becomes a desirable plant to cultivate, especially for the decorating of rock-work; it is very hardy, requires a north aspect in the summer, and to be carefully watered in dry weather; will grow in almost any soil, and is usually propagated by planting its roots in autumn. grows spontaneously on the pyrenean alps; in its wild state it is more dwarfish than our figure represents it, its foliage more woolly, and enriched with various tints, which the plant loses on cultivation; such specimens i saw in the possession of dr. r. halifax, of albemarle-street, who gathered it on its native alps. was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1731, _ait. kew._ and most probably long before that period by parkinson, who lives a figure and accurate description of it in his _parad. terrestris_. [237] oxalic carina. goat's-foot wood sorrel. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ unibus connect. _caps._ anglos discerns, 5-gina. _specific character and synonyms._ oxalis _carina_ scapis unbeliefs, foliis ternaries glabris, floribus erects. _thunb. oxalic, n. 11._ _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 433._ oxalis _peas capra_ scapo embellisher, foliis ternaries sub bipartite apiece subtus callouses. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 622._ oxalis bulbosa pentacle et hexagonal, floribus margins lutes et copiosis. _burm. afr. 80. t. 29. et t. 28. f. 3._ the cape of good-hope, that most fertile source of curious and beautiful plants, affords numerous species of wood sorrel, and, among others, the present one, which is distinguished for the largeness of its blossoms; they are of a fine yellow colour, and, when expanded by the influence of the sun, make a very conspicuous figure in the green-house; it begins to flower early in april, and continues about two months in bloom, many flowering stems arising from the same root. this species is of free growth, and increases plentifully by bulbs, which are produced on the crown of the root, as well as on its fibres; these, when the plant decays, should be taken up, and two or three of the largest planted in the middle of a pot filled with a mixture of bog earth and rotten leaves, well incorporated; towards winter, the pots mould be placed in the green-house, or in a frame so secured as perfectly to keep out frost. was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1757. _ait. kew._ [illustration: _no 237_] [238] senecio elegans. purple groundsel, or ragwort. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ simplex. _cal._ cylindricus, calyculatus. _squamis_ apice sphacelatis. _specific character and synonyms._ senecio _elegans_ corollis radiants, foliis pontiffs æqualibus pianissimos margin increased recurved. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 757._ senecio _elegans_ corollis radiants, foliis polos-viscid is pontiffs æqualibus pianissimos, roach inferno angsts, calycibus hurts. _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 193._ aster africans annuus senecionis foliis. _comm. hort. 2. p. 59. t. 30._ linnæus has given to this charming annual the name of _elegans_, on account of the great beauty of its flowers, the florets of the radius being of a most brilliant purple, and those of the disk bright yellow; colours regarded as peculiar to this plant, till the _sen. venustus_ described in the _hort. kew._ was discovered and introduced here; it is a native of the cape and other parts of africa, grows usually to the height of a foot and a half, or two feet; flowers from june to august, grows readily, requiring the same treatment as other annuals of the more tender kind; seedling plants raised in the autumn in pots, and kept in the green-house or under a frame during winter, will, of course, flower much earlier than plants produced in the spring. within these few years, a variety of this senecio with perfectly double flowers, equally brilliant as those of the single kind, has been introduced, and is here figured; this, from its superior beauty, is now cultivated, in preference to the single; there is double variety of it also with white flowers which being less shewy is not so much esteemed; both of these are raised, and that readily, from cuttings, which as soon as well rooted may be planted out in the open borders, where they will be highly ornamental during most of the summer; as young plants are most desirable, we should take care to have a constant succession from cuttings regularly put in, and to preserve pots of such in particular, in the green-house during winter, for early blowing the ensuing summer. the single sort was cultivated here, by charles dubois, esq. in the year 1700. _ait. kew._ [illustration: _no 238_] [239] amaryllis atamasco. atamasco lily. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ hexapetaloidea, irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta, declinata, inæqualia proportione vel directione. _linn. fil._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _atamasco_ spatha bifida acuta, flore pedicellato, corolla campanulata subæquali erecta basi breve tubulosa, staminibus declinatis æqualibus. _linn. fil._ _ait. kew. p. 416._ amaryllis _atamasco_ spatha uniflora, corolla æquali, pistillo declinato. _linn. spec. pl. ed 3. p. 420._ lilio-narcissus indicus pumilus monanthus albus foliis angustissimis atamasco dictus. _moris. hist. 11. p. 366. t. 24._ lilio-narcissus virginiensis. _catesb. carol. 3. p. 12. t. 12._ lilio-narcissus liliflorus carolinianus flore albo singulari cum rubedine diluto. _pluk. alm. 220. t. 43. f. 3._ the _amaryllis atamasco_ is a native of virginia and carolina, in which countries it grows very plentifully in the fields and woods, where it makes a beautiful appearance when it is in flower, which is in the spring. the flowers of this sort are produced singly, and at their first appearance have a fine carnation colour on their outside, but this fades away to a pale or almost white before the flowers decay. this plant is so hardy as to thrive in the open air in england, provided the roots are planted[b] in a warm situation and on a dry soil; it may be propagated by offsets from the roots, which they put out pretty plentifully, especially if they are not transplanted oftner than once in three years. _miller's dict._ it is usual with the nurserymen about london to keep this plant in the greenhouse, where it flowers about the end of april. mr. charles hatton cultivated here in 1680, _ait. kew._ on the authority of morison. [footnote b: clayton in _gronov. fl. virg._ says maddidis gaudet locis, it delights to grow in wet places.] [illustration: _no 239_] [illustration: _no 240_] [240] pelargonium tricolor. three-coloured crane's-bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema desinente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filamenta_ 10, inæqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata, fructus 5-coccus, rostratus: rostra spiralia, introrsum barbata. _l'herit. geran._ _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _tricolor_ petalis duobus superioribus punctis prominulis lucidis ad basin scabris. the _pelargonium tricolor_, a species perfectly new, in point of beauty is thought to eclipse all that have hitherto been introduced to this country; its blossoms are certainly the most shewy, in a collection of plants they are the first to attract the eye, the two uppermost petals are of a beautiful red, having their bases nearly black, the three lowermost are white, hence its name of _tricolor_: this peculiarity of colour joined to their form, has induced some to fancy a similarity betwixt its flowers and those of the heartsease: to the blossoms of the _lathyrus articulatus_ in point of colour, they bear also a distant resemblance. in our eagerness to lay before the public this striking novelty, we may possibly omit some circumstances relative to its history and treatment, which future experience may develope, they will not, however, we trust be very material; the plants which we have had an opportunity of seeing have scarcely exceeded a foot in height, growing up with a shrubby stem, and expanding widely into numerous flowering branches, unusually disposed to produce flowers in a constant succession, so that during most of the summer the plant is loaded with a profusion of bloom; these flowers for the most part go off without being followed by any seed, and when any seed is produced, of which we have seen a few instances, there is generally one perfect and four abortive, frequently all of them fail; the blossoms vary in the number of their stamina, four are most usually apparent, three superior, and that very constantly, one inferior and often two, we have never observed seven, the proper number of fertile stamina in a _pelargonium_: the whole plant is covered with short white hairs which give to the foliage a somewhat silvery hue. instances have occurred in which one or more of the white petals have had a stripe of red in them, and we have observed that the dark colour at the base of the uppermost petals is, in a certain degree, soluble in water, for on the plants being watered the white petals have here and there become stained by the colouring matter proceeding from it, and which, in a diluted state, is of a purplish tint: as the flowers decay, this apparently black part, distinguished by the roughness of its surface, arising from prominent lucid points, and which essentially distinguish the species, is sometimes perforated with numerous small holes. mr. masson, who is employed to collect plants at the cape, for the royal garden at kew, and in which employment he so honourably acquits himself, as the _hortus kewensis_ bears ample testimony, sent hither seeds of this _pelargonium_, which flowered in that matchless collection in the year 1792; a few plants of it have also been raised from cape seeds, by mr. williams, nurseryman, at hammersmith, some of which flowered this spring with mr. colvill, nurseryman, kings-road. it must be several years before the lovers of plants can be generally gratified with the possession of this plant, most of its branches running out speedily into flowering stalks, form few proper for cuttings, which are struck with difficulty, and perfect seeds are sparingly produced. it appears to be equally hardy as most others of the same tribe, and to require a similar treatment. [241] fagonia cretica. cretian fagonia. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5, cordata. _caps._ 5-locularis, 10-valvisi, loculis 1-spermis. _specific character and synonyms._ fagonia _cretica_ spinosa, foliolis lanceolatis planis lævibus. _linn. sp. pl. ed 3. p. 553._ _mant. p. 380._ _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 401._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 62._ trifolium spinosum creticum. _clus. hist. 2. p. 242. f._ _bauh. pin. p. 330._ fagonia cretica spinosa. _tourn. inst. p. 265._ clusius is the first author who has described and figured this plant, he is very minute in his description of it, noticing the exact number of its stamina; it is the more surprising, therefore, that he should have so little idea of generic character, as to rank it with the trefoils merely from the form of its leaves: tournefort, born to illustrate the genera of plants, named it _fagonia_ in honour of his friend and patron, mons. fagon, privy counsellor and consulting physician to lewis xiv. this species is a native of the island of candia, and was cultivated here by mr. miller, in 1739; it is an annual, and as it does not perfect its seeds with us in the open air, unless in very favourable seasons, it is usually treated as a green-house plant, its seeds should be sown in the autumn, as it thereby flowers earlier, and ripe seeds are with more certainty obtained. it blossoms from june to august. the plant from which our drawing was made, flowered this season in the very rich collection of messrs. lee and kennedy, hammersmith. its branches are usually procumbent, about a foot in length, and require, if the plant be kept in a pot, to be tied up to a stick. [illustration: _no 241_] [illustration: _no 242_] [242] veronica decussata. cross-leav'd speedwell. _class and order._ diandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ limbo 4-partito: lacinia infima angustiore. _caps._ 2-locularis apice emarginata. _specific character and synonyms._ veronica _decussata_ spicis terminalibus paniculatis, foliis oblongis integerrimis lævigatis coriaceis, caule fruticoso. _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 20._ veronica _decussata_ floribus racemosis axillaribus, foliis ovalibus decussatis integerrimis. _moench. weissenstein. p. 137._ _linn. syst. nat. tom. 2. ed. 13._ _gmel. p. 30._ the plant here represented, is a native of falkland's island, and was introduced to this country by dr. fothergill, about the year 1776; if permitted to grow, it will become a bushy shrub of a considerable size: it has been chiefly admired for the unusual and regular growth of its leaves, which are ever-green, and grow thickly on the branches, cross-wise, affording an excellent example of the _folia decussata_; but it is entitled to our admiration on another account, its blossoms have a most delicious fragrance (similar to that of the _olea fragrans_) not mentioned by authors, and we believe scarcely known, having never heard it spoken of by those who have cultivated the plant; its flowers, which are white, are produced on the tops of the branches, which, however, they do not strictly terminate, but usually grow out just below the summits, on short racemi; the corolla is sometimes divided into five segments, and there is a greater equality in the segments than is usually found in the flowers of the veronica, the seed-vessel differs also in its form, being longer, more oval, and scarcely emarginate; these several deviations from the structure of the veronica genus, joined to the fragrance of the blossoms of this plant, induce us to think, that it has more affinity with the _olea_ above mentioned. cultivators complain, that it does not blow freely; without any peculiarity of treatment, it flowers with us every year, about the middle of june; it is one of the more hardy greenhouse plants, which is usually and readily increased by cuttings. [illustration: _no 243_] [243] argemone mexicana. mexican argemone, or prickly poppy. _class and order._ polyandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala. _cal._ 3-phyllus. _caps._ semivalvis. _specific character and synonyms._ argemone _mexicana_ capsulis sexvalvibus, foliis spinosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 490._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 225._ papaver spinosum. _clus. hist. 2. p. 93._ carduus chrysanthemus peruanus. the golden thistle of peru. _ger. herb. p. 993._ this species of argemone is a native of mexico, and the west-indies, where we should suppose it to be a very common and noxious weed, from the name there given it of _fico del inferno_, or the _devil's fig_: it has long been introduced to this country; gerard, who cultivated it with success, ludicrously attributes its nickname to a different source: "the golden thistle of peru, called in the west-indies, fique del inferno, a friend of mine brought it unto me from an iland there, called saint johns iland, among other seedes, what reason the inhabitants there have to call it so it is unto me unknown, unless it be bicause of his fruite, which doth much resemble a figge in shape and bignesse, but so full of sharpe and venemous prickles, that whosoever had one of them in his throte, doubtless less it would send him packing either to heaven or to hell." miller mentions it as a plant of no great use or beauty, in the latter point of view clusius, who was one of the first to figure and describe it, and gerard, thought differently; its foliage is certainly beautiful, somewhat like that of the milk thistle, its blossoms are large and shewy, though not of long duration; like the celandine, the whole plant abounds with a yellow juice, which flows out when it is wounded; it differs from the poppy, to which it is nearly related, in having a calyx of three leaves. though a native of a very warm climate, it is cultivated with as much facility as any annual whatever; in the gardens about london, where it has once grown, and scattered its seeds, it comes up spontaneously every spring, flowers in july and august, and ripens its seeds in september; these are large, somewhat round, of a black colour, with a beautiful surface; a light rich soil and warm situation suits it best. [244] ipomoea quamoclit. winged leav'd ipomoea. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ infundibuliformis. _stigma_ capitato-globosum. _caps._ 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ ipomoea _quamoclit_ foliis pinnatifidis linearibus, floribus subsolitariis. _linn, syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 204._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 215._ quamoclit _s_ jasminum americanum. _clus. posth. 9._ convolvulus tenuifolius americanus. the red bellflower of america. _park. parad. p. 358. 3._ in a former number of this work, we gave a figure of the scarlet ipomoea, which every one possessing a garden, at least in the more southern parts of this kingdom, might gratify themselves with a sight of, it being hardy enough to flower and ripen its seeds in the open border; but the present species, an annual also, and equally beautiful, with greater singularity of foliage, can be brought to perfection only in the stove of hot-house. its seeds should be sown early in the spring, two or three in a small pot; when the plants are so far advanced as to shew a disposition to climb, they should be removed with a ball of earth into a middle-sized pot, in which one, two, or three sticks, four or five feet high should be stuck, for the plants to climb up; in the months of june and july they will flower, and ripe seed will be produced in september. this elegant species, a native of both the indies, was cultivated here by parkinson, who minutely describes it in his _parad terr._ when speaking of the seed, he observes, "with us it will seldom come to flower, because our cold nights and frosts come so soone, before it cannot have comfort enough of the sun to ripen it." [illustration: _no 244_] [245] teucrium latifolium. broad-leav'd shrubby germander. _class and order._ didynamia gymnospermia. _generic character._ _cor._ labium superius (nullum) ultra basin 2-partitum, divaricatum ubi stamina. _specific character and synonyms._ teucrium _latifolium_ foliis integerrimis rhombeis acutis villosis subtus tomentosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 526._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 276._ teucrium fruticans bæticum ampliore folio. _dill. elth. 379. t. 284. f. 367._ the _teucrium latifolium_ as well as the _fruticans_, which is nearly related to it, is a native of spain, and was cultivated in this country in 1714, by the duchess of beaufort, _vid. ait. kew._ it is a shrubby plant, growing to the height of seven or eight feet (it may be trained to a much greater height) now common in our greenhouses, and sometimes planted in the open border in warm situations, where it will bear about the same degree of cold as the myrtle; it flowers during most of the summer months, and is readily increased by cuttings. [illustration: _no 245_] [illustration: _no 246_] [246] aquilegia canadensis. canadian columbine. _class and order._ polyandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _petala_ 5. _nectaria_ 5 corniculata, inter petala. _caps._ 5 distinctæ. _specific character and synonyms._ aquilegia _canadensis_ nectariis rectis, staminibus corolla longioribus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 535._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 248._ aquilegia _pumila_ praæox canadensis. _corn. canad. 60._ aquilegia præcox canadensis; flore externe rubicundo, medio luteo. _moris. hist. 111. p. 457. t. 2. f. 4._ aquilegia virginiania flore rubescente præcox. the early red columbine of virginia. _park. th. p. 1367._ parkinson was not acquainted with this plant when he wrote his _parad. terr._ but in his larger and more general work, the _theat. pl._ published in 1640, he describes and figures it as a plant newly introduced from virginia, by mr. john tradescant: cornutus, in his account of the plants of canada, gives us a representation and a description of this plant also; according to him, its usual height in that country is about nine inches; in the gardens here it nearly equals the common columbine, which it considerably resembles in the appearance of its foliage, but differs in the form and colour of its flowers, the horn of the nectary is straighter, and the blossom in some of its parts inclines more to orange, which renders it highly ornamental. it is a hardy perennial, and may be easily propagated by parting its roots in autumn or spring; it may also be raised from seeds, which ripen readily here; these are found to be a long time in vegetating, as are others of this genus. we have observed in some gardens, a columbine of more humble growth than the one here figured, called by the name of _canadensis_, and which most probably is a variety of our plant, its blossoms spread wider, are of a pale red colour without any orange, and hence being less beautiful, is, of course, less worthy of culture. [247] scabiosa atropurpurea. sweet scabious. _class and order._ tetrandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ communis polyphyllus; proprius duplex, superus. _recept._ paleaceum nudum. _specific character and synonyms._ scabiosa _atropurpurea_ corollulis quinquefidis radiantibus, foliis dissectis, receptaculis florum subulatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 145._ _ait. kew. v. i. p. 137._ scabiosa peregrina rubra capite oblongo. _bauh. pin. 270._ scabiosa vi. indica. _clus. hist. 2. p. 3._ red flowered indian scabious. _park. parad. 324._ it is not a little singular that we should have no certain account of what country this species of scabious is a native; clusius who describes and figures it accurately, relates that he received seeds of it from italy, under the name of _indian scabious_; he informs us also that he received seeds of a scabious from spain, which the same year produced flowers of a similar colour, but paler; parkinson says this plant is verily thought to grow naturally in spain and italy; does he borrow this idea from what clusius has advanced? he certainly gives no authority for his supposition: linnæus mentions it as a native of india with a note of doubt; miller does the same, omitting any doubts about it; mr. aiton leaves its place of growth unsettled. the sweet scabious has long and deservedly held a place as an ornamental plant in our gardens, the flowers are well adapted for nosegays, have a sweet musky smell, and are produced in great profusion from june to october. it is a hardy biennial, requiring yearly to be raised from seeds, these should be sown about the latter end of may, or beginning of june, on a shady border of fresh earth, thinning the plants as they advance to the distance of three or four inches; in autumn they should be removed into the border, where they are intended to flower, thus treated they will become good strong plants against winter, flower early the ensuing summer, and produce abundance of perfect seeds. the blossoms vary in colour, towards autumn the edge of the florets become paler. parkinson, deviating from his usual accuracy, describes the flowers without scent. _vid. parad._ [illustration: _no 247_] [illustration: _no 248_] [248] vinca rosea. madagascar periwinkle. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ contorta. _folliculi_ 2 erecti. _semina_ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ vinca _rosea_ caule fructescente erecto, foliis ovato oblongis, petiolis basi bidentatis, floribus geminis sessilibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 252._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 296._ vinca foliis oblongo-ovatis integerrimis, tubo floris longissimo, caule ramoso fruticoso. _mill. icon. 86._ the _vinca rosea_ was first cultivated in this country by mr. philip miller in 1757, he observes that it deserves a place in the stove as much as any of the exotic plants we have in england, because the flowers are very beautiful, and there is a constant succession of them all the summer. the following account is extracted from his dictionary. "this plant grows naturally in the island of madagascar, from whence the seeds were brought to the royal garden at paris, where the plants were first raised, and produced their flowers the following summer; from these plants good seeds were obtained, which were sent me by mr. richard, gardener to the king at versailles and trianon. it rises to the height of three or four feet; the branches which when young are succulent become ligneous by age: these flowers which appear early in the summer produce ripe seeds in the autumn. "this sort is propagated by seeds or cuttings in the usual way; unless the summer proves warm these plants should not be placed abroad, for they will not thrive if they are exposed to cold or wet, therefore during the summer they should be placed in an airy glass-case, and in winter they must be removed into the stove, where the air is kept to a temperate heat, without which they will not live through the winter in england. _mill. dict._ there is a variety of this plant having white blossoms with a purple eye. the flowers do not always grow in pairs. [illustration: _no 249_] [249] cineraria amelloides. blue-flowered cineraria or cape aster. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superfloa. _generic character._ _recept._ nullum. _pappus_ simplex. _cal._ simplex polyphyllus æqualis. _specific character and synonyms._ cineraria _amelloides_ pedunculis unifloris, foliis oppositis ovatis nudis, caule suffruticoso. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 765._ _ait kew. v. 3. p. 219._ aster africanus frutescens ramosus, floribus cæruleis, foliis oppositis minimis, caulibus et ramulis in pedunculos nudos exeuntibus. _raii suppl. 158._ aster caule ramoso scabro perenni, foliis ovatis sessilibus, pedunculis nudis unifloris. _mill. icon. 76. f. 2._ the _cineraria amelloides_ a plant common in every green-house, was introduced by mr. philip miller as long since as the year 1753, being raised by him from cape seeds; it forms a bushy shrub, of the height of two, or three feet, produces numerous blossoms, which stand singly on long footstalks, are of a pale blue colour; they make some amends for their want of brilliancy by flowering during most of the year. the plant is easily propagated either by seeds or cuttings. [250] myrtus tomentosa. woolly-leaved myrtle. _class and order._ icosandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus, superus. _petala_ 5. _bacca_ 2. s. 3 sperma. _specific character and synonyms._ myrtus _tomentosa_ pedunculis unifloris, foliis triplinervii, subtus tomentosis. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 159._ arbor sinensis canellæ folio minore, trinervi, prona parte villoso, fructu caryophylli aromatici majoris villis similiter obducto. _pluk. amalth. 21. t. 372. f. 1._ in the third edition of the _species plant._ of linnæus, published in 1764, thirteen myrtles are described; in the 13th edition of the _syst. natur._ published by gmelin in 91, forty-one are enumerated; thus in twenty-seven years this genus has gained an accession of twenty-eight species: most of these are natives of warm climates, and few comparatively have been introduced to this country, six species only being mentioned in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton, in that work the _tomentosa_ here figured, not known to linnæus or miller is specifically described, and there mr. aiton informs us that it is a native of china, and was introduced by mrs. norman about the year 1766. since that period it has fallen into the hands of various cultivators, and flowered perhaps in greater perfection than it did originally at kew; the peduncles, in the various specimens we have seen usually supporting more than one flower. it is a shrub of great beauty, both in respect to its foliage and flowers, bearing but little similitude to the common myrtle, if suffered to grow, acquiring the height of many feet. its blossoms are produced in june and july, the buds are covered with a white down, as is also the underside of the leaves, whence its name of _tomentosa_. it has been customary to treat it as a stove plant, such it is considered in the _hort. kew._ there is great reason however to believe, that it is by no means tender, and that it may succeed as most of the chinese plants do in a good greenhouse. it is usually increased by cuttings which are struck difficulty. [illustration: _no 250_] [251] allium descendens. purple-headed garlick. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-partita, patens. _spatha_ multiflora. _umbella_ congesta. _caps._ supera. _specific character and synonyms._ allium _descendens_ caule subteretifolio umbellifero, pedunculis exterioribus brevioribus, staminibus tricuspidatis. linn. _syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 322._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 425._ allium staminibus alterne trifidis, foliis fistulosis, capite sphærico non bulbifero atropurpureo. _hall. all. tab. 2. f. p. 355. xx. ii._ baron haller in his most admirable _monographia_ on the plants of this genus, published in his _opuscula botanica_, describes and figures this species, a hardy perennial, being a native of switzerland, and cultivated according to mr. aiton, in the garden at oxford in 1766. it usually grows to the height of three feet, thriving in almost any soil or situation, its flowers as in many other species grow in a capitulum or little head, not an umbel, strictly speaking, as linnæus describes it; this head is at first covered with a whitish membrane, wearing some resemblance to a night-cap, on the falling off of which the whole of the capitulum is perceived to be of a green colour, shortly the crown of it becomes of a fine reddish purple, this colour extends itself gradually downwards, presently we see the upper half of the head purple, the lower half green, in this state it has a most pleasing appearance; the purple still extending downwards, the whole head finally becomes uniformly so, and then its flowers begin to open, and emit an odour rather agreeable than otherwise; on dissecting a flower we find three of the stamina in each longer than the others, and bearing two little points, which proceed not from the antheræ, but from the top of the filaments, it is therefore one of those alliums which linnæus describes, as having _antheræ bicornes_. this species increases readily by offsets, which should be separated and planted in autumn. we know not why linnæus should give it the name of _descendens_, unless from its being one of those plants whose roots in process of time descend deeply into the earth. [illustration: _no 251_] [illustration: _no 252_] [252] campanula grandiflora. great-flowered bell-flower. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata fundo clauso valvis staminiferis. _stigma_ trifidium. _caps._ insera poris lateralibus dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ campanula _grandiflora_ caule subunifloro, foliis sublanceolatis serratis, corolla patente. _jacq. in litt. hort. v. 3. t. 2._ campanula _grandiflora_ foliis ternis oblongis serratis, caule unifloro, flore patulo. _linn. suppl. p. 140. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 207._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 218._ professor jacquin is, we believe, the first author who has figured this species of campanula, which he has done in his _hortus vindebonensis_; linnæus the son afterwards inserted it in his _suppl. pl._ assigning it the characters specified above in the synonyms, and expressing his doubts whether it was not a variety of the _campanula carpatica_, already figured in this work, _pl. 117_. prof. jacquin clearly demonstrates that it cannot be so, as it differs most essentially from that plant in a variety of particulars, _vid. linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr._ his specific description there given, agrees much better with the plants we have seen flower here, than that of linnæus does, there being generally more than one flower on a stalk, and the leaves rarely growing three together. the blossoms of this plant when it grows in perfection, are very large, nearly twice the size of those of the _campanula carpatica_, whence its name of _grandiflora_; previous to their opening fully, they somewhat resemble an air balloon, from which circumstance it has been called by some the balloon plant. it is a hardy perennial, a native of siberia and tartary, and was introduced to this country by mr. john bell in the year 1782. it flowers in july, is as yet a rare plant in this country, and likely to continue so, as it is not easily increased, multiplying but little by its roots, scarcely to be struck from cuttings, and rarely producing perfect seeds. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _seventh volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 251 allium descendens. 239 amaryllis atamasco. 226 arabis alpina. 243 argemone mexicana. 246 aquilegia canadensis. 228 bellis perennis var. major fl. pl. 217 buchnera viscosa. 252 campanula grandiflora. 233 chironia baccifera. 249 cineraria amelloides. 218 disandra prostrata. 220 erica cerinthoides. 241 fagonia cretica. 231 fumaria solida. 232 ---cava. 227 helianthus multiflorus. 221 ipomoea coccinea. 244 ---quamoclit. 234 linum arboreum. 225 lobelia surinamensis. 223 lychnis coronata. 219 michauxia campanuloides 250 myrtus tomentosa. 237 oxalis caprina. 240 pelargonium tricolor. 224 phylica ericoides. 230 plumbago rosea 229 primula acaulis fl. pl. carneo. 247 scabiosa atropurpurea. 238 senecio elegans. 222 struthiola erecta. 245 teucrium latifolium. 235 trollius asiaticus 248 vinca rosea. 236 verbascum myconi. 242 veronica decussata index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _seventh volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 252 bell flower great-flowered. 217 buchnera clammy. 233 chironia berry-bearing. 249 cineraria blue-flowered. 246 columbine canadian. 240 cranes-bill three-coloured 228 daisy great double. 218 disandra trailing. 241 fagonia cretian. 234 flax tree. 231 fumitory solid-rooted. 232 ---hollow-rooted. 251 garlick purple-headed 245 germander broad-leaved shrubby. 235 globe-flower asiatic. 220 heath honeywort-flowered. 221 ipomoea scarlet. 244 ---winged-leaved. 230 leadwort rose-coloured. 239 lily atamasco. 225 lobelia shrubby. 223 lychnis chinese. 219 michauxia rough-leaved. 236 mullein borage-leaved. 250 myrtle woolly-leaved. 248 periwinkle madagascar. 224 phylica heath-leaved. 243 poppy prickly. 229 primrose lilac double. 238 rag wort purple. 247 scabious sweet. 242 speedwell cross-leaved. 222 struthiola smooth. 227 sunflower perennial. 226 wall-cress alpine. 237 wood-sorrel goat's-foot. the botanical magazine; or, flower-garden displayed: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the greenhouse, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by _william curtis_, author of the flora londinensis. vol. ix. "but softer tasks divide florella's hours; "to watch the buds just op'ning on the day; "with welcome shade to screen the languid flowers, "that sicken in the summer's parching ray. "oft will she stoop amidst her evening walk, "with tender hand each bruised plant to rear; "to bind the drooping lily's broken stalk, "and nurse the blossoms of the infant year." mrs. barbauld. _london_: printed by stephen couchman, for w. curtis, n^o 3, _st. george's crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xcv. [289] convolvulus linearis. narrow-leaved convolvulus. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ campanulata, plicata. _stigmata_ 2. _caps._ 2-locularis: loculis dispermis. _specific character._ convolvulus _linearis_ caulibus erectis fruticosis, foliis linearibus acutis piloso-sericeis, floribus terminalibus umbellato-paniculatis, calycibus pilosis. [illustration: n^o. 289] the plant here represented has long been cultivated as a greenhouse plant in this country under the name of _convolvulus cantabrica_, but it differs so essentially from that plant, as figured and described by prof. jacquin in his _flora austr._ and accords so little with the other species described by linnæus, that we have been induced to regard it as a perfectly distinct species; in most points it agrees with _convolvulus cneorum_, but differs in having leaves much narrower, more pointed, and less silky. it strikes most readily from cuttings, is a hardy greenhouse plant, and flowers during most of the summer, qualities which many of the modern and more shewy greenhouse plants cannot boast. the precise time of its introduction here, together with its particular place of growth, we have not as yet been able satisfactorily to ascertain. [290] amaryllis lutea. yellow amaryllis. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ hexapetaloidea, irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta, declinata, inæqualia proportione vel directione. _linn. fil._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _lutea_ spatha indivisa obtusa, flore sessili, corolla campanulata erecta basi breve tubulosa, staminibus erectis, alternis brevioribus. _linn. fil. ait. kew. v. 21. p. 415._ colchicum luteum majus. _bauh. pin. p. 69._ narcissus autumnalis major. the greater autumne or winter daffodill. _park. parad. p. 77. 75. f. 7._ [illustration: n^o. 290] the amaryllis lutea is a hardy perennial bulbous plant, a native of spain, and other of the more southern parts of europe, and was cultivated in our gardens in the time of gerard, and parkinson. flora, who commences her revolutionary reign, by enlivening the flower border with the spring crocus, and its numerous varieties, terminates it with flowers equally pleasing, and of similar hues; thus we have the present plant, the saffron crocus, and the colchicum, flowering nearly at the same time, from the end of september, through october, and sometimes part of november. similar as the amaryllis is to the yellow spring crocus, in the colour, and form of its flowers, it differs obviously in the number of its stamina, the breadth of its leaves, and the size and colour of its root. authors describe it as varying in size, in the breadth of its leaves, the height of its flowers, and multiplication of the corolla. the dutch florists export it under the title of yellow colchicum, following the name of some of the old writers. it succeeds best in a soil moderately moist, in which it increases considerably by offsets, and flowers to the most advantage when the roots have remained for some few years undisturbed in the same spot. [291] capparis spinosa. the caper shrub. _class and order._ polyandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus, coriaceus. _petala_ 4. _stamina_ longa. _bacca_ corticosa, unilocularis, pedunculata. _specific character and synonyms._ capparis _spinosa_ pedunculis unifloris solitariis, stipulis spinosis, foliis annuis, capsulis ovalibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 487._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 221._ capparis _spinosa_ fructu minore, folio rotundo. _bauh. pin. p. 480._ [illustration: n^o. 291] we are happy in having it in our power to lay before our readers a representation of the caper shrub, whose blossoms are rarely seen in this country, though its flower-buds are in very general use as a pickle; indeed, so great is their consumption, that they form a very considerable article of commerce. the plant grows spontaneously in the more southern parts of europe, especially in italy and the levant; in its wild state it forms a shrub of low growth, having numerous, spreading, spinous branches, somewhat thickly beset with smooth roundish leaves; the blossoms grow alternately on the branches, and when the plant begins to flower, one opens generally every other morning, but so delicate are its parts, that on a hot summer's day it fades before noon: the petals are white; the filaments, which are extremely numerous, are white below, and of a rich purple above; in these the beauty of the flower chiefly consists, as in the pistillum or pointal does its great singularity; at first view, one would be led to conclude, that the part so conspicuous in the centre of the flower was the style terminated by the stigma in the usual way; but if we trace this part of the flower to a more advanced state, we shall perceive, that what we took for the style, was merely an elongation of the flower-stalk, and what we took for the stigma, was in reality the germen placed on it, crowned with a minute stigma, without any intervening style; this germen swells, turns downward, and ultimately becomes the seed-vessel, rarely ripening in this country. miller observes, that these plants are with difficulty preserved in england, for they delight to grow in crevices of rocks, and the joints of old walls and ruins, and always thrive best in an horizontal position; so that when they are planted either in pots or the full ground, they rarely thrive, though they may be kept alive for many years. it flowers in may and june, and is usually raised from seeds. mr. aiton regards it as a greenhouse plant, and informs us that it was cultivated by gerard in 1596. [292] passerina grandiflora. great-flowered passerina. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _cor._ 4-fida. _stamina_ tubo imposita. _sem._ 1. corticatum. _specific character and synonyms._ passerina _grandiflora_ glaberrima, foliis oblongis acutis concavis extrinsecus rugosis, floribus terminalibus sessilibus solitariis. _linn. suppl. pl. p. 226._ [illustration: n^o. 292] the _passerina_ here figured, distinguished from all the other known species by the largeness of its flowers, is described in the _suppl. pl._ of the younger linnæus, but not enumerated in the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton: it is indeed a plant recently introduced to this country from the cape; we saw it last summer in great perfection, at messrs. lee and kennedy's, hammersmith; it forms a small neat shrub, somewhat like the _phylica ericoides_, is a hardy greenhouse plant, flowering in may and june, and increased without difficulty from cuttings. [293] catananche cærulea. blue catananche. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia æqualis. _generic character._ _recept._ paleaceum. _cal._ imbricatus. _pappus_ aristatus, caliculo 5 seto. _specific character and synonyms._ catananche cærulea squamis calicis inferioribus ovatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 722._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 134._ chondrilla cærulea cyani capitulo. _bauh. pin. 130._ [illustration: n^o. 293] the _catananche cærulea_ is a native of the south of france, where it grows in hilly situations that are stony: it is a perennial herbaceous plant, moderately hardy, and has long been cultivated in our gardens, mr. aiton says, by parkinson in 1640: miller, who treats of it in his dictionary, describes it as a pretty ornament to a garden, and one that is easily kept within bounds; there is certainly much about it to excite our admiration, more especially in the structure of the calyx, and the florets: the flowers, which are of a pale blue colour with a dark eye, make their appearance from july to october. it is propagated by seeds, which miller recommends to be sown in the spring; the seedlings should be transplanted in the autumn, into the borders where they are to remain; it may also be increased by slips: the plant requires a situation moderately dry, and is most productive of flowers and seeds when it stands long in one spot. in the 14th _edit._ of the _systema vegetab._ of prof. murray, mention is made of a variety with double flowers, which we believe has not been seen in this country. [294] amaryllis sarniensis. guernsey amaryllis. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ hexapetaloidea irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta declinata inæqualia proportione vel directione. _linn. fil. ait. kew. p. 415._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _sarniensis_, petalis linearibus planis, staminibus pistilloque rectiusculis corolla longioribus, stigmatibus partitis revolutis. _linn. fil. ait. kew. v. 1. p. 420. thunb. jap. p. 131._ lilium sarniense. _dougl. monogr. t. 1, 2._ narcissus japonicus rutilo flore. _corn. canad. kæmpf. amæn. p. 872._ [illustration: n^o. 294] the guernsey lily, as it is most commonly called, is originally a native of japan; where it is described to grow by kæmpfer and thunberg, who visited that island, the latter says on the hills about nagasaki, from thence roots are said to have been introduced to the garden of johannes morinus at paris, in which it flowered, october 1634: its introduction to this country, which was subsequent to that date, as dr. douglass relates in his _monographia_ on this plant, "happened by a very singular melancholy accident, of which dr. morison, who no doubt had it from some persons then residing in guernsey, gives us the following account: a dutch or english ship, it is uncertain which, coming from japan, with some of the roots of this flower on board, was cast away on the island of guernsey; the roots were thrown upon a sandy shore, and so by the force of the winds and waves, were soon buried in sand; there they remained for some years, and afterwards, to the great surprise and admiration of the inhabitants, the flowers appeared in all their pomp and beauty." some of these soon made their appearance in this country: mr. aiton relates, that the plant was cultivated here in 1659, by general lambert, at wimbledon. fatal as guernsey proved to the unfortunate mariners, it afforded the roots of our plant a soil and situation apparently congenial to their own; in that island they have flourished ever since, there they are propagated in the open borders of the flower-garden with the least possible trouble, flowering most readily, but we believe never producing any ripe seeds; from thence most of the roots which flower with the curious here, are yearly imported in the autumn. in guernsey, the cold of the winter is far less intense than with us; many of those plants which we keep in our greenhouses, stand with them in the open ground; the superior mildness of the climate enables them to cultivate this plant with more success than we can do, even perhaps with all the expence and trouble to which we might subject ourselves; to such, however, whose situations may be favourable, and who may be fond of making experiments, we recommend the perusal of fairchild's directions, a practical gardener of great ingenuity, and who appears to have had much experience in the culture of this plant[a]. it is usual to plant the imported bulbs in pots of sand, or light loam, as soon as they arrive, and place them in the parlour window, or greenhouse; they blossom in september and october; the flowers, which continue about a month in perfection, are inodorous, but make up for that deficiency by the superior splendour of their colours: dr. douglass thus describes them, each flower when in its prime looks like a fine gold tissue wrought on a rose-coloured ground, but when it begins to fade and decay, it looks more like a silver tissue, or what they call a pink colour: when we look upon the flower in full sun-shine, each leaf appears to be studded with thousands of little diamonds, sparkling and glittering with a most surprising and agreeable lustre; but if we view the same by candle-light, these numerous specks or spangles look more like fine gold dust. both kæmpfer and thunberg agree, that the japanese regard the root as poisonous. [footnote a: "they love a light earth, made with dung and sand, and a little lime rubbish with it does very well, it keeps the roots sound; for if the earth be too stiff or wet, you may keep them for many years before they blow. if they are in pots, they should be put in the house in winter, to keep them from the severe frosts, which are apt to rot the roots. the time of moving them is when they have no leaves on the root, that is from june to august: those that come with six leaves this year, seldom fail blowing the next year: they need not be put in fresh earth above once in two or three years: by this method of management i have had the same roots blow again in four years time. the many miscarriages that happen to the guernsey lily, are by letting the leaves be killed by the fierceness of the frost in winter, or by cutting them off, as some people do, when they are green, which will so much weaken the plants, that they may keep them twenty years and not have them blow; by the above management, where there is a stock, there will be continually some blowing. "miller recommends for these roots the following compost: take a third-part of fresh virgin earth from a pasture-ground which is light, then put near an equal part of sea-sand, to which you should add rotten dung and sifted lime rubbish, of each an equal quantity." the great business in the culture of this flower, next to a proper soil and situation, seems to consist in giving the plant as much air as possible, and in preserving the foliage in the winter from the injury of frost.] [295] agrostemma c[oe]li rosa. smooth-leav'd cockle, or rose campion. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, coriaceus. _petala_ 5 unguiculata: limbo obtuso indiviso. _caps._ 1 locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ agrostemma _coeli rosa_ glabra, foliis lineari-lanceolatis, petalis emarginatis coronatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. p. 435._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 116._ lychnis segetum, nigellastrum minus glabrum dicta, flore eleganter rubello. _moris. hist. 2. p. 543. s. 5. t. 22. f. 32._ lychnis pseudomelanthiis similis africana glabra angustifolia. _herm. leyd. 391. t. 393._ [illustration: n^o. 295] mr. aiton informs us in his _hortus kewensis_, that the charming annual here figured, the liveliness of whose colours no paint can express, was cultivated by miller in 1739; seeing it is a plant of such beauty, and honoured with so distinguished an appellation, it is singular that it should not by this time have made its way more generally into our gardens. the cockle of our corn-fields is an ornamental plant, the present species resembles it; but while the plant itself is much smaller, its flowers are proportionably larger, and their colours more vivid. it is an annual of ready growth, a native of sicily and the levant, flowering in july and august, and ripening its seeds in september and october. it appears to most advantage when several plants of it grow together; the best mode, therefore, is to sow about a dozen seeds early in april on the several spots of the flower-border where you intend they shall remain; no other care is necessary than to keep the plants free from weeds and vermin. the _agr. coeli rosa_ of _miller's gard. dict. ed. 6 4to._ is the _coronaria_. [296] sempervivum tortuosum. gouty houseleek. _class and order._ dodecandria dodecagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 12-partitus. _petala_ 12. _capsulæ_ 12 polyspermæ. _specific character._ sempervivum _tortuosum_ foliis obovatis subtus gibbis villosis, nectariis bilobis. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 148._ [illustration: n^o. 296] we know of no figure of this plant, the first and only account of which is to be found in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton; there it is specifically described, and from thence we discover that it was introduced from the canary islands, where it is a native, by mr. masson, in 1779. it is a shrubby plant of low growth, producing numerous fleshy leaves growing thickly together, which being evergreen, and making a pretty appearance the year through, render the plant worthy a place in all general collections at least, of greenhouse plants; and though it cannot vie with many of the more shewy high-priced novelties, it is an abiding plant, not subject to casualties, while many of those are here to day and gone to morrow. it throws up its flowering stems, supporting numerous, starry, stonecrop-like flowers, in july and august, and is most readily propagated by cuttings. it is one of those species of houseleek which connect the genera _sedum_ & _sempervivum_. [297] dianthus superbus. superb pink. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _cal._ cylindricus, 1-phyllus: basi squamis 4. _petala_ 5 unguiculata. _caps._ cylindrica, 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ dianthus _superbus_ floribus paniculatis: squamis calycinis brevibus acuminatis, corollis multifido-capillaribus, caule erecto. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 418._ caryophyllus simplex alter, flore laciniato odoratissimo. _bauh. pin. 210._ caryophyllus plumarius austriacus sive superba austriaca. the feathered pinke of austria. _park. parad. p. 316. 4._ [illustration: n^o. 297] many of the plants of this genus diffuse an agreeable odour, which renders them most desirable objects for the flower-garden: this quality the present species possesses in a superior degree to most others; a few of its flowers communicate to a nosegay a delicate and most delicious smell, or placed in a vial of water they will even scent a small apartment[b]: it is to be regretted, however, that the blossoms, unless placed in water, from their extreme delicacy, flag soon after they are gathered. it may be doubted whether the _dianthus superbus_ of _miller's dict. ed. 6. 4to._ be our plant; if it be, the description is not drawn up with that accuracy which distinguishes his descriptions in general; the mode of culture, however, which he recommends is strictly applicable to it, as the plant rarely continues in vigour more than two years, and as it is in its greatest beauty the first year of its flowering, he recommends that young plants should be annually raised for succession from seeds, which are plentifully produced; the seeds of this plant ought therefore to be kept in the shops with annuals and biennials. the _dianthus superbus_ is a native of germany, switzerland, france, and denmark: clusius found it growing in the moist meadows about vienna, and on the borders of woods adjoining to such, with some of its flowers white, others purplish; parkinson describes them of these two colours, but says the most ordinary with us are pure white, which is contrary to what we now find them: they are rarely produced before august, from which period they will continue frequently to blossom till october. the spring is the best time for sowing its seeds; the plants require no very nice or particular treatment. [footnote b: this fragrance has been noticed by all the old authors who have treated of the plant: clusius describes the flowers as _suavissimi odoris et è longinquo nares ferientis_, of which words parkinson's are almost a literal translation "of a most fragrant sent, comforting the spirits and senses afarre off."] [298] origanum dictamnus. dittany of crete. _class and order._ didynamia gymnospermia. _generic character._ _strobilus_ tetragonus, spicatus, calyces colligens. _specific character and synonyms._ origanum _dictamnus_ foliis inferioribus tomentosis, spicis nutantibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 541._ _ait. kew. v. 2 p. 311._ dittany of candia. dictamnus creticus. _bauh. pin. p. 222._ [illustration: n^o. 298] by the name of dittany of crete, the species of origanum here figured, has long been known in this country as a medicinal plant; to the purposes of physic it still indeed continues to be applied, as imported in a dried state from the levant: when bruised, the whole plant gives forth an aromatic fragrance, highly grateful; as an ornamental plant, it has also been long, and is now, very generally cultivated in this country. turner, whose herbal was printed in 1568, writes thus concerning it, "i have sene it growynge in england in maister riches gardin naturally, but it groweth no where ellis that i know of, saving only in candy." as at this period no idea was entertained of a greenhouse, the plant must have been cultivated in the open ground, where it would doubtless grow readily, if secured from the severity of the weather, it being more hardy than many plants usually kept in greenhouses. this plant is at all times ornamental, but more particularly so when in flower, in which state it appears during most of the summer and autumnal months. it is usually increased by cuttings, which strike readily. [299] hermannia alnifolia. alder-leaved hermannia. _class and order._ monadelphia pentandria. _generic character._ pentagyna. _caps._ 5-locularis. _petala_ basi semitubulata, obliqua. _specific character and synonyms._ hermannia _alnifolia_ foliis cuneiformibus lineatis plicatis crenato-emarginatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 610._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 412._ arbuscula africana tricapsularis ononidis vernæ singulari folio. _pluk. mant. 14. t. 239. f. 1._ [illustration: n^o. 299] _hermannia_ is a genus of plants named in honour of dr. paul herman, a dutch botanist of great celebrity, author of the _paradisus batavus_, and other valuable works: twenty-six species are enumerated in the 13th edition of the _syst. naturæ_ of linnæus by prof. gmelin, and eight in the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton; most of those in the latter work are cultivated in the nurseries near town: they form a set of the more hardy greenhouse plants, grow readily, and flower freely; their blossoms are for the most part yellow, and have a considerable affinity with those of the _mahernia_. the present species flowers very early in the spring, from february to may, producing a great profusion of bloom during that period; is a native of the cape, and was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1728. it rarely ripens its seeds with us, but is readily increased by cuttings. the nurserymen near town regard this plant as the _grossularifolia_ of linnæus, calling another, equally common species, with longer and narrower leaves, _alnifolia_, and which does not appear to be described by linnæus or mentioned by mr. aiton; our plant accords exactly with the linnæan description of _alnifolia_, and there is we think no doubt of its being the _alnifolia_ of the _hortus kewensis_, and mr. miller's _dictionary_. [300] gnaphalium eximium. giant cudweed. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ plumosus vel capillaris. _cal._ imbricatus, squamis marginalibus rotundatis, scariosis, coloratis. _specific character and synonyms._ gnaphalium _eximium_ foliis sessilibus ovatis confertis erectis tomentosis, corymbo sessili. _linn. mant. pl. p. 573._ _syst. nat. ed. 13. gmel._ elychrysum africanum foliis lanceolatis integris tomentosis decurrentibus, capitulus congestis ex rubello aureis. _edw. av. t. 183._ [illustration: n^o. 300] in the summer of 1794, towards the end of july, the gnaphalium here figured, the most magnificent and shewy of all the species hitherto introduced to this country, flowered in great perfection at messrs. lee and kennedy's, hammersmith: mr. lee informs me, that he raised it from seeds given him by capt. william paterson, author of a narrative of four journeys into the country of the hottentots, and caffraria, and who has most laudably exerted himself in introducing many new and interesting plants to this country; this gentleman assured mr. lee, that the plant was found in a wild state, five hundred miles from the cape, on the borders of the caffre country, from whence the natives bring bundles of the dried plant to the cape as presents; in the state the plant has long since been imported from that fertile coast: if we mistake not, a specimen of this sort is figured in petiver's works, and a coloured representation is given of it in edwards's history of birds, taken from a dried plant, brought from the cape, by capt. isaac worth, in 1749. the plants we saw were about a foot and a half high, the stalks shrubby, and but little branched; the foliage and flowers as represented on the plate. several of the gnaphaliums it is well known are liable to be killed by moisture, especially in the winter season; during that time, this plant in particular, should be kept as dry as possible, and, if convenient, on a shelf, separate from the other plants of the greenhouse; when it is necessary to give it water, it should never come in contact with the foliage or flowers: with these precautions it may be kept very well in a good greenhouse, in which it should remain, even during summer. it may be raised from seeds, and also from cuttings. [301] melianthus minor. small melianthus, or honey-flower. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus: folio inferiore gibbo. _petala_ 4: nectario infra infima. _caps._ 4-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ melianthus _minor_ stipulis geminis distinctis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 581._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 368._ melianthus africanus minor foetidus. _comm. rar. 4. t. 4._ [illustration: n^o. 301] there are few flowers that do not secrete from some kind of a glandular substance, honey, or nectar, to a greater or smaller amount; in those of the present genus, this liquid is particularly abundant, even dropping from the flowers of the _major_, in considerable quantity; in the present species it flows not so copiously, but is retained in the lower part of the blossom, and is of a dark brown colour, an unusual phenomenon. there are only two species of this genus described, the _major_ and the _minor_, both of which are cultivated in our nurseries; the _major_ is by far the most common, the most hardy, and the most ornamental plant; its foliage indeed is peculiarly elegant: this species will succeed in the open border, especially if placed at the foot of a wall with a south or south-west aspect, taking care to cover the root to a considerable depth with rotten tan in severe frosts: the _minor_ is always kept in the greenhouse, in which, when it has acquired a certain age, it flowers regularly in the spring, and constantly so, as far as we have observed of the plants in chelsea garden; mr. aiton says in august, and commelin the summer through. the _melianthus minor_ grows to the height of three, four, or five feet; its stem, which is shrubby, during the flowering season is apt to exhibit a naked appearance, having fewer leaves on it at that period, and those not of their full size; but this, perhaps, may in some degree be owing to the plant's being placed at the back of others. the foliage when bruised has an unpleasant smell. it is a native of the cape, and, according to mr. aiton, was cultivated by the duchess of beaufort, in 1708; is propagated readily by cuttings. [302] mimosa myrtifolia. myrtle-leaved mimosa. _class and order._ polyandria monogynia. _generic character._ _flores_ mere masculi reliquis intersiti. _cal._ 5-dentatus. _cor._ 5-fida aut 0. _stamina_ 4-locularis. _legumen. linn. syst. nat. ed. 13. gmel._ _specific character._ mimosa _myrtifolia_ foliis ovato-lanceolatis obliquis undulatis acuminatis margine cartilagineis: primordialibus pinnatis. _smith trans. linn. soc. v. 1. p. 252._ [illustration: n^o. 302] the seeds of this species of mimosa having been sent over in plenty, with some of the first vegetable productions of new south-wales, and growing readily, the plant has been raised by many cultivators in this country; mr. hoy, gardener to the duke of northumberland, produced a specimen of it in flower at a meeting of the linnean society in 1790; it is a shrub of quick growth, and a ready blower: a plant of it in the stove of chelsea-garden has this year (may 10, 1795) produced ripe pods, and perfect seeds. in the greenhouse, where it flowers from february to april, the blossoms go off without shewing any tendency to produce fruit. it is first described by dr. smith, in the transactions of the linnean society; the leaves in the plants that have fallen under our notice have not accorded exactly with those he has described, having neither been of a glaucous green colour, according to the usual acceptation of that term, nor very much undulated; and though those of an individual plant may have presented such an appearance, we are persuaded they do not do so generally when growing and in good health. the foliage is usually edged with red, and the flowers are fragrant. [303] erica ampullacea. flask heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inserta. _antheræ_ apice bifidæ, pertusæ. _caps._ 4-locularis, 4-valvis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _ampullacea_ foliis ciliatis mucronatis, bractæis coloratis, floribus umbellatis subquaternis erecto-patentibus, stylo exserto. [illustration: n^o. 303] the erica here figured has some affinity in the form of its flowers to the _e. ventricosa_, as these in their shape resemble a flask or bottle, especially of that kind in which water is usually kept, we have named it _ampullacea_; it is of very modern introduction. on the 11th of june 1784, we had the pleasure to see a small plant of this species in flower, with mr. williams, nurseryman, turnham-green, an unwearied and ingenious cultivator of this beautiful tribe of plants in particular, the richness of whose collection will appear in the subsequent list; by him it was raised from cape seeds, though not more than the height of ten inches, it produced eighteen branches, most of which put forth flowers at their summits; we counted sixty-six blossoms on this small plant. the leaves are short, linear, somewhat triangular, rigid, edged with fine crooked hairs, very visible when magnified, and terminating in a mucro or point, on the older branches recurved and mostly eight-rowed; each branch is usually terminated by four or five flowers, at first growing closely together, and covered so strongly with a glutinous substance, as to look as if varnished, and which is so adhesive as to catch ants and small flies; as the flowering advances, they separate more widely from each other, and finally a young branch grows out of the centre from betwixt them; the true calyx is composed of four lanceolate leaves, sitting close to and glued as it were to the corolla; besides these, there are several other leaves, which might be mistaken for those of the calyx, but which may with more propriety be called bracteæ or floral-leaves; some of these, like the calyx, are wholly red, others red and green mixed together, and broader than the leaves of the plant; the flowers are about an inch and a quarter in length, inflated below, and contracted above into a long narrow neck, dilating again so as to form a kind of knob, in which the antheræ are contained, just below the limb, which divides into four somewhat ovate obtuse segments, the upper side of these segments is of a very pale flesh colour, the under side of them as well as the dilated part just below them bright red, the body of the flower flesh colour, marked with eight longitudinal stripes, of a deeper hue; filaments eight, antheræ within the tube; style projecting about the eighth of an inch beyond the corolla; stigma, a round glutinous head. the flowers as they decay become of a deeper red colour, and finally pale brown, still retaining their form and appearing to advantage;--hitherto the plant has produced no seeds here, is increased with difficulty either by cuttings or layers, but with most certainty in the latter way. * * * * * a catalogue of heaths, cultivated and sold by richard williams, at his nursery, _turnham-green, middlesex_. erica. * abietina. albens. * ampullacea. arborea. ---var. squarrosa. articularis. australis. baccans. * banksii. canescens. capitata. caffra. cernua. * cerinthoides. cinerea. ---var. fl. albo. ciliaris. * coccinea. comosa. ---var. fl. rubro. * conspicua. corifolia. * cruenta. cubica. * curviflora. denticulata. * discolor. * elata. empetrifolia. * fascicularis. * formosa. fucata. * grandiflora. * halicacaba. herbacea. incarnata. incana. lateralis. lutea. * mammosa. ---var. fl. purp. margaritacea. ---var. fl. rubro. marifolia. mediterranea. * massoni. minima. * monadelphia. * monsoniana. mucosa. multiflora. ---var. fl. albo. * muscari. * nudiflora. parviflora. * pattersoni. persoluta. ---var. fl. rubro. * petiveri. physodes. * pinifolia. planifolia. * plukenetii. pubescens. pyramidalis. quadriflora. ramentacea. regerminans. scoparia. * sessiliflora. * simpliciflora. * sparrmanni. * spicata. stricta. taxifolia. tetralix. ---var. fl. albo. thymifolia. triflora. ---var. fl. albo. * tubiflora. umbellata. urceolaris. vagans. * ventricosa. * versicolor. * verticillata. * vestita. virgata. vulgaris. ---var. fl. albo. n.b. _those marked with an asterisk have tubular flowers._ [304] hermannia lavendulifolia. lavender-leaved hermannia. _class and order._ monadelphia pentandria. _generic character._ pentagyna. _caps._ 5-locularis. _petala_ basi semitubulata, obliqua. _specific character and synonyms._ hermannia _lavendulifolia_ foliis lanceolatis obtusis integerrimis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 611._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 413._ hermannia frutescens folio lavendulæ latiore et obtuso flore parvo aureo boerh. _dill. hort. elth. t. 147._ [illustration: n^o. 304] the _hermannia_ here figured is a plant of humble growth, forming a small bushy shrub, a foot or a foot and a half in height, and producing numerous flowers thinly scattered over the branches, the greatest part of the summer; it is this disposition which it has of flowering so freely, that renders it a desirable plant for the greenhouse, in which it is commonly kept, and of which it is an old inhabitant. dillenius has figured it in his admirable work the _hortus elthamensis_, published in 1732; hence we learn that it was cultivated in mr. sherard's celebrated garden at eltham prior to that date. it is a native of the cape, and is readily increased by cuttings. [305] amaryllis equestris. barbadoes amaryllis, or lily. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ hexapetaloidea, irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta, declinata, inæqualia proportione vel directione. _linn. fil._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _equestris_ spatha subbiflora, pedicellis erectis spatha brevioribus, tubo siliformi horizontali, limbo oblique patulo sursum curvo, fauce, pilosa. _linn. fil. ait. kew. v. 1. p. 417._ amaryllis dubia _linn. am. ac. 8. p. 254_. lilium americanum puniceo flore belladonna dictum. _herm. par. bat. p. 194. cum fig._ [illustration: n^o. 305] mr. aiton, in his _hortus kewensis_, has inserted this species of amaryllis, as named and described by the younger linnæus; he informs us, that it is a native of the west-indies, and was introduced by dr. william pitcairn, in 1778: as its time of flowering is not mentioned, we may presume, that it had not blossomed in the royal garden when the publication before mentioned first made its appearance; it no doubt has since, as we have seen it in that state in the collections of several nurserymen, particularly those of mr. grimwood and mr. colvill. it flowers towards the end of april. the flowering stem rises above the foliage, to the height of about a foot or more, produces from one to three flowers, similar to, but not quite so large as those of the mexican amaryllis, to which it is nearly related; it differs however from that plant essentially in this, that the lower part of the flower projects further than the upper, which gives to its mouth that obliquity which linnæus describes. the spatha is composed of two leaves, which standing up at a certain period of the plant's flowering like ears, give to the whole flower a fancied resemblance of a horse's head; whether linnæus derived his name of _equestris_ from this circumstance or not, he does not condescend to inform us. mr. aiton regards it as a greenhouse plant; like those of many of the ixias, however, the bulbs are of the more tender kind. it is propagated by offsets, but not very readily. [306] othonna pectinata. wormwood-leaved othonna. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia necessaria. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ subnullus, _cal._ 1-phyllus multifidus subcylindricus. _specific character and synonyms._ othonna _pectinata_ foliis pinnatifidis: laciniis linearibus parallelis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 793._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 276._ jacobæa africana frutescens, foliis absinthii umbelliferi incanis. _comm. hort. 2. p. 137. t. 69._ [illustration: n^o. 306] the _othonna pectinata_ is a native of africa, a long-established and common plant in greenhouses, having been cultivated by mr. miller, in 1731; it recommends itself chiefly on account of its foliage, which forms a pleasing contrast to the darker greens of other plants. it flowers in may and june, is moderately hardy, and readily increased by cuttings. in many collections we meet with old plants of it three or four feet high; formerly, when greenhouse plants were few in numbers and the houses large, it might be proper to keep such; but now there is not that necessity, especially since the vast accession of plants from the cape and new-holland, made within these few years. [307] hermannia althæifolia. marsh-mallow-leaved hermannia. _class and order._ monadelphia pentandria. _generic character._ pentagyna. _caps._ 5-locularis. _petala_ basi semitubulata, obliqua. _specific character and synonyms._ hermannia _althæifolia_ foliis ovatis crenatis plicatis tomentosis, calycibus florentibus campanulatis angulatis, stipulis oblongis foliaceis. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 411._ hermannia _althæifolia_ foliis ovatis plicatis crenatis tomentosis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 610._ hermannia capensis althææ folio. _pet. gaz. 53. t. 34. f. 2._ ketmia africana frutescens foliis mollibus et incanis. _comm. hort. 2. p. 151. t. 79._ [illustration: n^o. 307] the _hermannia althæifolia_, a native of the cape, is a plant of much larger growth than the _lavendulifolia_, rising to the height, if suffered to do so, of three, four, or more feet; its blossoms are proportionably large, and of a deep yellow colour, inclined to orange. it is a plant of free growth, much disposed to produce flowers during most of the summer months; hence it is kept very generally in collections of greenhouse plants: is propagated readily by cuttings. was cultivated by mr. miller, in 1728. _ait. kew._ our readers will see, that the specific description of linnæus has been altered in the _hortus kewensis_, and that it now comprizes all the striking features of the plant. [308] verbena aubletia. rose vervain. _class and order._ diandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ infundibuliformis subæqualis curva. _calycis_ unico dente truncato. _semina_ 2 s. 4 nuda (_stam._ 2 s. 4.) _specific character and synonyms._ verbena _aubletia_ tetrandra, spicis laxis solitariis, foliis trifidis incisis. _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 33._ verbena _aubletia_ tetrandra, spicis solitariis, coroliis fasciculatis, foliis cordatis inciso-serratis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 66._ _suppl. pl. p. 86._ buchnera canadensis _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 13. p. 478._ verbena _aubletia_. _jacq. hort. v. 2. p. 82. t. 176._ obletia _journ. de rozier introd. 1. p. 367. t. 2._ [illustration: n^o. 308] it has fallen to the lot of this plant to have an unusual degree of attention bestowed on it by various botanists, and after being regarded as a distinct genus by several, to be finally classed with the _verbena_; in the _supplementum plantarum_ of the younger linnæus it is minutely described. we learn from the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton that it is a native of north-america, introduced by mons. richard in 1774, and that it flowers in june and july. the extreme brilliancy of its colours renders it a very ornamental greenhouse plant, it seldom grows above the height of two feet; in favourable seasons ripens its seeds readily, by which it is usually propagated, being a biennial. [309] pelargonium echinatum. prickly-stalked geranium. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem nectariferum secus pendunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5 petala irregularis. _filamenta_ 10, inæqualia, quorum 3 raro 5 castrata. _fructus_ 5 coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ spiralia, introrsum barbata. _specific character._ perlargonium _echinatum_ caule carnoso, stipulis spinescentibus, foliis cordato-subrotundis 3-5 lobis, floribus umbellatis, umbellis subseptemfloris. [illustration: n^o. 309] this singular and most beautiful species of pelargonium, recently introduced to this country, this summer flowered with mr. colvill, nurseryman, in the king's-road, chelsea, from one of whose plants our figure and description have been taken. stalk green, surface smooth and somewhat glossy, fleshy, beset with spines which bend back and terminate in brownish somewhat weak points; these appear to have been primarily the stipulæ, which become thus fleshy and rigid, and from this circumstance not altogether peculiar to this species, it takes the name of _echinatum_; the leaves stand on long footstalks, are somewhat heart-shaped, mostly roundish, divided into three or five lobes, veiny, soft, and downy, especially on the under side, which is of a much lighter colour than the upper, the flowering stem proceeds from the summit of the stalk, and is a foot or more in height; as it advances it throws out its branches, or peduncles, ultimately about five in number, each of which has a leaf at its base, similar to the other leaves of the plant, but smaller, and terminates in an umbel of seven or eight flowers; as the umbels blossom in succession, a period of several months usually intervenes betwixt the blowing of the first and the last; when the flower is expanded, the hindmost leaf of the calyx continues upright, the others are reflexed as in other species of this genus, they are all beset with fine long hairs; the three lowermost petals are pure white, with a little gibbosity at the base of each, the two uppermost are marked each with three irregular spots, of a rich purple colour, inclining to carmine, the two lowermost spots narrowest and of the deepest colour; of the stamina there are six filaments which have antheræ, and four of which have none; stigma red, divided into five parts, and a little longer than the fertile filaments. in its habit this plant resembles somewhat the _pelargonium cordifolium_, is a native of the cape, flowers from may to september, in favourable seasons has produced seeds here, but is more usually increased by cuttings. varies with petals of a rich purple colour, in which the spots are similar, though not so conspicuous. [310] erinus alpinus. alpine erinus. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ limbus 5-fidus æqualis. _caps._ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ erinus _alpinus_ floribus racemosis, foliis spathulatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 570._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 357._ ageratum serratum alpinum. _bauh. pin. 221._ [illustration: n^o. 310] the _erinus alpinus_ is a native of switzerland, germany, and france; inhabiting the more mountainous parts of those countries. it is a very desirable little plant for the decoration of rock work, growing in close tufts, and producing numerous flowers of a lively purple colour during most of the summer months. is increased without difficulty by parting its roots in autumn, or from seed; in the winter some plants of it should be kept in pots under a frame or hand-glass, as it is liable to be injured by wet and frost. was cultivated here by mr. miller in 1759. [311] robinia hispida. rough-stalk'd robinia, or rose acacia. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-fidus. legumen gibbum elongatum. _specific character and synonyms._ robinia _hispida_ racemis axillaribus, foliis impari pinnatis, caule inermi hispido. _linn. mant. p. 668. ait. kew. v. 3. p. 53._ robinia racemis axillaribus, pedicellis unifloris, foliis impari pinnatis, caule inermi. _jacq. amer. 211. t. 179. f. 101._ pseudo acacia hispida floribus roseis. _catesb. carol. 3. p. 20. t. 20._ [illustration: n^o. 311] there are few trees or shrubs which have contributed more to adorn our plantations, and shrubberies, than those of this genus, nine species of which are enumerated in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton, most of these are natives either of north-america, or siberia: the present species, an inhabitant of carolina, is perhaps the most ornamental of the whole: its large pendant bunches of rose-coloured flowers load the branches in may and june, and sometimes a second crop will be produced late in the season, these with us usually fall off without producing any seed-vessels. this shrub is not disposed to grow very tall in america, it is most prudent indeed to keep it humble, to the height of four or five feet, and to plant it in a sheltered part of the garden, as its branches are liable to be broken by high winds: marshall (_arb. amer._) describes it as spreading much from its running roots; we have not observed it to do so in any great degree here; it is propagated by layers, by cuttings of the roots, and by grafting; it is of ready growth, disposed to blow even when young, and not nice as to soil, or situation; the flowers afford a good example of the class diadelphia, they are large and beautiful, but without scent. was cultivated by mr. miller in 1758. _ait. kew._ [312] linum flavum. yellow flax. _class and order._ pentandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5. _caps._ 5-valvis 10 locularis. _sem._ solitaria. _specific character and synonyms._ linum _flavum_ calycibus subserrato-scabris lanceolatis subsessilibus, panicula ramis dichotomis. _linn. sp. pl. v. 1. ed. 3. p. 399._ _mant. p. 360._ _syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 303._ _jacq. fl. austr. v. 3. t. 214._ linum sylvestre latifolium luteum. _bauh. pin. 214._ linum sylvestre iii. latifolium. _clus. hist. 1. p. 317._ [illustration: n^o. 312] there is a considerable similarity betwixt the representation of the present plant and that of the _linum arboreum_ figured on the 234th plate of this work, they are nevertheless two species widely differing, the _flavum_ being a hardy herbaceous perennial, a native of germany, the _arboreum_ a greenhouse shrub from the levant, both possessing considerable beauty, and highly worthy a place in all collections of ornamental plants. the _linum flavum_ is not mentioned either in the dictionary of mr. miller, or the hortus kewensis of mr. aiton, and as far as our knowledge extends was a stranger in this country, till we raised it the year before last from seeds sent us by mr. daval, of orbe in switzerland; clusius gives us a representation of it in flower, and prof. jacquin another much superior; according to the latter, it grows by the sides of hedges and among shrubs in mountainous situations, and rarely exceeds a foot in height. from the little experience we have had of this plant, it appears to be easy of culture, and to succeed best in a soil moderately stiff and moist; the flowers expand most in a morning when the sun shines, and continue in succession during june, july, and part of august; it appears as if it would ripen its seeds in my garden; these vegetate freely: the plant may also be increased by parting its roots in autumn, or by cuttings of the young shoots. [313] daphne cneorum. trailing daphne. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _cor._ 4-fida corallacea marcescens stamina includens, _bacca_ 1-sperma. _specific character and synonyms._ daphne _cneorum_ floribus congestis terminalibus sessilibus, foliis lanceolatis nudis mucronatis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 371._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 26._ thymeleæ affinis facie externa. _bauh. pin. 463._ cneorum. _matth. hist. 46._ _clus. hist. 89, 90. f. 1._ [illustration: n^o. 313] this charming little shrub is a native of switzerland and austria: clusius informs us that it grows in great abundance on many of the mountains near vienna, so much so that women gather it when in flower and sell it in the markets; its beautiful and fragrant blossoms come forth in april and may, the principal season for its flowering, but it frequently blows during most of the summer, and even in the autumn; it varies with white blossoms. it is extremely hardy, thrives remarkably well in road sand in almost any situation; is propagated by seeds, which very rarely ripen with us, by layers, and by grafting it on the stock of the mezereon, whereby it acquires an elevation superior to what it has naturally. [314] genista triquetra. triangular-stalk'd genista. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3. _vexillum_ oblongum a pistillo staminibusque deorsum reflexum. _specific character._ genista _triquetra_ foliis ternatis, summis simplicibus, ramis triquetris procumbentibus. _l'herit. stirp. nov. t. 88._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 14._ [illustration: n^o. 314] mons. l'heritier, author of many modern publications in botany, distinguished for their accuracy and elegance, was the first who described and figured this species of genista, a native of corsica, and cultivated here by john ord, esq. as long since as the year 1770. it is a hardy, evergreen, trailing shrub, producing a vast profusion of bloom; which renders it eminently conspicuous in may and june; its flowers are rarely succeeded by seed-vessels, so that it is usually propagated by layers. when tied up properly, and carefully trained to stake, it may vie with most of our ornamental shrubs: for covering a wall, or paling, where the situation is not too shady, it probably would succeed very well, at least it is deserving of trial. [315] pelargonium ceratophyllum. horn-leaved crane's bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema definente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pendunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filam._ 10 inæqualia, quorum 3 raro 5 castrata. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus, rostra spiralia introrsum barbata. _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _ceratophyllum_ umbellis multifloris, foliis remote pinnatis carnosis teretibus, laciniis canaliculatis obsolete trifidis. _l'herit. geran. n. 50. t. 13._ _ait. kew. v. 2 p. 422._ [illustration: n^o. 315] mr. aiton informs us that this species of pelargonium, which is one of the more fleshy kinds, is a native of the south-west coast of africa, and was introduced to the royal garden at kew by mr. anthony hove in 1786. it flowers during most of the summer months, and ripens its seeds, by which it may be increased, as also by cuttings; it is found to be more tender than many others, and more liable to be injured by damps, and hence it will require a treatment more applicable to a dry stove plant. [316] polygala chamæbuxus. box-leaved milk-wort. _class and order._ diadelphia octandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus: foliolis 2 majoribus alæformibus, ante maturitatem seminis coloratis. _caps._ obcordata, 2-locularis. _sem._ solitaria. _specific character and synonyms._ polygala _chamæbuxus_ floribus sparsis: carinæ apice subrotundo, foliis lanceolatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 639._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 4._ _jacq. fl. austr. v. 3. p. 19. t. 233._ chamæbuxus flore coluteæ. _bauh. pin. 471._ anonymos flore coluteæ. _clus. hist. p. 105. f._ polygaloides procumbens foliis duris ovatis nervo aristato. _hall. hist. n. 345._ [illustration: n^o. 316] clusius, in his _hist. pl. rar._ gives an accurate description and good figure of the present plant, before unnoticed (as he observes) by any author; it has since been particularly described by haller and jacquin; the former makes a distinct genus of it, by the name of _polygaloides_. it is an elegant little evergreen shrub of low growth, rarely exceeding a foot in height, with leaves like those of box, producing flowers from may to october, but most plentifully in may and june; each flower stands on a peduncle proceeding from a kind of triphyllous cup, formed of floral leaves, the true calyx is composed of three leaves, which are nearly white; the two outermost petals, similar to the wings of a papilionaceous flower, are also white, or nearly so; the third petal which forms a kind of tube and contains the eight stamina with the pistillum, is white at the base, but yellow towards the extremity, where it changes by degrees to a bright bay colour: both clusius and jacquin observed a variety of this plant, in which the calyx and wings were of a beautiful purple; this variety, we believe, has not yet been introduced to this country: the common sort was cultivated in the garden at oxford, in 1658. miller describes it as a plant difficult of cultivation; it is not now regarded as such; both clusius and jacquin describe it as having creeping roots; such plants are generally increased without difficulty, and so is this; planted in bog earth on a shady border, it thrives extremely well, and spawns much, so that there is no necessity for having recourse to its seeds. it grows spontaneously on the alps of austria and switzerland. [317] ononis fruticosa. shrubby rest-harrow. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: laciniis linearibus. _vexillum_ striatum. _legumen_ turgidum sessile. _filamenta_ connata absque fissura. _specific character and synonyms._ ononis _fruticosa_ foliis sessilibus ternatis lanceolatis serratis, stipulis vaginalibus, pedunculis subtrifloris. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 653._ _ait. kew. 24._ ononis purpurea verna præcox frutescens, flore rubro amplo. _moris. hist. 2. p. 170._ [illustration: n^o. 317] this charming little shrub, highly deserving of being more generally known, is a native of the south of france; and was cultivated here by miller in 1748. in favourable situations, it produces blossoms in great profusion during most of the summer, and ripens seed in abundance: the situation it affects is dry and sandy, but it is a shrub by no means nice, as to soil or place of growth, and so hardy as to have borne the severity of last winter, 1795, without injury. in the collections about town we frequently find it in pots, kept with greenhouse plants. it is said to vary with white flowers. the best mode of raising it is from seed. [318] anthericum liliastrum. savoy anthericum, or st. bruno's lily. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, patens. _caps._ ovata. _specific character and synonyms._ anthericum _liliastrum_ foliis planis, scapo simplicissimo, corollis campanulatis, staminibus declinatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 330._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 449._ hemerocallis floribus patulis secundis. _hall. hist. n. 1230._ phalangium magno flore. _bauh. pin. 29._ phalangium allobrogicum majus. _clus. cur. app. alt._ phalangium allobrogicum. the savoye spider-wort. _park. parad. p. 150. tab. 151. f. 1._ [illustration: n^o. 318] botanists are divided in their opinions respecting the genus of this plant; linnæus considers it as an _anthericum_, haller and miller make it an _hemerocallis_. it is a native of switzerland, where, haller informs us, it grows abundantly in the alpine meadows, and even on the summits of the mountains; with us it flowers in may and june. it is a plant of great elegance, producing on an unbranched stem about a foot and a half high, numerous flowers of a delicate white colour, much smaller but resembling in form those of the common white lily, possessing a considerable degree of fragrance, their beauty is heightened by the rich orange colour of their antheræ; unfortunately they are but of short duration. miller describes two varieties of it differing merely in size. a loamy soil, a situation moderately moist, with an eastern or western exposure, suits this plant best; so situated, it will increase by its roots, though not very fast, and by parting of these in the autumn, it is usually propagated. parkinson describes and figures it in his _parad. terrest._ observing that "divers allured by the beauty of its flowers, had brought it into these parts." [319] anagallis monelli. italian pimpernel. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ rotata. _caps._ circumscissa 1-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ anagallis _monelli_, foliis lanceolatis caule erecto. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 196._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 201._ anagallis coerulea foliis binis ternisve ex adverso nascentibus. _bauh. pin. 552._ anagallis tenuifolia monnelli. _clus. app. alt._ [illustration: n^o. 319] in italy and spain, where this plant grows spontaneously, it is an annual, producing seed in abundance; with us (as far at least as we have observed) it produces no seed, but like the _senecio elegans_, and some other annuals, is renewed, and rendered perennial by cuttings, which strike freely, and by which the plant requires to be renovated once or twice in a season; though described as growing with an upright stem, it requires to be tied up to a stick; and if this be neatly and dexterously done, its brilliant azure flowers springing from every side of the stem, render it a charming ornament for the greenhouse or window: it flowers during most of the year. clusius called it _anagallis monnelli_, the first knowledge he had of the plant being from his friend johannes monnellus. on the same plant we find the leaves grow two, three, or four together, with flowers corresponding. [320] lobelia cardinalis. scarlet lobelia, or cardinal's flower. _class and order._ syngenesia monogamia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ 1-petala, irregularis. _caps._ infera 2, s. 3-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ lobelia _cardinalis_ caule erecto, foliis lato-lanceolatis serratis, racemo terminali secundo. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 801._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 284._ rapuntium galeatum virginianum, coccineo flore majore. _moris. hist. 2. p. 466. s. 5. t. 5. f. 54._ trachelium americarum flore ruberrimo, sive planta cardinalis. the rich crimson cardinal's flower. _park. parad. p. 356. t. 355._ [illustration: n^o. 320] this species of _lobelia_, so eminently distinguished for the richness of its scarlet blossoms, is a native of the colder as well as warmer parts of north-america. parkinson, who cultivated it in 1629, informs us that he received plants of it from france for his garden, and that "it groweth neere the river of canada, where the french plantation in america is seated." it is a hardy herbaceous plant, growing in favourable situations to the height of three or four feet; the main spike of flowers which terminates the stalk, is often a foot in length; by the time that most of its flowers are blown, side branches shoot out, and flower; so that the plant continues in bloom six weeks or two months: if the autumn prove favourable, the plant with us produces plenty of seed in the open ground; to insure its ripening, some place pots of it, when blowing, in the greenhouse or stove. beautiful and hardy as this plant is, and long as it has been introduced to this country, we do not find it generally in gardens; we attribute this to its having, in a greater degree than many other plants, a partiality for a particular soil; in certain districts, where the soil is stiff and moist, it grows as freely as any weed, in other soils it is perpetually going off: it is also one of those plants whose roots require to be often parted; if this be done every autumn, and they be planted in a stiff loam, the situation somewhat moist and shady, this very desirable plant may be had to grow and blossom in perfection. it flowers from the latter end of july to october. is increased by parting its roots, by cuttings of the stalk and from seed. [321] cotyledon orbiculata. round-leaved navel-wort. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ 1-petala. _squamæ_ nectariferæ 5 ad basin germinis. _caps._ 5. _specific character and synonyms._ cotyledon _orbiculata_ foliis orbiculatis carnosis planis integerrimis, caule fruticoso. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 428._ _ait. kew. var. [delta] v. 2. p. 106._ cotyledon africanum frutescens incanum orbiculatis foliis. _herm. lugd. 349. t. 551._ _moris. hist. 3. p. 474. s. 12. t. 7 f. 39._ [illustration: n^o. 321] the _cotyledon orbiculata_ is one of our oldest succulents, being introduced as long since as 1690, by mr. bentick[c]: it still retains a place in most collections, deservedly indeed, for it has every claim to our notice; its appearance is magnificent, the glaucous colour of its foliage highly pleasing, its flowers large and of long duration; it blows freely, grows rapidly, is easily increased by cuttings, and will succeed in a house or window, with the common treatment of an african geranium. when suffered to grow, it will become a shrub of considerable size; but this is not necessary for its flowering, as young and small plants are disposed to throw out blossoms, which is not the case with a plant extremely similar to, and often confounded with it, viz. the _crassula cotyledon_, whose foliage indeed scarcely differs from our plant but in being finely dotted. it is a native of the cape, and flowers from june or july to september. in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton, four varieties are enumerated, differing chiefly in the form of their foliage. [footnote c: ait. kew.] [322] manulea tomentosa. woolly manulea. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus. _cor._ limbo 5-partito, subulato: laciniis superioribus 4 magis connexis. _caps._ 2-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ manulea _tomentosa_ foliis tomentosis, caulibus foliosis, pedunculis multifloris. _linn. mant. 420. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 569._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 356._ selago _tomentosa_ foliis obovatis crenatis, caule prostrato, racemis ramosis. _linn. amoen. acad. v. 6. p. 90._ _sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 877._ planta _pluk. phyt. 319. f. 2._ [illustration: n^o. 322] linnæus describes this plant in the _amoenitates academicæ_ under the name of _selago tomentosa_, by which name he continues to call it in the third edition of the _spec. pl._ in his _mantissa_ he describes it more minutely, and changes it to the genus _manulea_, first established by him in the said work; he observes, that in this species the corolla is more regular than in the others. mr. aiton regards it as a biennial, its stalk is a foot or a foot and a half high, and woolly, its branches are opposite, not alternate as linnæus describes them; in this perhaps they may vary; leaves opposite, sessile, obovate, narrowing to the base, toothed on the edge, edge rolled back a little in the young leaves, flowers grow in a long thyrsus, from two to five proceed from one common short peduncle; they are at first lemon-coloured, or greenish yellow, finally deep orange; linnæus says the whole of the plant except the corolla is woolly, the tube of that even is hairy, the segments are smooth, with their edges rolled back, the upper part of the tube in which the stamina are included is dilated somewhat, as is also the lower part, so that it is narrowest in the middle. the flowers which make their appearance from may to november are usually succeeded by seeds, by which the plant is propagated. it is a native of the cape, and, according to mr. aiton, was introduced by mr. masson, in 1774. the blossoms have a singular but unpleasant smell, not perceivable at a distance. the variety of pleasant colours so conspicuous in the flowers, renders this rare plant desirable to such as aim at a general collection. [323] rubus odoratus. flowering raspberry. _class and order._ icosandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _petala_ 5. _bacca_ composita acinis monospermis. _specific character and synonyms._ rubus _odoratus_ foliis simplicibus palmatis, caule inermi multifolio multifloro. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 475._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 210._ rubus odoratus. _corn. canad. 149. t. 150._ [illustration: n^o. 323] botanists and gardeners have given to this species of rubus the name of _flowering_, not because it is the only one which produces flowers, but from its being regarded for its flowers merely; they indeed are so shewy, and so plentifully produced, that the plant has long been thought to merit a place in most shrubberies; to the various inhabitants of which, both in the largeness and elegant form of its leaves, and the colour of its blossoms, it forms a pleasing contrast. it is extremely hardy, and easily propagated by suckers; the only care which it requires, is to keep it within proper bounds: young plants of it produce the largest and finest flowers. it blossoms from june to september, is a native of different and distant parts of north-america, and was cultivated here by mr. miller, in 1739. cornutus, who first figured and described this plant, gave it the name of _odoratus_, on account of the fragrance of its foliage; his words are "elegantissimi hujus folia fragrantissima sunt, paremque agrimonio odorato spirant odorem;" the fruit, rarely produced with us, he observes, is like the common raspberry, but not so pleasant. [324] antirrhinum triphyllum. three-leaved toad-flax. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ basis deorsum prominens nectarifera. _caps._ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ antirrhinum _triphyllum_ foliis ternis ovatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 555._ _ait. kew._ linaria triphylla minor lutea. _bauh. pin. 212._ linaria triphylla coerulea. _bauh. pin. 212._ linaria hispanica. _clus. hist. 1. p. 320._ linaria valentina. tode flaxe of valentia. _park. par. p. 268._ [illustration: n^o. 324] the _antirrhinum triphyllum_, so called from the leaves growing by threes on the stalk (a character, by the bye, not very constant) was cultivated by parkinson, and described by him in his _parad. terr._ he appears to have been a stranger to the particoloured variety now so generally cultivated as an ornamental annual in our gardens; in its wild state the flowers of this _antirrhinum_ are of a yellow hue, with little or no purple in them, such indeed are frequently produced from seeds sown in our gardens. it is a hardy annual, a native of spain and sicily, a plant of ready growth, requiring the common treatment of annuals sown in the spring, and much disposed indeed to come up spontaneously where it has once grown; in sowing its seeds, care should be taken to preserve the produce of such flowers as have the most purple in them. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _ninth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 295 agrostemma coeli rosa. 290 amaryllis lutea. 294 ---sarniensis. 305 ---equestris. 319 anagallis monelli. 324 antirrhinum triphyllum. 318 anthericum liliastrum. 293 catananche coerulea. 291 capparis spinosa. 321 cotyledon orbiculata. 289 convolvulus linearis. 313 daphne cneorum. 297 dianthus superbus. 303 erica ampullacea. 310 erinus alpinus. 314 genista triquetra. 300 gnaphalium eximium. 299 hermannia alnifolia. 304 ---lavendulifolia. 307 ---althæifolia. 312 linum flavum. 320 lobelia cardinalis. 322 manulea tomentosa. 301 melianthus minor. 302 mimosa myrtifolia. 317 ononis fruticosa. 298 origanum dictamnus. 306 othonna pectinata. 292 passerina grandiflora. 309 pelargonium echinatum. 315 ---ceratophyllum. 316 polygala chamæbuxus. 311 robinia hispida. 323 rubus odoratus. 296 sempervivum tortuosum. 308 verbena aubletia. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _ninth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 290 amaryllis yellow. 294 ---guernsey. 305 ---barbadoes. 318 anthericum savoy. 291 caper shrub. 293 catananche blue. 295 cockle smooth-leaved. 289 convolvulus narrow-leaved. 315 crane's-bill horn-leaved. 300 cudweed giant. 313 daphne trailing. 298 dittany of crete. 310 erinus alpine. 312 flax yellow. 303 heath flask. 299 hermannia alder-leaved. 304 ---lavender-leaved. 307 ---marshmallow-leaved. 296 houseleek gouty. 314 genista triangular-stalked. 309 geranium prickly-stalked. 320 lobelia scarlet. 322 manulea woolly. 301 melianthus small. 316 milk-wort box-leaved. 302 mimosa myrtle-leaved. 321 navel-wort round-leaved. 306 othonna wormwood-leaved. 292 passerina great-flowered. 319 pimpernel italian. 297 pink superb. 323 raspberry flowering. 317 rest-harrow shrubby. 311 robinia rough-stalked. 324 toad-flax three-leaved. 308 vervain rose. file made using scans of public domain works at the university of georgia.) the botanical magazine; or, flower-garden displayed: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours, to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as with which to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by william curtis, author of the flora londinensis. vol. vi. * * * * * ----"nor thou disdain to check the lawless riot of the trees, to plant the grove, or turn the barren mould oh happy he, whom, when his years decline, (his fortune and his fame by worthy means attain'd, and equal to his mod'rate mind; his life approv'd by all the wise and good, even envy'd by the vain) the peaceful groves of epicurus, from this stormy world hereine in rest; of all ungrateful cares absolv'd, and sacred from the selfish crowd. happiest of men i if the same soil invites a chosen few, companions of his youth, once fellow-rakes perhaps now rural friends; with whom in easy commerce to pursue nature's free charms, and vie for sylvan fame a fair ambition; void of strife, or guile, or jealousy, or pain to be outdone. who plans th'enchanted garden, who directs the visto best, and best conducts the stream; whose groves the fastest thicken, and ascend; whom first the welcome spring salutes; who shews the earliest bloom, the sweetest proudest charms of flora; who best gives pomona's juice to match the sprightly genius of champain." armstrong. * * * * * london: printed by stephen couchman, for w. curtis, n^o 3, _st. george's-crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xciii. * * * * * [181] colutea frutescens. scarlet bladder senna. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _legumen_ inflatum, basi superiore dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ colutea _frutescens_ fruticosa, foliolis ovato-oblongis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr, p. 668._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 56._ _mill. icon. 99._ colutea æthiopica, flore purpureo. _breyn. cent. 70. t. 29._ of the several species of colutea cultivated in our garden the one here figured, is distinguished by the brilliancy of its' flowers, the largeness of its pods, and the downy appearance of the under side of its leaves. it appears from the _hortus kewensis_ to have been cultivated by mr. james sutherland as long since as the year 1683 it was not however generally introduced to our gardens till the time of miller, who figured it in his _icones_, it was then understood to be an æthiopian plant; mr. aiton since describes it as a native of the cape also; of course, we find it more tender than most of its kindred, and hence it is usually regarded as a greenhouse plant; yet, as it is not destroyed by a small degree of frost, it will frequently, like the myrtle survive a mild winter in the open border, especially if trained to a wall: it is rarely of more than two or three years duration. it is readily raised from seeds sown in the open ground, plants from which flower the august following, and, in favourable seasons, ripen their seeds; in order, however, that they may ripen them with more certainty, miller, recommends the sowing them early on a gentle hot-bed. a dry soil suits this species best. [illustration] [illustration] [182] salvia aurea. golden sage. _class and order._ decandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ inæqualis. _filamenta_ transverse pedicello affixa. _specific character and synonyms._ salvia _aurea_ foliis subrotundis integerrimis, basi truncatis dentatis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr. p. 71._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 45._ salvia _africana_ frutescens folio subrotundo glauco, flore magno aureo. _comm. hort. 2. 183. t. 92._ such as are delighted with the singular rather than the beautiful appearances of plants, cannot fail of ranking the present species of sage among their favourites. it been called _aurea_, from the colour of its flowers, _ferruginea_ would perhaps have been more expressive of them; when they first open indeed they are of a yellow colour, but they quickly and constantly become of the colour of rusty iron. the leaves are nearly round, and have a pleasing silvery hue: a few of them only, and those chiefly at the extremities of the young shoots, are of the form described by linnæus in his specific character of the plant, and hence commelin's description (_vid. syn._) is to be preferred, as leading us with more certainty to a knowledge of the plant; the colour of the leaves, the colour and unusual magnitude of the blossoms, are indisputably the most striking features of the species, and therefore to be resorted to: for my own part, as a friend to the advancement of the science, rather than as the follower of that great man, i see no good reason why colour should not in many instances, especially where expressive characters are wanting, form a part of the specific character in plants, as well as in animals: we are told indeed of its inconstancy. i would ask--who ever saw the colour of the leaves or blossoms of the present plant to vary? and, on the contrary, who ever saw its leaves constant in their form? the _salvia aurea_ is a native of the cape, and was cultivated by mr. miller in 1731, it is a hardy greenhouse plant, is readily propagated by cuttings, and flowers from may to november. if suffered to grow, it will become a shrub of the height of six or seven feet. [illustration] [183] syringa vulgaris. common lilac. _class and order._ diandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 4-fida. _capsula_ bilocularis. _specific character and synonyms._ syringa _vulgaris_ foliis ovato-cordatis integris. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14. murr. p. 57._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 15._ syringa cærulea, _bauh. pin. 398._ lilac sive syringa cærulea. the blew pipe tree. _park. parad. p. 407._ few shrubs are better known in this country than the lilac few more universally cultivated; there is scarcely a cottage it does not enliven, or a shrubbery it does not beautify. it has long had a place in our gardens; both gerard and parkinson describe two sorts, the blue and the white; to these another sort is added by more modern writers, superior in beauty to the original, as producing larger bunches of flowers, of a brighter hue, having more of the purple tint and hence called by some the purple lilac, miller considers the three as different species. the flowers of the lilac possess a considerable degree of fragrance, but not of the most agreeable kind; our readers perhaps, will not be displeased to hear the opinion of old gerard on this point, delivered in his own words:--"they have a pleasant sweete smell, but in my judgement they are too sweete, troubling and molesting the head in very strange manner: i once gathered the flowers, and laid them in my chamber window, which smelled more strongly after they had lien together a few howers, with such a ponticke and unacquainted savor, that they awaked me from sleepe, so that i could not take any rest until i had cast them out of my chamber."[1] though a native of persia, it bears our severest winters without injury, has a pleasing appearance when in bud, flowers in may, and is readily propagated by suckers; but finer plants, in the opinion of miller, are raised from seeds. it will grow in almost any soil or situation, even in london, but, to flower well, it must have a pure air. [footnote 1: the name, indeed, of one of our colours is taken from its blossoms. this quotation from gerard referring to its smell belongs to the philadelphus coronarius or mock-orange which both by him and parkinson is called syringa, & which led to the mistake.] [184] ixia crocata. saffron-colour'd ixia. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-partita, campanulata, regularis. _stigmata_ 3. _specific character and synonyms._ ixia _crocata_ foliis ensiformibus, floribus secundis corolia basi hyalino-fenestratis. _thunb. diss. de ixia._ _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 85._ ixia _crocata_ foliis ensiformibus, floribus alternis, tubo longitudine bractearum, corollæ laminis ovatis integerrimis basi hyalinis. _ait. hort. kew. p. 60. v. 1._ ixia planifolia, caule multifloro spatha brevissima. _mill. ic. 160. t. 239. f. 2._ to the cape of good hope, that never-failing source of rare and beautiful plants, we are indebted for most of our ixias, and among others for the present species, which though not of that value, nor possessing the delicacy or fragrance of the blossoms of some others, is a very desirable plant, not only as an object of curiosity, from the transparency of the base of the corolla, but as it adds much to the brilliancy of a collection, is easily obtained, and as easily propagated. it flowers in may and june, but its flowering may be prolonged by putting its bulbs into pots at different periods, or accelerated by artificial heat. it produces offsets more plentifully than many of the genus. mr. aiton informs us that it was cultivated by mr. miller in 1758, who figures it in his _icones_. [illustration] [185] coronilla valentina. rue-leaved coronilla. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3: dentibus superioribus connatis. _vexillum_ vix alis longius. _legumen_ isthmis interceptum. _specific character and synonyms._ coronilla _valentina_ fruticosa, foliolis subnovenis, stipulis suborbiculatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 669._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 58._ polygala valentina. _clus. hist. pl. rar. p. 98. fig. inf._ the _coronilla valentina_ comes very near to the _glauca_ already figured in this work, but may be distinguished by a little attention; the _valentina_ has smaller leaves, which are more numerous, and more truly glaucous; the stipulæ, which in the _glauca_ are small, narrow, and pointed, in the _valentina_ are large, and almost round, and in the young plant are strikingly conspicuous; as the plant comes into flower, they drop off; the _valentina_ is not so much disposed to flower the year through as the _glauca_, but produces its blossoms chiefly in may, june, and july; the flowers of the _glauca_ are observed to smell more strongly in the day-time, those of the _valentina_ at all times diffuse a very powerful odour, so as even to scent a small greenhouse; we have often been amused with hearing the different opinions entertained of this smell, some speaking of it in terms of rapture, others ready to faint when they approach it: the flowers of the _valentina_ are more disposed to produce seed-vessels than those of the _glauca_, the seeds of which usually ripen well, and afford the means of increasing the plant most readily. to have a succession of small handsome bushy plants for the greenhouse, the old ones must either be frequently cut down, or young ones raised from seed, or cuttings, the stems as they grow up becoming naked at bottom. it is a hardy greenhouse plant, and may be kept well enough through the winter in a common hot-bed frame, or planted against a south wall, and matted as myrtles usually are in such situations; we have known the _glauca_, treated in prove a charming ornament. it is a native of spain, growing, as clusius informs us, by road-sides, in sandy places, and on the declivities of hills. cultivated here in 1656, by j. tradescant, jun. h. k. [illustration] [illustration] [186] selago ovata. oval-headed selago. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ tubus capillaris; limbus subæqualis, _sem._ 1. _specific character and synonyms._ selago _ovata_ spicis strobilinis ovatis terminalibus, foliis sparsis linearibus, caule fruticoso. _l'herit. stirp. nov. tom. 2. t. 33._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 355._ lippia _ovata_ capitulis ovatis, foliis linearibus integerrimis. _linn. mant. p. 89._ linnæus in his _mantissa_ has somewhat largely described this plant under the name of _lippia ovata_, evidently from a dried specimen, which may account for the flowers being described of a dark violet colour; he recommends it to such as might have an opportunity of seeing the living plant, to observe if it was not referable to some other genus; accordingly mons. l'heritier, who, when lately in england, saw it in the royal garden at kew, joined it to the genus _selago_, retaining the trivial name of _ovata, bractæata_ would perhaps have been a better name; for though its ovate inflorescence may be peculiar to the species, its bracteæ or floral leaves are so very singular that they constitute the most prominent feature of the plant. mr. aiton informs us, that it was introduced to the royal garden at kew, from the cape, by mr. masson, in 1774. it recommends itself not so much on account of its beauty, curious structure of its flowering spikes, and the fragrance of its blossoms. it is a greenhouse plant, and flowers during most of the summer; its blossoms are white with a yellow spot on the two uppermost, and sometimes on all the segments of the corolla, and an orange spot at the mouth of the tube. is propagated by cuttings. [187] iris sambucina. elder-scented iris. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, inæqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. _stigmata_ petaliformia cucullato-bilabiata. _thunb. diss. de iride._ _specific character and synonyms._ iris _sambucina_ barbata, foliis ensiformibus glabris erectis brevioribus scapo multifloro, petalis deflexis planis. _linn. syst. vegetab, ed. 14. murr._ _thunb. loc. cit. n. 10._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 69._ iris latifolia germanica, sambuci odore. _bauh. pin. 31._ iris camerarii sive purpurea versicolor major. the greater variable coloured purple flower-de-luce. _park. par. p. 181._ this species of iris, said to be a native of the south of europe, derives its name from the smell of its flowers, which very much resembles that of elder in bloom. it is one of the tallest and handsomest of the genus, in a rich moist soil acquiring the height of three feet or more; it is therefore more proper for the shrubbery than the flower-garden. it flowers about the latter end of may, and is readily increased by parting its roots in autumn. the iris of parkinson, referred to in the synonyms, accords so exactly with our plant, in every circumstance but smell, which is not mentioned, that we have no doubt but it was cultivated in our gardens in his time. [illustration] [illustration] [188] convolvulus nil. azure convolvulus. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata, plicata. _stigmata_ 2. _caps._ 2-locularis: loculis dispermis. _specific character and synonyms._ convolvulus _nil_ foliis cordatis trilobis, corollis semiquinquefidis, pedunculis petiolo brevioribus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 209._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 1. p. 209._ convolvulus cæruleus hederaceo anguloso folio. _bauh. pin. p. 295._ nil arab. _gef. hor. eyst._ convolvulus cæruleus. blew bindweed. _ger. herb. p. 715. cum ic._ convolvulus trifolius five hederaceus purpureus. the greater purple bindeweede or bell-flower with cornered leaves. _park. parad. pl. 361. fig. 2._ all our writers on exotic botany treat of this plant, gerard, one of the first, gives us the following account: "this beautiful bindweed, which we call _convolvulus cæruleus_, is called of the arabians _nil_: of _serapio_, _hab al nil_, about alepo and tripolis in syria, the inhabitants call it hasmisen, the italians _campana azurea_, of the beautifull azured flowers and also _fior de notte_, bicause his beautie appeereth most in the night:" he informs us, that it grew in his garden, but perished before it ripened its seeds. parkinson says, it thrives remarkably well in our country, if the year be any thing kindly: miller informs us, that it is a native of africa and america, extols it as one of the most beautiful of the genus, observes, that it is a very distinct species from the purpurea, of which it has been considered by some as a variety; that it will grow to the height of eight or ten feet, that in favourable seasons the seeds will ripen in the open air, and that it requires the same treatment as other annuals usually raised on a hot-bed. mr. aiton considers it as a stove plant, as indeed most of our tender annuals properly are. it flowers from july to september. though apparently common in our gardens formerly, it is now very rarely met with. [illustration] [189] erica grandiflora. great-flowered heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inferta. _antheræ_ bifidæ. _caps._ 4-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _grandiflora_ antheris muticis exfertis, corollis cylindraceis subincurvis glabris, stylo elongato, floribus axillaribus pedunculatis, foliis subsenis acerosis glabris. _ait. hort. kew. vol. 2. p. 25._ erica _grandiflora_ foliis quaternis, stylo exserto, corolla cylindrica, calyce simplici, floribus lateralibus subcurvatis. _linn. suppl. pl. p. 223._ the erica here figured, is one of the many new and beautiful species, which within these few years have been sent from the cape by mr. masson, and which have contributed so greatly to enrich the royal garden at kew. the description given of the _grandiflora_ in the _suppl. plant_. accords so ill with our plant, that we should be led to consider it as another species, did not the respectable authority of the _hortus kewensis_ silence all doubts on that head. the blossoms of this species, whether we regard their magnitude, their colour, their smooth and glossy surface, or the regular position of the filaments, projecting beyond the corolla, and closing together by the antheræ, excite our notice, and claim our admiration. like every other heath, the hardy ones excepted, it is a greenhouse plant, and flowers from may to july. our drawing was made from a plant finely blown, in the collection of james vere, esq. kensington-gore. [190] ornithogalum aureum. golden ornithogalum. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, erecta, persistens, supra medium patens, _filamenta_ alterna basi dilatata. _specific character and synonyms._ ornithogalum _aureum_ foliis ovato-lanceolatis, albomargmatis, floribus racemosis confertis, filamentis nectario emarginato infidentibus. we have bestowed on this plant the name of _aureum_, from the colour of its blossoms, which are usually of a bright orange or gold colour; in some specimens we have observed them of a paler hue, and consequently less beautiful. this highly ornamental species is of modern introduction, having been received by mess. lee and kennedy, a few years since from the cape, of which it is a native. the root is a whitish bulb, resembling in size and shape that of the _lachenalia tricolor_, figured on plate 82 of this work, from whence spring three or four smooth, somewhat fleshy, upright, dark-green leaves, about half an inch wide, and three or four inches long, edged with white, and, if magnified, appearing fringed with very fine hairs or villi; the stalk is naked, from eight to twelve inches high, supporting many flowers, which spring from the alæ of large, hollow, pointed bracteæ, and which opening one after another, keep the plant a considerable time in flower; according to linnæus's generic character, every other filament should be dilated at the base, in the present species each filament is so, or rather sits as it were on a white glandular nectary, emarginated on the inside, and highly deserving of notice. in the greenhouse, where this plant has hitherto been kept, its blossoms come forth as early as january and february, and continue for several months; they will long display their beauty, if the stem be cut off and put in a phial of water. it is propagated by offsets from its bulbs, and has the appearance of being a plant of kindly growth and easy management. [illustration] [191] primula marginata. silver-edged primula. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _specific character and synonyms._ primula _marginata_ foliis obovatis serrato-dentatis albo marginatis, scapo multifloro, involucri foliolis pedunculis brevioribus. there is no difficulty in determining the british plants of this genus, but much in ascertaining many of the foreign ones: professor jacquin has taken great pains to elucidate them in his _miscel. austr._ where fifteen are specifically described, none of which accord exactly with the plant here figured, which has every appearance of being a distinct species: in the _hortus kewensis_ it is described as the _glutinosa_ of the _flora austriaca_, with which it agrees in many respects, but specimens sent from vienna shew it to be a different plant; in its farinaceous tendency it accords with the _primula auricula_, but is very unlike that plant as it is figured in its wild state by prof. _jacquin_, in the _fl. austr._ the leaves being much narrower, the flowers larger, and of a different colour; it differs from _glutinosa_ in the shortness of its involucrum, from _villosa_ (already figured) in having leaves much narrower, perfectly smooth in respect to villi, and in the colour of its blossoms, which approach that of the lilac, but more especially in its disposition to become mealy, particularly on the edges of its leaves, between the serratures, where it is so strong as to make the leaf appear with a white or silvery edge; as this character is constant to it, and not to any other species of primula that we are acquainted with, we have given to it the name of _marginata_. mr. _lee_ received it from the alps in the year 1781, and it has continued in our gardens ever since unaltered by culture.| it is a very delicate pretty plant, with a pleasing musky smell, and flowers in march and april. to succeed in its cultivation, it should be placed in a pot of stiffish loam, mixed with one-third rotten leaves, bog earth, or dung, and plunged in a north border, taking care that it does not suffer for want of water in dry seasons; thus treated, it increases by its roots nearly as readily as the auricula, and may be propagated by parting its' roots early in april or september. | [illustration] [illustration] [192] cypripedium acaule. two-leaved lady's slipper. _class and order._ gynandria diandria. _generic character._ nectarium ventricosum, inflatum, cavum. _specific character and synonyms._ cypripedium _acaule_ radicibus fibrosis, foliis oblongis radicalibus. _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 303._ helleborine _calceolus_ dicta, mariana, foliis binis e radice ex adverso prodeuntibus, flore purpureo _pluk. mant. 101; t. 418. f. 1._ cypripedium _humile_--corolla labio superiore rhomboideo acuminato lateribus deflexo subtus carina angustissima obtusa, inferiore petalis longiore antice fisso. _transact. linn. soc. v. 1. p. 76. t. 3. f. 4._ we have not figured the present species of cypripedium so much on account of its beauty as of its rarity, for it is far less handsome than any of the other species that we are acquainted with. it is a native of different parts of north-america, and flowers with us in may. there is little difficulty in distinguishing it from the other foreign species, it has rarely more than two radical leaves, a very short flowering stem compared with the others, a large nectary in proportion to its size, which in the specimens we have seen has been divided on its upper part, through its whole length, so as in fact to destroy in a great degree that shoe or slipper-like form, from which this genus has taken its name. like the rest of the family, it requires a little extraordinary care in its culture; its roots should be placed in a pot filled with loam and bog-earth, or rotten leaves, well mixed, and plunged in a north border, where in severe seasons it will be proper to shelter it; if the whole border be formed of the same soil or compost the pot will be less necessary. our drawing was made from a plant growing with messrs. grimwood and co. kensington. [illustration] [193] narcissus angustifolius. narrow-leaved narcissus. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _petala_ 6 æqualia. _nectario_ infundibuliformi, 1-phyllo. _stamina_ intra nectarium. _specific character and synonyms._ narcissus _poeticus_ spatha uniflora, nectario rotato brevissimo scarioso crenulato. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 317._ _sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 414._ narcissus uniflorus, foliis ensiformibus, scypho brevissimo. _hall. hist. n. 1250._ narcissus albus circulo purpureo. _bauh. pin. p. 48._ _magnol. bot. monsp. p. 181._ narcissus poeticus medio purpureus. _lob._ narcissus medio purpureus. _dod. pempt. p. 223. f. 1._ narcissus medio purpureus præcox. timely purple ringed daffodil. _ger. herb. p. 108. f. 2._ also _præcocior, fig. 3._ and _præcocissimus, fig. 4._ narcissus medio purpureus præcox. the early purple ringed daffodil. _park. parad. p. 76. t. 75. f. 3._ narcissus latifol. classis altera, lin. 7. alterum vero, &c. _clus. hist. pl. rar. lib. 2. p. 156._ under the name of _poeticus_ three different species of narcissus appearing perfectly distinct (though similar in many respects) and regarded as such by the old botanists, have been confounded by the moderns, viz. narcissus albus circulo purpureo, v et vi } narcissus albus magno odoro flore circulo pallido,} c. bauh. narcissus pallidus circulo luteo } narcissus medio purpureus præcox, } narcissus medio purpureus serotinus,} park parad. narcissus medio luteus vulgaris, } the first of these, the one here figured is evidently the _poeticus_ of _linnæus_, judging by the authors to whom he refers in the third edition of his _spec. pl._ which are indeed few in number, and confined chiefly to _bauh. pin._ _dodonæus_; of the second, and third, he takes no notice. the two former ones of these have the greatest affinity, inasmuch as they both produce for the most part only one flower, of a white colour, having a very short nectary, edged with orange; to both of these linnæus's specific description is equally applicable, as well as the trivial name of _poeticus_, given them indiscriminately by several of the old botanists, some regarding the first, some the second as the plant mentioned by theocritus[2], virgil[3], and ovid[4]; unfortunately both of them are found to grow in the same meadows, and have the same obvious appearances, it is therefore utterly impossible to say which of the two was the narcissus of the poets; if we have the greatest difficulty in ascertaining what the plants were of the _botanists_ of those times, how are we to discover what the _poets_ meant, who with very few exceptions have been unpardonably inattentive to the appearances of nature. since then the term _poeticus_ is equally suitable to both, and as there cannot be two with the same name, we have thought it best to get rid of it altogether, and substitute others which tend in a certain degree to discriminate the several species, denominating the 1st. _angustifolius._ 2d. _majalis._ 3d. _biflorus._ the _angustifolius_ here figured is a native of the south of europe, and said by magnol and clusius to grow spontaneously in the meadows about narbonne and montpelier. it flowers in our gardens early in april, about a month before the _biflorus_, and full six weeks sooner than the _majalis_, increases readily by offsets, and succeeds best in a soil that is moderately moist. in what respects it differs from the two others, will be mentioned when they come to be figured. [footnote 2: florida sed postquam venêre in prata puellæ, his illa, hæc aliis se floribus oblectabant; narcisso illa quidem bene olente, atq; illa hyacintho.] [footnote 3: pro molli viola, pro purpureo narcisso, carduus et spinis surgit paliurus acutis.] [footnote 4: nusquam corpus erat, croceum pro corpore florem inveniunt, foliis medium cingentibus albis.] [illustration] [194] fritillaria imperialis. crown imperial. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala, campanulata, supra ungues cavitate nectarifera. _stam._ longitudine corollæ. _specific character and synonyms._ fritillaria _imperialis_ racemo comoso inferne nudo, foliis integerrimis. _linn, syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 324._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 432._ lilium sive corona imperialis. _bauh. pin. p. 79._ tusai sive lilium persicum. _clust. hist. 1. p. 127._ corona imperialis. the crowne imperiall. _park. par. p. 27. tab. 29. f. 1._ the crown imperial, a native of the east, most probably of persia, was introduced according to dodonæus, into the gardens of the emperor and some of the nobility at vienna in 1576; it appears to have been cultivated here as early as 1596: both gerard and parkinson describe it minutely, the latter on account of its "stately beautifulness, gives it the first place in his garden of delight." it flowers usually in the beginning of april; the whole plant sends forth a strong unpleasant smell, compared by most writers to that of a fox, perceptible when you approach it; to this effluvia parkinson endeavours to reconcile us by saying that it is not unwholesome; it is so disagreeable however, that few choose to have many of these plants, or those in the most frequented parts of their gardens, yet it ought not to be proscribed, for independent of its beauty, there is much in it to admire, and especially its singular nectaria, which in the form of a white glandular excavation decorate the base of each petal; in these usually stands a drop of clear nectareous juice; the peduncle or flower-stalk which bends downwards when the plant is in flower, becomes upright as the seed ripens. of this plant, as of all others which have long been objects of culture, there are many varieties; those most generally cultivated in our gardens are the common orange-flowered single and double, yellow single and double, gold-striped leaved, and silver-striped leaved; the dutch in their catalogues enumerate thirteen varieties. luxuriant plants will sometimes produce a second and even a third whorl or crown of flowers, and the flat-stalked ones which are monsters, have been known to produce seventy-two blossoms, but none of these are found to be constant. the crown imperial, though a native of a much warmer climate than ours, is a hardy bulb, and not very nice in regard to soil, succeeds best in such as is stiffish, enriched with manure, and placed in a sheltered situation. is propagated by offsets, which are produced in tolerable abundance. [illustration] [195] cheiranthus mutabilis. changeable wall-flower. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliquosa. _generic character._ _germen_ utrinque denticulo glandulato. _cal._ clausus foliolis duobus basi gibbis. _sem._ plana. _specific character._ cheiranthus _mutabilis_ foliis lanceolatis acuminatis argute serratis, caule frutescente, siliquis pedunculatis. _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 395._ the present species of _cheiranthus_, unknown both to miller and linnæus, was first described in the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton, who informs us that it was introduced to the royal garden in 1777, and found wild in the island of madeira by mr. masson. its chief merit as an ornamental plant consists in its early flowering; its blossoms which are shewy contribute to enliven the green-house in march and april; on their first expanding, they are white, in some plants (for they are subject to great variation) inclined to yellow, in a few days they become purple; to this change of colour observable also in the _cheiranthus maritimus_ already figured, it owes its name of _mutabilis_. in sheltered gardens at the foot of a wall, we have known this species survive a mild winter; it seems indeed to be almost as hardy as the common stock; it is most commonly however kept in the green-house. the usual way of propagating this species, which is of ready and quick growth, is by cuttings, which should be put into the ground as soon as the plant has done flowering; these if properly treated will become handsome plants to place in the green-house at the approach of winter, and to decorate it the ensuing spring; in like manner may the green-house be annually recruited with many similar plants to great advantage. [196] saxifraga crassifolia. oval-leaved saxifrage. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus. _cor._ 5-petala. _caps._ 2-rostris, 1-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ saxifraga _crassifolia_, foliis ovalibus retusis obsolete serratis petiolatis, caule nudo, panicula conglomerata. _linn. sp. pl ed. 3. p. 573._ _syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 412._ saxifraga foliis ovalibus crenulatis, caulibus nudis. _gmel. sib. 4. p. 166. t. 66._ the term _grandifolia_ would have been more applicable to this species of saxifrage than _crassifolia_, for it is not so much distinguished for the thickness as the largeness of its leaves; these are almost equal in size to those of our broad-leaved dock, red on the under and of a fine shining green on their upper surface; they may be ranked indeed among the more handsome kinds of foliage; the flowering stems, according to the richness and moisture of the soil in which they are planted, rise from one to two or even three feet high; at top supporting a large bunch of purple pendulous flowers, which blossom in april and may, and, if the season prove favourable, make a fine appearance. should cold winds prevail at the time of their flowering, which they are very apt to do, the plants should be covered with a hand-glass; or, if in a pot, it may be removed into the green-house, which they will not disgrace. is found spontaneously on the alps of siberia, and, according to mr. aiton, was introduced in 1765 by dr. solander. no plant is more readily increased by parting its roots, which may be done either in spring or autumn. there is another saxifrage in our gardens exceedingly like this in appearance, but differing, in producing larger bunches of flowers, and in having larger, rounder, and more heart-shaped leaves; mr. aiton regards this as a variety of the _crassifolia_, we are inclined to consider it as a species under the name of _cordifolia_. the parts of fructification in the _crassifolia_ are apt to be preternaturally increased. [illustration] [illustration] [197] narcissus biflorus. two-flower'd narcissus. narcissus _biflorus_ spatha biflor, nectario brevissimo scarioso. narcissus pallidus circulo luteo. _bauh. pin. p. 50._ narcissus medio luteus. _dod. pempt. p. 223. f. 2._ narcissus medio luteus. primrose peerles, or the common white daffodil. _ger. herb. p. 110. f. 6._ narcissus medio luteus vulgaris. the common white daffodill, called _primrose peerlesse_. _park. par. p. 74. t. 75. f. 1._ narcissus latifol classis altera, lin. 1. nascuntur, &c. ad intellexisse. _clus. hist. pl. rar. lib. 2. p. 156._ both gerard and parkinson describe and figure this plant, informing us that it was very common in the gardens in their time; the former indeed mentions it as growing wild in fields and sides of woods in the west of england; the latter says he could never hear of its natural place of growth. clusius reports that he had been credibly informed of its growing wild in england; it probably may, but of this it remains for us to be more clearly ascertained; it undoubtedly is the plant mentioned by ray in his synopsis. as it grows readily, increases in a greater degree than most others and is both ornamental and odoriferous, it is no wonder that we meet with it in almost every garden, and that in abundance, flowering towards the end of april, about three weeks later than the angustifolia. it usually produces two flowers, hence we have called it biflorus; it frequently occurs with one, more rarely with three, in a high state of culture it probably may be found with more; when it has only one flower it may easily be mistaken for the _majalis_, but may be thus distinguished from it; its petals are of a more yellow hue, the nectary is wholly yellow, wanting the orange rim, it flowers at least three weeks earlier; but the character, which by observation we have found most to be depended on, exists in the flowering stem, the top of which in the biflorus, very soon after it emerges from the ground, bends down and becomes elbowed, as our figure represents; in the _majalis_, it continues upright till within a short time of the flowers expanding. [illustration] [198] indigofera candicans. white-leaved indigo. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ patens. _cor._ carina utrinque calcari subulato patulo. _legumen_ lineare. _specific character and synonyms._ indigofera _candicans_ foliis ternatis lanceolato-linearibus subtus sericeis, spicis pedunculatis paucifloris, leguminibus cylindraceis rectis. _ait. hort. kew. v. 3, p. 67._ of the genus _indigofera_, twenty-three species are enumerated in prof. murray's edition of the _syst. vegetab._ of linnæus; ten in the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton; in which last work only, the present plant, distinguished by the whiteness of its stalks and of the underside of its leaves, is described, and in which we are informed, that it is a native of the cape, from whence it was introduced by mr. masson in 1774. its principal period of flowering is from about the beginning of may to the middle of june, at which time it is highly ornamental in the green-house: strong healthy plants produce from five to eight blossoms in a spike: on a plant growing with mr. colvill, nurseryman, king's-road, chelsea, we once counted nine: a few of these usually produce seed-vessels containing perfect seeds, by which the plant is mostly propagated; it may also be raised by cuttings, but not very readily. [199] aster alpinus. alpine aster. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ simplex. _cor._ radii plures 10. _cal._ imbricati squamæ inferiores patulæ. _specific character and synonyms._ aster _alpinus_ foliis subspathulatis hirtis integerrimis, caulibus simplicibus unifloris. _ait. hort. kew. p. 198._ aster _alpinus_ foliis spatulatis hirtis: radicalibus obtusis, caule simplicissimo unifloro. _linn. syst. vegetab. p. 761._ _jacq. fl. austr. v. 1. t. 88._ aster montanus cæruleus, magno flore, foliis oblongis. _bauh. pin. p. 267._ clusius and jacquin, by both of whom this species of aster is figured and described, inform us, that it grows spontaneously on the austrian alps: of the many hardy herbaceous species cultivated in our garden, this is by far the most humble in is growth; in its wild state acquiring the height of about four inches, and when cultivated, rarely exceeding eight or nine: its blossoms for its size are large and shewy, making their appearance much earlier than any of the others, viz. about the end of may and beginning of june, and continuing in blossom three weeks or a month. it is readily propagated by parting its roots in the autumn, may be kept in pots, or planted in the open border, prefers a moist stiffish soil; if carefully watered in dry weather, will grow among rock-work, for which, from its size, it is well adapted. [illustration] [200] antirrhinum sparteum. branching toad-flax. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ basis deorsum prominens nectarifera. _caps._ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ antirrhinum _sparteum_ foliis subulatis canaliculatis carnosis: inferioribus ternis, caule paniculato corollisque glaberrimis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 555._ _ait. hort. kew. 2. p. 333._ the drawing here exhibited gives but a faint idea of the elegant and lively appearance which this plant assumes when it grows in a tuft, and a number of its branches are in blossom at the same time. it is a hardy annual, of small stature, a native of spain, and flowers during most of the summer. was introduced into this country, according to mr. aiton, in 1772, by mons. richard, and deserves to be much more generally cultivated. some regard it as a biennial, but as seeds of it sown in the spring flower the ensuing summer, and as the plant dies when it has ripened its seeds, there appears more propriety in considering it as an annual. it is to be sown in the same manner as other hardy annuals; will flower earlier if the seeds have been raised in autumn. the upper part of the stalk, as well as the leaves of the calyx, are beset with viscous hairs, in which respect it does not perfectly accord with linnæus's description. _vid. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 854._ [illustration] [illustration] [201] pelargonium bicolor. two-coloured crane's-bill. _class and order._ monadelphia heptandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus: lacinia suprema desinente in tubulum capillarem, nectariferum, secus pedunculum decurrentem. _cor._ 5-petala, irregularis. _filam._ 10, inæqualia: quorum 3 (raro 5) castrata. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ spiralia, introrsum barbata. _specific character and synonyms._ pelargonium _bicolor_ umbellis multifloris, foliis ternatifidis lobatis dentatis undulatis villosis. _l'herit. n. 64._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 425._ geranium bicolor. _jacq. hort. 3. p. 23. t. 39._ _cavan. diss. 4. p. 248. t. 111. f. 1._ in every numerous tribe of plants, many of the species approach so near to each other, that there is much difficulty in distinguishing them; this objection cannot be urged against the present plant, which obviously differs from all the others of the same genus in the particular shape of its leaves and the colour of its blossoms, the latter are usually of a rich and very dark purple edged with white, from whence we apprehend it takes its name of _bicolor_; the colours however are scarcely distinct enough to justify such a name. mr. aiton informs us in his _hort. kew._ that this very ornamental species was introduced in the year 1778, by john, the late earl of bute, but of what country it is a native, does not appear to be ascertained. our drawing was made from a plant in the collection of messrs. grimwood and co. kensington, with whom it flowers from june to august. it is not disposed to ripen its seeds, nor is it very readily increased by cuttings. [202] lupinus perennis. perennial lupine. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus. _antheræ_ 5, oblongæ 5, subrotundæ. _legumen_ coriaceum. _specific character and synonyms._ lupinus _perennis_ calycibus alternis inappendiculatis: labio superiore emarginato; inferiore integro. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 655._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 28._ lupinus calycibus alternis, radice perenni repente. _fl. virg. 172._ lupinus cæruleus minor perennis virginianus repens. _moris. hist. 2. p. 87. s. 2. t. 7. f. 6._ lupinus floribus cæruleis inodoris, in spicas longas digestis, radice reptatrice. _clayt. n. 779._ every species of lupine described in the _species plantarum_ of linnæus, and in the _hortus kewensis_ of mr. aiton, except the one here figured, are annuals; till another perennial one therefore shall be discovered, the term _perennis_ will be strictly applicable to the present plant. its root is not only of the kind just mentioned, but creeping also; mr. _miller_ informs us, that he traced some of them belonging to plants of a year old, to the depth of three feet, they also spread out far and wide; hence the roots even of young plants are with difficulty taken up entire, and as they do not succeed well by transplanting, if the root be cut or broken, our excellent author prefers raising this elegant plant from seed, which, though not very plentifully produced, ripen in july and august; care must be taken to gather them as soon as ripe. it is a native of virginia, and appears to have been cultivated in the botanic garden at oxford, as long since as 1658. flowers from may to july. is a hardy perennial, succeeding best in a dry situation, with a loam moderately stiff. [illustration] [illustration] [203] geranium angulatum. angular-stalked crane's-bill. _class and order._ monadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ 5-petala, regularis. _nect._ glandulæ 5, melliferæ, basi longiorum filamentorum adnatæ. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus: _rostra_ simplicia, nuda, (nec spiralia nec barbata). _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _angulatum_ foliis radicalibus subpartitis incisis hirsutis, caule erecto subangulato, petalis venosis. having cultivated the geranium here figured for a series of years, we are perfectly satisfied of its being a species altogether distinct from any of the hardy and more ornamental plants of that genus usually cultivated in our gardens. it is obviously distinguished by two characters, the angular appearance of its stalk (whence our name of _angulatum_) and its flesh-coloured blossoms, marked with veins of a deeper red. in size it stands between _pratense_ and _aconitifolium_, in its blossoms it has some affinity to _striatum_ and _lancastriense_, but veins are not so strongly marked as in the former, and it differs from the latter in having an upright stalk. it usually flowers in may, and frequently again in autumn; is a hardy perennial, and easily increased either by seeds or parting its roots. of what country it is a native, or when it was first introduced, we have yet to learn; we first observed it in a nursery near town, where it is regarded as a very different species. [illustration] [204] ranunculus aconitifolius. mountain crowfoot, or fair maids of france. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5-intra ungues poro mellifero. _sem._ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ ranunculus _aconitifolius_ foliis omnibus quinatis lanceolatis inciso-serratis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 516._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 267._ ranunculus folio aconiti, flore albo multiplici. _bauh. pin. 179._ ranunculus montanus albus flore pleno. the double white mountain crowfoot. _park. parad. p. 219. f. 9._ double white bachelors buttons. _ger. herb. p. 812. f. 1._ this is one of those plants which derives its beauty from the multiplication of its petals; in its single state no one would think it deserving of culture as an ornamental plant: when double, few plants come in for a greater share of admiration. it is a native of the alps of europe, and flowers in may and june. was very generally cultivated in our gardens in the times of gerard and parkinson. like most alpine plants, it requires a pure air, and succeeds best in a situation moderately moist and shady; is a hardy perennial, and may be increased by parting its roots in autumn. in all seasons, with us, its foliage, as well as that of most other crowfoots, is liable to be disfigured, and sometimes nearly destroyed, by a very small maggot which feeds betwixt, the coats of the leaf, and which ultimately produces a small fly, called by us _musca ranunculi_. [205] antirrhinum alpinum. alpine toad-flax. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ basis deorsum prominens, nectarifera. _caps._ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ antirrhinum _alpinum_ foliis quaternis lineari-lanceolatis glaucis, caule diffuso, floribus racemosis, calcari recto. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 556._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p 335._ _jacq. fl. austr. v. 1. t. 58._ antirrhinum caule procumbente breviter spicato, foliis verticillatis. _hall. hist. p. 338._ linaria quadrifolia supina. _bauh. pin. p. 213._ linaria tertia styriaca. _clus. hist. 1. p. 322._ professor jacquin, in describing the flowers of this plant, calls them _elegantissimi_; and to one of its varieties haller applies the epithet _pulcherrima_: such testimonies in its favour will, we presume, be sufficient to recommend it to our readers. it is a native of various mountainous parts of europe, affecting moist, stony situations,[5] and flowers during most of the summer: is a hardy perennial[6], according to the celebrated author of the _fl. austriaca_; mr. aiton, in his _hort. kew._ marks it as a biennial. it is nevertheless apt to be lost, like other small alpine plants, for want of proper treatment and care. mr. aiton informs us on the authority of lobel, that it was cultivated here by mr. hugh morgan, in 1570. may be propagated by cuttings, as well as by seeds, which however are not very plentifully produced with us. succeeds best when kept in a pot, or on rock-work, which it is well suited to decorate. [footnote 5: in saxosis udis alpium. _jacq._] [footnote 6: radix perennis. _jacq._] [illustration] [illustration] [206] geranium anemonefolium. anemone-leav'd geranium. _class and order._ monadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _cor._ 5-petala, regularis. _nect._ glandulæ 5 melliferæ basi longiorum filamentorum adnatæ. _fructus_ 5-coccus, rostratus; _rostra_ simplicia nec spiralia nec barbata. _l. herit. geran._ _specific character and synonyms._ geranium _anemonefolium_ foliis palmatis; foliolis pinnatifidis, caule fruticoso. _l. herit. n. 6. t. 36._ geranium palmatum. _cavan. diss. 4. p. 216. t. 84. f. 2._ before the appearance of the _hortus kewensis_, _lævigatum_ was the term usually applied to this species of geranium, by botanists here, and that on account of the smooth and glossy appearance of its leaves; in that work mr. aiton adopts the word _anemonefolium_, by which mons. l. heritier had distinguished this species, from an idea that their shape afforded a more expressive character than their smoothness. we regret that the small size of our plate will not admit of our giving representation of those leaves, and of their mode of growth, which so strikingly characterizes the plant and adds so considerably to its beauty. mr. aiton informs us that this species is a native of madeira, from whence it was introduced here by mr. francis masson in 1778. it flowers from may to september, is usually and readily raised from seeds, nor is it so tender as many other green-house plants. [illustration] [207] dianthus barbatus. bearded pink or sweet william. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _cal._ cylindricus 1-phyllus: basi squamis 4. _petala_ 5 unguiculata. _capsula_ cylindrica, 1-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ dianthus _barbatus_ floribus aggregatis fasciculatis: squamis calycinis ovato-subulatis tubum æquantibus, foliis lanceolatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 17._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 88._ caryophyllus hortensis barbatus latifolius. _bauh. pin. 208._ armerius latifolius simplex. single sweete williams. _park. parad. p. 321._ linnæus, in his _spec. pl._ appears not to have known of what country the sweet william was a native, and even in the _hortus kewensis_, this circumstance is left undecided; yet dodonæus, in his _pemptades_[7], mentions its being found wild in germany, and prof. hoffman confirms this in his _germanys flora_[8]. at the time dodonæus wrote (1552) this plant was cultivated in the netherlands, from whence it was probably introduced to this country, where it certainly is one of the oldest inhabitants of our gardens. beautiful as are the numerous varieties of this species of dianthus, florists have not deemed it worthy of that peculiar attention which they have bestowed on its more favoured relatives the pink and carnation, and hence it probably has not arrived at that degree of improvement of which it is capable; our figure is intended to represent one of the most esteemed of its kind, viz. the _painted lady_ variety, which has a deep rich purple eye, surrounded with a pure white, having the edge of the petals slightly indented; but our colours fall far short of the beauties of the original. besides single flowers producing an infinite variety of colours, there are several double varieties of the sweet william, some of which are observed to have more scent than others. to possess these plants in perfection, we must renew them yearly; for though the root be perennial, it is apt to decay, especially if the soil in which it grows be either very moist, or very dry; or if the air be not pure, the single sorts must be raised from seeds, which should be saved from the choicest flowers; the double sorts may be increased by cuttings, pipings, or layers, in the same manner, and at the same time as pinks and carnations; the seed should be sown early in april, the seedlings transplanted into a bed in june, taking advantage of a wet day and placed about six inches asunder each way; in september they will be fit to transplant into the flower border, where they will blossom the ensuing summer, during the months of june and july, and ripen their seed in august. [footnote 7: in petrosis collibus et asperis, fabulosis apricisque locis, apud germanos nascitur. _pempt. p. 177._] [footnote 8: sponte in sylvaticis, montosis (carn. siles. tubing) germanys fl. 1791. p. 147.] [208] melissa grandiflora. great-flower'd balm. _class and order._ didynamia gymnospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ aridus, supra planiusculus; labio superiore subfastigiato. _corollæ_ lab. super. subfornicatum, 2-fidum; labium inf. lobo medio cordato. _specific character and synonyms._ melissa _grandiflora_ pedunculis axillaribus dichotomis longitudine florum. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 542._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 315._ calamintha magno flore. _bauh. pin. 229._ calamintha montana præstantior. the more excellent calamint. _ger. herb. p. 556._ as to the name. _ger. emac. 687._ as to the figure. the _melissa grandiflora_, a beautiful and hardy perennial, grows spontaneously on the hilly and mountainous parts of france, italy, and germany; gerard mentions it as found wild in this country, which stands in need of further confirmation; there is little doubt, however, but he had cultivated the plant; as he says, "brought into the garden, it prospereth marvellous well and very easily soweth itself." it is the more valuable, as it flowers during most of the summer. there is a variety of it with white, and another with red flowers, both much inferior in size to those of the plant here figured, and therefore not worth cultivating; we have a variety also with variegated leaves which we obtained from seeds. this plant is readily propagated by parting its roots in autumn, and may also be raised from seeds, which are plentifully produced: as it rarely exceeds a foot in height, it becomes a suitable plant for the small flower border, or for the decoration of rock-work. the leaves when bruised have the smell of garden balm. [illustration] [illustration] [209] hibiscus trionum. bladder hibiscus. _class and order._ monadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _cal._ duplex: exterior polyphyllus. _caps._ 5-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ hibiscus _trionum_ foliis tripartitis incisis, calycibus inflatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 631._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 458._ trionum _linn. hort. cliff. 349._ alcea vesicaria. _bauh. pin. 317._ alcea peregrina five vesicaria. venice mallow, or good night at noone. _park. parad. p. 368. 307. f. 2._ seeds of the plant here figured are sold in the seed-shops under the name of venice mallow, a name by which it was known in the time of gerard and parkinson: mr. aiton has changed this for the more scientific one of bladder hibiscus. authors have also distinguished this plant by terms expressive of the short-lived expansion of its flowers, which gerard says open at eight o'clock in the morning and close about nine, from whence he observes, that it might with propriety be called malva horaria: miller lengthens the duration of its blowing to a few hours: we have frequently observed its blossoms continue sufficiently open to shew their beauty the greatest part of the day, more especially towards the close of summer. few annuals are more admired than this, the inside of the flower is of delicate cream colour, having the centre embellished with a rich purple velvet, on which its golden antheræ are proudly conspicuous. it is said to be a native of italy; a cape variety, differing in hairiness and a few other particulars is mentioned by miller, and considered by him as a species. the least possible trouble attends the raising of this beautiful annual, as it readily ripens its seeds, which falling on the ground produce plants in abundance the ensuing spring; to have it flower as long as may be, it will be proper to sow it at two or three different periods. [illustration] [210] celsia linearis. linear-leav'd celsia. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-partitus. _cor._ rotata. _filamenta_ barbata, _caps._ 2-locularis. _specific character and synonyms._ celsia _linearis_. _jacq. collect. v. 2. n. 210._ _icon. v. 2. t. 13._ celsia _linearis_ foliis ternis linearibus denticulatis. we here present our readers with the figure of a plant newly introduced from france by mr. williams, nurseryman of paris, collected originally in peru by mr. dombey, whose flowers, if they do not equal those of the fuchsia already figured in elegance of form and growth, surpass them somewhat in brilliancy of colour, whence it becomes a most desirable plant for the purpose of ornament. professor jacquin, who first gave a figure and description of this plant, informs us in his collectanea, that he received seeds of it from professor ortega of madrid, under the name of _celsia linearis_, which name he has adopted; and we, from respect to such authority, have continued; at the same time we must observe, that it ill accords with that genus: the blossoms while in bud fold up somewhat in the same manner as those of the celsia, but on expansion they appear widely different; their shape indeed then becomes truly singular, resembling a half-formed imperfect corolla, its filaments are short and want the hairs which in part characterise the celsia; its seed-vessels also are far from being round: its antheræ are large and close together, somewhat like those of the solanum, and there is so little of inequality in them, that few students would be induced to refer its flowers to the class didynamia. being a native of a warm climate, it comes to the greatest perfection here when placed in a stove in which the heat is moderate; but it will succeed very well if treated as a tender green-house plant: it does not appear to be quite so hardy as the fuchsia, nor to flower like that plant at all seasons, but usually produces its blossoms in the latter summer months, those are succeeded by seed-vessels producing perfect seeds, by which, as well as by cuttings, the plant is propagated. its leaves, which are not deciduous, are linear, and more or less toothed, growing three together; this character however is somewhat obscured by others growing from their bosoms. [211] sedum populifolium. poplar-leav'd stonecrop. _class and order._ decandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _cor._ 5-petala. _squamæ_ nectariferæ 5 ad basin germinis. _caps._ 5. _specific character and synonyms._ sedum _populifolium_ foliis planis cordatis dentatis petiolatis, corymbis terminalibus. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 109._ sedum _populifolium_ foliis petiolatis cordatis dentatis, floribus paniculatis. _linn. fil. suppl. p. 242._ sedum _populifolium_. _pallas, it. 3. p. 730. t. o. fig. 2._ professor pallas, the celebrated russian naturalist, discovered this species of sedum in siberia, and in the year 1780, introduced it to the royal garden at kew; the younger linnæus describes it minutely in his _suppl. plantarum_, and observes, that in its general form it much resembles the _saxifraga rotundifolia_. its leaves are flat as in many of the other species, and when the plant grows in an open situation, exposed to the sun, they become as well as the stalks of a bright red colour, which adds much to its beauty. it is the only hardy sedum cultivated; in our gardens with a shrubby stalk, its leaves however are deciduous, so that in the winter it loses its verdure, it flowers in july and august, and is readily increased by cuttings. as most of this tribe grow readily, and many of them naturally on rocks and walls, they may be in general regarded as proper rock plants, some of them however are apt by the quickness of their growth to extend over and destroy plants of more value; this fault, if such it may be deemed, is not imputable to the _populifolius_. some not knowing its native place of growth, keep it in the green-house. [illustration] [212] tanacetum flabelliforme. fan-leaved tansy. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ submarginatus. _cal._ imbricatus, hemisphæricus. _cor._ radii obsoletæ, trifidæ. _linn. (interdum nullæ omnesque flosculi hermaphroditi.) murr._ _specific character and synonyms._ tanacetum _flabelliforme_ corymbis simplicibus, foliis deltoidibus apice serratis. _l'herit. sert. angl. t. 27._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 169._ there is a neatness in the appearance of this plant, which joined to the singular form of its foliage, varying also from the general hue, entitles it to a place in the green-house. mr. masson discovered it at the cape, and introduced it here in 1774. _ait. kew._ it flowers from may to august, grows freely, and is usually propagated by cuttings. [illustration] [illustration] [213] polygonum orientale. tall persicaria. _class and order._ octandria trigynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 0. _cor._ 5-partita, calycina. _sem._ 1. angulatum. _specific character and synonyms._ polygonum _orientale_ floribus heptandris digynis, foliis ovatis, caule erecto, stipulis hirtis hypocrateriformibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 377._ _ait. hort. kew. v. 2. p. 32._ persicaria _orientalis_ nicotianæ folio calyce florum purpureo. _tournef. cor. 38._ schovanna-modelamuccu. _rheed. mal. 12. p. 147. t. 76._ of the genus polygonum, the present well-known native of the east, as well as of india, is the principal one cultivated in our gardens for ornament, and is distinguished not less for its superior stature than the brilliancy of its flowers; it will frequently grow to the height of eight or ten feet, and become a formidable rival to the gigantic sun-flower. there is a dwarf variety of it, and another with white flowers; it has been observed to vary also in point of hairiness. it flowers from july to october, and produces abundance of seed, which, falling on the borders, generally comes up spontaneously in the spring; but it is most commonly sown in the spring with other annuals: when the seedlings appear, they should be thinned so as to stand a foot apart. this plant requires very little care, and will bear the smoke of london better than many others. was cultivated by the dutchess of beaufort, in 1707. _ait. kew._ the stipulæ on the stalk are deserving of notice, being unusual in their form, and making it look as if beruffled. [214] dracocephalum denticulatum. toothed dragon's-head. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _corollæ faux_ inflata: _labium_ superius concavum. _specific character and synonyms._ dracocephalum _denticulatum_ floribus spicatis remotis, foliis obovato-lanceolatis superne denticulatis. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 317._ about the year 1786, we received from philadelphia, seeds of a plant collected at a considerable distance from that city, announced to us as new and rare, and which produced the present species of _dracocephalum_: mr. watson, nurseryman at islington, obtained the same plant from carolina, about the same period. it is a hardy perennial, multiplying considerably by its roots, which creep somewhat; it must be planted in a moist soil, and shady situation, for such it affects, and in such only will it thrive. it flowers in august and september. it bears a considerable affinity to the _dracocephalum virginianum_, to which, though a much rarer plant, it is inferior in point of beauty; it spreads more on the ground, its flowering stems are not altogether so upright, nor so tall, the leaves are broader, and the flowers in the spikes less numerous. [illustration] [illustration] [215] ranunculus acris flore pleno. double upright crowfoot. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala_ 5, intra ungues poro mellisero. _sem._ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ ranunculus _acris_ calycibus patulis, pedunculis teretibus, foliis tripartito multifidis: summis linearibus. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 517._ ranunculus hortensis erectus flore pleno. _bauh. pin. p. 178. ?._ ranunculus pratensis flore multiplici. _park. parad. p. 218._ the double yellow field crowfoot. in giving a representation of this species of ranunculus, we have made a slight deviation from the strict letter of our plan, as expressed in the title page, which confines us to the figuring of foreign plants only; we have thought, however, that it would not be inconsistent with the spirit of the _flower-garden displayed_, were we occasionally to introduce such english plants as have double flowers, and which, on that account, are thought worthy of a place in every garden; they are but few in number, and we flatter ourselves that this trifling alteration will be approved by our numerous readers. the _ranunculus acris_ is the first that we offer of these; a plant, in its wild and single state, common in all our rich meadows, and in its improved, or to speak more botanically, in its monstrous state (all double flowers being monsters, for the most part formed from the preternatural multiplication of their petals) it has long been cultivated in gardens abroad, as well as here. there are certain ornamental plants of the perennial kind, which, if once introduced, will succeed with the least possible trouble, and therefore suit such as have little time to bestow on their flower-gardens; the present plant is one of those: if the soil in which we plant it be moist, it will grow most readily, and flower during the months of june and july; and it is easily increased, by parting its roots in autumn. [illustration] [216] cypripedium album. white-petal'd ladies slipper. _class and order._ gynandria diandria. _generic character._ _nectarium_ ventricosum inflatum cavum. _specific character and synonyms._ cypripedium _album_ radicibus fibrosis foliis ovato-lanceolatis caulinis, petalis obtusis. _ait. hort. kew. v. 3. p. 303._ helleborine calceolus dicta mariana flore gemello candido, venis purpureis, striato. _pluk. mant. 101. t. 418. f. 3._ cypripedium _hirsutum_ foliis oblongo ovatis venosis hirsutis flore maximo. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ cypripedium _spectabile_. corolla labio superiore ovali basi retuso concavo subtus carina obtusa, inferiore petalis longiore grosso. _salisb. trans. linn. soc. v. 1. p. 78._ of the genus _cypripedium_, great-britain produces only one, america several species; of these the _album_ here figured, (whose name is derived from the whiteness of its petals, and with which the nectary must not be confounded) is by far the most magnificent; indeed there are few flowers which to such singularity of structure add such elegance and beauty: it grows spontaneously in various parts of north-america, and chiefly in the woods; was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by mr. william young about the year 1770, but was known to mr. miller, and cultivated by him at chelsea long before that period; this intelligent and truly practical author informs us, that all the sorts of cypripedium are with difficulty preserved and propagated in gardens; he recommends them to be planted in a loamy soil, and in a situation where they may have the morning sun only; they must, he observes, for the above reasons, be procured from the places where they naturally grow; the roots should be seldom removed, for transplanting them prevents their flowering, which usually takes place in june. a greater proof of the difficulty of increasing these plants need not be adduced than their present scarcity, though vast numbers have been imported, how few can boast of possessing them, or of preserving them for any length of time; careful management in their cultivation will doubtless go far, but peculiarity of soil and situation would appear to be of greater importance: it is well known that certain plants thrive in certain districts only, the double yellow rose, for instance, barely exists near london, yet this plant i have seen growing most luxuriantly, and producing a profusion of bloom, in the late mr. mason's garden, cheshunt, herts, and in which various orchis's also acquired nearly twice their usual size,--enviable spot! index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _sixth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 200 antirrhinum sparteum. 207 ---alpinum. 199 aster alpinus. 210 celsia linearis. 195 cheiranthus mutabilis. 181 colutea frutescens. 188 convolvulus nil. 185 coronilla valentina. 192 cypripedium acaule. 216 ---album. 207 dianthus barbatus. 214 dracocephalum denticulatum. 189 erica grandiflora. 194 fritillaria imperialis. 203 geranium angulatum. 206 ---anemonefolium. 209 hibiscus trionum. 198 indigofera candicans. 187 iris sambucina. 184 ixia crocata. 202 lupinus perennis. 208 melissa grandiflora. 193 narcissus angustifolius. 197 ---biflorus. 190 ornithogalum aureum. 201 pelargonium bicolor. 213 polygonum orientale. 191 primula marginata. 204 ranunculus aconitifolius. 215 ---acris flore pleno. 182 salvia aurea. 196 saxifraga crassifolia. 211 sedum populifolium. 186 selago ovata. 183 syringa vulgaris. 212 tanacetum flabelliforme. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _sixth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 199 aster alpine. 208 balm great-flower'd. 181 bladder-senna scarlet. 210 celsia linear-leav'd. 188 convolvulus azure. 185 coronilla rue-leav'd. 201 crane's-bill two-colour'd. 203 ---angular-stalk'd. 204 crowfoot mountain. 215 ---upright-double. 214 dragon's-head toothed. 206 geranium anemone-leav'd. 189 heath great-flower'd. 209 hibiscus bladder. 194 imperial crown. 198 indigo white-leav'd. 187 iris elder-scented. 184 ixia saffron-colour'd. 192 ladies-slipper two-leav'd. 216 ---white-petal'd. 183 lilac common. 202 lupine perennial. 193 narcissus narrow-leav'd. 197 ---two-flower'd. 190 ornithogalum golden. 213 persicaria tall. 191 primula silver-edg'd. 182 sage golden. 196 saxifrage oval-leav'd. 186 selago oval-headed. 211 stonecrop poplar-leav'd. 212 tansey fan-leav'd. 200 toad-flax branching. 207 ---alpine. 195 wall-flower changeable. 207 william sweet. file made using scans of public domain works at the university of georgia.) the botanical magazine; or, flower-garden displayed: in which the most ornamental foreign plants, cultivated in the open ground, the green-house, and the stove, are accurately represented in their natural colours. to which are added, their names, class, order, generic and specific characters, according to the celebrated linnæus; their places of growth, and times of flowering: together with the most approved methods of culture. a work intended for the use of such ladies, gentlemen, and gardeners, as wish to become scientifically acquainted with the plants they cultivate. by _william curtis_, author of the flora londinensis. vol. xiii. "---all alone, amid her garden fair, "from morn to noon, from noon to dewy eve, "she spent her days, her pleasing task to tend "the flowers; to lave them from the water-spring; "to ope the buds with her enamoured breath, "rank the gay tribes, and rear them in the sun. ------ "thus plied assiduous her delightful task, "day after day, till every herb she named "that paints the robe of spring." bruce. _london_: printed by stephen couchman, throgmorton-street, for w. curtis, nº 3, _st. george's-crescent_, black-friars-road; and sold by the principal booksellers in great-britain and ireland. m dcc xcix. [433] [illustration: nº. 433] azalea pontica. yellow azalea. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata. _stamina_ receptaculo inserta. _caps._ 2-5 locularis polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ azalea _pontica_ foliis nitidis lanceolatis, utrinque glabris, racemis terminalibus. _linn. sp. pl. app. p. 1669._ _pall. fl. ross. t. 69. p. 51._ chamærhodendros pontica maxima mespili folio flore luteo. _tourn. cor. hist. rei. herb. 42._ _act. paris 1704. p. 348._ _buxb. cent. 5. p. 36. t. 69._ descr. shrub from two to three feet or more in height, the thickest part of the stem not exceeding the size of the little finger, covered with a smooth brown bark, irregularly branched; flowers appearing before the leaves are fully expanded, and produced in umbels at the extremities of the branches, from eight to twelve or more in an umbel, of a fine yellow colour and agreeable fragrance; each blossom is about the size of that of the horse-chestnut, and as some of them are produced much earlier than others, the plant of course continues a considerable time in bloom, standing on short peduncles; calyx very short, viscous, and irregularly divided, most commonly into five ovato-lanceolate segments; corolla, tube cylindrical, viscous, grooved, brim divided into five segments, undulated and somewhat wrinkled, ovate, pointed, three turning upwards, two downwards, of the three uppermost segments the middle one more intensely yellow than the others and inclining to orange, with which it is sometimes spotted; stamina usually five, yellow, projecting beyond the corolla, and turning upwards near their extremities; antheræ orange-coloured; pollen whitish and thready; germen somewhat conical, evidently hairy, and somewhat angular; style yellowish, filiform, projecting beyond the stamina, and turning upwards; stigma forming a round green head. the figure and description here given were taken from a plant which flowered by means of artificial heat, in the spring of 1798, at mr. watson's, nurseryman, islington, and which had been introduced the same year, by mr. anthony hove, of warsaw. as an hardy ornamental shrub, it bids fair to prove an acquisition truly valuable, its flowers produced in the months of june and july, being highly ornamental as well as fragrant. we have the best authority for regarding this plant as the _chamærhodendros pontica_ of tournefort, it agrees with his own specimens in sir joseph banks's herbarium, it accords also with his description, and figures, more especially of those flowers which are of their natural size; nor have we any doubts of its being the _azalea pontica_ of prof. pallas, figured in the _flor. rossica_, since it corresponds generally with his description, though not in all points with his figure, which bears evident marks of inaccuracy, the stigma, for instance, is represented as trifid. tournefort found this plant on the eastern side of the black sea, mr. hove on the north side near oczakow, and elsewhere; professor pallas on mount caucasus. as yet there has been no opportunity of ascertaining the best means of propagating this new denizen, but there is every reason to suppose that it will succeed with the treatment bestowed on the other _azalea's_. prof. pallas relates that the honey of bees frequenting the flowers of this plant is supposed to be narcotic, and that goats, kine, and sheep on eating its leaves have been poisoned thereby. by permission and with the approbation of mr. anthony hove, the following extracts from his journal are here inserted. "june 9, 1796, found a few of this species of _azalea_ on the river dnieper in swampy ground, four feet high, beginning to blow, called here the stupifying shrub, and considered by some as highly efficacious in curing the venereal disease. "june 20, found this species on the river dniester, on the estate of count stanislaus sczesny potocki, about sixteen english miles from the town of mohilow, in peat earth, from four to twenty feet high; regarded by the common people as intoxicating, and used in the cure of various diseases. "july 4, near oczakow, found thousands of these plants fully blown, in a marsh, every spring-tide overflown by the sea; found there also, a tartarian farmer, who lived entirely by the profits arising from the honey which the bees extracted from the flowers of this plant, sold to constantinople and other parts of turkey for medicinal uses. "july 15, arrived at trebizond, found a valley about ten english miles from the sea covered with these plants." on cultivation, mr. hove relates that he found the _azalea's_ from trebizond much more tender than those from the borders of the dnieper and the dniester, and was therefore inclined to regard them as strong varieties if not distinct species. the leaves, when fully expanded, are in size and figure like those on the plate, hairy on both sides, and terminating in a very remarkable blunt mucro or point, which has not been noticed either by those who have described or figured the plant as it deserves, for it appears to form a very strong character. [434] [illustration: nº. 434] oxybaphus viscosus. viscid umbrella-wort. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus campanulatus. _cor._ infundibuliformis. _nux_ 5-gona 1-sperma calyce explanato persistenti circumdata. _specific character and synonyms._ oxybaphus _viscosus_. _l'herit. monograph._ mirabilis _viscosa_ floribus racemosis; foliis cordatis orbiculato-acutis tomentosis. _cav. icon. i. n. 17. t. 19._ the present is one of those plants which is entitled to our admiration, for its curious and singular structure, rather than for any extraordinary figure it makes in a collection; not that its flowers are without a certain share of beauty. it is an annual, growing to about the height of two feet; the whole plant is viscous, and, if bruised, smells somewhat disagreeably; the flowers do not open at any particular time as those of the _mirabilis_ do, and each contains only three stamina; when they fall off, which they do soon after expanding, the calyx closes on the germen, enlarges, droops, and becomes deeply plaited; on the ripening of the seed it turns brown, expands, and is suspended like a little umbrella over the seed, which when perfectly ripe drops out on the ground; the expanded calyx in this state appears somewhat like the flower of a physalis. this plant flowers from june to october, and ripens its seeds in the open air; it is not difficult of culture, requires the same treatment as other tender annuals from peru. our figure was drawn from a plant which flowered 1796, in the collection of the marchioness of bute, and was raised from peruvian seeds, sent her by prof. ortega of madrid, under the name of _mirabilis triandra_; mons. cavanille has figured and described it as the _mirabilis viscosa_; mons. l'heritier, from a consideration of all its characters, has been induced to make a new genus of it, which he has called _oxybaphus_. [435] [illustration: nº. 435] gnaphalium ericoides. heath-leaved gnaphalium, or everlasting. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ nudum. _pappus_ plumosus. _cal._ imbricatus: squamis marginalibus rotundatis scariosis coloratis. _specific character and synonyms._ gnaphalium _ericoides_ fruticosum foliis sessilibus linearibus, calycibus exterioribus rudibus, interioribus incarnatis. _linn. am. acad. v. 6. p. 99._ _syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 746._ _ait. hort. kew. p. 174._ in the 6th vol. of the _amoenitates academicæ_, linnæus describes this species of _gnaphalium_, most probably from dried specimens collected at the cape, where it is a native; so insignificant did the plant appear to him, that in his description, he calls it _misera_; compared with the more magnificent species, such a term might not perhaps be inapplicable: but, though small, the plant possesses much beauty when cultivated, and hence is generally kept in our green-houses. it flowers from march to august. its branches, naturally weak and trailing, require to be carefully tied up; if this business be executed with taste and judgment, the natural beauty of the plant may be considerably heightened. it is readily increased by cuttings. was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by mr. masson, in 1774. [436] [illustration: nº. 436] hibiscus præmorsus. bitten-leaved hibiscus. _class and order._ monadelphia polyandria. _generic character._ _cal._ duplex: exterior polyphyllus. _caps._ 5-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ hibiscus _præmorsus_ foliis subrotundis, dentato-serratis retusis pubescentibus. _ait. kew. v. 2. 454._ hibiscus _præmorsus_ hirsutus, foliis ovatis basi angustato-cordatis apice præmorsis crenatis, calycibus tomentosis, seminibus tuberculatis. _linn. suppl. pl. p. 309._ pavonia _cuneifolia_. _cavan. diff. 3. p. 139. t. 45. f. 1._ urena _præmorsa_. _l'herit. stirp. nov. t. 51._ though not so shewy a plant as many of the genus, we find this species of _hibiscus_ in most collections of green-house plants about london, flowering from june to september. its foliage is singular, its blossoms sulphur coloured with a tint of orange on the under side and without scent; if suffered to grow, this shrub will acquire a considerable height; it seeds freely, by which the plant is readily increased, and by these it requires to be renewed once in two or three years. is a native of the cape, from whence it was introduced, by mr. masson, in 1774. _ait. kew._ it will be seen by the synonyms, that authors have been divided in their opinions as to the genus of this plant; linnæus the younger, in his _suppl._ makes it an _hibiscus_; cavanille, a _pavonia_; l'heritier, an _urena_; mr. aiton, an _hibiscus_; not partial to the multiplying of genera, unless there be an obvious necessity for it, we have in the present instance followed the first and last of these writers. [437] [illustration: nº. 437] hydrangea arborescens. shrubby hydrangea. _class and order._ decandria digynia. _generic character._ _caps._ 2-locularis, 2-rostris, infera, foramine inter stylos dehiscens. _specific character and synonyms._ hydrangea _arborescens_ caule arboreo. _linn. syst. nat. ed. 13._ _gmel. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 410._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 76._ anonymos floribus albis parvis, in umbella lata magna dispositis odoratis, foliis amplis acuminatis serratis pediculis insidentibus ex adverso binis, caule fruticoso præalto non ramoso, vasculo parvo, bicapsulari, seminibus minutissimis repleto, duobus parvis filamentis seu corniculis recurvis coronato. _clayt. n. 79._ _mill. icon. t. 251._ _duham. arb. 1. t. 3._ as a shrub commonly cultivated for ornament in our gardens and plantations, the _hydrangea arborescens_ has a right to appear in this work, nevertheless it is more with a view to illustrate a peculiar character of the genus that it is here figured. this shrub is a native of virginia, and was introduced in 1736, by p. collinson, esq. it is of low growth, rarely exceeding four feet in height; its flowers are produced on the summits of the branches, somewhat in the manner of the _laurustinus_; they are small, crowded, nearly white, with a tinge of red in them which is not very brilliant, and some fragrance; they are produced in july and august, and sometimes followed by ripe seeds here. is easily propagated by parting its roots the latter end of october, prefers a moist soil, but will grow in a dry one; if in severe frosts the stalks, which are rather soft, should be killed, new ones will be put up the following spring. [438] [illustration: nº. 438] hydrangea hortensis. garden hydrangea. hydrangea _hortensis_ foliis ellipticis serratis glaberrimis staminibus æqualibus. _smith icon. rar. t. 12._ hortensia. _commmers. jussieu gen. 214._ primula _mutabilis_ caule suffruticoso multiplici, foliis ovatis serratis, floribus nudis. _loureir coch. chin. v. 1. p. 104._ viburnum _tomentosum_ foliis ovatis acuminatis serratis venosis subtus tomentosis, umbellis lateralibus. _thunb. jap. p. 123. ?_ sambucus aquatica surculis pinguibus punctatis, &c. sijo vulgo adsai et ansai et adsiki. _kæmpf. am. exot. p. 854._ var. fl. albo, pila florida major. it appears to be a point not yet fully determined, whether the present plant exhibits the appearances belonging to it in a state of nature, or those which are in a certain degree the effect of accident, or of art; in its fructification it certainly is not so completely barren as the guilder rose, _viburnum opulus_, cultivated in our gardens, since it has most of its parts perfect; yet as none of the authors who have seen it in china or japan (where it is said not only to be much cultivated but indigenous[1]) describe its fruit, we are inclined on that account to regard it, in a certain degree, as monstrous. it will appear by the synonyms, that authors have entertained very different opinions as to what this plant really is; jussieu following commerson makes it an _hortensia_, thunberg a _viburnum_, loureiro, ridiculously enough, a _primula_, and dr. smith an _hydrangea_. in the original description of the characters of the genus _hydrangea_ by linnæus, there is no mention made of two different kinds of florets, as in the _viburnum_, nor has any author that i am acquainted with described the _hydrangea arbor._ as producing such; yet, to my great surprise, in a plant of this sort which flowered in my garden at brompton in july 1797, three of the cymæ, and three only, threw out each of them from their circumference a very different flower from those in the centre, smaller indeed, but very similar to the flowers of the _hydrang. hort._ see pl. 437. in 1788, mr. walter published his _fl. carolin._ in which he describes a second species of _hydrangea_, which he calls _radiata_,[2] having very distinctly, as in the _viburnum_, two different kinds of florets in the same cyma, this variation in the florets is added by him to the generic character: the similarity which exists between the flowers of mr. walter's _hydrangea radiata_, and those of the present plant sufficiently justify dr. smith in making it an _hydrangea_; the appearances observed by loureiro[3] on dissecting the germen, and our discovery of the existence of two different kinds of flowers in the _hydrangea arborescens_, tend still more to confirm its propriety; we may add, that in the very habit of these several plants there exists a considerable similarity; still, however, it is only by ripe seed-vessels of the present plant, that this doubtful matter can be satisfactorily cleared up; but it will not follow, that if it be not an _hydrangea_ it must be a _viburnum_. this magnificent and highly ornamental plant, according to dr. smith, was introduced from china to the royal garden at kew, by sir joseph banks, bart. in 1790; it was imported by mr. slater about the same time, with whom it is said to have first flowered in this country. if room were allowed us, it would be superfluous to describe minutely a plant now so very common; suffice it to say, that from a strong perennial root, rise a number of half-shrubby, irregular, somewhat spongy stalks, strongly spotted when young with purple, from one to three feet high, terminated by large bunches of flowers, at first green, then rose-coloured, and finally green a second time; these are the most common changes to which they are liable: but it will sometimes happen that a plant which has produced red flowers one year, shall produce blue another, though growing in the same pot; this we saw happen in the year 1796 to a plant in the possession of the countess of upper ossory, whose refined taste and superior judgment have in several instances contributed to render our works more acceptable to the public: the coloured changeable part of the flower is regarded as the calyx, in the centre of which is the corolla, containing the stamina, &c. all varying greatly in point of number; besides these, there are other flowers without any calyx, but the parts which they contain do not seem to be more perfect than those of the others, nor more productive of ripe fruit. since the introduction of this plant, trials have been made in regard to its hardiness, and it is found to survive mild winters if planted in very warm sheltered situations; but in others, both stalks and leaves are liable to be killed by slight frosts, though the roots are not; if persons are anxious to have it in the open border, the best mode will be to cut down the stems at the approach of winter, and cover over the root with rotten tan, or some light substance; in the spring fresh stalks will shoot forth, but it is more common to keep this plant during winter in a green-house or well secured frame; by artificial heat it may be brought to flower in april or may, without such, it begins to blossom about june, and continues in bloom till october; when successfully treated, it will acquire the height of three feet, and produce bunches of flowers supremely magnificent: such plants in pots are admirably adapted for decorating court-yards, balconies, &c. unless carefully cut in, it is apt to grow too large for the green-house, therefore it is proper to have a succession of young plants from cuttings, which strike very freely; this plant loves water, is indeed almost an aquatic, a rich soil, and plenty of pot room. footnotes: [1] _habitat_ et ob pulchritudinem colitur cantone sinarum, _loureir. coch. chin. v. 1. p. 104._ crescit in sylvis variis, inter miaco et jedo, etiam cultum, _thunb. fl. jap. p. 123_, who refers to kæmpfer, whose plant is certainly ours; yet it must be acknowledged that thunberg's description does not well accord with it. [2] this plant, or one extremely similar to it, was introduced by mr. williams, nurseryman at paris, a few years since; we saw it in full bloom, at mr. colvill's, king's-road, in the summer of 1796. [3] pericarpium abortit, quod ex dissecto germine et per microscopium viso apparet polyspermum. [439] [illustration: nº. 439] illicium floridanum. red-flowered illicium, or aniseed-tree. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 6-phyllus. _petala 27._ _caps._ plures, in orbem digestæ, bivalves, monospermæ. _specific character and synonyms._ illicium _floridanum_ floribus rubris. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 507._ _ellis act. angl. 1770. (v. 60.) p. 524. t. 12._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 250._ of the genus _illicium_ there are at present only two known species, viz. the _anisatum_ and _floridanum_, the former a native of china and japan, the latter of florida; both of them are cultivated in this country, but the latter more generally, on account of the superior beauty of its flowers, which are of a fine deep red colour, and have the appearance of being double, though the petals are not preternaturally multiplied; when the plant is in bloom the peduncles hang down, when the petals drop they become erect; the blossoms are not distinguished by their fragrance, though the seed-vessels, and seeds (which do not come to perfection with us) are said to be strongly odoriferous; the foliage of this plant is also much admired: taking it indeed altogether, there are few shrubs held in higher estimation. according to mr. aiton, this species was introduced by john ellis, esq. in 1776; but isaac walker, esq. of southgate, was the first who possessed it in this country, he informs me by letter, that he received plants of it from pensacola in 1771, by the hands of mr. john bradley, and that he communicated some of them to dr. fothergill, dr. pitcairn, and mr. ellis. it flowers from april to july. cultivators differ widely as to their treatment of this plant, some keeping it in the stove, others in the green-house, while some have ventured to plant it in the open ground in warm situations; it probably is more hardy than we imagine; all agree in propagating it by layers, or by seeds if they can be procured. linnæus, contrary to his usual practice, distinguishes the two species by their colour only, and thunberg is disposed to regard them as mere varieties. [440] [illustration: nº. 440] erica albens. pallid heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inserta. _antheræ_ apice bifidæ, pertusæ. _caps._ 4-locularis, 4-valvis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _albens_ antheris muticis inclusis, corollis ovatis oblongis acutis, foliis ternis, racemis secundis. _linn. syst. vegetab. murr. ed. 14. p. 367._ _mant. 233._ erica _albens_ mutica, foliis ternis trigonis pilosis, floribus lateralibus, calyce villoso. _thunb. prodr. p. 70._ this species, a native of the cape, has been introduced since the publication of the _hort. kew._ and is now to be found in most green-house collections near town. * * * * * in its habit, its foliage, and its flowers, it is very distinct from all our other heaths; flowers from april to june, is readily increased by cuttings, and easily kept with the common treatment. [441] [illustration: nº. 441] antholyza merianella. dwarf antholyza. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ tubulosa, irregularis, recurvata. _caps._ infera. _specific character and synonyms._ antholyza _merianella_ corollis infundibuliformibus, foliis linearibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 87._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 67._ watsonia _humilis_ foliis lineari-ensiformibus, tubo floris longissimo. _mill. ic. 198. t. 297. f. 2._ this very rare species is perfectly distinct from the _meriana_, of more humble growth, the flowering stem seldom rising to more than a foot in height, and producing from four to six flowers, which are proportionably longer, more closed, and of a deeper red colour than those of _meriana_. was introduced from the cape by capt. hutchinson, in 1754. _ait. kew._ is readily increased by offsets, and requires the same treatment as the _anthol. meriana_ already figured. flowers in may and june. our drawing was made from a plant which flowered with mr. fairbairn, at the apothecaries garden, chelsea, may 2, 1798. [442] [illustration: nº. 442] genista linifolia. flax-leaved broom. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus 2/3. _vexillum_ oblongum, a pistillo staminibusque deorsum reflexum. _specific character and synonyms._ genista _linifolia_ foliis ternatis sessilibus linearibus subtus sericeis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 645._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 14._ cytisus _argenteus_ linifolius insularum stæchadum. _tourn. inst. 648._ the _genista linifolia_ is a native of spain, and was introduced to the royal garden at kew, by sir francis drake, in the year 1786. _ait. kew._ the bright yellow flowers, which are abundantly produced on this plant during may and june, joined to the silky appearance of its foliage, has rendered it worthy the notice of most lovers of plants, in whose collections it is now generally found. it is most successfully propagated by seeds, which usually ripen in this country; it may also be raised from cuttings, but not readily, agreeing in this respect with leguminous plants in general. we do not find in linnæus's works any figure of this plant referred to; but there is a minute description of it in his _sp. pl._ it is usually kept in the greenhouse; being a native of spain, it may probably be more hardy than we imagine. [443] [illustration: nº. 443] erica physodes. sticky-flowered heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inserta. _antheræ_ apice bifidæ pertusæ. _caps._ 4-locularis, 4-valvis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _physodes_ antheris cristatis, corollis ovatis inflatis, stylo incluso, foliis quaternis, floribus subsolitariis. _linn. syst. vegetab. murr. p. 366._ _berg. cup. 108._ erica _physodes_ cristata, foliis quaternis linearibus, floribus umbellatis viscosis, calyce ovato brevi. _thunb. prodr. p. 74._ the _erica physodes_ is a native of the cape, and another of those species which have been introduced since the publication of the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton. * * * * * it is principally distinguished by the form, and delicate whiteness of its blossoms, which are so extremely viscid as to retain flies and other insects which settle on them. * * * * * is scarcely to be increased by cuttings, more readily by seeds, which sometimes ripen here. [444] [illustration: nº. 444] canarina campanula. canary bell-flower. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 6-phyllus. _cor._ 6-fida, campanulata. _stigmata 6._ _caps._ infera, 6-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ canarina _campanula_ caule erecto, foliis hastatis ternis oppositisve. _martyn mill. dict. linn. syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 344._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 480._ _linn. mant. p. 225._ campanula _canariensis_ capsulis quinquelocularibus, foliis hastatis dentatis oppositis petiolatis. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 238._ campanula _canariensis_ regia _s._ medium radice tuberosa, foliis sinuatis cæsiis atriplicis æmulis ternis circum caulem ambientibus, flore amplo pendulo colore flammeo rutilante. _pluk. alm. 76. t. 276. f. 1._ the flowers of this plant so strongly resemble those of the campanula, that it is no wonder the older botanists regarded it as such, linnæus himself did so at first, and miller also; and even now it may perhaps be doubted whether it ought to be made a distinct genus of, since it is found to differ principally in the number of its parts of fructification. it is a native of the canary islands, whence its name, was cultivated in the royal garden, hampton-court, as long since as the year 1696[4], and is a tender herbaceous plant, to be found in most of our greenhouses; its stem rises to the height of six or more feet, its flowers produced singly from the fork of the stalk are large and shewy, they begin to open at the commencement of winter, and continue to blow till march. "is propagated by parting of its roots, which must be done with caution; for, as the root is fleshy, if they are broken or wounded, the milky juice will flow out plentifully; so that if these are planted before the wounds are skinned over, it occasions their rotting: the best time for transplanting and parting of their roots is in july, soon after the stalks are decayed; the soil should he a light sandy loam, mixed with a fourth part of screened lime rubbish." miller. footnote: [4] ait. kew. [445] [illustration: nº. 445] coronilla emerus. scorpion senna. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ 2-labiatus: 2/3: dentibus superioribus connatis. _vexillum_ vix alis longius. _legumen_ isthmis interceptum. _specific character and synonyms._ coronilla _emerus_ fruticosa, pedunculis subtrifloris, corollarum unguibus calyce triplo longioribus, caule angulato. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 669._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 57._ colutea siliquosa _s._ scorpioides major. _bauh. pin. p. 1046._ authors have given to this plant the name of scorpion senna, its seed-vessels, from their slender and jointed appearance, bearing some resemblance to the tail of a scorpion. it is a native of france and germany, and a very old inhabitant of our gardens, having been cultivated by gerard in 1596; it is of low and slow growth: there is a shrub of it in the apothecaries garden, chelsea, which grew there in the time of miller, and which now is not more than five feet high. in the nurseries we have observed two varieties of it, one in which the flowers have been tinged with bright red inclining to orange and which is by far the most common, the other with flowers wholly yellow, scarcely worth cultivating. its blossoms are produced in may and june, and sometimes again in autumn; neatly trained to a wall or paling, it makes a beautiful appearance when in flower, the shortness of its shoots renders it a very proper object for this purpose. is propagated by seeds, layers, and cuttings; the first are not produced in any great plenty with us. the leaves by a proper fermentation are said to produce a dye like that of indigo. [446] [illustration: nº. 446] psoralea bracteata. oval-spiked psoralea. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ punctis callosis adspersus longitudine leguminis monspermi. _specific character and synonyms._ psoralea _bracteata_ foliis ternatis obovatis recurvato-mucronatis, mucronatis, spicis ovatis. _linn. mant. 264._ _berg. cap. 224._ _ait. kew. v. 3. p. 79._ trifolium fruticans. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 1085._ trifolium africanum fruticans flore purpurascente. _comm. hort. 2. p. 211. t. 106._ the old authors, and indeed linnæus himself at first, regarded this plant as a trifolium; afterwards the latter changed it to _psoralea_, and minutely described it in his _mantissa_. as a green-house plant, this small and delicate species has long been cultivated[5], and still continues to hold a place in all collections of note. its inflorence to us has more the appearance of a _capitulum_ than a _spike_, and which when the plant is in full bloom, is by no means ovate, but rather hemispherical; the purple colour of the vexillum, contrasted with the white of the alæ, gives to the flowers a very pleasing parti-coloured appearance. in its leaves we have a good example of the _folium mucronatum_. it is a native of the cape, flowers in june and july, and is usually propagated by cuttings. footnote: [5] by miller, in 1731. [447] [illustration: nº. 447] erica empetrifolia. crowberry-leaved heath. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-phyllus. _cor._ 4-fida. _filamenta_ receptaculo inserta. _antheræ_ apice bifidæ pertusæ. _caps._ 4-locularis, 4-valvis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ erica _empetrifolia_ foliis oblongis ciliatis, floribus verticillatis: calyce ciliato. _thunb. prodr. p. 73._ _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 13. gmel. p. 627._ _linn. pflanzen syst. 3. t. 23. f. 2._ erica _empetrifolia_ antheris cristatis, corollis ovatis, foliis quaternis, floribus sessilibus lateralibus. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 366._ _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 19._ it is a most pleasing circumstance, when plants afford characters by which they may with certainty be distinguished; most of the heaths are of this kind, and the present one in particular: exclusive of its great peculiarity of growth, so obviously expressed in our representation of it, its flowers diffuse a strong honey-like fragrance, which, if other characters were wanting, would at once discriminate it. it is one of those heaths which are enumerated in the _hort. kew._ of mr. aiton, and was introduced to the royal garden by mr. masson, in 1774; is now to be met with in most of the collections of green-house plants about town, and flowers in may and june. is usually propagated by cuttings. [448] [illustration: nº. 448] mesembryanthemum micans. glittering fig-marygold. _class and order._ icosandria pentagynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-fidus. _petala_ numerosa, linearia. _caps._ carnosa, infera, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ mesembryanthemum _micans_ foliis subcylindricis papulosis distinctis, caule scabro. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 470._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 190._ mesembryanthemum _micans_ flore phoeniceo: filamentis atris. _dill. elth. 292. t. 215. f. 1282._ ficoides capensis, tereti folio, flore croceo. _pet. gaz. t. 7. f. 9._ ficoides capensis, folio tereti argenteo, petalis perplurimis aurantiacis. _bradl. succ. 1. p. 9. t. 8._ the _mesembryanthemum micans_, so called from the glittering particles which are conspicuous on its stalks and leaves, is a species which has long been introduced to our gardens (having been cultivated by prof. bradley in 1716) for the beauty of its flowers, which in richness of colour are indeed surpassed by few; they are produced in the months of july and august, but do not expand fully, unless the sun shines powerfully on them; nor do they long retain that regular expansion observable in some species, but quickly assume a somewhat ragged appearance; nevertheless, upon the whole, it is one of those species which is highly deserving of culture, by those who are partial to this tribe of plants. it is a native of the cape, and readily propagated by cuttings. varies with flowers of a paler hue. [449] [illustration: nº. 449] dillenia speciosa. shewy dillenia. _class and order._ polyandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 5-phyllus. _petala 5._ _caps._ polyspermæ, connatæ, pulpa repletæ. _specific character and synonyms._ dillenia _speciosa_ foliis oblongis rotundato-acutis denticulatis, pedunculis unifloris. _thunb. in linn. trans. 1. p. 200._ dillenia _indica_. _linn. syst vegetab. ed. 14. murr. p. 507._ syalita malabaris. _rheede hort. malab. tom. iii. p. 39. t. 38. 39._ the name of _dillenia_ was given by linnæus to this genus of plants, in honour of john james dillenius, professor of botany at oxford, and the celebrated author of the _hist. muscorum_, _hort. elthamensis_, &c. until the publication of the first volume of the _linnean transactions_, only one species of _dillenia_ was generally known; in that work prof. thunberg minutely describes five others, three of which are there figured; all these, and one more described by dr. roxburgh in his work on the coromandel plants, are inserted by prof. martyn in his new and highly improved edition of miller's _dictionary_. the present species, which now loses its name of _indica_ in that of _speciosa_, and which though not enumerated in the _hort. kew._ has many years been cultivated at kew, and in the stoves of the curious near town, is a native of malabar and java; in its native soil it becomes a vast tree, here we rarely see it more than two or three feet high; its flowers are large and shewy, but quickly deciduous, and remarkable for the unpleasantness of their scent, which is like that of the _lycium japonicum_, but not being readily exhaled does not infect the air of the stove. this species is increased without difficulty by cuttings, which quickly produce flowering plants. [450] [illustration: nº. 450] gladiolus watsonius. watson's corn-flag. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-partita, tubulosa, ringens. _stamina_ adscendentia. _specific character and synonyms._ gladiolus _watsonius_ corollis infundibuliformibus, limbi laciniis subæqualibus, foliis linearibus ad oras revolutis. _jacq. icon. rar. 2. t. 233. collect. 3. p. 257._ _linn. sp. pl. ed. wilden. p. 214._ gladiolus _watsonius_ monostachyus corollis cernuis, tubo duplici, limbi laciniis oblongis, foliis linearibus glabris. _thunb. prod. p. 8._ professors jacquin and thunberg have both described this rare bulbous plant, a native of the cape, and newly introduced to this country from holland among a great variety of others: it seems highly probable that the descriptions of both these authors were taken from dried specimens, since they accord so little with the living plant as it flowers with us. at first sight, one would be led to regard this plant as an _antholyza_ rather than a _gladiolus_, its flowers bearing a great affinity to those of the _antholyza meriana_, which differs widely from those of the _gladiolus communis_: prof. thunberg having thought fit to make a _gladiolus_ of that plant, he could do no less than regard this as a _gladiolus_ also; we regret that the infinite variety to which all the productions of nature are subject should give occasion to versatile minds perpetually to alter genera, often without due consideration. this species flowers in february and march, requires the same treatment as other cape bulbs, and is propagated in the same manner. descr. stalk from twelve to eighteen inches high, upright, smooth; leaves about three or four, the lowermost a sheath merely, the second leaf springs from a long sheath, is puckered at its base, three inches in length, upright, rigid, flat, linear-lanceolate, having three strong ribs, one in the middle, two at the margin, which, projecting on each side, give to the edge of the leaf a thick appearance, the leaves as they ascend, gradually differ from this, and finally become hollow bracteæ, which at first envelope the flowers, and afterwards contribute to support them; flowers from two to three, each standing on a peduncle-like tube, enclosed by a bifid spatha, contained within and about half the length of the bracteæ; corolla bright red, funnel-shaped, tube bent somewhat downwards, nearly cylindrical, a little flattened, and glossy, limb divided into six ovato-lanceolate segments, spreading outwards, the uppermost segment incumbent, the three lowermost smaller than the others; filaments three, whitish, nearly straight; antheræ oblong, straight, purple; style red; stigma trifid, each segment dividing into two villous lips. [451] [illustration: nº. 451] blakea trinervia. three-ribbed blakea. _class and order._ dodecandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ inferus, 6-phyllus, superus, integer. _petala 6._ _capsula_ 6-locularis, polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ blakea _trinervia_ bicalyculata, foliis enerviis transversim subtilissime striatis. _linn. suppl. p. 246._ _syst. veg. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 442._ blakea foliis ellipticis trinerviis nitidis, floribus lateralibus. _brown. jam. 323. t. 35._ the wild rose. "this vegetable is certainly one of the most beautiful productions of _america_. it is but a weakly plant at first, and supports itself for a time by the help of some neighbouring shrub or tree; but it grows gradually more robust, and at length acquires a pretty moderate stem, which divides into a thousand weakly declining branches, well supplied with beautiful rosy blossoms on all sides that give it a most pleasing appearance in the season. "it is chiefly found in cool, moist, and shady places, and grows generally to the height of ten or fourteen feet; but rises always higher when it remains a climber, in which state it continues sometimes. it thrives best on the sides of ponds or rivulets, and those that would choose to have it flourish in their gardens, where it must naturally make a very elegant appearance, ought to supply it with some support while it continues young and weakly. "it is called _blakea_, after mr. martin blake, of antigua, a great promoter of every sort of useful knowledge, and a gentleman to whose friendship the natural history of jamaica chiefly owes its early appearance." _brown's jamaic._ our figure was drawn from a very fine healthy plant which flowered in the collection of lady downe, at her villa of bookham-grove, near leatherhead, in april 1799; though not enumerated in the _hortus kewensis_, it had produced blossoms in several other collections near town long before this period; those when they once expand are of short duration, but the foliage when healthy is always handsome. it is usually kept in the stove with other jamaica plants, and propagated by layers. we cannot see the propriety of applying _foliis enerviis_ to the description of this species, since linnæus himself, in his _sp. pl._ describes the leaves as _trinervia_; three strong ribs they always have, and usually two others near the margin which are finer. [452] [illustration: nº. 452] cardamine trifolia. three-leaved cuckow-flower. _class and order._ tetradynamia siliquosa. _generic character._ _siliqua_ elastice dissiliens valvulis revolutis. _stigma_ integrum. _cal._ subhians. _specific character and synonyms._ cardamine trifolia foliis ternatis obtusis, caule subnudo. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 593._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 387._ nasturtium alpinum trifolium. _bauh. pin. 104._ cardamine trifolia. trefoile ladies smockes. _parkins. parad. p. 389._ such as are attached to the smaller alpine plants, will regard this species of _cardamine_ as worthy a place in their collections; one would scarcely have expected to find it in parkinson's _parad._ yet there it is described, and the following account given of its introduction: "it was sent me by my especial good friend john tradescante, who brought it among other dainty plants from beyond the seas, and imparted thereof a root to me." this species is perennial, hardy, and of very humble growth; the leaves grow thickly together, forming a kind of tuft; the flowering stems rarely rise above the height of six inches, and produce on their summits numerous flowers, waved on their edges; all those which we have had an opportunity of seeing have been perfectly white, parkinson and haller describe them as being sometimes tinged with red or purple; they begin to appear towards the end of march and continue through april, the shelter of a hand-glass open at top is often necessary to protect and improve the flowering of this and other such early-blowing plants. it grows readily either in a pot or in the open border, succeeds best when planted in bog earth in a situation moderately moist and shady, and is readily increased by parting its roots, which are somewhat of the creeping kind. grows spontaneously in most of the northern parts of europe, especially lapland, switzerland, and austria. [453] [illustration: nº. 453] amaryllis reginæ. mexican lily. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ hexapetaloidea irregularis. _filamenta_ fauci tubi inserta, declinata, inæqualia proportione vel directione. _linn. fil._ _specific character and synonyms._ amaryllis _reginæ_ spatha subbiflora, pedicellis divaricatis, corollis campanulatis breve tubulosis nutantibus, fauce tubi hirsuta, foliis lanceolatis patulis. _linn. fil. ait. kew. 416. mill. ic. p. 16. t. 24._ lilium americanum puniceo flore belladonna dictum. _herm. par. 194. t. 194._ descr. "bulb green, scape round, somewhat flattened: corolla scarlet, with a bottom of a whitish green, the three outer petals round at the tip, the three inner fringed at the base; the style red, the flower stems seldom rise more than one foot high; each stem supports two, three, or four flowers, rarely more; they are large, and of a bright copper colour, inclining to red; the spathe which cover the buds before they open, divides into two parts to the bottom, standing on each side the umbel of flowers joined to the peduncles. "it flowered in mr. fairchild's garden at hoxton, in 1728, when the late dr. james douglass caused a figure of it to be drawn, and wrote a folio pamphlet on it. he gave it the title of _lilium reginæ_, because it was in full beauty on the first of march, which was the late queen's birth-day. mr. fairchild told me the roots were brought from mexico; so he gave it the name of mexican lily, which is still continued to it by the english gardeners. it flowers constantly in the spring, when it is placed in a very warm stove. it is in beauty in february, and those which are in a moderate temperature of air will flower in march or april. "not being so hardy as some others, it must be placed in a warm stove, and if the pots are plunged into a hot-bed of tanner's bark, the roots will thrive better, and the flowers will be strong. "it is increased by offsets." _mill. dict. ed. mart._ [454] [illustration: nº. 454] canna indica. common indian reed or shot. _class and order._ monandria monogynia. _generic character._ _corolla_ 6-partita erecta: labio bipartito, revoluto. _stylus_ lanceolatus, corollæ adnatus. _calyx_ 3-phyllus. _specific character and synonyms._ canna _indica_ foliis ovatis utrinque acuminatis nervosis. _sp. pl. 1._ _ait. kew. vol. 1. p. 1._ cannacorus. _rumph. amb. 5. p. 177. t. 71. f. 2._ arundo indica latifolia. _bauh. pin. 19._ canna indica flore rubro. red flowred indian reede. _park. parad. p. 376._ the _canna indica_, a native of both the indies, is a plant greatly admired for the beauty of its foliage and flowers, and on that account generally cultivated; it has been called by some _indian shot_, from the roundness and hardness of its seeds. we find it to have existed in our gardens in the time of gerard, 1596. parkinson was acquainted with that variety of it which has yellow spotted flowers: prof. martyn, in his edition of _miller's dict._ has quoted the chief of what these authors say of it, which as a matter of curiosity we shall here transcribe: "gerard informs us, that in his time it was in the garden at padua, that he had planted it in his garden divers times, but it never came to flowering; and that it must be set or sown in a pot, with fine earth, or in a bed made of horse-dung, in such manner as cucumbers and musk-melons are: parkinson says, in some kindly years this beautiful plant has borne its brave flowers, but never any ripe seed, and that it will not abide the extremities of our winters, unless it meet with a stove, or hot-house, such as are used in germany; for neither house nor cellar will preserve it: clusius saw it flowering by house-sides in spain and portugal, and says, that the inhabitants there use the seeds for making their rosaries." mr. aiton enumerates four varieties of it, viz. _rubra_, _lutea_, _coccinea_, and _patens_. "being a native of the warmest parts of america, it requires to be placed in a moderate stove in winter, where they always flower in that season, at which time they make a fine appearance, and in the summer place them abroad in a sheltered situation with other tender exotic plants, where they generally flower again, and produce ripe seeds annually." _mill. dict._ "these plants will continue many years with proper management, but as young plants always flower better than the old root, so it is scarce worth while to continue them after they have borne good seeds, which should be sown on a hot-bed in the spring." _mill. dict._ [455] [illustration: nº. 455] aloe retusa. cushion aloe. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ erecta, ore patulo fundo nectarifero. _filam._ receptaculo inserta. _specific character and synonyms._ aloe _retusa_ acaulis foliis quinquefariis deltoideis. _thunb. aloe, n. 15. ait. kew. 471._ aloe _retusa_ floribus sessilibus triquetris bilabiatis labio inferiore revoluto. _linn. sp. pl. 459._ aloe _africana_ brevissimo crassissimoque folio, flore viridi. _comm. hort. 2. p. 11. t. 6._ _till. pis. 6. t. 5._ though the flowers of this aloe have little to recommend them, there is much to admire in the form and structure of its leaves; and this pleasing circumstance attends it, it is perfectly distinct from all the other species: when first introduced, it was no doubt an object of great admiration; fairchild, the celebrated gardener of hoxton, who preceded miller, had it engraved, with several other succulents, on a plate which is prefixed to dr. blair's _botanic essays_, and which he described to the doctor, betwixt whom and mr. fairchild there appears to have subsisted a great degree of intimacy: the essays were printed in 1720. this species is a native of the cape, and flowers in june, but not regularly so, increases very fast by offsets: mr. aiton makes it as he does all the aloes indiscriminately, dry stove plants, but it may be kept in a good green-house, taking care to place it in the driest and most airy part, and to guard it at all times from much wet, but more especially in the winter season. [456] [illustration: nº. 456] diosma serratifolia. serrated or saw-leaved diosma. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 5-petala. _nectaria_ 5 supra germen. _caps. 3. s. 5._ coalitæ. _sem._ calyptrata. _specific character._ diosma _serratifolia_ follis lanceolatis glanduloso-serrulatis, pedunculis axillaribus oppositis subunifloris. it was in the green-house of mr. whitley, nurseryman at old brampton, that we first saw this plant in flower, on the 25th of march 1799; previous to this period it had flowered in the royal garden at kew, and specimens of it had been deposited in the herbarium of sir joseph banks, under the name of _diosma serratifolia_. it forms a neat pretty shrub, which is rendered more desirable by its early flowering; its blossoms are pure white, set off by antheræ of a lively purple colour; the whole plant has a strong scent very like that of pennyroyal, but more powerful. this shrub is one of the many which have been raised within these few years from botany-bay seeds, is a greenhouse plant, of easy culture, blows freely, and is readily increased by cuttings. descr. twigs somewhat angular, reddish purple; leaves opposite, narrow, on very short footstalks, spreading, slightly truncated at the extremity, finely toothed, a transparent gland in the angle of each tooth, beset on both sides with numerous glands, which project and give to the upper surface a manifest roughness; flowers from the alæ of the leaves, opposite, on peduncles about one-third of an inch long, usually supporting one, sometimes two flowers; calyx composed of five leaves which are tinged with red and permanent; corolla five petals, white, ovato-lanceolate; stamina filaments five, white, hairy, at first upright, afterwards bending back betwixt the petals; antheræ before they open purple; pollen yellow; nectaries of two kinds, five white, springing up between each filament, and which may perhaps be considered as so many imperfect stamina, they are broader, much smoother, and about one-third of the length of the filaments, terminating in a transparent gland instead of an anthera; five green, forming a kind of calyx to the germen, from the top of which they spring, they consist of five roundish, fleshy, spreading, green leaves, edged with hairs; besides these, there is a glandular ring at the base of the germen; style white, tapering, very hairy; stigma simple; flowers usually dropping off without ripening the seeds. [457] [illustration: nº. 457] aloe plicatilis. fan aloe. _class and order._ hexandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ erecta, ore patulo, fundo nectarifero. _filam._ receptaculo inserta. _specific character and synonyms._ aloe _plicatilis_ subacaulis, foliis linguæformibus lævibus distichis, floribus racemosis pendulis cylindricis. _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 470._ aloe _disticha_ var. [greek: e]. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 459._ aloe _plicatilis_ foliis ensiformibus inermis ancipitibus, floribus laxe spicatis, caule fruticoso. _mill. dict. ed. 6. 4to._ aloe africana arborescens montana non spinosa, folio longissimo plicatili, flore rubro. _comm. hort. 2. p. 5. t. 3._ "the fan aloe grows to the height of six or seven feet, with a strong stem, towards the upper part of which are produced two, three, or four heads, composed of long, compressed, pliable leaves, of a sea-green colour, and ending obtusely; these are placed in a double row, lying over each other, with their edges the same way; the flowers are produced in short loose spikes, are of a red colour, and appear at different times of the year." _mill. dict._ linnæus originally made this plant a variety of his _aloe disticha_, the leaves in their mode of growth are indeed truly distichous, few plants afford a better example of such, but they differ materially from those of the real _disticha_ both in form and colour: mr. miller, with great propriety, made a distinct species of it, by the name of _plicatilis_, or _fan aloe_, which mr. aiton has continued; and by the name of _fan aloe_ it is very generally known: we may remark, however, that though this term may be justified by the form into which the leaves expand, the _folium plicatile_ of linnæus is a very different kind of a leaf. both the foliage and flowers of this plant are very handsome, in the course of many years it grows to a great size; in the chelsea garden there are some fine plants of it, which grew there in the time of miller, by whom it was cultivated in 1731. it is native of africa, requires the same treatment as the other aloes, and is propagated by dividing and planting its heads. [458] [illustration: nº. 458] aristea cyanea. grass-leaved aristea. _class and order._ triandria monogynia. _generic character._ _petala 6._ _stylus_ declinatus. _stigma_ infundibuliforme hians. _caps._ infera polysperma. _specific character and synonyms._ aristea _cyanea_. _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 67._ ixia _africana_ floribus capitatis, spathis laceris. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 51._ moræa _africana_ floribus capitatis spathis laceris. _murr. syst. vegetab. ed. 14. p. 93._ ixia foliis ad radicem nervosis gramineis, floribus ac fructu convolutis. _burm. afric. 191. t. 70. f. 2._ bermudiana capensis, capitulis lanuginosis. _pet. sicc. 242._ gramen eriophorum africanum flore lanato. _pluk. mant. 98._ it will be seen, on consulting the synonyms, that this native of the cape, though introduced to the kew garden by mr. masson in 1774, was long before known to a considerable number of botanists, and it is curious to see the different opinions which they entertained of it; we abide by that of mr. aiton, who has called it _aristea_, from the bearded appearance, we apprehend, of the spathæ. it is a small fibrous-rooted plant, rarely exceeding when in bloom the height of six or eight inches, and would be too insignificant for a green-house collection, were not its flowers of a very brilliant blue colour; indeed miller, who appears evidently to have cultivated it, says, the flowers make little appearance, and so the plant is only kept for the sake of variety. _dict. 4to. ed. 6. ixia africana._ mr. aiton tells us, that it flowers from april to june, yet mr. andrews, intent on giving to messrs. lee and kennedy the credit of flowering it first, disregards this information, and is pleased to conjecture that the plant never flowered at kew, because mr. aiton, as he alleges, has not given to it any specific character; not aware that, as a new genus, its parts of fructification are described at the end of the _hort. kew._ and that no specific character is ever given to a plant, where there is only one of a genus, and that for the most obvious reason. the _aristea_ is a plant easily propagated by parting its roots, as well as by seeds, will succeed in a small pot, and though a green-house plant, will not be hurt by the moderate heat of the stove, but flower the better for it. the blossoms do not expand fully unless the sun shines hot on them. [459] [illustration: nº. 459] convolvulus cneorum. silvery-leaved bind-weed. _class and order._ pentandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ campanulata, plicata. _stigmata 2._ _caps._ 2-locularis loculis dispermis. _specific character and synonyms._ convolvulus _cneorum_ foliis lanceolatis tomentosis, floribus umbellatis, calycibus hirsutis, caule erecto. _linn. syst. veg. 203._ _ait. kew. vol. 1. p. 213._ convolvulus argenteus umbellatus erectus. _tournef. inst. 84._ convolvulus major erectus creticus argenteus. _moris. hist. 2. p. 11 s. 1. t. 3. f. 1._ convolvulus saxatilis erectus villosus perennis. _barr. rar. 4. t. 470._ _bocc. mus. 2. p. 79. t. 70._ cneorum album folio argenteo molli. _bauh. pin. 463._ the _convolvulus cneorum_ is a native of spain and the levant, was cultivated in the botanic garden at chelsea in 1739, and flowers from may to september. _ait. kew._ in size, habit, &c. this species has some affinity to the _convolvulis linearis_, figured pl. 289, but differs from it, and other species usually cultivated with us, in the silky appearance of its foliage, which it is not in the artist's power to imitate, and for the beauty of which, more than that of its flowers, it is very generally kept in collections of green-house plants; its blossoms are nearly white and rarely or never productive of seeds in this country, hence it is increased by cuttings. it is a hardy green-house plant, requiring a dry rather than a moist regimen. [460] [illustration: nº. 460] maurandya semperflorens. climbing maurandya, or bastard foxglove. _class and order._ didynamia angiospermia. _generic character._ _caps._ bilocularis, truncata, bisulca, apice inæqualiter dehiscens. _cor._ ringens, tubulosa campanulata, ventricosa, bisulcato-plicata. _specific character and synonyms._ maurandya _semperflorens_ caule fruticoso scandente, foliis hastatis nervosis. _c. g. orteg. nov. pol. dec. 2. p. 21._ usteria. _cavanill. icon. vol. 2. p. 5. num. 126. t. 116._ the plant whose elegant form is here so happily delineated by the masterly pencil of mr. edwards, according to dr. ortega, is an inhabitant of mexico, where its seeds originally were collected by dr. martin sesse, and sent to the royal garden at madrid, in which the plant produced flowers and seeds in abundance; from thence seeds were obtained by the marchioness of bute, about the year 1786, who most kindly communicated them to different persons in the neighbourhood of london, and among others to my most generous benefactor, james vere, esq. in whose collection at his villa, kensington-gore, by the careful management of his gardener, william anderson, it was first brought to flower in this country, anno 1797. mons. cavanille, who resides at madrid, where he seizes every opportunity of publishing whatever new plants appear there, has figured and described the present one, under the name of _usteria_, not aware that wildenou had previously bestowed that name on a different plant; for this and other reasons[6], dr. ortega, in a new work of his above referred to, has changed the term _usteria_ to that of _maurandya_; and, though we cannot cordially coincide with the doctor in the propriety either of his generic or trivial name, we have adopted them. this climber rises with a shrubby stalk to the height of many feet, is very prolific in branches, and produces flowers abundantly from july to september, which are succeeded by ripe seed-vessels and seeds.--as the plant is easily propagated by cuttings, as well as by seeds, it will soon become common to our greenhouses, though it is rather better suited to the conservatory; if its blossoms, which have a great affinity to those of the foxglove, had more colour in them, the plant would be more desirable: at some future period such may probably be obtained from seeds. footnote: [6] observ. quandoquidem usteriæ nomen huic generi à clar. cavanilles, qui primus id descripsit, impositum permanere non potest ut pote antea ab illust. wildenou alii generi inditum; propterea illud d. catharinæ pancratiæ maurandy, lectissimæ feminæ, d. augustini juan, reg. botanic. horti carthaginensis professoris uxori, et botanicorum laborum sociæ, nuncupandum duxi; oblataque opportunitate usus plantam denuo recognovi, et tum characterem genericum, tum etiam descriptionem specificam ad incudem revocans reformavi. [461] [illustration: nº. 461] jasminum fruticans. yellow jasmine. _class and order._ diandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cor._ 5-fida. _bacca_ dicocca. _sem._ arillata. _antheræ_ intra tubum. _specific character and synonyms._ jasminum _fruticans_ foliis alternis ternatis simplicibusque ramis angulatis. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 56._ jasminum _fruticans_ foliis alternis ternatis foliolis obovatis cuneiformibusque obtusis ramis angulatis laciniis calycinis subulatis. _ait. kew. v. 1. p. 9._ jasminum _luteum_, vulgo dictum bacciferum. _bauh. pin. 298._ polemonium sieu trifolium fruticans. shrubby trefoil. _ger. herb. p. 1129. f._ the yellow jasmine is often planted against walls, pales, &c. as the branches are weak and slender and it will grow to be ten or twelve feet high if thus supported; it may however be planted in shrubbery quarters, to which it is better suited than the white jasmine. the young shoots are of a fine strong green colour, angular, and a little hairy. the leaves are trifoliate, though sometimes they grow singly. they are placed alternately on the branches, are of a thick consistence, smooth, and of a fine deep green colour. these leaves in well-sheltered places remain until the spring before they fall off, so that this plant may not improperly be planted among the evergreens, especially as the young shoots are always of a strong green. the flowers are yellow, and do not possess the fragrance of the common jasmine. they are produced chiefly in june, and the blow is soon over. they are succeeded by berries, which when ripe are black, whence its name of berry-bearing jasmine. although this shrub possesses a certain stiffness, which gives it somewhat the appearance of an artificial flower, yet the fine yellow colour of its blossoms contrasts so well with the rich green of the foliage, that in the flower-pot or bouquet it never fails to have a conspicuous and pleasing effect. is a native of the south of europe and the levant, was cultivated by mr. john gerard, in 1597, and flowers from may to october. _ait. kew._ is easily propagated by suckers or layers; as the flowers have no scent, is not so much cultivated as formerly. _miller's dict._ [462] [illustration: nº. 462] anthemis pyrethrum. pellitory of spain. _class and order._ syngenesia polygamia superflua. _generic character._ _recept._ paleaceum. _pappus_ nullus. _cal._ hemisphæricus, subæqualis. _flosculi_ radii plures quam 5. _specific character and synonyms._ anthemis _pyrethrum_ caulibus simplicibus unifloris decumbentibus foliis pinnato multifidis. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 776._ _woodville's medical botany, p. 286._ chamæmelum specioso flore, radice longa fervida. _shaw. afr. 138._ pyrethrum flore bellidis. _bauh. pin. 148._ the pellitory of spain is more celebrated as an useful than an ornamental plant, the root which is of a very hot and biting nature being a common application for the cure of the tooth-ach; but, divested of its utility as a medicinal plant, it merits a place in collections on account of the beauty both of its foliage and flowers, the latter are more handsome when in bud than when fully expanded, the underside of the florets being of a fine purple colour, the upper pure white; it is moreover a very rare plant in this country, notwithstanding it was cultivated here so long since as 1570: parkinson evidently grew it, as he observes that the roots of the cultivated plant, were much larger than those of the wild one; he tells us also, that it was too tender to endure our winters: to the latter cause, as well as to the difficulty of propagating it, for it does not ripen its seeds in this country, we may attribute its present scarcity: mr. miller raised this plant in 1732, in a very curious way, from seeds picked out from among raisins. in its place of growth it is not confined to spain, but is found in the levant, syria, arabia, and elsewhere; flowers with us from may to july, and may be increased by cuttings of the roots, a mode of propagating by which we sometimes happily succeed with rare and valuable plants when all others fail. it is a plant not very nice as to the quality of the soil in which it grows, but must have a warm dry situation, will succeed very well in a pot, or it may be planted in the open border; but especial care must be taken to secure it against frost in the winter. [463] [illustration: nº. 463] epidendrum ciliare. fringed epidendrum. _class and order._ gynandria diandria. _generic character._ _cor._ 6-petala. _nectarium_ turbinatum, obliquum reflexum. _caps._ infera 1-locularis, 3-valvis, fenestrata. _specific character and synonyms._ epidendrum _ciliare_ foliis oblongis aveniis, nectarii labio tripartito ciliato: intermedia lineari, cauli bifolio. _linn. syst. vegetab. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 818._ _jacq. amer. pict. p. 110. t. 209._ of this parasitical tribe the number of species described in the third edition of the _sp. pl. linn. 1764_, amounts to thirty; in gmelin's thirteenth edition of the _syst. nat. linn. 1791_, no less than seventy-five are enumerated, which is a vast accession in so short a period; most of these are natives of hot climates, and on that account require a stove heat in this country; from their nature also they require a situation not to be exactly imitated, they are therefore to be regarded as plants very difficult of culture, and we are not to be surprised that three species only are enumerated in the _hort. kew._--but, since the publication of that work, many others have been added to the royal collection, and this among the rest. the rare and singular species here represented, a native of the warmer parts of america, and the west-indies, flowered with mr. whitley, nurseryman, old-brompton, in feb. 1799, and at irregular periods before that time; he informs me that it is not constant as to the time of its blowing, and that though the plant flowers with him, it never assumes a fine healthy green appearance, he propagates it by dividing its limbs or branches, which often put forth small roots; the plant grows in a pot, in a mixture of loam and peat or bog-earth, and is kept constantly plunged in the tan-pit of the stove. [464] [illustration: nº. 464] sisyrinchium gramineum. grass-leaved sisyrinchium. _class and order._ gynandria triandria. _generic character._ _spatha_ 2-phylla. _petala_ 6-plana. _caps._ 3-locularis infera 3-valvis. _specific character and synonyms._ sisyrinchium _gramineum_ caule ancipiti lato, germinibus glabris. sisyrinchium _angustifolium_ foliis lineari-gladiolatis, pedunculis longioribus. _mill. dict._ sisyrinchium _cæruleum_ parvum, gladiato caule, virginianum. _pluk. alm. 348. t. 61. f. 1._ bermudiana graminea, flore minore cæruleo. _dill. elth. 49. t. 41. f. 49._ gladiolus cæruleus hexapetalus caule etiam gladiato. _banist. virg. 1926._ in a former number of this work, we gave a figure of the large variety of _sisyrinch. bermud._ of _linn._ regarding it as a distinct species, and naming it _iridioides_, conformably to dillenius's specific description; we regret now that we did not continue to it the name of _bermudiana_ (it being the true bermudas plant) and which cannot with propriety be applied to the present species, a native of virginia, far more diminutive, with flowers much smaller, of a paler blue colour, a much hardier plant also, and of more ready growth; it is indeed a truly hardy perennial, adapted to the open border, in which it will grow readily, and produce abundance of flowering stems in june and july; the flowers expand to the sun, and are followed by numerous seed-vessels which ripen their seeds, by which the plant may be increased, or by parting its roots in the autumn. its stalk affords an excellent example of the _caulis anceps_. we readily embrace the opportunity here afforded us of correcting an error in regard to the hardiness of the _sisyrinch. iridioides_, which we were led into partly by miller's account, and partly from observing the plant to survive a mild winter in the open ground; we have since found that it is a tender plant, and to be ranked with those of the greenhouse; an additional proof of its being a distinct species from the one here figured, which has long[7] been cultivated in our gardens. footnote: [7] by mr. jacob bobart, in 1693. _ait. kew._ [465] [illustration: nº. 465] indigofera angustifolia. narrow-leaved indigo. _class and order._ diadelphia decandria. _generic character._ _cal._ patens. _cor._ carina, utrinque calcari subulato patulo. _legumen_ lineare. _specific character and synonyms._ indigofera _angustifolia_ foliis pinnatis linearibus, racemis elongatis, caule fruticoso. _linn. syst. veget. ed. 14._ _murr. p. 678._ _mant. 272._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 69._ this small, delicate, and rather elegant species of indigo, to be found in most collections of greenhouse plants near town, rises with an upright, shrubby stem, to the height of several feet; its leaves, of a lively green colour, are furnished with pinnæ, which are numerous and unusually narrow, whence its name; its flowers, produced on long racemi springing from the sides of the stem or branches, are of a singular dull red colour, and rarely followed by seeds with us. it is a native of the cape[8], from whence it was introduced by mr. masson, in 1774; flowers from june to october, and is usually increased by cuttings. there is a description of this species in the _mantiss. pl. linn._ but we know of no figure of it that has yet been published. footnote: [8] _ait. kew._ [466] [illustration: nº. 466] calycanthus præcox. japan all-spice. _class and order._ icosandria polygynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 1-phyllus, urceolatus, squarrosus: foliolis coloratis. _cor._ calycina. _styli_ plurimi, stigmati glanduloso. _sem._ plurima, caudata, intra calycem succulentum. _specific character and synonyms._ calycanthus _præcox_ petalis interioribus minutis. _linn. sp. pl. ed. 3. p. 718._ _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 220. tab. x._ obai _s. robai_. jasminum flore pleno suavi foetido, fructu turbinato, semine phascoli. _kæmpf. amæn. exot. p. 878._ the learned and instructive kæmpfer in his _amæn. exot._ that vast fund of most useful information, gives a figure of this plant, in which it is represented both with flowers and seed-vessels, accompanied with a description and short account of it; from which we learn that it is cultivated in japan as an ornamental plant, that the flowers are produced in february, before the leaves, that they have the scent of the violet, but become unpleasant on being long smelt to. hearing that lord coventry was the first who possessed this plant in england, i took the liberty of writing to his lordship in january 1799, to request some information on this point, as well as some others relative to its culture, &c. on the 13th of the same month, his lordship had the goodness to send me a beautiful specimen of the plant in bloom, a seedling plant one year old, together with a seed-vessel of the year 1798, and some seeds; in the earl's letter is the following passage:--"the beauty of the _calycanthus præcox_ at this moment surpasses all description, it is covered with blossoms from top to bottom, and the fragrance of it may be perceived at the distance of fifty yards from the conservatory." by his lordship's direction, i received at the same time from his gardener, mr. william dean, the following information, in answer to my queries:--"my lord received the plant from china in 1766:--it was planted in a conservatory, is now sixteen feet high, and expands ten feet wide:--bears a succession of flowers from september to march:--the time of its first blowing i cannot precisely ascertain, but believe it to be nearly twenty years back:--it is propagated by layers, cuttings, and seeds, the latter it produces most years at croome, but i believe at no other place in england:--there are plants of it at croome six feet high, in a warm situation in the open border, which have stood out several years by being covered with a single mat in severe weather." not expecting to receive a plant from lord coventry in bloom, our drawing was made from one which flowered with mr. whitley, nurseryman, old-brompton, december 22, 1798, and which came originally from croome, his lordship having presented most of the nurserymen about town with plants of it; the blossoms of that from croome were somewhat larger than those here represented, and the petals were less striped, indeed almost wholly tinged with purple, the leaves also proceeded more from the summit of the stalks and were of a much greener hue, owing no doubt to its being kept in the conservatory, while mr. whitley's plant was tacked to the outside of the bottom of the greenhouse. in the number of its stamina, which is rarely more than five, it does not accord with the character of the class icosandria, nor do the seeds agree with the generic character as described by linnæus. [467] [illustration: nº. 467] dracocephalum virginianum. virginian dragon's-head. _class and order._ didynamia gymnospermia. _generic character._ _cor._ faux inflata: labium superius fornicatum. _specific character and synonyms._ dracocephalum _virginianum_ foliis lineari-lanceolatis serratis, floribus confertis. _linn. syst. nat. ed. 13. gmel. p. 915._ dracocephalum _virginianum_ floribus spicatis, foliis lanceolatis serratis. _linn. syst. veg. ed. 14. murr. p. 543._ dracocephalum _virginianum_ floribus spicatis confertis, foliis lineari-lanceolatis serratis. _ait. kew. v. 2. p. 317._ this elegant species of _dracocephalum_, a native of virginia, and other parts of north-america, is a hardy herbaceous plant, rising to the height of about two feet, and producing numerous flowers in long spikes, usually arranged on each side of the stalk. it comes near to the _denticulatum_ already figured, but differs in its superior height, the form of its leaves, the number of its flowers, and many other particulars. it flowers from july to september, and with me has generally ripened much of its seed, from which it may be easily raised, as also by parting of its roots in spring or autumn; it succeeds best in a moist situation, and its stalks require to be carefully and timely sticked. was cultivated as long since as 1683, by mr. james sutherland. [468] [illustration: nº. 468] oenothera tetraptera. white-flowered oenothera. _class and order._ octandria monogynia. _generic character._ _cal._ 4-fidus. _petala 4._ _caps._ cylindrica infera. _sem._ nuda. _specific character and synonyms._ oenothera _tetraptera_ foliis lanceolatis, basi pinnatifido-dentatis, capsulis pedicellatis obovatis quadrialatis. _linn. sp. pl. edit. wildenou._ oenothera foliis alternis subpinnatis crispis, flore mutabili fructû tetraptero. _cavanill. icon. t. 3. p. 40. tab. 279._ 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 _oenothera anomala_, which may be considered as strengthening our opinion that the latter plant belongs to this genus rather than to that of _gaura_. the _oenothera 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. index. in which the latin names of the plants contained in the _thirteenth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 457 alöe plicatilis. 455 alöe retusa. 453 amaryllis reginæ. 462 anthemis pyrethrum. 441 antholyza merianella. 458 aristea cyanea. 433 azalea pontica. 451 blakea trinervia. 466 calycanthus præcox. 444 canarina campanula. 454 canna indica. 452 cardamine trifolia. 459 convolvulus cneorum. 445 coronilla emerus. 449 dillenia speciosa. 456 diosma serratifolia. 467 dracocephalum virginianum. 463 epidendrum ciliare. 440 erica albens. 447 erica empetrifolia. 443 erica physodes. 442 genista linifolia. 450 gladiolus watsonius. 435 gnaphalium ericoides. 436 hibiscus præmorsus. 437 hydrangea arborescens. 438 hydrangea hortensis. 461 jasminum fruticans. 439 illicium floridanum. 465 indigofera angustifolia. 460 maurandya semperflorens. 448 mesembryanthemum micans. 468 oenothera tetraptera. 434 oxybaphus viscosus. 446 psoralea bracteata. 464 sisyrinchium gramineum. index. in which the english names of the plants contained in the _thirteenth volume_ are alphabetically arranged. _pl._ 466 allspice, japan. 455 aloe, cushion. 457 aloe, fan. 441 antholyza, dwarf. 458 aristea, grass-leaved. 433 azalea, yellow. 444 bell-flower, canary. 459 bindweed, silvery-leaved. 451 blakea, three-ribbed. 442 broom, flax-leaved. 450 corn-flag, watson's. 452 cuckow-flower, three-leav'd. 449 dillenia, shewy. 456 diosma, serrated or saw-leaved. 467 dragon's head, virginian. 463 epidendrum, fringed. 448 fig-marygold, glittering. 435 gnaphalium or everlasting, heath-leaved. 447 heath, crowberry-leaved. 443 heath, sticky-flowered. 440 heath, pallid. 436 hibiscus, bitten-leaved. 438 hydrangea, garden. 437 hydrangea, shrubby. 461 jasmine, yellow. 439 illicium, red-flowered or aniseed tree. 454 indian reed or shot, common. 465 indigo, narrow-leaved. 453 lily, mexican. 460 maurandya or bastard foxglove, climbing. 468 oenothera, white-flowered. 462 pellitory of spain. 446 psoralea, oval-spiked. 445 senna, scorpion. 464 sisyrinchium, grass-leaved. 434 umbrella wort, viscid. _london_: printed by stephen couchman, throgmorton-street. +-------------------------------------------+ | note: | | | | = around word indicates bold =capsule.= | | _ around word indicated italics _erebus_ | +-------------------------------------------+ [illustration: aristolochia elegans.] the illustrated dictionary of gardening, a practical and scientific _encyclopã¦dia + of + horticulture_ for gardeners and botanists. edited by george nicholson, _of the royal botanic gardens, kew_. assisted by professor j. w. h. trail, a.m., m.d., f.l.s., in the parts relating to insects and fungi; and j. garrett in the fruit, vegetable, and general garden work portions. division i.--a to car. published by l. upcott gill, 170, strand, london, w.c. sole agent for the united states and canada, james penman, new york. 1887. london: printed by a. bradley, 170, strand. preface. the illustrated dictionary of gardening aims at being the best and most complete work on gardening and garden plants hitherto published. the aim is, indeed, a high one; but the publisher, whose taste for flowers has rendered the production a labour of love, has, on his part, spared no expense that the typography and illustrations should be of a very high class. it is to be hoped that earnest efforts to attain accuracy, by consulting the best authorities, combined with no small amount of original research, have contributed to render the _matter_ of the work not unworthy of the _form_ in which it is presented to the reader. the large number of illustrations is an important feature; and it is believed that the figures quoted, and the references given to various works--in which more detailed information is contained than is desirable, or, indeed, possible, in these pages, on account of space--will greatly add to the interest and value of the work. considerable trouble has been taken in revising the tangled synonymy of many genera, and clearing up, as much as possible, the confusion that exists in garden literature in connection with so many plants, popular and otherwise. in the matter of generic names, bentham and hooker's recently-completed "genera plantarum" has, with few exceptions, been followed; that work being the one which will, for a long time to come, undoubtedly remain the standard authority on all that relates to generic limitation. with regard to the nomenclature of species, i have endeavoured to consult the latest and most trustworthy monographs and floras, and to adopt the names in accordance with them. now and then, certain plants are described under their common garden names; but they will, in such cases, be also found mentioned under the genus to which they really belong. a case in point may be cited: _anå�ctochilus lowii_ is given under _anå�ctochilus_, but the name it must now bear is _dossinia_, and a reference to that genus will explain matters pretty fully, as far as the present state of knowledge goes. i am greatly indebted to professor j. w. h. trail, m.d., f.l.s., &c., for his valuable contributions on insects, fungi, and diseases of plants, branches of science in which he has long been specially interested, and in which he is an undoubted authority. mr. j. garrett, of the royal gardens, kew, late of the royal horticultural society's gardens, is responsible for fruit and vegetable culture, for most of what appertains to florists' flowers, and for general gardening work. for information on many special subjects--begonias may be cited as an example--i am obliged for much assistance to mr. w. watson, also of the royal gardens, kew; in fact, the article _begonia_, in its entirety, was written by him. mr. w. b. hemsley, a.l.s., has, throughout, given me aid and advice; and i have to acknowledge constant help from several other colleagues. the rev. percy w. myles, m.a., has taken no little trouble in working out the correct derivations of very many of the generic names; unfortunately, in a number of instances, lack of time prevented me from obtaining the benefit of his knowledge. i have to record my gratitude for help in so difficult a task, this special study being one to which mr. myles has paid much attention. george nicholson. royal gardens, kew. [illustration] reference to illustrations of plants other than those figured in this work. it has been suggested, by an eminent authority, that many readers would be glad to be informed where reliable illustrations could be found of those plants which are not figured in this work. to meet this want, references to the figures in standard authorities have been given, the titles of the works referred to being, for economy of space, abbreviated as follows: a. b. r. andrews (h. c.). botanist's repository. london, 1799-1811. 10 vols. 4to. a. e. andrews (h. c.). coloured engravings of heaths. london, 1802-30. 4 vols. 4to. a. f. b. loudon (j. c.). arboretum et fruticetum britannicum.... london, 1838. 8 vols. 8vo. a. f. p. allioni (c.). flora pedemontana. aug. taur., 1785. 3 vols. fol. a. g. aublet (j. b. c. f.). histoire des plantes de la guiane franã§aise. londres, 1775. 4 vols. 4to. a. h. andrews (h. c.). the heathery. london, 1804-12. 4 vols. 4to. b. maund (b.). the botanist.... london, 1839. 8 vols. 4to. b. f. f. brandis (d.). forest flora of ... india. london, 1876, 8vo. atlas, 4to. b. f. s. beddome (r. h.). flora sylvatica. madras [1869-73]. 2 vols. 4to. b. h. la belgique horticole.... ghent, 1850, &c.* b. m. botanical magazine. london, 1787, &c. 8vo.* b. m. pl. bentley (r.) and trimen (h.). medicinal plants. london, 1875-80. 8vo. b. o. bateman (james). a monograph of odontoglossum. london, 1874. fol. b. r. botanical register. london, 1815-47. 33 vols. 8vo. b. z. botanische zeitung. berlin, vols. i.-xiii. (1843-55). 8vo. leipzig, vol. xiv. (1856).* c. h. p. cathcart's illustrations of himalayan plants. london, 1855. fol. enc. t. & s. loudon (j. c.). encyclopã¦dia of trees and shrubs.... london, 1842. 8vo. e. t. s. m. _see_ t. s. m. f. a. o. fitzgerald (r. d.). australian orchids. sydney, 1876. fol.* f. d. flora danica--usually quoted as the title of the work, icones plantarum ... daniã¦ et norvegiã¦.... havniã¦. 1761 to 1883. fol. f. d. s. la flore des serres et des jardins de l'europe. 1845-82. 23 vols. 8vo. fl. ment. moggridge (j. t.). contributions to the flora of mentone.... london, 1864-8. flora flora oder allgemeine botanische zeitung. 1818-42. 25 vols. 8vo. [new series] 1843, &c.* f. m. floral magazine. london, 1861-71, 8vo. 1872-81, 4to. f. & p. florist and pomologist. london, 1868-84. 8vo. g. c. the gardeners' chronicle and agricultural gazette. london, 1841-65. fol. g. c. n. s. the gardeners' chronicle. new series, 1866, &c. fol.* g. g. gray (a.). genera florã¦ americã¦.... boston, 1848-9. 2 vols. 8vo. g. m. the gardeners' magazine. conducted by shirley hibberd. london. g. m. b. the gardeners' magazine of botany.... london, 1850-1. 3 vols. 8vo. gn. the garden. london, 1871, &c. 4to.* g. w. f. a. goodale (g. l.). wild flowers of america. boston, 1877. 4to. h. b. f. hooker (w. j.). the british ferns. h. e. f. hooker (w. j.). exotic flora. edinburgh, 1823-7. 3 vols. 8vo. h. f. b. a. hooker (w. j.). flora boreali-americana.... london, 1833-40. 2 vols. 4to. h. f. t. hooker (j. d.). flora tasmaniã¦. london, 1860. 2 vols. 4to. this is part 3 of "the botany of the antarctic voyage of h.m. discovery ships _erebus_ and _terror_, in the years 1839-43." h. g. f. hooker (w. j.). garden ferns. london, 1862. 8vo. h. s. f. hooker (w. j.). species filicum. i. h. l'illustration horticole. gand, 1850, &c. 8vo.* i. h. pl. _see_ c. h. p. j. b. journal of botany.... london, 1863. 8vo.* j. f. a. jacquin (n. j.). florã¦ austriacã¦.... icones.... viennã¦, 1773-8. 5 vols. fol. j. h. journal of horticulture and cottage gardener. conducted by dr. robert hogg. london. j. h. s. journal of the horticultural society. london, 1846. 8vo.* k. e. e. kotschy. die eiche europas und des orients. l. b. c. loddiges (c.). botanical cabinet. london, 1812-33. 20 vols. 4to. l. c. b. lindley (j.). collectanea botanica.... london, 1821. fol. l. e. m. la marck (j. b. p. a. de m. de). encyclopã©die methodique ... botanique. paris, 1783-1817. 13 vols. 4to. l. j. f. lemaire (c.). le jardin fleuriste. gand, 1851-4. 4 vols. 8vo. l. r. lindley (j.). rosarum monographia. london, 1820. 8vo. l. s. o. lindley (j.). sertum orchidaceum.... london, 1838. fol. l. & p. f. g. lindley (j.) and paxton (j.). flower garden.... london.... 1851-3. 3 vols. 4to. m. a. s. salm-dyck. monographia generum aloes et mesembryanthemi. bonnã¦, 1836-63. 4to. n. burbidge (f. w.). the narcissus: its history and culture. with a scientific review of the genus by j. g. baker, f.l.s. london, 1875. 8vo. n. s. nuttall (t.). north american sylva.... philadelphia, 1865. 3 vols. 8vo. p. f. g. _see_ l. & p. f. g. p. m. b. paxton (j). magazine of botany. london, 1834-49. 16 vols. 8vo. ref. b. saunders (w. w.) refugium botanicum.... london, 1869-72. 8vo. r. g. regel (e.). gartenflora. 1852, &c.* r. h. revue horticole.... paris, 1852.* r. s. h. hooker (j. d.). the rhododendrons of sikkim-himalaya. london, 1849-51. fol. r. x. o. reichenbach, _fil._ (h. g.). xenia orchidacea. leipzig, 1858. 4to.* s. b. f. g. sweet (r.). british flower garden. london, 1823-9. 3 vols. 8vo. second series. london, 1831-8. 4 vols. 8vo. s. c. sweet (r.). cistineã¦. london, 1825-30. 8vo. s. e. b. smith (j. e.). exotic botany.... london, 1804-5. 2 vols. 8vo. s. f. a. sweet (r.). flora australasica.... london, 1827-8. 8vo. s. f. d. j. siebold (p. f. de) and vriese (w. h. de). flore des jardins du royaume des pays-bas. leide, 1858-62. 5 vols. 8vo. s. f. g. sibthorp (j.). flora grã¦ca.... london, 1806-40. 10 vols. fol. s. h. ivy hibberd (shirley). the ivy: a monograph. london, 1872. 8vo. sw. ger. sweet (robert). geraniaceã¦, the natural order of gerania. 1828-1830. sy. en. b. syme (j. t. b.), _now_ boswell. english botany.... ed. 3. london, 1863-85. 12 vols. 8vo. s. z. f. j. siebold (p. f. von) and zuccarini (j. g.). flora japonica.... lugd. bat., 1835-44. fol. t. h. s. transactions of the horticultural society. london, 1805-29. 7 vols. 4to. t. l. s. transactions of the linnã¦an society. london, 1791-1875. 30 vols. 4to.* t. s. m. emerson (g. b.). trees and shrubs ... of massachusetts. boston, ed. 2, 1875. 2 vols. 8vo. w. d. b. watson (p. w.). dendrologia britannica. london. 1825. 2 vols. 8vo. w. f. a. _see_ g. w. f. a. w. o. a. warner (r.) and williams (b. s.). the orchid album. london, 1882. 4to.* w. s. o. warner (r.). select orchidaceous plants. london, series i, 1862-65. fol. series ii, 1865-75. fol. w. & f. woods and forests. 1883-4. 1 vol. 4to. * is still in course of publication. the dictionary of gardening, an encyclopã¦dia of horticulture. the following are the abbreviations used:--_fl._ flowers; _fr._ fruit; _l._ leaves; _h._ height; _deg._ degrees; _rhiz._ rhizomes; _cau._ caudex; _sti._ stipes. the asterisks (*) indicate plants that are especially good or distinct. =a.= in compound words from the greek the initial _a_ has usually a privative meaning; as _aphyllus_, without leaves; _acaulis_, without a stem, &c. =aaron's beard.= _see_ =hypericum calycinum= and =saxifraga sarmentosa=. =aaron's rod.= _see_ =verbascum thapsus=. =abele tree.= white poplar. _see_ =populus alba=. =abelia= (named after dr. clarke abel, physician to lord amherst's embassy to china, in 1817, and author of a "narrative of a journey to china" (1818); died 1826). ord. _caprifoliaceã¦_. very ornamental shrubs. corolla tubular, funnel-shaped, five-lobed. leaves petiolate, dentately crenated. well suited for the cold greenhouse, either as trellis or pot plants; free-flowering when well grown, and of easy culture. may be treated in sheltered and warm climates as hardy; and can be grown out of doors during summer in less favoured spots. they thrive in a compost of peat and loam in equal parts, to which a small quantity of silver sand may be added. increased by cuttings in summer, and by layers in spring, under a frame. only two species, _floribunda_ and _rupestris_, are much grown in england. =a. floribunda= (many-flowered).* _fl._ rosy-purple, about 2in. long, in axillary clusters. march. _l._ opposite, oblong. _h._ 3ft. mexico, 1842. the best and freest flowering evergreen species. =a. rupestris= (rock).* _fl._ sweet-scented, small, pink, in pairs at the ends of the branches; sepals of leafy texture, with a reddish tinge. september. _l._ small, oblong. _h._ 5ft. china, 1844. a deciduous, branching, hairy shrub. =a. serrata= (serrate-leaved). _fl._ pretty pale red, sweet-scented, very large, in one-flowered terminal peduncles; sepals leafy. march. _h._ 3ft. china, 1844. a fine evergreen species. =a. triflora= (three-flowered).* _fl._ pale yellow, tinged with pink, small, arranged in threes at the ends of the branches; sepals long and linear, clothed with long hairs. september. _l._ small, lanceolate. _h._ 5ft. hindostan, 1847. a small evergreen branching shrub. =aberrant.= deviating from the natural or direct way; applied, in natural history, to species or genera that deviate from the usual characters of their allies. =abies= (from _abeo_, to rise; alluding to the aspiring habit of growth of the tree; or, according to some, from _apios_, a pear-tree, in allusion to the form of the fruit). spruce fir. the synonymy of this genus is much confused, plants belonging to several genera being frequently referred to _abies_ in nurserymen's catalogues and gardening periodicals. ord. _coniferã¦_. a genus of about twenty-five species, widely distributed over the mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. cones cylindrical, or but slightly tapering, erect; catkins generally solitary; the carpels not thickened at the tip; and the leaves solitary, partially scattered in insertion, and more or less two-ranked in direction. scales deciduous, falling off as soon as the seed is ripe, leaving the axis on the tree. all the species bear seeds at a comparatively early age; most are hardy. for culture, _see_ =pinus=. =a. amabilis= (lovely).* _shoots_ rather rigid, furrowed with elongated cushions, covered with numerous small dark hairs. _l._ scattered, crowded, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; linear obtuse, dark green above, silvery beneath. the cones are described as cylindrical, and about 6in. long. _h._ 180ft. california, 1831. a magnificent conifer, very massive in appearance. =a. baborensis.=* _l._ linear, dark green, silvery on the under surface, very numerous, those of the larger branches shortly pointed, and those of the branchlets more obtuse and pointless, 1/2in. to 1in. long. _cones_ erect, cylindrical, usually in clusters of four or five, 5in. to 8in. long, and about 2in. in diameter; scales reniform, greyish-brown, inclosing a thin, dry, and shrivelled bract. _h._ 40ft. to 60ft. algiers, 1864. this is a very beautiful medium-sized tree. syn. _a. numidica_. =a. balsamea= (balm of gilead or balsam fir).* _l._ silvery beneath, apex emarginate or entire, somewhat recurved and spreading, 3/4in. long. _cones_ cylindrical, violet-coloured, pointing upwards, 4in. to 5in. long, and 1/2in. broad; scales 3/4in. broad, and the same in length. _h._ 40ft. to 60ft. united states and canada, &c., 1696. a medium-sized slender tree. =a. bifida= (bifid). identical with _a. firma_. =a. brachyphylla= (short-leaved).* _l._ linear, spirally inserted round the branchlets, but pointing laterally in two directions, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in. in length; lower ones longest, obtusely pointed or emarginate, bright green above, with two silvery lines beneath. _cones_ 3in. to 4in. long, purple. _h._ 120ft. japan, 1870. a recently introduced magnificent fir, with an erect stem, regularly whorled horizontal branches. =a. bracteata= (bracted).* _l._ rigid, linear, flat, distichous, 2in. to 3in. long, bright glossy green above, and glaucous beneath. _cones_ about 4in. long, with the bracts developed into long rigid leaf-like linear spines, 2in. long, and slightly curved inwards. _h._ 25ft. southern california, 1853. a very handsome tall slender tree, but, owing to its very early growth of new shoots, it is much injured by the spring frosts. =a. brunoniana= (brown's). synonymous with _tsuga brunoniana_. =a. canadensis= (canadian). a synonym of _tsuga canadensis_. =a. cephalonica= (cephalonian).* _l._ subulate, flat, dark green above, and silvery beneath, acute. _cones_ erect, cylindrical, green when young, afterwards reddish, and brown when ripe, 5in. to 6in. in length, and about 1-1/2in. in diameter; scales broad, thin, and rounded, shorter than the bracts. _h._ 50ft. to 60ft. mountains of greece, 1824. a very desirable tree for growing in exposed situations. =a. cilicica= (cilician). _l._ linear, slightly curved or straight, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, dark green above, and glaucous beneath, crowded, in two ranks. _cones_ cylindrical, 6in. to 8in. long; scales broad, thin, entire, coriaceous. _h._ 40ft. to 60ft. mount taurus, in asia minor. this species seldom produces a good specimen tree in england, and cannot, therefore, be recommended for general cultivation. =a. concolor= (one-coloured).* _l._ linear, flat, obtuse, glaucous green, distichously arranged in double rows, those in the lower rows 2in. to 3in. long, upper ones shorter, channelled above. _cones_ cylindrical, obtuse both at base and top, 3in. to 5in. long, 2in. to 2-1/2in. in diameter; scales numerous, imbricated, larger than the bracts. _h._ 80ft. to 150ft. california, &c., 1851. a very beautiful species, with yellow bark on the young branches. syns. _a. lasiocarpa_ and _a. parsonii_. =a. douglasii= (douglas'). a synonym of _pseudotsuga douglasii_. =a. dumosa= (short-leaved). synonymous with _tsuga brunoniana_. =a. excelsa= (tall). a synonym of _picea excelsa_. =a. firma= (solid).* _l._ rigid, coriaceous, spirally arranged around the branchlets, but point laterally in two directions, 1in. to 1-1/4in. long, very variable in young and old trees. _cones_ cylindrical, obtuse at both ends, 3in. to 6in. long; scales imbricated, bearing protruding keeled bracts. _h._ 100ft. japan, 1861. an erect tree, of great beauty. =a. fortunei= (fortune's). it is said that in its native country, its aspect is peculiar rather than handsome, and that but one living representative is believed to be in existence in this country--at veitch's nursery. syn. _keteleeria fortunei_. =a. fraseri= (fraser's). double balsam spruce fir. _l._ linear, emarginate, silvery beneath. _cones_ oblong, squarrose, somewhat leafy, obcordate, mucronate, half exserted, reflexed. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. north carolina, 1811. this species closely resembles _a. balsamea_, from which it differs in having shorter and more erect leaves, and smaller cones. =a. grandis= (splendid).* _l._ in double rows, on each side of the branchlets, flat, obtuse, emarginate, pectinate, silvery beneath, from 3/4in. to 1in. long. _cones_ lateral, solitary, cylindrical, obtuse at base and apex, 4in. to. 5in. long, 2in. wide; bracts ovate, acuminate, irregularly dentate, very short. _h._ 100ft. california, 1831. a handsome tree of symmetrical habit, and rapid growth. =a. lasiocarpa= (woolly-coned). synonymous with _a. concolor_. =a. magnifica= (magnificent).* _l._ densely crowded, two-rowed, 1in. to nearly 2in. long, olive green, very glaucous on the upper surface when young, becoming duller with age, and marked with two silvery lines beneath. _cones_ 6in. to 7in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; scales, outer edge incurved. _h._ 200ft. north california, 1851. a very tall and stately species, with, at successive intervals, whorls of horizontal branches. =a. mariesii= (maries'). _l._ erect, evenly disposed around the stem, linear-oblong, obtuse; apex notched, 1/3in. to not quite 1in. long; bracts ovate, oblong, retuse. _cones_ erect, cylindrical, 3-1/2in. to 5-1/2in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. wide, narrowed at the base and apex, blackish purple; scales entire, nearly 1in. wide, not quite so long as wide. japan, 1879. a tall, pyramidal tree. =a. mertensiana= (merten's). synonymous with _tsuga mertensiana_. =a. miniata= (vermilion). synonymous with _picea eremita_. =a. morinda= (morinda). synonymous with _picea morinda_. =a. nobilis= (noble).* _l._ linear, mostly on one side of the branches, falcate, short, acute, silvery beneath, 1-3/4in. long. _cones_ cylindrical, erect, sessile, 6-1/2in. long, 2-3/4in. broad, brownish; scales triangular, without the bractea, 1-1/4in. long, and the same in breadth; bractea spathulate, imbricated backwards, 5/8in. long. _h._ 200ft. to 300ft. california, 1831. a majestic tree. =a. nordmanniana= (nordmann's).* _l._ linear, rigid, flat, and minutely bifid at the apex, on young trees spreading in two rows, with a half-twist at the base, 1in. long. _cones_ erect, slightly ovoid, pedunculate, 4in. to 6in. long, and 2-1/4in. to 2-3/4in. wide; bracts large, coriaceous, three-lobed, fringed, greatly exceeding the scales. _h._ 80ft. to 100ft. crimea, &c., 1848. a magnificent and stately tree, of regular growth. =a. numidica= (numidian). synonymous with _a. baborensis_. =a. obovata= (reversed-egg-coned). a synonym of _picea obovata_. =a. orientalis= (eastern). synonymous with _picea orientalis_. =a. parsonii= (parson's). synonymous with _a. concolor_. =a. pectinata= (comb-like).* _l._ linear, solitary, flat, obtuse, stiff, turned-up at the points, two-ranked, 1/2in. to 1in. long, shining green above, with two lines of silvery white on each side of the midrib beneath. _cones_ axillary, cylindrical, erect, 6in. to 8in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, when ripe, brown; scales with a long dorsal bractea, 1/6in. to 1-1/4in. long, and 1-1/4in. broad. _h._ 80ft. to 100ft. a very noble silver fir, of slow growth when young only. central europe, 1603. there are several unimportant varieties of this splendid species. =a. pindrow= (pindrow). in its native home, the himalayas, this is a very beautiful tree, attaining the height of 150ft., but it has generally failed in england, in consequence of our late spring frosts destroying the young growth. it comes very near _a. webbiana_, but is readily distinguished by its longer and more acutely bidented leaves, and smaller cones. =a. pinsapo= (pinsapo).* the spanish silver fir. _l._ linear, disposed around the branches, nearly terete, and entire at the apex, not quite 1/2in. long, bright green, with faint silvery lines on the inner side. _cones_ sessile, oval, or oblong, 4in. to 5-1/2in. long, about 2in. wide; bracts short, concealed by the broad rounded scales. _h._ 60ft. to 80ft. south spain, 1839. a very magnificent species, very regular and symmetrical in habit. the one or two varieties offered for sale are not desirable. =a. polita= (neat).* _l._ arranged spirally, short, erect, rigid, falcate, acute at the apex, tetragonal, but compressed. _cones_ ellipsoid, 3in. to 4in. long; scales light brown, coriaceous, minutely notched at the edge. island of nippon, 1861. this is a beautiful species, admirably adapted as a specimen tree for lawns. =a. religiosa= (sacred). _l._ linear, acute, quite entire, 1-1/2in. long. _cones_ roundish-oval, 2-3/4in. long, and 2-1/2in. broad; scales trapezoided-cordate; bracts the length of the scapes, spathulate-oblong. _h._ 100ft. to 150ft. mexico, 1839. a very handsome species, but not hardy in this country. =a. sachalinensis= (sachalin). _l._ in many rows, 1in. or very slightly more long, 1/12in. broad, twisted to one side, rigid, linear, obtuse. _cones_ sessile, erect, cylindrical, bluntly rounded at the apex, 3in. long, 1in. wide; scales transversely oblong, reniform; margin inflexed, denticulate; bracts 1/2in. wide, 1/4in. long, obovate, serrulate, terminating in a reflexed angular point, exceeding the scale. japan, 1879. a tall pyramidal robust species. =a. schrenkiana= (schrenk's). synonymous with _picea schrenkiana_. =a. sibirica= (siberian). like the last, this species is not recommended; its growth is very slow, even under the most favourable circumstances. siberia. =a. smithiana= (smith's). a synonym of _picea morinda_. =a. subalpina= (sub-alpine).* on the high mountains of colorado, &c., a tree 60ft. to 100ft. in height. has not been long enough in english gardens for any decided opinion to be formed as to its merits as an ornamental tree. =a. tsuga= (tsugan). a synonym of _tsuga sieboldi_. =a. veitchii= (veitch's).* _l._ crowded, lateral ones spreading in a distichous manner, those on the upper side much shorter and pointing forwards, 1/2in. to 1in. long, linear, flat, glaucous above, silvery beneath; emarginate on the sterile branches, entire on the fertile ones. _cones_ erect, sub-cylindrical, purplish-brown, 2in. to 2-1/2in. long, 3/4in. to nearly 1in. wide; scales horizontal, reniform, densely packed, each enclosing a short, wedge-shaped bract as long as the scale. _h._ 120ft. to 140ft. japan, 1860, and again in 1879. described as a beautiful and interesting tree, as well as perfectly hardy; it should be planted on elevated spots open to the south or south-east. =a. webbiana= (webb's).* _l._ two-rowed, linear, flat, obtusely emarginate, silvery beneath, 1-1/2in. to 2-1/2in. long. _cones_ cylindrical, 6-1/2in. to 7in. long, 2in. or more broad, deep purple; scales kidney-shaped, roundish, closely compressed, imbricated, about 1in. long, and 1-1/4in. broad; bracts oblong, apiculate. _h._ 70ft. to 90ft. himalayan mountains, 1822. a large handsome pyramidal tree, with numerous branches spreading horizontally, much divided, and densely clothed. =a. williamsoni= (williamson's). a synonym of _tsuga pattoniana_. =abobra= (its brazilian name). ord. _cucurbitaceã¦_. a genus of stove or greenhouse plants, having solitary axillary diå�cious flowers, and finely divided leaves. the only species in cultivation is a very pretty half-hardy climbing perennial, having a fleshy root about 1ft. or more beneath the surface of the soil. it thrives well in warm sunny spots, and in a light soil; seeds may be sown in pots or pans of light soil early in april; the young plants can be planted out about the middle of june. the fleshy tuberous roots may be stored during winter in a greenhouse or frame. _see_ also =gourds=. =a. viridiflora= (green-flowered). _fl._ pale green, fragrant; females succeeded by small oval scarlet fruits, which are about as large as a filbert. _l._ dark green, glossy, much divided into narrow segments. south america. a rapid growing plant, admirably adapted for training over arbours or trellis-work. it is a very pretty form of ornamental gourd. =abortion.= an imperfect formation, or the non-formation of an organ; any fruit or produce that does not come to maturity, or anything which fails in its progress before it is matured, frequently from a defect in the male or female flowers. =abraxas grossulariata.= _see_ =gooseberry or magpie moth=. =abricock.= a former mode of writing apricot. =abroma= (from _a_, not, and _broma_, food; from its unwholesomeness). ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. handsome, free-flowering evergreen trees, with hairy lobed leaves, and extra axillary or terminal few-flowered peduncles. of easy culture, in a stove temperature, in loam and peat soil. propagated by seeds or cuttings, the former sown in march, the latter made in april from half-ripened wood, and placed under a bell glass. =a. augusta= (smooth-stalked).* _fl._ dingy purple, drooping. august. _l._ lower, cordate, three to five lobed; upper, ovate-lanceolate, undivided. _h._ 10ft. east india, 1770. =a. fastuosa= (prickly-stalked). _fl._ dark purple. june. _l._ lower, cordate, acutely five lobed; upper, ovate, entire. _h._ 10ft. new holland, 1800. =abronia= (from _abros_, delicate; referring to its involucrum). sand verbena. ord. _nyctaginaceã¦_. a small genus of seven species, mostly natives of california, four of which only are known in general cultivation. they are of a dwarf trailing habit, producing showy blossoms in dense verbena-like clusters. corolla funnel-shaped; limb spreading. they succeed best in light sandy soil, in a position fully exposed; if well drained, the rockery is perhaps the best place. increased by seeds, the outer skin of which should be peeled off before sowing; sow during autumn in pots of sandy soil, and keep in a frame until the following spring, when they may be placed in their flowering quarters; or by young cuttings, set in spring, and also in sandy soil. [illustration: fig. 1. abronia umbellata, showing flower and habit.] =a. arenaria= (sand-loving).* _fl._ lemon-yellow, about 1/2in. long, in dense clusters, with a honey-like fragrance. july. _l._ broadly ovate, or reniform, on short, thick petioles. _h._ 9in. to 18in. 1865. half-hardy perennial. syn. _a. latifolia_. =a. fragrans= (fragrant).* _fl._ pure white, in terminal and axillary clusters, very delicately perfumed, expanding in the evening. may. 1865. a perennial, more or less erect in growth, forming large branching tufts from 1ft. to 2ft. high. imported seeds only of this species will grow. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved). a synonym of _a. arenaria_. =a. pulchella= (pretty). _fl._ pink. july. _h._ 6in. 1848. =a. rosea= (rose-coloured). _fl._ rose-coloured. june. _h._ 6in. 1847. an unimportant species. =a. umbellata= (umbel-flowered).* _fl._ rosy pink, in dense terminal clusters, slightly scented. april. _l._ oval or oblong. _h._ 6in. to 24in. 1823. an elegant prostrate half-hardy annual; but under greenhouse culture it is a perennial. syn. _tricratus admirabilis_. see fig 1. =abrupt.= suddenly terminating, as abruptly pinnate; when pinnate leaves are without a terminal or odd leaflet. =abrus= (from _abros_, soft, in reference to the extreme softness of the leaves). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a very ornamental and delicate much branched deciduous stove climber, whose roots have the virtues of the common liquorice. leaves abruptly pinnate, bearing many pairs of leaflets. requires a strong heat to keep it in a growing, healthy condition, and to flower it well; and thrives best in sandy loam. increased by cuttings under a hand glass, in sand, or seeds raised in heat. =a. precatorius= (prayer). _fl._ pale purple, butterfly-shaped, disposed in axillary clusters. seeds bright scarlet, with a black spot at the base, used by the buddhists for making rosaries, whence the specific name. march to may. _l._ leaflets ligulate, oblong. _h._ 12ft. east indies, 1680. varieties are now and then met with having rose coloured or white flowers. =absorption.= the action by which liquids and gases become incorporated with various bodies, through molecular or other invisible means, to which function all parts of a growing plant contribute, the roots more especially. =abuta= (native name). ord. _menispermaceã¦_. a strong growing ornamental stove evergreen climber. used medicinally in cayenne. flowers diå�cious, fascicled, males racemosely panicled; females loose and simply racemose. it grows freely in a mixture of loam and peat. cuttings will root readily if planted in a pot of sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in heat. about half-a-dozen species are known. =a. rufescens= (rusty-coloured). _fl._ grey-velvety on the outside, dark purple on the inside. march. _l._ ovate; under surface brownish. _h._ 10ft. cayenne, 1820. =abutilon= (arabic name for a plant analogous to the marsh mallow). ord. _malvaceã¦_. very showy, decorative, and free-growing shrubs, both for the greenhouse and outside culture. calyx naked, five-cleft, usually angular; style multifid at apex. the many beautiful hybrids (of which fig. 2 represents a group) now in cultivation, far supersede the true species. cultivation: few plants are more easily grown and worthy of liberal treatment than these. the best soil for them is equal parts turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould, with some gritty sand. they may either be grown in pots, or planted out; but in all cases thorough drainage is indispensable, as they require an abundance of water, and stagnancy must be guarded against. at the end of may they may be planted outside, when they will flower profusely through the summer. in a free growing and flowering state they enjoy weak manure water. from the latter part of autumn till early spring they may be kept almost dry without injury, though in a warm conservatory some of the later struck plants will go on flowering throughout the greater part of the winter; or plants may be specially prepared for winter flowering. they are admirably adapted for forming standards of various heights, from 2ft. to 6ft. some of the taller sorts are very useful for training under roof rafters. as pillar plants, too, very loosely trained, so as to allow the upper and side branches to droop to a considerable distance from the pillar, they are very effective. propagation: they strike readily from cuttings made of the young wood, at almost any season; the best time, however, is early spring and september. inserted in pots, in a compost of equal parts peat, leaf mould, loam, and sand, and placed in a temperature of from 65deg. to 70deg., they will then quickly root, and form good plants. seeds may be sown in pans filled with soil as recommended for cuttings, and placed in a similar temperature. those followed by a dagger (â� ) are the best for training to pillars, roofs, &c. =a. bedfordianum= (bedford's). _fl._ yellow and red. november. _l._ deeply-lobed. _h._ 15ft. brazil, 1838. =a. darwini= (darwin's).â� * _fl._ bright orange, with darker veinings, fine cupped form. april. _l._ large, broad. _h._ 4ft. brazil, 1871. a handsome species, of good habit, equally suitable as a stove or greenhouse plant during winter, and for outdoor culture during summer months. there are a great number of garden hybrids from this. =a. globiflorum= (globe-flowered). _fl._ solitary, large, globose, cream-coloured. november. _l._ on long stalks, cordate, serrate. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. mauritius, 1825. =a. igneum= (bright). synonymous with _a. insigne_. =a. insigne= (handsome-flowered).* _fl._ large, purplish crimson, with dark venation, in axillary pendulous racemes; petals short, broad, much reflexed. winter. _l._ large, cordate, thick, rugose. stem deep green, with short brown hairs. _h._ 6ft. new grenada, 1851. syn. _a. igneum_. see fig. 3. =a. megapotamicum= (big river).â� * _fl._ small, bell-shaped, singularly beautiful, the sepals being dark red, petals pale yellow, and stamens dark brown. autumn and winter. _l._ small, pointed. _h._ 3ft. rio grande, 1864. a free-flowering species, with a graceful drooping habit; the shoots should be well pressed in during spring. syn. _a. vexillarium_. =a. pã¦oniflorum= (pã¦ony-flowered). _fl._ pink, smaller than those of _a. insigne_, but very distinct. january. _l._ large, ovate. _h._ 6ft. brazil, 1845. =a. pulchellum= (pretty).â� * _fl._ white, on few-flowered axillary racemes. july. _l._ cordate, unequally crenated, downy beneath. _h._ 8ft. habit very branching. new holland, 1824. =a. striatum= (striped).* _fl._ orange yellow, with a thick veining of blood-red, on long curving stalks. _l._ large, lobed, on long slender petioles. brazil, 1837. a free grower, and makes an excellent greenhouse plant. in sheltered positions, in the south-west of england, this species proves to be almost hardy. it requires to be freely pinched. a very continuous bloomer. =a. thompsoni= (thompson's). _fl._ striated yellow, large. summer. _l._ small, vine-like, richly mottled with yellow and dark green. _h._ 3ft. or 4ft. habit very neat and erect. =a. venosum= (veined).â� * _fl._ orange, with red veins, very large, bell shaped, 3in. long; pedicels nearly 12in. long. july. _l._ large, deeply palmate. _h._ 10ft. this splendid species is distinguished by its unusually large flowers. =a. vexillarium= (standard). synonymous with _a. megapotamicum_. =a. vitifolium= (vine-leaved).* _fl._ porcelain blue, large, cupped. may. _l._ cordate, five to seven lobed, assuming, towards the autumn, a fine golden hue. _h._ 30ft. chili, 1837. this fine shrub, or tree, is hardy in ireland and the south of england, but should have a protection from frost. it is not a fast grower. the following are some of the best varieties, which, although they do not include all the newest sorts, yet afford a good selection of first-rate kinds, which will give general satisfaction. they are arranged according to their respective colours. those marked with a dagger (â� ) are best for roofs and pillars. =orange-flowered.= aureum globosum,* flowers deep orange, heavily red shaded, of medium size, with good form and substance; darwini majus,* bright orange, deeply veined, extremely free, and of good form and size; fleur d'or,â�  light orange, veined pale red, very free and dwarf; grandiflorum,* deep orange, red shaded, deeply veined with red, a robust, large-flowered variety; leo, flowers pale below, deeper above, red-veined, of medium size; prince of orange,â� * a strong grower, and very free. =ornamental-foliaged.= darwini tesselatum,â� * foliage mottled with yellow, invaluable for sub-tropical bedding; sellowianum marmoratum,* very large maple-like foliage, heavily mottled with bright yellow, a most effective variety; thompsoni, leaves very freely blotched with yellow; vexillarium igneum,â� * very free, of good habit, prettily blotched. all these ornamental-foliaged varieties are invaluable for bedding purposes. [illustration: fig. 2. group of abutilons.] =purple-coloured.= emperor,* flowers large, rich purple magenta shaded, habit vigorous; louis van houtte, very free, rosy purple; purpurea,* deep purple shaded lake, very attractive; souvenir de st. maurice, flowers medium size, very profuse; violet queen,* bright violet purple, very distinct and free. =red and crimson-flowered.= brilliant,* flowers of good form and substance, brilliant red inside, rather paler outside, dwarf and free; crimson banner,* rich crimson, dwarf, very floriferous; fire king,* bright red, orange shaded, veined with crimson; lustrous,* brilliant red crimson, large, most profusely produced, habit dwarf; ne plus ultra,* intense crimson, of excellent form; scarlet gem,* flowers medium sized, brilliant scarlet, habit dwarf and free. =rose-coloured.= admiration, light pink, shaded salmon, of good form and shape; anna crozy,* deep pink, lilac shade, veined white, very showy; clochette,* deep rosy pink, with crimson veins, very dwarf and free; delicatum, pale salmon rose, with deeper vein, flowers very large; king of the roses,* rich deep rose, of good size and substance, habit dwarf and very free; lady of the lake,* flowers medium sized, rich pink; louis marignac, pale pink, veined white, splendid habit, a charming variety; princess marie,â� * flowers rich rosy lake, very profuse, of excellent form; rosã�florum,â� * pale salmon rose, veined with crimson. =white-flowered.= boule de niege,â� * very fine pure white flowers, the best in its class; purity,* very free, of good habit, and pure white; seraph,* dwarf, and very floriferous. [illustration: fig. 3. flower of abutilon insigne.] =yellow-flowered.= canary bird,â� * similar in habit to boule de niege, bright primrose, very lovely; couronne d'or,* bright yellow, of the finest form and substance, very bold foliage; golden gem, rich canary yellow, extremely free, of dwarf habit; lemoinei,â�  very fine, pale yellow, good size; queen of the yellows,* very large, lemon yellow, good substance; yellow prince,* rich golden yellow, of medium size, very profuse. =abyssinian primrose.= a common name for =primula boveana= (which _see_). =acacia= (from _ac_, a point, in celtic; or from _akazo_, to sharpen; many of the species are furnished with spines). _see_ also _albizzia_. ord. _leguminosã¦_. shrubs or trees, very variable in habit and leaves. flowers yellow, white, rarely red, disposed in globular heads or spikes, decandrous or polyandrous. spines stipular, scattered, or wanting. this is a very polymorphous genus, and the majority of species described are known in this country only from herbarium specimens. it is very doubtful whether the entire genus is represented in our gardens by more than about fifty species, many of which are only to be found in botanic gardens; but this number is, without doubt, sufficiently characteristic. the number of species is close upon 400, and the genus one of the largest known. in our enumeration, we have strictly confined ourselves to describing such as are unquestionably in cultivation, and to this end we have adopted the only accurate method of deciding which are and which are not grown, viz., by consulting the trade lists of nurserymen, both in this country and on the continent. such lists, however, are not always correct, from a scientific point of view, in the matter of nomenclature. the species best deserving of cultivation are all natives of australia, new south wales, or other temperate regions, and are among the hardiest and most easily cultivated of all greenhouse plants. they are very floriferous. the greenhouse species are sufficiently hardy to withstand the winter in a temperature very little higher than freezing point. cultivation: some have a tendency to make long straight shoots; these should be selected for training upon rafters or pillars, on which they thrive well and form splendid ornaments in spring; whilst the more shrubby kinds will be equally at home in pots in the form of bushes. roots and tops grow with great rapidity, and an abundance of water is required at all times. immediately after flowering (usually about may) is the best time to prune acacias; they may then be placed in the open air, and fully exposed to the sun, until october. they make a far healthier, cleaner growth, and ripen their wood much better outside than under glass; all they require is copious waterings, never allowing them to become dry, and keeping clear of weeds. in the first week in october house the plants, and winter in a temperature of 40deg. to 50deg. they delight in a light rich compost of equal parts turfy loam and leaf mould, freely intermixed with sand, or peat may be used instead of the leaf mould. propagation: cuttings of the half-ripened wood, put in with a heel, root readily during the summer. they do not bear heat well, nor do they require it. the soil should be equal parts peat and sand, covered with pure sand, thoroughly consolidated. insert the cuttings as soon as made; water home, and leave them in the shade till dry. then place the bell glasses over them, shade and water so as to prevent flagging. pot off as soon as rooted, and keep in a close pit or house until the plants are thoroughly established. seeds should be sown as soon as ripe, in sandy peat; about 1/4in. deep, or a little more, for large seeds. a temperature of 55deg. to 60deg. suits them well. pot off when large enough to handle, and place in a cool close pit or house until quite established. the culture and propagation of the stove species are the same as for the greenhouse sorts, but the former require, of course, greater heat. their flowers, however, are much less frequently produced than their more temperate congeners, consequently they are not so much grown. =a. affinis.=* _fl._ yellow. may. _h._ 5ft. new holland, 1822. greenhouse species. =a. albicans= (whitish).* _fl._ white; heads, two to five, aggregate, rising in racemes from the axils to the leaves. _l._ with eight to nine pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing nineteen to twenty-two pairs of oblong linear-leaflets. _h._ 5ft. swan river. =a. amå�na= (pleasing). this closely resembles _a. heterophylla_. =a. angustifolia= (narrow-leaved). _fl._ yellow, in heads two to four together, pedunculate. april. _l._ with fifteen to twenty pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing thirty to forty pairs of linear-acute, ciliated leaflets. _h._ 4ft. new south wales, 1816. one of the numerous varieties of _a. longifolia_. =a. arabica= (arabian).* gum arabic. _fl._ white; heads pedunculate, axillary, usually in threes. _l._ with four to six pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing ten to twenty pairs of oblong-linear leaflets. _h._ 20ft. arabia, east indies, &c., 1820. greenhouse species. see fig. 4. =a. argyrophylla= (silver-leaved). a synonym of _a. brachybotrya_. =a. armata= (armed, simple leaved).* _fl._ yellow, in solitary globular heads. april. _l._ phyllodia obliquely ovate-oblong, quite entire, one-nerved. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. australia, 1803. =a. benthami= (bentham's). a synonym of _a. cochlearis_. =a. brachybotrya= (short-bunched).* _fl._ yellow, in axillary stalked globular heads. april. _l._ phyllodia silvery silky, obliquely obovate, or oblong. _h._ 8ft. swan river. syn. _a. argyrophylla_. =a. catechu= (catechu). _fl._ yellow; spikes cylindrical, solitary, twin, or tern, axillary. march. _l._ with ten pairs of pinnã¦, each of which bears forty to fifty pairs of linear pubescent leaflets. _h._ 20ft. to 40ft. east indies, 1790. =a. cavenia= (cavenia).* _fl._ yellow, disposed in globose heads, peduncles, axillary, aggregate. _l._ with usually about five pairs of pinnã¦, each of which bears nine to ten pairs of linear-oblong leaflets, clothed with scabrous pubescence. _h._ 20ft. chili. greenhouse species. =a. cochlearis= (spoon-leaved). _fl._ yellow, in solitary globular heads. april. _l._ phyllodia linear lanceolate, many-nerved at the base, quite entire, mucronate. _h._ 4ft. west australia, 1818. syn. _a. benthami_. =a. cultriformis= (knife-formed).* _fl._ yellow, in crowded heads, disposed in either axillary or terminal racemes. april. _l._ phyllodia eight to ten lines long, four lines broad, cultriform, ending in an acute hooked point, which bears to one side. _h._ 4ft. new south wales, 1820. =a. cuneata= (wedge-shaped).* _fl._ yellow. april. swan river, 1837. greenhouse species. =a. cyanophylla= (blue-leaved). _fl._ yellow; racemes axillary; heads globose. march. _l._ phyllodia lanceolate, often 1ft. long, glaucous green, almost blue; branches drooping. _h._ 18ft. swan river, 1838. arboreous. =a. dealbata= (whitened).* the silver wattle. _fl._ yellow, in pedicellate heads, disposed in racemes along the axillary branches. july. _l._ from ten to twenty pairs of pinnã¦, each of which bears thirty to thirty-five pairs of linear, much crowded pubescent leaflets. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. australia and tasmania, 1820. =a. diffusa= (spreading). _fl._ yellow, in globular heads, which are usually twin. may. _l._ phyllodia linear, one-nerved, ending in an oblique acumen; branches diffusely procumbent, angular. _h._ 2ft. victoria and tasmania, 1814. =a. drummondi= (drummond's).* _fl._ pale lemon; spikes axillary, drooping, cylindrical, simple. april. _l._ with two pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing two to three pairs of linear obtuse leaflets. plant unarmed, silky. _h._ 10ft. swan river. very handsome and one of the best grown, forming a somewhat dwarf shrub. [illustration: fig. 4. acacia arabica (_a_) flowering branch, (_b_) seed-pod.] =a. farnesiana= (farnesian). _fl._ yellow, sweet-scented, disposed in axillary, usually twin, unequally pedunculate heads. july. _l._ with five to eight pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing from fifteen to twenty pairs of linear glabrous leaflets. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. st. domingo, 1656. greenhouse species. =a. glauca= (milky white).* _fl._ white; spikes globose, stalked, axillary, usually twin. july. _l._ with four to six pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing about twelve to fifteen pairs of linear, distant, acute leaflets, which are glaucous beneath. _h._ 5ft. to 10ft. south america, 1690. =a. glaucescens= (greyish). _fl._ yellow; spikes twin, but solitary on the peduncles, axillary. june. _l._ phyllodia linear-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, falcate, three-nerved. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. queensland, 1822. syn. _a. homomalla_. =a. grandis= (great).* _fl._ yellow; heads globular; peduncles solitary or twin, axillary, one-headed. february to may. _l._ with one pair of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing eight to ten pairs of linear-lanceolate leaflets; branches hairy. _h._ 6ft. west australia, 1850. a variety of _a. pulchella_. =a. heterophylla= (variable-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, in heads, disposed in a kind of raceme. may. _l._ phyllodia linear, attenuated at both ends, many-nerved. _h._ 5ft. isle of bourbon, 1824. _a. amå�na_ is very like this. =a. hispidissima= (hairiest). a variety of _a. pulchella_. =a. holosericea= (all silky). _fl_. yellow, in axillary spikes, usually twin. may. _l._ 6in. long, oblong-lanceolate, ending in a soft point at the apex, three-nerved. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. australia, 1818. the whole aspect of this tree is silky. syn. _a. leucophylla_. =a. homomalla= (equal-woolled). a synonym of _a. glaucescens_. =a. hugelii= (baron hugel's). _fl._ pale yellow. february. west australia, 1846. greenhouse species. =a. ixiophylla= (ixia-leaved). _fl._ yellow; heads about twenty-flowered; peduncles downy, shortly racemose or solitary. march. _l._ narrow, oblong-lanceolate, sub-falcate, obtuse, obliquely mucronate, much branched. _h._ 2ft. new south wales, 1844. =a. juniperina= (juniper-leaved). _fl._ yellow, in solitary heads. may. _l._ linear-subulate, ending in a pungent point; branches terete, pubescent. _h._ 6ft. australia and tasmania, 1790. greenhouse. =a. lebbek= (lebbek).* _fl._ yellow, sweet-scented; heads many-flowered, pedunculate, three or four together, from the crowded upper nodes. may. _l._ with two to four pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing about six to eight pairs of oval, somewhat dimidiate leaflets, which are obtuse at both ends. _h._ 20ft. east and west indies, 1823. stove species. =a. leprosa= (leprous). _fl._ yellow, mostly five-parted, numerous in a globular head; peduncles mostly in pairs or clusters, 1/4in. long. may. _l._ narrow, linear-lanceolate, acute or obtuse with a small callous point, narrowed at base, 1-1/2in. to 3in. long, those of the barren shoots broader. branchlets pendulous, more or less glutinous. australia, 1817. (b. r. 1441.) =a. leucophylla= (white-leaved). a synonym of _a. holosericea_. =a. lineata= (lined). _fl._ yellow, mostly five-parted, ten to fifteen or rarely more in a small, globular head; peduncles slender, rarely exceeding the leaves. april. _l._ linear, with a small hooked point, about 1/2in., rarely 3/4in., long, one-nerved. branches nearly terete, usually pubescent or villous. _h._ 6ft. australia, 1824. (b. m. 3346.) =a. l. longissima= (longest). synonymous with _a. longissima_. =a. longifolia= (long-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; spikes loose, axillary, cylindrical. march. _l._ phyllodia linear-lanceolate, narrowed at each end, three-nerved, striated. _h._ 10ft. australia, 1792. a fine erect-growing greenhouse species. =a. longissima= (longest-leaved). _fl._ yellow; spikes several, axillary, generally branched. may. _l._ phyllodia very long, filiform, one-nerved, spreading. _h._ 4ft. new south wales, 1819. stove species. syn. _a. linearis longissima_. =a. lunata= (half-moon).* _fl._ yellow; heads disposed in racemes, which are longer than the phyllodia. april. _l._ phyllodia obliquely oblong, rather falcate, narrowed at the base, terminating in an oblique callous mucrone. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. australia, 1810. greenhouse species. syn. _a. oleã¦folia_. =a. melanoxylon= (black wooded). _fl._ yellow; heads few, disposed in a kind of raceme. april. _l._ phyllodia lanceolate-oblong, rather falcate, obtuse, quite entire, many-nerved. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. australia, 1818. greenhouse species. =a. mollissima= (softest-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; heads pedicellate, disposed in racemes along the axillary peduncles. july. _l._ with eight to eighteen pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing thirty to forty pairs of linear, much crowded, pubescent leaflets, which are clothed with yellowish velvety down when young; branches and petioles angular. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. van diemens land, 1810. =a. oleã¦folia= (olive-leaved). a synonym of _a. lunata_. =a. oxycedrus= (sharp-cedrus).* _fl._ yellow; spikes axillary, solitary, elongated. april. _l._ phyllodia scattered, or somewhat verticillate, lanceolate-linear, ending in a pungent point, three-nerved. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. new south wales, 1823. greenhouse species. =a. paradoxa= (paradoxical). _fl._ yellow, disposed in solitary heads. march. _l._ phyllodia obliquely oblong-lanceolate, entire, wavy, one-nerved; branches clammy, glabrous. _h._ 6ft. new holland. greenhouse species. =a. penninervis= (feather-nerved). _fl._ yellow; heads about the size of a pea, racemose. april. _l._ phyllodia oblong, acuminated at both ends, straight, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, feather veined. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. new holland, 1824. =a. platyptera= (broad-winged).* _fl._ yellow; heads solitary, on short peduncles. march. _l._ phyllodia short, bifarious, decurrent, obliquely truncate, mucronate; branches broadly winged. _h._ 3ft., swan river, 1840. greenhouse species. =a. pubescens= (downy).* _fl._ yellow; heads small, globose pedicellate, disposed in racemes along the axillary peduncles. march. _l._ with three to ten pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing six to eighteen pairs of linear glabrous leaflets. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. branches terete, hairy. new holland, 1790. =a. pulchella= (pretty).* _fl._ yellow; heads solitary. april. _l._, pinnã¦ bearing five to seven pairs of oblong-ovate, obtuse leaflets. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. new holland, 1803. greenhouse species. the variety _hispidissima_ has white flowers. =a. riceana= (rice's).* _fl._ pale yellow, in long, solitary, axillary spikes. may. _l._ linear, in clusters, dark green, scattered or whorled. _h._ 20ft. tasmania. habit graceful, like a weeping willow. very handsome and distinct. syn. _a. setigera_. see fig. 5. =a. rotundifolia= (round-leaved). _fl._ yellow; heads globose, solitary, on long peduncles. march. _l._ phyllodia on short petioles, obliquely rounded, obtuse or retuse, mucronate. branches angular, puberulous. _h._ 6ft. new holland, 1842. =a. saligna= (willow-like). _fl._ yellow; heads solitary, on short peduncles. march. _l._ phyllodia linear, attenuated at both ends, quite entire, almost nerveless. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. new holland, 1818. greenhouse species. =a. senegal= (senegal). gum senegal. _fl._ white, small, glabrous, distant; spikes axillary, solitary, slender. _l._ with five to eight pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing fifteen to eighteen pairs of oblong-linear, obtuse, glabrous leaflets; branches white; prickles sometimes wanting. _h._ 20ft. arabia, 1823. stove species. =a. setigera= (bristly). synonymous with _a. riceana_. =a. sophorã¦= (sophora-podded). _fl._ yellow; spikes usually twin, axillary. may. _l._ phyllodia obovate, oblong or lanceolate, quite entire, many nerved; sometimes there are bipinnate leaves at the tops of the branches. _h._ 20ft. new holland, 1805. =a. sphã¦rocephala= (round-headed).* _fl._ yellow; racemes axillary, usually twin, ovate-roundish. _l._ with numerous close-set linear falcate pinnules, which are usually tipped by a glandular yellow "food body;" spines twin, hollow. mexico. a very remarkable stove species, inhabited by ants during certain seasons in its native country. =a. uncinifolia= (hook-leaved). _fl._ yellow; spikes usually twin, dense, on short peduncles, cylindrical. march. _l._ phyllodia long, linear-subulate, flat, recurved, mucronate, three-nerved; branches angular. _h._ 6ft. swan river, 1846. =a. vera= (true). egyptian thorn; gum arabic. _fl._ white, usually in twin heads, pedunculate, axillary. july. _l._ with two pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing eight to ten pairs of oblong linear leaflets; branches and spines red. _h._ 20ft. egypt, 1596. [illustration: fig. 5. a flowering branch of acacia riceana.] =a. verticillata= (whorl-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; spikes axillary, solitary, oblong. march. _l._ phyllodia linear, ending in a pungent mucrone, disposed somewhat verticillately. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. a spreading, prickly, greenhouse species, of variable habit. new holland, 1780. =a. vestita= (clothed).* _fl._ yellow, in loosely racemose heads, along the peduncles; upper ones solitary. june. _l._ phyllodia obliquely elliptic-lanceolate, one-nerved, ending in an awnlike mucrone, hispid. _h._ 4ft. new holland, 1820. =a. viscidula= (clammy).* _fl._ yellow; heads globular, on short stalks, axillary, solitary or twin. february. _l._ linear, clammy; branches slender, clammy. _h._ 6ft., erect. new south wales, 1844. =acã�na= (from _akaina_, a thorn; in allusion to the slender spines on the calyx or fruit). ord. _rosaceã¦_. a genus of dwarf sub-shrubby plants. flowers capitate, or interruptedly spicate, uninteresting; petals absent. leaves alternate, impari-pinnate. excepting for rockwork, or as edgings to flower beds, they are not of much value; their habit is, however, very compact and neat. they require similar treatment to other hardy herbaceous plants, in ordinary soil. increased by cuttings, creeping rootlets, divisions, and by seeds. =a. microphylla= (small-leaved).* _fl._ green, small, in close heads, furnished with showy, long crimson spines. summer. _l._ small, pinnate. _h._ 1in. to 2in. new zealand. a neat evergreen with a compact and cushion-like growth; it is a very effective subject for the rock garden, and grows freely in most situations. the crimson globular heads of spine-formed calyces form a conspicuous and ornamental feature of the plant. syn. _a. novã¦ zealandiã¦_. see fig. 6. =a. millefolia= (myriad-leaved).* _fl._ inconspicuous. a very distinct species with finely-cut pale green leaves. the fruiting spikes of this are not collected in globular heads, as in the others, and their presence detract from its value as an ornamental plant. otherwise, it is very graceful. [illustration: fig. 6. acã�na microphylla.] =a. myriophylla= (many-leaved).* _fl._ green, small, in rounded spikes. june. _l._ pinnate; leaflets deeply cut. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. chili, 1828. small, fern-like. =a. novã¦ zealandiã¦= (new zealand). a synonym of _a. microphylla_. =a. ovalifolia= (oval-leaved). _fl._ green. summer. _h._ 9in. chili, 1868. good for rock gardens. =a. pulchella= (pretty).* _fl._ inconspicuous. a pretty bronzy-leaved species, admirably suited for rockwork crevices, where space is no object. it grows very rapidly, and forms handsome tufts. =acalypha= (the name given by hippocrates to the nettle). ord. _euphorbiaceã¦_. stove ornamental and variegated nettle-like leaved shrubs. flowers greenish or reddish, inconspicuous, in erect or drooping bracted axillary or terminal spikes; those of the upper portion sterile, of the lower, fertile. the undermentioned only are those most worthy of cultivation. they are very easily grown, with ordinary stove treatment, and in a peat and loam compost. when well cultivated, the leaves of the hybridised varieties are highly coloured, but rather coarse than otherwise. increased by cuttings under a glass in sandy soil, in stove heat, during april. =a. macafeeana= (macafee's). _l._ red, blotched with bronzy crimson. 1877. =a. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _l._ cordate ovate, russet brown, blotched with paler spots. the best and handsomest stove species. =a. marginata= (margined). _l._ large, very hairy, ovate-acuminate, centre brown, with a distinct margin of rosy carmine, about 1/4in. wide. fiji islands, 1875. =a. musaica= (mosaic).* _l._ bronzy green, variegated with orange and dull red. polynesia, 1877. =a. torta= (twisted). _l._ dark olive, tinted green; margin cut into blunt, oblong segments. samoan islands. remarkable for its curiously contorted foliage. it has erect stems, which are terete, and covered by the leaves in a very singular way. =a. tricolor= (three-coloured). a synonym of _a. wilkesiana_. =a. wilkesiana= (wilkes').* _l._ ovate-acuminate, curiously blotched, mottled, and splashed with red and crimson; ground colour coppery green. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. new hebrides, 1866. syn. _a. tricolor_. =a. w. marginata= (wilkes's margined).* _l._ large, olive brown, margined with rosy carmine. fiji islands, 1875. =acanthaceã�.= a large order of soft-wooded, herbaceous plants, usually having gamopetalous axillary flowers; calyx composed of deeply imbricated scales; bracts large, leafy. =acanthephippium= (the derivation of this word is not apparent). ord. _orchideã¦_. a peculiar class of terrestrial stove orchids. flowers rather large, racemose, few; sepals combined in a broad oblique pitcher, including the petals, which are adnate to the base of the column; column short, produced into a long foot. pseudo-bulbs oblong. leaves few, large, longer than the scapes. the best species are the two first-mentioned. they will thrive well in sandy peat, with a quantity of small stones, broken pots, or gravel. a great deal of heat and moisture are absolutely essential during the growing period. propagated, as soon as growth commences, by dividing the pseudo-bulbs. =a. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ purple and yellow, about 2in. long, campanulate, produced in clusters of three or four together; petals oblong-lanceolate, acutish; lateral lobes of lip rounded. june. _h._ 9in. ceylon, 1833. =a. curtisii= (curtis's).* _fl._ same shape as above (except the lip), with numerous purple spots, light rose, and flush; column white, nail of lip yellow, keels yellowish, laciniã¦ white with purple. malay archipelago, 1881. the five keels between the side laciniã¦ distinguish it from the foregoing species and _a. sylhetense_. =a. javanicum= (javanese).* _fl._ yellow and red, with distinct longitudinal stripes; petals triangular; lip three-lobed; lateral lobes truncate; intermediate lobe constricted in middle, ovate, and tuberculate at the apex, fleshy on both sides at base, with truncate emarginate inflexed teeth. september. _h._ 1-1/2ft. java, 1843. =a. sylhetense= (sylhet). _fl._ white, with many irregular spots and blotches towards the extremities of the outer portions. june. _h._ 9in. sylhet, 1837. =acantholimon= (from _akanthos_, a spine, and _limon_, sea lavender). ord. _plantagineã¦_. dwarf hardy tufted evergreen plants, distinguished from allied genera in having sharp-pointed rigid leaves. they are of rather slow growth, thriving best in a sandy soil, and sunny position, on rockwork more particularly. the flowers are similar to _statice_ and _armeria_. increased by seeds (which germinate slowly), sown carefully on a warm but rather shaded border, and transplanted when large enough to handle; or by cuttings and very carefully made divisions. the cuttings should be made in late summer, and placed in a frame, to remain there during the winter. =a. glumaceum= (prickly).* _fl._ rose, spicate, about 1/2in. across, six to eight in a spikelet. summer. _l._ densely packed and sharply pointed with spines. _h._ 6in. armenia, 1851. very compact and distinct. syn. _statice ararati_. =a. kotschyi= (kotschy's). _fl._ white. a good species, but very rarely seen in british gardens. [illustration: fig. 7. acantholimon venustum.] =a. venustum= (charming).* _fl._ rose, spicate, from twelve to twenty in each spike. summer. _l._ broader than in the last, and glaucous. _h._ 6in. or 8in. cilicia, 1873. a rare and handsome alpine. larger than the preceding. see fig. 7. =acanthophå�nix= (from _akantha_, a spine, and _phoinix_, the date palm). ord. _palmã¦_. a very elegant stove palm, differing from _areca_ principally in habit, and requiring a light sandy soil and a summer temperature of 65deg. to 80deg., winter 55deg. to 65deg. increased by seeds only; these germinate best in a moist bottom heat, and a well decomposed compost of one part loam, one of peat, one of leaf mould, and the remainder of sand. they may remain in this soil for two or three years. =a. crinita= (hairy).* _fl._ spirally arranged, in threes, the central one being female. _l._ the fronds are arched, broadly ovate in outline, pectinately pinnate in division, with long linear acuminate segments, paler beneath. the stem is densely armed with black, needle-shaped spines, and much swollen towards the base. seychelles, 1868. =acanthorhiza= (from _akantha_, a spine, and _rhiza_, a root). ord. _palmã¦_. a small genus of stove palms, differing from _trithrinax_ by the aã«rial roots of the trunk hardening into spines (which are horizontal or pointed upwards), and by the blade of the leaf being divided down to the petiole. they delight in a rich loamy soil, and are propagated by seeds, in a moist, sweet hotbed, in spring. =a. aculeata= (spiny).* _l._ orbicular, palmately slit into numerous linear-lanceolate, glabrous segments, deep-green above, silvery beneath; petioles slender; the trunk is covered with a network of branching spines. mexico, 1879. syn. _chamã¦rops stauracantha_. =a. wallisii= (wallis's).* a recent introduction from tropical america, and not yet much cultivated; it is a tall palm with orbicular palmate leaves. =a. warzcewiczii= (warzcewicz's).* this differs from the preceding species by its more irregularly divided leaf blade, which is white below. tropical america. =acanthostachyum= (from _akanthos_, a spine, and _stachys_, a spike). ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. a monotypic genus of stove evergreen herbaceous plants; of easy culture in a compost of equal parts sand, decayed wood, and rotten leaves. propagated by suckers, which strike readily in bottom heat. =a. strobilacea= (cone-fruited). _fl._ red and yellow; scape simple, long, scurfy; bracts coloured. june. _l._ radical, very long, incurved, narrow, thick, pungent, channelled, spiny-toothed, covered with white scurf. _h._ 4ft. brazil, 1840. =acanthus= (from _akanthos_, a spine; several species being spiny or prickly). bear's breech. ord. _acanthaceã¦_. a group of stately, ornamental perennial plants, mostly hardy, remarkable for their vigorous growth and beautiful foliage. flowers sessile, crowded, spicate; corolla tubular, one-lipped; lip three lobed. to attain perfection they require a deep soil, and a situation fully exposed to the sun. they will, however, thrive moderately well in common soil and partial shade. the habit being generally a bold one, they are most suited for isolated tufts, backgrounds of mixed borders, and the wild garden. propagated by seeds, sown in gentle heat, or by division of the roots, in autumn or early spring. =a. carduifolius= (thistle-leaved). _fl._ blue. august. _h._ 3ft. cape of good hope, 1816. greenhouse species. =a. hispanicus= (spanish). _fl._ white. august. _l._ large, shining, and deeply cut. _h._ 2ft. spain, 1700. =a. longifolius= (long-leaved).* _fl._ purple, rose, in the axils of the bracts, which are oval, acuminate, spiny, of a reddish hue, forming a spike nearly 1ft. long. june. _l._ radical, 2ft. to 3ft. long; numerous. _h._ 3ft. to 4-1/2ft. dalmatia, 1869. =a. lusitanicus= (portugal). synonymous with _a. mollis latifolius_. =a. mollis= (soft).* _fl._ white or rose, sessile in the axils of the deeply-toothed bracts; spikes about 1-1/2ft. summer. _l._ sinuated, unarmed, heart-shaped in outline, 2ft. long by 1ft. broad. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. italy, 1548. =a. m. latifolius= (broad-leaved).* a variety of _a. mollis_, but larger and more robust in every part. this very handsome form is probably the best grown; it is one of the most suitable for sub-tropical gardening. a warm sunny spot is needful. syn. _a. lusitanicus_. see fig. 8. =a. montanus= (mountain).* _fl._ rose. august. _h._ 3ft. west africa, 1865. a shrubby species. =a. niger= (black). _fl._ purplish white. july to september. _l._ sinuated, unarmed, glabrous, shining green. _h._ 3ft. portugal, 1759. =a. spinosissimus= (most spiny).* _fl._ rosy, sessile, on a very handsome spike, with acute, recurved spines. autumn. _l._ laciniate, pinnatifid, blistered, spiny; spines white. _h._ 3-1/2ft. south europe, 1629. [illustration: fig. 8. acanthus mollis latifolius.] =a. spinosus= (spiny).* _fl._ purplish, spicate; sepals spiny. summer. _l._ deeply and regularly cut, each division terminated by a short spine. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. south europe. see fig. 9. =acaulescent.= with apparently no stem. =accessory.= something additional, not usually present. =accrete.= fastened with another body, and growing with it. =accumbent.= lying against anything, in distinction to _incumbent_, or lying upon. =acer=, (from _acer_, hard or sharp; wood is extremely hard, and was formerly much used for making pikes and lances). maple. ord. _sapindaceã¦_. a genus comprised, for the most part, of handsome hardy deciduous shrubs, or trees, adapted for forming shrubberies, plantations, &c. flowers greenish, except where mentioned. _a. pseudo-platanus_ is one of our most useful forest trees. several of the species produce very useful timber; sugar is one of the constituent parts of the sap of all of them, and is obtained in large quantities from _a. saccharinum_, in north america. they all prefer a somewhat sheltered position. the most satisfactory soil is one free, deep, loamy, and well drained; the latter is especially desirable with some of the japanese varieties. the varieties of _a. japonicum_, and _palmatum_ are well worth growing in pots for conservatory decoration. propagation: by seeds, sown either in autumn or spring, covering them not more than a 1/4in. deep; the common varieties may be sown outside, while the rarer ones should be sown in a frame. by layers, and by grafting; the latter method is adopted with many of the rarer species and varieties, especially the variegated kinds; they are also readily increased by budding in summer. =a. austriacum= (austrian). synonymous with _a. campestre austriacum_. =a. campestre= (field).* common maple. _fl._ on erect racemes. may. _fr._ wings of fruit much divaricated. _l._ small, cordate, with five-toothed lobes. _h._ 20ft. britain. a small tree with rough bark, full of deep fissures; wood often beautifully veined, when it is highly valued. =a. c. austriacum= (austrian).* _fl._ much larger than those of the species. _fr._ smooth. lobes of leaves somewhat acuminated. syn. _a. austriacum_. =a. c. collinum= (hill-loving).* _fl._ smaller. _fr._ smooth. lobes of leaves obtuse. france. =a. c. hebecarpum= (downy-fruited).* _fr._ clothed with velvety pubescence. [illustration: fig. 9. leaf and flower spike of acanthus spinosus.] =a. c. lã¦vigatum= (smooth-leaved). _l._ very smooth and shining. =a. c. nanum= (dwarf). dwarf habit. =a. c. tauricum= (taurian).* _l._ larger and less divided than in the species. =a. c. variegatum= (variegated).* _l._ beautifully variegated with blotches and stripes of white or whitish yellow; very distinct. =a. circinatum= (circinate).* _fl._ deep red, umbellate. april. _l._ seven to nine-lobed, serrulated. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. north west america, 1827. a very beautiful species, having pendulous branches clothed with leaves, which change into a bright scarlet colour in the autumn. =a. creticum= (cretan). _fl._ on few-flowered erect corymbs. may. _fr._ smooth, with the wings hardly diverging. _l._ cuneated at the base, acutely three-lobed at the top. _h._ 4ft. levant, 1752. nearly evergreen. =a. dasycarpum= (thick-fruited).* _fl._ conglomerate, on short pedicels, apetalous. april. _l._ truncate at the base, palmately five-lobed, with blunt recesses, and unequally and deeply-toothed lobes. _h._ 40ft. north america, 1725. syns. _a. eriocarpon_, _a. tomentosum_, _a. glaucum_, and _a. virginianum_. =a. douglasii= (douglas). synonymous with _a. glabrum_. =a. eriocarpon= (hairy-fruited). synonymous with _a. dasycarpum_. =a. ginnala= (ginnalian).* _fl._ on compound, crowded, erect racemes. amur river. this is generally classed as a variety of _a. tartaricum_, but its habit is much more graceful, and in this form the leaves are prettily cut and lobed, whilst the leafstalks and midrib are more deeply coloured. =a. glabrum= (smooth).* _fl._ corymbose, on short two-leaved branchlets, greenish-yellow. june. _l._ roundish-cordate, deeply three to five-lobed, or partite; the lobes biserrate, of a light green. _h._ 15ft. to 30ft. north west america. syns. _a. douglasii_, _a. tripartitum_. =a. glaucum= (glaucous). synonymous with _a. dasycarpum_. =a. heterophyllum= (various-leaved).* _fl._ corymbose. may. _l._ small, ovate, entire, and three-lobed, slightly serrated, smooth. _h._ 4ft. levant, 1759. an evergreen. syn. _a. sempervirens_. =a. ibericum= (iberian). _fl._ corymbose. may. _l._ bluntly three-lobed; lobes with one or two teeth, lateral ones marked with the middle nerve to the insertion of the petiole. _h._ 20ft. iberia, 1826. =a. japonicum= (japanese).* _fl._ deep purplish-red, large. april. _l._ many-lobed, in early spring very light green. _h._ 20ft. japan, 1863. the varieties of this species, although not well fixed in many cases, rank amongst the most handsome of the deciduous small shrubs grown, but often change in character as they attain any considerable size. plants from 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. high are very useful in cool conservatories, and in the highly kept grounds surrounding the house. =a. laurifolium= (laurel-leaved). synonymous with _a. oblongum_. =a. lobelii= (lobel's). _l._ very slightly heart-shaped, irregularly toothed, five-lobed; lobes more or less abruptly pointed. =a. macrophyllum= (large-leaved).* _fl._ on erect, compound, racemes. may. _l._ digitately five-palmate, with roundish recesses; lobes somewhat three-lobed. _h._ 60ft. northern california, 1812. =a. monspessulanum= (montpelier).* _fl._ on few-flowered corymbs, erect. may. _l._ cordate, three-lobed; lobes almost or quite entire, equal. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. south europe, 1739. =a. montanum= (mountain). _fl._ on compound, erect racemes. may. _l._ cordate, three or slightly five-lobed, unequally and coarsely serrated. _h._ 18ft. canada, 1750. syn. _a. spicatum_. =a. negundo.= _see_ =negundo fraxinifolium=. =a. oblongum= (oblong). _fl._ on compound racemes, pale yellow. february. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, quite entire. _h._ 20ft. nepaul, 1824. syn. _a. laurifolium_. =a. obtusifolium= (obtuse-leaved). _fl._ drooping, corymbose. may. _l._ rounded, bluntly three-lobed, crenately serrulate, about the length of the petioles. _h._ 15ft. crete. =a. opalus= (opalus). a synonym of _a. opulifolium_. =a. opulifolium= (guelder-rose-leaved).* _fl._ on nearly sessile corymbs. may. ovaries and fruit smooth. _l._ cordate, five-lobed; lobes obtuse, bluntly and coarsely toothed. _h._ 8ft. france, 1823. syn. _a. opalus_. =a. o. obtusatum= (bluntish).* a larger, strong growing, round-headed tree, with dark green leaves, which are covered with a whitish or rusty tomentum on the under surface. =a. palmatum= (palmate-leaved).* _fl._ on five to seven-flowered umbels. may. _l._ palmately divided into five to seven lobes beyond the middle; lobes oblong, acuminated, serrated. _h._ 20ft. japan, 1820. =a. p. atropurpureum= (dark purple).* a vigorous handsome plant, with bold dark purple foliage. japan. =a. p. crispum= (crispy or waved).* _l._ green, with red stalked, convoluted edges. japan, 1871. very distinct, and like a miniature lombardy poplar in habit of growth. =a. p. dissectum= (finely-divided).* _fl._ red, on terminal-stalked racemes, five to six-flowered. may. _l._ nine to ten parted; lobes oblong, acuminated, deeply serrated. _h._ 30ft. japan, 1845. =a. p. ornatum= (beautiful).* very ornamental, having finely cut deep red leaves, with lighter midribs. japan, 1871. this variety is also known as _dissectum_. =a. p. palmatifidum= (palmatifid).* _l._ very finely palmately divided, the lobes cut down quite to the midrib, of a beautiful light green colour. 1875. =a. p. reticulatum= (netted).* _l._ palmately seven-lobed; lobes unequal, sharply serrate, emerald green, with dark green veins. japan, 1875. a very elegant variety, with slender branches. =a. p. roseo-marginatum= (rose-margined).* _l._ freely divided, the lobes deeply cut, light green, margined with rose. japan, 1874. a very distinct and charming variety. =a. p. sanguineum= (blood-red).* _l._ deeply five-lobed, the lobes serrated, of a deep reddish-crimson colour, much brighter than the variety _atropurpureum_. 1874. this presents a very striking contrast to the last. =a. p. septemlobum= (seven-lobed).* _fl._ purplish, on numerous flowered umbels. spring. _l._ varying much, from palmately five-lobed, with toothed undivided lobes, to deeply seven to nine-lobed, with more or less finely cut divisions. japan, 1864. there are numerous beautiful forms of this variety. there are many varieties of this much varying species, but we have only mentioned those best known; many are only known by their native names, and there is some doubt as to their distinctive characteristics. they are all extremely handsome. =a. pennsylvanicum= (pennsylvanian).* _fl._ in long drooping, simple racemes. may. _l._ cordate, three-lobed, acuminated, finely and acutely serrated. _h._ 20ft. trunk elegantly striped with white lines. north america, 1755. syn. _a. striatum_. =a. pictum= (painted).* _fl._ corymbose, stalked. _l._ five to seven-lobed; lobes triangular or oblong, entire, acuminated. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. temperate asia, 1840. _a. p. connivens_ (converging), _a. p. marmoratum_ (spotted), _a. p. rubrum_ (red), and _a. p. variegatum_ (variegated), are varieties differing principally in the colouring of the leaves. all are very desirable. =a. platanoides= (plane-like).* the norway maple. _fl._ on nearly erect stalked corymbs. may, june. _l._ cordate, smooth, five-lobed; lobes acuminated, with a few coarse acute teeth. _h._ 50ft. europe, 1683. a very ornamental hardy tree, growing with great rapidity when young. it prefers a deep, well-drained soil. =a. p. aureo variegatum= (golden-variegated).* _l._ variegated with yellow. europe, 1383. this, to retain the variegation, requires to be propagated by budding or grafting. the same remarks are equally applicable to the other varieties. =a. p. laciniatum= (cut-leaved).* _l._ deeply and variously cut, green and yellow. =a. p. schwedleri= (schwedler's).* _l._ very large, deep bronzy-red. a vigorous grower, and most effective. =a. p. variegatum= (variegated).* _l._ variegated with white. there are several other varieties, but of less importance than the foregoing. =a. pseudo-platanus= (mock-plane tree).* sycamore. _fl._ on rather compound pendulous racemes. may. _l._ cordate, with five acuminated unequally-toothed lobes. _h._ 30ft. to 60ft. europe. there are few deciduous trees so well adapted for standing singly in rough exposed situations. a deep, soft, dry soil is most suitable for it, but it will grow in soils of very opposite qualities. =a. p. albo variegata= (white-variegated).* a very beautiful form, in spring especially. _l._ white and green. =a. p. flavo variegata= (yellow-variegated). _l._ variegated with yellow. =a. p. longifolia= (long-leaved).* _l._ more deeply cut, and the petioles much longer than in the species. =a. p. purpureum= (purple).* _l._ purple underneath. the tree, when slightly ruffled by the wind, alternately appearing clothed in purple and pale green. numerous other varieties of more or less excellence are grown. =a. rubrum= (red).* scarlet maple. _fl._ scarlet, handsome, conglomerate, corymbose. _l._ cordate at the base, deeply and unequally toothed, palmately five-lobed, with acute recesses. branches and fruit also scarlet. _h._ 20ft. canada, 1656. a variety with leaves splashed with yellow is rare. an excellent species, thriving well in damp, swampy situations, and is commonly increased by layers. =a. rufinerve= (red-nerved).* "the leaves vary both in size and outline, from 2-1/2in. to 4in. each way; three to five-lobed, with irregularly toothed margins, glabrous above, but with reddish hairs along the nerves beneath. the young branches are conspicuous on account of the bluish-grey glaucescence with which they are covered." =a. r. albo-limbatum= (white-margined).* differs only from the species in having a very distinct white margin--not always constant. japan, 1869. =a. saccharinum= (sugar maple).* _fl._ yellow, on drooping corymbs, on short peduncles; pedicels pilose. april. _l._ cordate, smooth, palmately five-lobed; lobes accuminated, sinuately toothed. _h._ 40ft. n. america, 1735. =a. s. nigrum= (blackish).* _fl._ on sessile corymbs, nodding. april, may. _l._ cordate, with the recess closed; palmately five-lobed. _h._ 40ft. north america, 1812. =a. semenovi= (semenov's).* a slender and graceful species, with leaves closely resembling those of _a. ginnala_, but smaller. turkestan, 1879. =a. sempervirens= (evergreen). synonymous with _a. heterophyllum_. =a. spicatum= (spiked). synonymous with _a. montanum_. =a. striatum= (striated). synonymous with _a. pennsylvanicum_. =a. tartaricum= (tartarian).* _fl._ white, on crowded, erect, compound racemes. may. _l._ more or less cordate, acuminated, serrated, with obsolete lobes. _h._ 20ft. 1759. this species is one of the first to expand its leaves in spring. =a. tomentosum= (tomentose). synonymous with _a. dasycarpum_. =a. tripartitum= (three-parted). synonymous with _a. glabrum_. =a. van volxemii= (van volxem's). _fl._ not known in england. _l._ palmately three to five-lobed, very large, light green above, silvery and quite glabrous beneath. caucasus, 1877. distinct and fine. =a. villosum= (hairy). _fl._ fragrant, on lateral racemes. april. buds, fruit, and young leaves, silky, villous. _l._ cordate, five-lobed, villous beneath as well as the petioles; lobes ovate acute. _h._ 50ft. himalaya, at high elevations. not hardy. =a. virginianum= (virginian). synonymous with _a. dasycarpum_. =aceraceã�.= an order of very ornamental hardy trees, of which the sycamore and maple are well-known representatives. =aceras= (from _a_, without, and _keras_, a horn; the lip having no spur). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. an interesting genus of terrestrial orchids. calyx of three ovate, equal, converging sepals; petals two, narrow, oblong; lip spurless, much longer than the calyx, narrow, oblong, with four linear lobes. the most interesting species is the native one. indigenous to dry, chalky pastures in the south-east of england, and it will only thrive in similar soils when grown in gardens. propagated by careful divisions of tubers only. [illustration: fig. 10. flower of aceras anthropophora.] =a. anthropophora= (the green man orchis). _fl._ greenish, on a long spike, lip longer than the ovary; lip and petals often margined with red. june. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. see fig. 10. =aceratium= (from _a_, not, and _keras_, a horn; the stamens being destitute of the terminal bristles so conspicuous in its near ally, _elã¦ocarpus_). ord. _tiliaceã¦_. an interesting stove evergreen tree, very closely allied to _tilia_. it thrives well in a mixture of loam and peat, and is increased by ripe cuttings, which root readily if placed in sand, under a hand glass, in heat. =a. oppositifolium= (opposite-leaved).* _fl._ white, on terminal three-flowered peduncles. june. _l._ opposite, elliptic-oblong, furnished with a few mucronated teeth. _h._ 20ft. amboyna, 1818. =acerose, acerosus.= needle-pointed, fine, and slender, with a sharp point. =acetarious.= an adjective applied to plants used in salads. =aceus.= a termination expressing a resemblance to the thing whose name it terminates--_foliaceus_, leaf-like, of the texture of a leaf or _folium_. =achania.= _see_ =malvaviscus=. =achene.= a hard, dry, one-seeded, superior seed-vessel. =acherontia atropos.= _see_ =sphinx atropos=. =achillea= (named after achilles, who is said to have first discovered the medicinal qualities of this plant). including _ptarmica_. milfoil. ord. _compositã¦_. a large genus (about fifty species), containing numerous hardy, border and alpine plants. flower-heads small, corymbose; involucral scales oblong, often with a shrivelled appearance; receptacle with membranous scales, resembling chaff; ray florets few, sometimes rather large and showy; pappus none. leaves ternate, simple or compound. all the species are easily cultivated in ordinary garden soil. _a. eupatorium_ and other large-growing kinds are well suited for borders or groups, whilst the alpine section should be planted on the rockery. a great number of species, although excellent for naturalising in rough shrubberies, are totally unfitted for garden culture. propagated, during spring, by root divisions, cuttings, and seeds. =a. ã¦gyptiaca= (egyptian).* _fl.-heads_ rich bright yellow, in closely packed terminal corymbs, which are from 2in. to 4in. across. summer. _l._ pinnate; leaflets obtusely lanceolate, serrate, silvery white, 6in. to 8in. long. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. levant, 1640. handsome perennial, thriving best in a warm position. =a. ageratum= (ageratum-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ pure white, large, borne singly on stalks about 6in. or 8in. high. summer. _l._ narrow, arranged in a dense silvery rosette, the margins prettily crimped. greece. a pretty alpine, of compact habit. =a. asplenifolia= (asplenium-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ rose-coloured, small, in a compound corymb. june to september. _l._ lower ones stalked, pinnatifid, lobes pinnate; upper ones pinnate. _h._ 18in. north america, 1803. =a. atrata= (black-cupped).* _fl.-heads_ white. august. _l._ in a rosette, pinnatifid, deep shining green. austria, 1596. a pretty alpine. =a. aurea= (golden-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ golden yellow, borne singly on stems 18in. high. summer and autumn. _l._ larger than in _a. ageratifolia_, with which species it is sometimes confused. levant, 1739. habit tufted. requires a warm position. [illustration: fig. 11. achillea clavennã�, showing habit and detached flower-heads.] =a. clavennã¦= (clavenna's).* _fl.-heads_ white, in neat and compact heads. spring and summer. _l._ bipinnatifid; segments linear, obtuse, slightly denticulated at the apex. _h._ 10in. austria, 1656. a very neat and pretty species, having dwarf tufted habit and a hoary appearance. see fig. 11. =a. decolorans= (staining). _fl.-heads_ whitish yellow. july. _l._ undivided. _h._ 1ft. native country unknown. 1798. [illustration: fig. 12. achillea eupatorium, showing habit and detached flower-head.] =a. eupatorium= (fern-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ brilliant yellow, in dense convex, compound corymbs, which are often 5in. across, lasting two months in full beauty. june to september. _l._ numerous, linear, pinnate, lobed and serrated, hairy, rough. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. caucasus, 1803. this noble plant should be grown at the back of the border, and kept neatly staked. syn. _a. filipendula_. see fig. 12. =a. filipendula= (dropwort-leaved). synonymous with _a. eupatorium_. =a. herba-rota= (herba-rota).* _fl.-heads_ white, in lax corymbs, on slender stems. may. _l._ lanceolate, serrated. _h._ 6in. france, 1640. when touched, this pretty little plant gives off an agreeable aromatic perfume. to attain full beauty it requires sandy loam and a sunny position. _a. macrophylla_ (large-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white. july. _l._ long and broad pinnate; leaflets horizontal. _h._ 3ft. italy, 1810. =a. millefolium roseum= (rosy).* _fl.-heads_ rose-coloured, in small ovoid heads, which are produced continuously for several months. _l._ strap-shaped; segments very narrow. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. england. it is well worth growing, both as a border plant, and for cutting purposes. =a. mongolica= (mongolian). _fl.-heads_ white. july. _l._ undivided. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, 1818. =a. moschata= (musky).* _fl.-heads_ white, in lax corymbs. june. _h._ 6in. _l._ bright green, about 2in. long, pinnatifid. italy, 1775. a pretty tufted alpine. =a. nana= (dwarf). _fl.-heads_ white. june to august. _l._ pinnate; leaflets horizontal. _h._ 6in. italy, 1759. a rockery species. =a. odorata= (sweet-scented). _fl.-heads_ white, fragrant. june to august. _l._ bipinnate. _h._ 6in. spain, 1729. =a. pectinata= (comb-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ white. june. _l._ bright green, about 2in. long, pinnatifid. italy, 1775. a pretty tufted alpine. =a. ptarmica flore-pleno= (double sneezewort).* _fl.-heads_ pure white, freely produced in terminal corymbs. all through the summer and autumn. _l._ lanceolate, serrulate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. england. this is one of the most useful white border perennials grown, increasing very readily. when out of flower the stems should be cut down to the surface. =a. santolinoides= (lavender-cotton-like). _fl.-heads_ white. july. _l._ pinnate; leaflets transverse. _h._ 1ft. spain. =a. serrata= (serrated).* _fl.-heads_ clear white, large, in small corymbose clusters, forming a somewhat spreading panicle. summer. _l._ white, with adpressed hairs, sessile, lanceolate, deeply serrated. _h._ 15in. switzerland, 1686. [illustration: fig. 13. achillea tomentosa, showing habit and detached portion of inflorescence.] =a. tomentosa= (downy).* _fl.-heads_ bright yellow, in repeatedly compound corymbs. summer. _l._ woolly, bipinnatifid; segments linear, acute. _h._ 8in. to 12in. europe. one of the best yellow-flowered species for the rock garden, having a dense habit. see fig. 13. =a. umbellata= (umbel-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ white, six to eight in a simple umbel. june. _l._ regularly lobed; lobes obovate, entire; clothed with a dense, silvery pubescence, on which account the plant is chiefly cultivated. _h._ 4in. to 5in. greece. a very pretty, dwarf rock plant. =a. vallesiaca= (vallesian). _fl.-heads_ white. june to august. _l._ pinnate; leaflets horizontal. _h._ 1ft. switzerland, 1819. =achimenes= (from _cheimaino_, to suffer from cold; alluding to the general tenderness of the species). including _scheeria_. ord. _gesneraceã¦_. a large genus of handsome, stove or warm greenhouse, branched, generally hairy, herbaceous perennials, with scaly, catkin-like stolons underground (see fig. 14), and sometimes from the axils of the leaves. corolla funnel-shaped; tube rather oblique, gibbous behind at the base; pedicels one-flowered, axillary, solitary or fasciculated, bracteated. leaves opposite, or three in a whorl, serrated. [illustration: fig. 14. root of the achimene, showing tubercles.] [illustration: fig. 15. bouquet of various achimenes.] to be successfully cultivated, they must be started and grown in stove heat till they commence flowering, when they may be removed to the conservatory or greenhouse, there to remain till after flowering. batches of tubercles should be started in heat from february till the end of april, so as to give a succession of blossom. shake each variety out of the old compost and insert separately in light, sandy soil; water sparingly at first, but when active they may receive more frequent supplies. when the shoots are about 2in. high, the tubercles may be transplanted to the pots, pans, or baskets in which it is intended to grow them, using as potting compost fibrous peat and leaf-soil in equal proportions, with about a sixth part of sheep's or rotten cow manure, and sufficient silver sand to make the whole porous and of a whitish appearance. thorough drainage is indispensable, and a layer of the rougher soil, or sphagnum, should be placed over the potsherds, to prevent the loose soil stopping the drainage. place the pans as near the glass as possible, and shade from bright sunshine. give liberal supplies of water, with occasional doses of liquid manure; and, as the shoots lengthen, they may be pinched, to induce sturdy growth and a larger number of flowering branches. place neat stakes to each stem, and keep well tied, arranging the stakes as symmetrically as possible, so as to ensure an even outline, but do not allow them to be seen. light syringing with clear water, morning and evening, is beneficial. after the plants have done flowering, they should gradually have less water as the foliage and stems decay; a light airy situation is needed to mature and ripen the tubers. when the tops are quite dead, they may be removed, and the pots stored on the sides in any warm dry corner where the temperature will not fall below 50deg., keeping the plants quite dry until the time of starting again. achimenes are liable to attacks of thrips, red-spider, and green-fly, especially if the atmosphere is kept dry; these are easily destroyed by fumigation with tobacco. this must only be done when the foliage is quite dry, otherwise the plants will suffer. achimenes are especially beautiful when well arranged, especially if two or three varieties are mixed together, as white, red, and purple (fig. 15). there are several methods of increasing these:--(1) by cuttings; these need not be cut off at a joint, as they will root from any portion of the stem. insert them thickly in well-drained pots of sandy soil--say a mixture of equal parts of peat and sand--and place in bottom heat. (2) by leaves, which should be severed from the stems, and pricked in pots of similar soil to the cuttings, placing all the petiole below the surface; stand the pots in bottom heat. (3) by scales from the corms, which should be carefully rubbed off and sown, like seeds, in pots or pans of the same compost, barely covered with sand, and placed in bottom heat. (4) by seeds, which are very small, and, consequently, require to be carefully sown. the pans must be thoroughly drained and filled nearly to the rim, levelled, and well watered with a fine rose, after which the seed should be thinly scattered, covered very lightly with sand, and placed in a shady position. keep nicely moist, and apply water very lightly, or the tiny germs will be disturbed. place a sheet of glass over the seed-pans. when the seedlings are large enough to handle, they may be pricked off and afterwards treated like rooted cuttings. the best time for all modes of propagating is early spring. [illustration: fig. 16. flower of achimenes longiflora.] =a. atrosanguinea= (dark-crimson).* _fl._ crimson; tube of corolla 1-1/2.in. long, cylindrical, saccate at base, pilose; limb small, spreading; peduncle one-flowered. july, august. _l._ pilose, oblong, sub-cordate, serrated, unequal. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala, 1848. =a. candida= (white).* _fl._ white; tube of corolla gibbous at base; limb oblique, the front segment largest; peduncles axillary, pilose, three-flowered. june. _l._ unequal, oblique at base, serrated, pilose. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala, 1848. =a. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet; peduncles solitary, axillary. august. _l._ three in a whorl, ovate, acuminated, serrated, with minute leaves in the axils. _h._ 1-1/2ft. jamaica, 1778. =a. cupreata= (coppery). _fl._ scarlet; calyx spotted inside, with a fringed mouth; petals ciliately toothed; peduncles one-flowered. april. _l._ elliptic, serrated, wrinkled, coloured. _h._ 6in. mexico, 1845. plant creeping, downy. =a. gloxiniã¦flora= (gloxinia-flowered).* _fl._ whitish, large, axillary; tube of corolla 2in. long; limb broad, spreading; lobes finely serrated, dotted with purple inside. june. _l._ serrated from middle to top. stem slender, flexuous. _h._ 1ft. mexico, 1845. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ violet purple, very large, solitary, axillary; limbs of corolla spreading. june. _l._ equal, ovate, oblique at base, sparingly serrated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mexico, 1842. =a. heterophylla= (various-leaved). _fl._ solitary or twin; corolla scarlet; lobes ciliated. july. _l._ opposite, one smaller than the other, cordate ovate, acuminated, coarsely serrated. _h._ 1ft. mexico. plant rather hairy. =a. hirsuta= (hairy). _fl._ reddish, with yellow eye; limb of corolla flat, with rounded serrulate segments; peduncles one-flowered. july. _l._ cordate, serrated. _h._ 2-1/2ft. stem bulbiferous. guatemala, 1842. plant hairy. =a. kleei= (klee's).* _fl._ lilac; corolla dark near the mouth, with a dash of yellow in the throat; calyx downy; peduncles one-flowered. august. _l._ ovate, acuminate, serrated. _h._ 6in. guatemala, 1848. plant hairy. =a. longiflora= (long-flowered).* _fl._ violet; segments of calyx lanceolate, erect; corolla with a long tube, and an ample spreading limb; pedicels one-flowered. july and august. _l._ three to four in a whorl, ovate or oblong, coarsely serrated. _h._ 1ft. guatemala, 1841. plant hairy. see fig. 16. =a. multiflora= (many-flowered).* _fl._ pale lilac; sepals linear; corolla funnel-shape; tube curved; lobes roundish, lower one fringed; peduncles axillary, three to five-flowered. august. _l._ opposite, or three in a whorl, ovate, deeply and doubly serrated. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1843. plant hairy. =a. ocellata= (eye-spotted).* _fl._ reddish yellow, with dark spots, solitary, drooping; petals nearly equally spotted. autumn. _l._ on longish petioles, ovate, acuminate, serrated, wrinkled, coloured beneath. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1845. plant hairy. =a. patens= (spreading). _fl._ violet, blue; calyx downy; tube of corolla shorter than limb, which is spreading. june. _l._ ovate, acuminate, hispid above, serrate. _h._ 1ft. mexico, 1845. =a. pedunculata= (long-stalked).* _fl._ scarlet, with yellow eye; corolla drooping, gibbous at base; peduncles in the axils of the upper leaves. july. _l._ rather unequal, obliquely cordate, ovate, serrated. _h._ 2ft. stem simple, downy. guatemala, 1840. =a. picta= (painted).* _fl._ scarlet, with yellow eye; tube of calyx turbinate; lobes of corolla roundish, three lower ones smallest; peduncles solitary or two-flowered, axillary one-flowered. july. _l._ opposite, or three in a whorl, cordate-ovate, coarsely serrated, velvety, and elegantly painted. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mexico, 1843. =a. rosea= (rosy). _fl._ rose, pilose; limb of corolla equal to tube; peduncles filiform, many-flowered. june. _l._ sometimes three in a whorl, pilose. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala, 1848. the foregoing are the most important species known. hybrid varieties are innumerable, and even surpass the species in beauty, the best of which are enumerated below in their respective colours. =blue and purple flowered.= advance,* flowers reddish-purple, lighter at the eye, dwarf, and free habit; argus,* rich plum, with deep orange eye, large and free; dr. buenzod,* flowers rich crimson purple, spotted with orange in the centre, very free; excelsior, rich violet-purple, very large and free, with compact habit; gem,* flowers small, of good form, rich carmine-purple; gibsoni,* flowers very large, clear mauve, with the tube white outside; grandis, rich violet purple, with large orange eye, carmine shaded, a charming variety; lady scarsdale,* flowers of fair size, very free, rich plum purple, shaded carmine; longiflora major,* a stronger grower than the type, freely producing large rich blue flowers, one of the finest varieties grown; madame george, deep purple shaded crimson; mauve queen,* flowers very large, of a distinct mauve, with a brownish eye-shade, very profuse, with a grand habit, one of the best; purpurea elegans,* deep claret purple, orange throat with dark spots, a very attractive variety; rollisonii,* flowers large, deep lavender-blue, yellow throat, spotted with deep crimson, very effective; vivicans,* dark carmine-purple, with crimson eye, a few blue rays streaking from the eye, habit good, and very free. =crimson and scarlet flowered.= aurora,* rich rosy-scarlet, with yellow throat, very large, fully 2in. across; carl woolforth,* deep crimson, shaded lighter at the eye, very free; dazzle, flowers small, brilliant scarlet, pale yellow eye, very pretty and free; diadem,* crimson lake, shaded carmine, with deep yellow eye; eclipse,* rich orange-scarlet, spotted with carmine, extremely floriferous, with a good habit; firefly,* deep carmine red, golden eye, spotted with crimson, one of the best; harry williams,* bright cerise red, yellow, maroon spotted, the edge prettily fringed, a very charming variety; loveliness, rich magenta crimson, golden eye, spotted with maroon; meteor, flowers rather large, bright crimson-scarlet, yellow eye, spotted carmine, very dwarf and free; scarlet perfection,* rich carmine-scarlet, deep orange eye, very beautiful; sir trehern thomas,* deep crimson-lake, very profuse, with a good habit; stella, deep magenta, with orange eye, the margins fringed, very large and free, 2in. or more across; williamsii,* flowers large, stout, brilliant scarlet, orange throat, habit dwarf and free-branching, one of the finest varieties grown. =orange-flowered.= georgiana discolor, flowers large, bright orange, with a distinct yellow centre; hendersoni,* rich orange-salmon, with yellow eye; magnet,* deep orange, spotted with crimson, with a distinct carmine zone, a very free-flowering and beautiful variety; parsonsi* is a decided improvement upon the last. =rose-flowered.= admiration, deep rose, white throat, spotted with carmine; carminiata splendens,* bright rose yellow, spotted in the centre, a charming variety; leopard, bright magenta rose, freely spotted at the throat; longiflora rosa,* rich lilac rose, deeper in centre, of medium size, very free and dwarf; masterpiece,* deep rose, violet shaded, with a distinct white throat; _pink perfection_,* rich rose, the eye rich carmine and violet rayed, one of the best; rosea magnifica,* bright rose, with a yellow eye, very finely spotted, a very lovely variety; rose queen,* flowers very large, rich rosy-lake, shaded deep purple, with a well defined orange throat; unique,* rosy-pink, deep yellow eye, spotted crimson, a very charming variety. =white-flowered.= ambrose verschaffelt,* flowers of good size, pure white, with a dark rayed centre; longiflora alba,* similar in form and habit to longiflora, but with large white flowers, slightly marked in the centre; madame a. verschaffelt,* flowers large, pure white ground, heavily veined with purple, a very attractive variety; margaretta,* flowers of medium size, pure white, and destitute of any markings whatever. =achlamydeous.= without floral envelope. =achras.= _see_ =sapota=. =achyranthes.= _see_ =chamissoa= and =iresine=. =achyronia.= included under =priestleya= (which _see_). =achyropappus.= included under =schkuhria= (which _see_). =acicular.= needle-shaped. =acineta= (from _akineta_, immovable; the lip being jointless). ord. _orchideã¦_. a small genus of cool house, robust, sub-terrestrial orchids allied to _peristeria_. flowers sub-globose, fleshy, arranged on stout, pendulous racemes. leaves lanceolate, membranous, ribbed. pseudo-bulbs angular, about as large as hens' eggs. the compost should consist of equal parts of fibrous peat and living sphagnum. in planting, first place a somewhat thick layer of the moss all round the inside of the basket, and press the soil firmly round the plant. during the growing season, the baskets should be taken down twice or three times a week and dipped into a tub of water, so that the whole may become saturated. in addition, the plants should be sprinkled with the syringe morning and evening, for they delight in an abundant supply of water and plenty of shade. when the growth is finished, they must be kept very dry, an occasional syringing, to keep the leaves from shrivelling, being all that is necessary. =a. arcei= (arce's). _fl._ yellow. central america, 1866. =a. barkeri= (barker's).* _fl._ yellow and dark crimson, on stout scapes, produced from the base of the bulbs, and bearing fifteen to thirty fragrant flowers. midsummer. _l._ broadly lanceolate, 2ft. long. pseudo-bulbs 5in. to 7in. long. mexico, 1837. syn. _peristeria barkeri_. =a. chrysantha= (yellow-flowered).* _fl._ yellow, white, and crimson, fragrant; lower part of the lip having a blunt, papillose horn; racemes erect. may. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1850. =a. densa= (dense-flowered).* _fl._ sub-globose, and of a waxy consistence, lemon-yellow, dotted brown, sweet-scented; racemes rather short. costa rica, 1849. a robust-growing species, very like _a. barkeri_. syn. _a. warczewiczii_. =a. humboldtii= (humboldt's).* _fl._ straw-colour, dotted with brown; scapes 2ft. long. may. _l._ broadly lanceolate, generally four. columbia, 1872. a handsome species, but the flowers speedily fade. syns. _anguloa superba_, _peristeria humboldtii fulva_. =a. sulcata= (grooved). _fl._ bright yellow. columbia, 1879. very like the last species, from which it differs in mere botanical detail. =a. warczewiczii= (warczewicz's). a synonym of _a. densa_. =acinos.= _see_ =calamintha=. =aciotis= (from _akis_, a point, and _ous_, an ear; in allusion to the shape of the petals). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. a small genus of pretty, stove, evergreen plants. flowers small; panicles slender, loose, terminal; petals four, obliquely awned at the apex. leaves thin, membranous. for culture, _see_ =melastoma=.. =a. aquatica= (water-loving). _fl._ white, small, on loose, terminal, filiform panicles. june. _l._ cordate, ovate-oblong. _h._ 6in. to 12in. south america, 1793. the pots in which this species is grown should be kept in pans of water. =a. discolor= (various-coloured).* _fl._ small, red, in spicate racemes. _l._ petiolate, elliptic-oblong, purple beneath, deep shining green above. _h._ 1ft. trinidad, 1816. =aciphylla= (from _ake_, a point, and _phyllon_, a leaf, referring to the sharply pointed segments of the leaf). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. a genus of curious and remarkable erect hardy perennials, with densely fascicled, spicate, or panicled umbels of flowers; and pinnate or bi-tripinnate leaves. they are most suited for the rockwork, in a light sandy soil. propagated by seeds or divisions in spring. =a. colensoi= (colenso's).* _fl._ white. this extraordinary evergreen forms a circular bush, 5ft. or 6ft. in. diameter, of bayonet-like spines, having flowering stems 6ft. to 9ft. high, covered with spreading spinous leaflets. new zealand, 1875. =a. squarrosa= (rough-headed).* _fl._ white. _h._ 6ft. to 9ft. new zealand. more frequently met with than the preceding, of very dense growth. commonly known as the bayonet plant. =acis= (named after acis, shepherd of sicily, son of faunus and the nymph simã¦this). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. a genus of very pretty dwarf bulbous plants, suitable for the rockery, in sunny sheltered situations. this genus was formerly included with _leucojum_, from which it is distinguished by its dwarf slender habit, filiform style, and membranous capsule. all are delicate little plants, with narrow linear leaves and bell-shaped flowers. they require a free, open, rich soil, and should remain and bloom undisturbed for years; divide the clumps every three or four years, and renew the soil. =a. autumnalis= (autumn-blooming).* _fl._, perianth white, delicate pink at the base, preceding the leaves; two to three on a stem. autumn. _l._ few in number, very slender, sheathing the stems at the base. _h._ 4in. to 6in. portugal, 1629. a charming species, and the only one at all common. =a. grandiflorus= (large-flowered).* _fl._, perianth white, larger than those of the last. august. _h._ 6in. numidia, 1820. somewhat rare in cultivation. =a. roseus= (rose-coloured).* _fl._, perianth rose red, not more than 1/4in. long; scape one to three-flowered. august. _l._ narrow, blunt, linear. _h._ 3in. corsica, 1820. very rare. =a. tingitanum= (tangiers). of recent introduction; has a many-flowered umbel, and very long leaves. =a. trichophyllus= (hair-leaved).* _fl._, perianth white, about 1/2in. long; segments loosely nerved, with a faint flush of red at the base. january. _h._ 6 in. spain, 1820. =acisanthera= (from _akis_, a point, and _anthera_, an anther; anthers jointed). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. a monotypic stove genus allied to rhexia, of semi-shrubby habit. it grows well in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat; and cuttings root freely in the same soil in stove temperature. =a. quadrata= (square-branched). _fl._ purple, ventricose, alternate, axillary, solitary. july. _l._ three-nerved, ovate, crenated; branches square. habit erect, branched at the apex. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. jamaica, 1804. more curious than ornamental. =acmadenia= (from _akme_, a point, and _aden_, a gland; in allusion to the anthers being terminated by pointed glands). ord. _rutaceã¦_. a small genus of beautiful greenhouse shrubs. flowers terminal, solitary, or few, furnished with imbricate sepal-like bracts; petals five, with long claws, which are bearded on the inside. leaves imbricate, linear-oblong, or roundish. they thrive best in a mixture of peat and sand, with a little turfy loam; thorough drainage is also necessary. young cuttings pricked in a pot of very sandy soil, covered with a bell glass, and shaded, will root freely in a cool house. =a. tetragona= (four-angled).* _fl._ white, large, sessile, solitary. june. _l._ roundish-rhomboidal, with scabrous margins. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. cape of good hope, 1798. =acmena= (from _acmenã¦_, nymphs of venus, who had an altar at olympia). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. a small genus of greenhouse evergreen shrubs. flowers in dense trichotomous cymes, with five small distant petals, and very conspicuous and pretty berries. they grow well in an equal mixture of peat, loam, and sand. propagated readily by placing half-ripened cuttings in sand, under a glass, without heat. =a. floribunda= (many-flowered).* _fl._ white, in threes, disposed in a terminal panicled thyrse. may to september. _l._ full of pellucid dots, oval-lanceolate, acuminated at both ends. berries globose, bright purple. _h._ 4ft. new holland, 1790. =a. ovata= (ovate-leaved).* a new species, having, according to mr. w. bull, ovate leaves, which, along with the stems and petioles, are dark purple, giving the plants, when making new growth, a striking appearance. it has a neat habit. =acokanthera.= _see_ =toxicophlå�a=. =aconiopteris.= _see_ =acrostichum=. =aconite.= _see_ =aconitum=. =aconite, winter.= _see_ =eranthis=. =aconitum= (from _aconã¦_, or _acone_, a harbour of heraclea, in bithynia, near where it is said to abound). aconite; monk's hood; wolf's bane. ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. an extensive genus of very ornamental hardy perennials. flowers in terminal racemes; sepals five, the upper one helmet shaped, the two sides broader than the two back ones; petals five, small, the two upper with long claws hooded at the tip; the three inferior smaller or undeveloped. leaves palmate. they thrive well in any ordinary garden soil. if left undisturbed for several years, they will attain a goodly size, and produce fine panicles of handsome flowers. they are invaluable for growing beneath the shade of trees, where they succeed better than almost any other class of plants. all are very easily propagated by divisions of the roots and seeds; the latter should be sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. care should be taken not to leave pieces of the roots about, for, with but one exception, those of all the species are very poisonous. although very unlike horse-radish, they have frequently been mistaken for it, with fatal results; and none of the species should be cultivated in or near the kitchen garden. sect. i. roots tuberous. =a. acuminatum= (taper-pointed). _fl._ bluish purple; spur capitate; helmet closed, conical, beaked. july. _l._ with cuneate, bipinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. switzerland, 1819. =a. album= (white-flowered).* _fl._ pure white, large, with erect helmet, very freely produced. _l._ dark green, with oblong-cuneate divisions. august. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. levant, 1752. this is a rare and very handsome species. =a. alpinum= (alpine). synonymous with _a. rostratum_. =a. ampliflorum= (large-flowered). _fl._ bluish-purple, large; spur obtuse, straight. june. _l._ with blunt segments. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. austria, 1823. =a. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _fl._ deep blue, in spiked panicles; spur capitate; helmet closed, hemispherical; lip bifid. june. _l._ palmately cut into linear lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia, 1824. =a. biflorum= (twin-flowered).* _fl._ pale blue, usually twin, sessile, the middle rather obscure and with yellowish edges, covered on the back with spreading down; spur truncate; helmet depressed; beak drawn out. june. _l._ lower ones on long stalks, with linear segments. _h._ 6in. siberia, 1817. a very rare alpine species. =a. cammarum= (cammarum). _fl._ rich deep purple, on rather loose spikes; spur capitate; helmet closed, hemispherical. july to september. _l._ with short, bluntish lobes. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. austria, 1752. =a. cernuum= (drooping). _fl._ violet, large, on nodding, loose, hairy racemes; spur capitate, or a little hooked; helmet large, arched, beaked. july and august. _l._ with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. branches axillary, spreading. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. europe, 1800. =a. delphinifolium= (delphinium-leaved).* _fl._ pale bluish purple, large, on loose racemes; spur a little hooked; helmet hemispherical. june. _l._ smooth, deeply cut into five parts. stems slender. _h._ 6in. to 2ft. north america, 1820. a rare alpine species. =a. elatum= (tall). _fl._ blue, very large, in loose panicled spikes; peduncles pubescent; spur capitate, inclining. june. _l._ with linear acute segments. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. europe, 1822. =a. eminens= (eminent).* _fl._ blue, on erectly spreading pubescent peduncles; spur capitate; helmet closed; lip very long, refracted. june. _l._ with cuneate bipinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. europe, 1800. =a. eriostemon= (woolly-stamened). _fl._ bluish-purple, disposed in long, beautiful, erect-spreading spikes; spur capitate; helmet closed, arched. june. _l._ with cuneate, bipinnate lobes. _h._ 4ft. switzerland, 1821. =a. exaltatum= (exalted). _fl._ blue, on loose panicles, with ascending stiff branches; spur thick, somewhat hooked; helmet conical; beak elongated. july. _l._ with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 6ft. pyrenees, 1819. syn. _a. hamatum_. =a. flaccidum= (flaccid). _fl._ pale violet, large, on erect spreading peduncles; racemes branched; spur hooked at the apex; helmet high, arched, inclining forwards, gaping. july and august. _l._ multifid, ciliated (as well as the petioles), when young. _h._ 6ft. siberia, 1822. =a. gibbosum= (swollen). synonymous with _a. nasutum_. =a. gmelini= (gmelin's). _fl._ cream-coloured, middle-sized, on very long loose racemes; spur straight, obtuse; bottom of the helmet rounded, cylindrical. july. _l._ on long stalks, villous beneath and shining above; lobes divided into narrow segments. _h._ 2ft. siberia, 1817. syn. _a. nitidum_. =a. gracile= (slender).* _fl._ pale blue or violet, large, on loose racemes; spur erect, clavated-hooked; helmet with a middle sized beak. june. _l._ smooth, with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. stems slender. _h._ 2ft. italy, &c. =a. halleri= (haller's).* _fl._ opaque violet, on elongated, loose racemes, with a few lateral ascending ones; spur capitate; helmet convex-hemispherical, gaping. june. _l._ lobes linear, dilated, very long. stem straight, long, branched. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. switzerland, 1821. =a. h. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ white, variegated with blue, disposed in spikes or panicles. june. [illustration: fig. 17. flower of aconitum napellus, nearly full size.] =a. hamatum= (hooked). synonymous with _a. exaltatum_. =a. hebegynum= (blunt-styled). synonymous with _a. paniculatum_. =a. heterophyllum= (various-leaved). _fl._ pale yellow, and deep blue in front, large, numerous, dense. august. _l._ petiolate below, sessile above, broadly cordate, coarsely toothed at the edge, and deep green. _h._ 2ft. himalayas, 1874. a new introduction, said to be non-poisonous, and used as a tonic in india. =a. illinitum= (anointed). _fl._ pale or deep violet, on very loose and much branched panicles, large; spur thick, long, abruptly pointed; beak blunt; helmet sub-conical. july. _l._ with broad cuneiform lobes, and obtuse lobules. _h._ 4ft. 1821. =a. intermedium= (intermediate). _fl._ blue, on a loose panicle, with ascending stiff branches; spur supine, somewhat hooked; helmet arched. june. _l._ with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. alps of europe, 1820. =a. japonicum= (japanese).* _fl._ flesh-coloured, on loose panicles, with ascending branches; helmet exactly conical, abruptly mucronate; beak acute, straight. july to september. _l._ stalked, trifid; lateral lobes bifid, middle lobe trifid, all blunt and deeply toothed. stem round, smooth. _h._ 6ft. japan, 1790. one of the best species grown. =a. j. cå�ruleum= (blue). _fl._ blue. japan. =a. laciniosum= (jagged). _fl._ pale blue, or with a white base, large, on somewhat contracted racemes; spur clavated-hooked; helmet arched, conical. june. _l._ with jagged, trapeziform pinnate lobes. _h._ 3ft. switzerland, 1820. =a. lycoctonum= (true wolf's-bane).* _fl._ livid-violet, rather large; racemes more or less pubescent, branched at the base; bottom of helmet cylindrical; beak elongated. july. _l._ large, seven-parted. stem slender, simple, upright. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. europe, 1596. =a. maximum= (largest). _fl._ pale blue; panicle loose, furnished with a few long distant, few-flowered, pubescent branches; spur short, incurved; helmet hemispherico-conical, obtuse. july. _l._ multifid, large, smooth. _h._ 6ft. kamtschatka, 1823. =a. meloctonum= (badger's-bane). _fl._ cream-coloured, loose, pubescent; panicle large, with diverging branches; spur arched; bottom of helmet conico-cylindrical. july. _l._ five to seven-parted, deep green. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. piedmont, 1821. =a. meyeri= (meyer's). _fl._ bluish purple, on pubescent peduncles; spur capitate, inclining. june. _l._ with cuneate bipinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. bavaria, 1823. =a. molle= (soft). _fl._ violet, large, puberulous; racemes panicled, pubescent; helmet irregularly conical, obtuse; front erect; spur capitate, or a little hooked. june. _l._ smooth, with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. 1820. [illustration: fig. 18. aconitum napellus, showing root, seed-pod, flower-spike, leaf, and flower with sepals removed.] =a. napellus= (little turnip).* common monk's hood. _fl._ blue, large, on a large terminal raceme; peduncles erect, pubescent; spur capitate; helmet convex-hemispherical, gaping, smoothish; lip revolute. summer. _l._ pedately five-lobed. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. there are a great number of varieties of this species cultivated and introduced. the following are some of the names representing slightly varying forms which have, however, been regarded as species by reichenbach and other authors: _acutum_, _amå�num_, _bernhardianum_, _braunii_, _callibotryon_, _clusianum_, _commutatum_, _firmum_, _formosum_, _funkianum_, _hians_, _hoppeanum_, _kå�hleri_, _lã¦tum_, _laxiflorum_, _laxum_, _mielichhoferi_, _napelloides_, _neomontanum_, _neubergense_, _oligocarpus_, _rigidum_, _strictum_, _tenuifolium_, _venustum_, _virgatum_. one of the most virulent of poisonous plants, both to cattle as well as human beings; and, notwithstanding its eminently handsome appearance, it should only be planted in places where no danger is likely to arise from its presence. see figs. 17 and 18. =a. nasutum= (great-nosed). _fl._ violet; panicle contracted, quite smooth; spur elongated, arched; helmet conical, bending forward; beak short. june. _l._ with broad, trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 3ft. caucasus, &c., 1818. syn. _a. gibbosum_. =a. nitidum= (shining). synonymous with _a. gmelini_. =a. ottonianum= (otto's).* _fl._ blue, variegated with white; young peduncles nodding; spur supine, somewhat hooked; helmet arched. july, august. _l._ with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. carpathian mountains, 1824. =a. paniculatum= (paniculate).* _fl._ large, violet; panicle terminal, much branched, loose or contracted, more or less pubescent; helmet conical, beaked; front sinuate. june to september. _l._ smooth, with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. france and switzerland, 1815. syn. _a. hebegynum_. =a. plicatum= (folded). synonymous with _a. tauricum_. =a. productum= (long-lipped). _fl._ violet, downy, on few-flowered, loose, pubescent racemes; helmet straight, irregularly convex-conical, with a drawn-out beak; spur capitate. june. _l._ on long stalks with three-parted lobes. _h._ 1ft. siberia. =a. rostratum= (beaked).* _fl._ violet; panicle rather loose; spur thick, depressed, globose; helmet conical, elongated, abruptly pointed in front; beak stretched out. june. _l._ with trapeziform, pinnate lobes. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. switzerland, 1752. syn. _a. alpinum_. =a. schleicheri= (schleicher's). _fl._ blue or violet, middle sized, on short racemes; spur capitate; helmet convex-hemispherical, gaping, smoothish. summer. _l._ with finely jagged lobes. stem straight (or infracted), simple, slender. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. europe. syn. _a. vulgare_. =a. semigaleatum= (half-helmeted). _fl._ pale blue, pubescent when young, on very loose racemes; peduncles elongated; spur hooked; helmet convex, navicular. june. _l._ multifid, few, membranous, smooth; root about the size and form of a pea. _h._ 6in. to 2ft. kamtschatka, 1818. =a. sprengelii= (sprengel's). _fl._ bluish purple; spur obtuse, straight. june. _l._ with blunt, bipinnate lobes. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. europe, 1820. =a. tauricum= (taurian).* _fl._ deep blue, disposed in dense racemes; peduncles erect, smooth; lateral sepals smooth inside; spur blunt; helmet closed, hemispherical. june. _l._ segments almost pedately disposed and divided into linear acuminate lobes. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. germany, 1752. syn. _a. plicatum_. =a. tortuosum= (twisting). _fl._ pale or deep violet, large; panicle loose, few flowered; spur thick, long, abruptly pointed (neither arched, nor convolute). july. _l._ smooth, with narrow wedge-shaped lobes, and acute lobules. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. north america, 1812. =a. toxicum= (very poisonous). _fl._ violet, large, pubescent, on loose, also pubescent, racemes; spur hooked; helmet large, arched, with a blunt beak. june. _l._ smooth, with trapeziform pinnate lobes. stem flexuous, almost simple. _h._ 2ft. america, 1825. =a. uncinatum= (hooked).* _fl._ generally lilac, large, smooth; racemes loose, rather umbellate at the apex, very rarely panicled; spur somewhat spiral, inclined; helmet regularly conical, compressed. july. _l._ with trapeziform pinnate lobes. stem with branches rising from the axils of the leaves. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. north america, 1768. [illustration: fig. 19. aconitum variegatum, showing habit and flower.] =a. variegatum= (variegated).* _fl._ blue, large, smooth; racemes panicled, loose; spur erect, clavated-hooked; helmet bent forward, inflated; beak ascending. july. _l._ lower, on long stalks; upper, sessile, smooth, thickish. _h._ 1ft. to 6ft. europe, 1597. see fig. 19. =a. v. albiflorum= (white-flowered).* _fl._ white, small; helmet straight. =a. v. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ white, edged with blue or lilac; helmet straight. =a. vulgare= (common). a synonym of _a. schleicheri_. =a. willdenovii= (willdenow's).* _fl._ bluish-purple; peduncles pubescent; spur obtuse, straight. june. _l._ with blunt segments. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. carniola, 1823. sect. ii. roots fibrous or napiform. =a. anthora= (anthora).* _fl._ pale yellow; panicles generally pubescent; spur refracted; lip obcordate; helmet arched. july. _l._ palmately cut into linear lobes. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. pyrenees, 1596. the following varieties of _a. anthora_ are erroneously classed as species by some authors: =a. a. decandollii= (decandolle's). _fl._ yellow; panicle and flowers pubescent; helmet rather conical, bent, with a short, abrupt, and acuminated beak. _l._ with rather large dark green lobes. alps of jura, 1873. =a. a. eulophum= (well-crested). _fl._ yellow; panicles and flowers puberulous; helmet conical. caucasus, 1821. =a. a. grandiflorum= (large-flowered). _fl._ yellow, large; panicle, flowers, and fruit pubescent; helmet rather conical. alps of jura, 1821. =a. a. jacquinii= (jacquin's). _fl._ yellow, smooth; helmet somewhat conical, drawn out into an elongated beak. =a. a. nemorosum= (grove-loving).* _fl._ yellow; panicle and flowers pubescent; helmet somewhat conical, bent; beak short. _l._ with broad lobes. =a. autumnale= (autumn-flowering).* _fl._ bluish-purple, in loose panicles; peduncles rigidly spreading; spur capitate; helmet closed; lip very long, refracted. july. _l._ with cuneate, bipinnate lobes. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. europe. =a. barbatum= (bearded).* _fl._ cream coloured, middle sized; racemes dense, puberulous; spur straightish, obtuse; bottom of helmet conical; middle sepals densely bearded. july. _l._ opaque, with the lobes divided into many linear segments, on long stalks, which are villous as well as the nerves. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. siberia, 1807. syn. _a. squarrosum_. =a. chinense= (chinese).* _fl._ intense and very bright blue, in large compound racemes; pedicels slightly hairy above. summer. _l._ lower ones large, deeply cut into three wedge-shaped segments, tapering at the base; upper ones sessile, gradually becoming more entire. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. china, 1833. =a. lamarckii= (lamarck's). _fl._ cream-coloured, pubescent; racemes long, cylindrical, crowded, branched at the base; spur spiral; helmet constricted, clavate. july. _l._ large, seven to nine-parted, with the lobes unequally cleft. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. pyrenees, 1800. =a. lupicidum= (wolf's-bane). synonymous with _a. vulparia_. =a. macrophyllum= (large-leaved). _fl._ yellow, numerous, panicled; spur arched; helmet large, somewhat ventricose at the apex. july. _l._ large, more or less dissected. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. germany. =a. nuttallii= (nuttall's). synonymous with _a. ochroleucum_. =a. ochroleucum= (yellowish-white).* _fl._ cream coloured, large; spur arched; bottom of helmet conico-cylindrical; middle sepals covered with short hairs; racemes puberulous, rather loose. july. _l._ five to seven-parted, deep green, the first ones are puberulous above. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. russia, 1794. syns. _a. nuttallii_, _a. pallidum_. =a. pallasii= (pallas'). probably a mere variety, with a continuous spur, of _a. anthora_. =a. pallidum= (pale). synonymous with _a. ochroleucum_. =a. pyrenaicum= (pyrenean).* _fl._ yellow, rather large; spur hooked; bottom of helmet cylindrical, rounded; racemes elongated, dense, puberulous. june. _l._ parted almost to the base, with pinnatifid lobes, rather hispid beneath, but smooth above, on long stalks. _h._ 2ft. pyrenees, &c., 1739. =a. squarrosum= (rough). synonymous with _a. barbatum_. =a. vulparia= (fox-bane).* _fl._ pale yellow, smooth; spur spiral; helmet cylindrical, large; beak stretched out, acute; racemes crowded. july. _l._ three or five-lobed, ciliated. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. europe, 1821. syn. _a. lupicidum_. the principal varieties of this species are:- =a. v. carpaticum= (carpathian). _fl._ panicled, of a lurid colour, sometimes variegated with yellow; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed; peduncles smooth. _l._ profoundly cut. stems smooth. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. carpathian mountains, 1810. =a. v. cynoctonum= (tall dog's-bane). _fl._ (and stem) yellow, smoothish, numerous, panicled. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. france, 1820. =a. v. moldavicum= (moldavian). _fl._ violet, panicled; helmet cylindrical, compressed. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. moldavia. =a. v. rubicundum= (reddish). _fl._ livid violet, panicled, villous, variegated with yellow; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia, 1819. =a. v. septentrionale= (northern).* _fl._ blue, panicled, villous; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed. _h._ 4ft. north europe, 1800. =acontias.= _see_ =xanthosoma=. =acorn.= the seed or fruit of the oak. _see_ =quercus=. =acorus= (from _a_, without, and _kore_, the pupil of the eye; in allusion to its reputed medicinal qualities). ord. _aroideã¦_. a small genus of hardy herbaceous plants. flowers on a sessile spadix; perianth six-cleft, inferior, persistent. they thrive best in a moist soil, and are very suitable for the banks of water, or even as aquatics in shallow water. propagated easily by divisions during spring. =a. calamus= (sweet-flag).* _fl._ yellowish, small, borne on a cylindrical spadix 4in. to 6in. long. summer. _l._ sword-shaped, erect, striated 3ft. long. the root is cylindrical, channelled, and very fragrant. europe. the variety with gold-striped leaves is more useful as a decorative plant. see fig. 20. [illustration: fig. 20. acorus calamus.] =a. gramineus= (grass-leaved). china, 1796. this is much smaller in all its parts than the above, but very pretty. =a. g. variegatus.=* a pretty variety with white striped leaves, forming handsome little tufts. =acotyledons.= plants having no cotyledons, or seed leaves, as in _cuscuta_, but usually applied to cryptogamic or flowerless plants, such as ferns, mosses, &c. =acradenia= (from _akra_, top, and _aden_, a gland; referring to the five glands on the top of the ovary). ord. _rutaceã¦_. an excellent neat and compact evergreen bush, suitable for the cool conservatory. it requires a rich loam and leaf mould. propagated by seeds and cuttings under a bell glass. =a. frankliniã¦= (lady franklin's).* _fl._ white, produced in great profusion, in terminal clusters. august. _l._ fragrant, opposite, trifoliate, gland-dotted. _h._ 8ft. tasmania, 1845. =acre= (from _agros_, an open field). the english statute acre consists of 160 square rods (perches, poles, roods, or lugs); or 4840 square yards; or 43,560 square feet. the following list shows the differentiation in the number of square yards per acre in the various districts of great britain and ireland: cheshire, 10,240; cornish, 5760; cunningham, 6250; derby (w.), 9000; devonshire, 4000; herefordshire, 3226-2/3; irish, 7840; leicestershire, 2308-3/4; scotch, 6150; wales, north (customary), 3240; ditto (erw), 4320; westmoreland, 6760; wiltshire, 3630. =acridocarpus= (from _akris_, a locust; and _karpos_, fruit; meaning not obvious). ord. _malpighiaceã¦_. a handsome sub-tropical or warm greenhouse climber, requiring plenty of water, and a very free drainage. increased by imported seeds, and by cuttings in bottom heat. =a. natalitius= (natal).* _fl._ pale yellow; petals five, rounded, wedge-shaped, crenately-toothed at the edge; racemes simple, elongated, terminal. july. _l._ oblong or obovate, obtuse, leathery. natal, 1867. =acriopsis= (from _akros_, top, and _opsis_, eye). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. a small genus of pretty stove epiphytal orchids, almost unknown to cultivation. flowers small, arranged in loose panicles; lip adnate to the very curious column, from which it projects at right angles. =a. densiflora= (crowded-flowered).* _fl._ green and pink. may. _l._ linear-lanceolate. _h._ 6in. borneo, 1845. =a. javanica= (javanese). _fl._ yellow, green. may. _l._ linear-lanceolate. _h._ 3in. java, 1840. =a. picta= (painted).* _fl._ white, green, and purple. may. _l._ solitary, linear. _h._ 6in. bantam, 1843. =acroclinium= (from _akros_, top, and _kline_, a bed; referring to the open flowers). ord. _compositã¦_. a small genus of elegant half hardy annuals with "everlasting" flower heads, which are solitary, terminal, and consist of tubular florets; involucrum many-leaved, imbricated. leaves numerous, linear, smooth, acuminated. stems numerous, erect. they thrive best in a loamy soil, and constitute very neat summer flowering annuals if sown out of doors in patches in june; they are also useful as winter decorative greenhouse plants if seed is sown in august in pots placed in a cold frame. the flower-heads should be gathered when young, if it is desired to preserve them. [illustration: fig. 21. acroclinium roseum, showing habit and flower-head.] =a. roseum= (rosy).* _fl.-heads_ pretty rose, solitary, terminal, on erect, slender, and gracefully disposed branches. _l._ linear, acute. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. s. w. australia, 1854. see fig. 21. =a. r. album= (rosy white).* a very pretty white form of the preceding. =a. r. grandiflorum= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ rose, larger than in the type. =acrocomia= (from _akros_, top, and _kome_, tuft; referring to the position of the leaves). ord. _palmeã¦_. a genus of south american palms, containing about eleven species, which are not easily distinguished, but having the following general characteristics: trunk from 20ft. to 50ft. high, and clad with long prickles. the flowers, which appear in the axils of the lower leaves, are greenish or yellow, and their drupes are much the same colour. leaves pinnate, with seventy to eighty leaflets on each side of the pinnã¦. they require a warm greenhouse and rich sandy loam. increased by suckers. two species only are in general cultivation. =a. aculeata= (prickly). _h._ 40ft. west indies, 1791. =a. fusiformis= (spindle-shaped). _h._ 40ft. trinidad, 1731. =a. globosa= (globular). =h.= 20ft. st. vincent, 1824. =a. horrida= (horrid). _h._ 30ft. trinidad, 1820. =a. lasiospatha= (hairy spathed). _l._ drooping. trunk about 40ft. high, smooth and ringed. para, 1846. =a. sclerocarpa= (hard-fruited).* a very elegant species bearing a head of spreading pinnate leaves, with the rachises and petioles aculeate, and the leaflets linear, taper-pointed, glaucous underneath, about 1ft. long. _h._ 40ft. west indies, 1731. syn. _cocos fusiformis_. =a. tenuifolia= (fine-leaved). _h._ 30ft. brazil, 1824. =acrogens.= plants increasing at the summit, as ferns, &c. =acronychia= (from _akron_, tuft, and _onux_, a claw; referring to the curved points of the petals). ord. _rutaceã¦_. an ornamental rue-like greenhouse evergreen shrub. petals and sepals four; stamens eight, inserted on a disk; fruit berry-like. it requires ordinary greenhouse treatment. increased by cuttings in july in sand, under a bell glass. =a. cunninghami= (cunningham's).* _fl._ white, in clusters, resembling those of an orange, with an exquisite fragrance. july. _h._ 7ft. moreton bay, 1838. =acropera.= _see_ =gongora=. =acrophorus.= _see_ =davallia=. =acrophyllum= (from _akros_, top, and _phyllon_, a leaf; referring to the way in which the leaves are produced at the summit of the branches, above the flowers). ord. _cunoniaceã¦_. handsome greenhouse small, erect-growing, evergreen shrubs, flowering profusely during the spring months. they require a mixture of fibrous peat, a little loam, and sharp sand; thorough drainage, an airy situation, and as little artificial heat as possible, are important to its well-being. re-pot in february. propagated by cuttings of the half ripened shoots, which strike freely in a soil of sand and peat, if covered with a hand glass, and placed in a cool house. the roots should not be allowed to get dry, and light syringing during late spring and summer will be found beneficial in assisting to keep down thrips. =a. verticillatum= (whorled). a synonym of _a. venosum_. =a. venosum= (veined).* _fl._ pinkish white, in dense axillary spikes, which are borne on the upper part of the stems and branches. may and june. _l._ nearly sessile, oblong, cordate, acute, serrate, in whorls of threes. _h._ 6ft. new south wales. syn. _a. verticillatum_. =acropteris.= _see_ =asplenium=. =acrostichum= (from _akros_, top, and _stichos_, order; meaning very obscure). ord. _filices_. this genus includes _aconiopteris_, _chrysodium_, _egenolfia_, _elaphoglossum_, _gymnopteris_, _olfersia_, _photinopteris_, _på�cilipteris_, _polybotrya_, _rhipidopteris_, _soromanes_, _stenochlã¦na_, _stenosemia_. a large and almost entirely tropical genus; it includes groups with a wide range in venation and cutting. sori spread over the whole surface of the frond or upper pinnã¦, or occasionally over both surfaces. the species having long fronds, are admirably suited for growing in suspended baskets, and the dwarfer sorts do well in wardian cases. a compost of peat, chopped sphagnum, and sand, is most suitable. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =a. acuminatum= (taper-pointed).* _rhiz._ thick, climbing. _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly throughout. _barren fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, deltoid, bipinnate; upper pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, slightly lobed, truncate on the lower side at the base, 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad; lower pinnã¦, 6in. to 8in. long, 4in. to 5in. broad, with several small pinnules on each side; light green, with a firm texture. _fertile fronds_ 1ft. long, deltoid, tripinnate. brazil. stove species. syn. _polybotrya acuminatum_. =a. alienum= (foreign). _rhiz._ woody. _sti._ 6in. to 18in. long, scaly downwards. _barren fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, often 1ft. broad, the upper part deeply pinnatifid, with lanceolate lobes, the lower part pinnate, with entire or deeply pinnatifid lower pinnã¦. _fertile fronds_ much smaller, with distant narrow linear or pinnatifid leafy pinnã¦. tropical america. stove species. syn. _gymnopteris aliena_. =a. apiifolium= (parsley-leaved).* _cau._ stout, woody, erect. _sti._ of barren fronds 2in. to 3in. long, erect, densely clothed with tomentum. _barren fronds_ 4in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, tripinnate; pinnã¦ close, only the lowest pair with pinnatifid pinnules, ultimate divisions oblong-rhomboidal, 1/4in. to 1/3in. long, the base cuneate, the outer edge slightly toothed. _fertile fronds_ on a slender naked stem 6in. to 8in. long, the fronds panicled with a few distant, slender, simple, or compound branches. philippine islands, 1862. stove species. syn. _polybotrya apiifolia_. =a. apodum= (stemless).* _cau._ thick, woody, the scales dense, linear, brown, crisped. _sti._ tufted, very short, or obsolete. _barren fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, the apex acuminate, the lower part narrowed very gradually, the edge and midrib densely fringed with soft, short, brown hairs. _fertile fronds_ much smaller than the barren ones. west indies to peru, 1824. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum apodum_. =a. appendiculatum= (appendaged).* _rhiz._ firm, woody. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, simply pinnate. _sti._ 3in. to 6in. long, erect, naked, or slightly scaly; pinnã¦ 2in. to 4in. long, 3/8in. to 3/4in. broad, the edge varying from sub-entire to cut half-way down to the midrib of the blunt lobes, the upper side often auricled, the lower one obliquely truncate, dark green. _fertile fronds_ narrower, on a longer spike, the pinnã¦ roundish or oblong, often distinctly stalked. india, &c., 1824. stove species. syn. _egenolfia appendiculata_. =a. aureum= (golden).* _cau._ erect. _sti._ erect, 1ft. to 2ft. long, strong. _fronds_ 2ft. to 6ft. long, 1ft. to 2ft. broad, the upper pinnã¦ fertile, rather smaller than the barren ones, which are usually stalked, ligulate oblong, 3in. to 1ft. long, 1/2in. to 3in. broad, acute or blunt, sometimes retuse with a mucro; edge quite entire, base sub-cuneate. widely distributed in the tropics of both hemispheres, 1815. an evergreen aquatic stove species, requiring abundance of heat and moisture. syn. _chrysodium aureum_. =a. auritum= (eared).* _cau._ erect, woody. _barren fronds_ with a stipe 6in. to 9in. long, deltoid, 8in. to 12in. each way, ternate, the central segments deeply pinnatifid, with lanceolate entire lobes; the lateral ones unequal sided, with lanceolate oblong-lobed lower pinnules. _fertile fronds_ with a stem 12in. to 18in. long, deltoid, with distant linear pinnã¦ half line broad; upper simple, lower pinnatifid. philippine islands. stove species. syn. _stenosemia aurita_. =a. axillare= (axillary). _rhiz._ slender, wide scandent. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, about 1in. broad, simple, the point bluntish, the edge entire, the lower half tapering very gradually to the base or short stem. _fertile fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, one to three lines broad, flexuose, on a stem 1in. to 6in. long. himalayas. greenhouse species. syn. _chrysodium axillare_. =a. barbatum= (bearded). synonymous with _a. scolopendrifolium_. =a. bifurcatum= (twice-forked). _sti._ densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long, slender, stramineous, naked. _fronds_ 3in. to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, pinnate; lower pinnã¦ of fertile fronds two or three cleft, with linear divisions; those of the barren pinnã¦ broader, and not so deep. st. helena. greenhouse species. syn. _polybotrya bifurcata_. =a. blumeanum= (blume's).* _rhiz._ woody, wide climbing. _sti._ of barren fronds 6in. long, scaly. _barren fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, with numerous sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad; apex acuminate, the edge slightly toothed; base rounded. _fertile fronds_ with distant pinnã¦ 4in. to 8in. long, 1/8in. to 1/4in. broad. assam. greenhouse species. syn. _chrysodium blumeanum_. =a. callã¦folium= (calla-leaved). a form of _a. latifolium_. =a. canaliculatum= (channelled).* _rhiz._ woody, wide climbing, spinulose and scaly. _sti._ 1ft. or more long, scaly throughout. _fertile fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower barren pinnã¦, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 5in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, stalked, with oblong segments, both surfaces naked; fertile pinnules close, the segments 1/4in. long, bearing three to four sessile balls of sori. venezuela. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _polybotrya canaliculata_. =a. caudatum= (tailed). a synonym of _a. petiolosum_. =a. cervinum= (stag-horned).* _rhiz._ woody, creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1ft. or more long, scaly. _barren fronds_ 2ft. to 4ft. long, pinnate; pinnã¦ 4in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, entire or nearly so, unequal at the base; fertile pinnã¦ distant, linear, lanceolate, bipinnate, with short spreading sub-cylindrical pinnules. brazil, 1840. stove species. syn. _olfersia cervina_. =a. conforme= (conformed). _rhiz._ wide creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, stramineous, naked or slightly scaly. _fronds_ 2in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 2in. broad, acute or bluntish, the base cuneate or spathulate, the edge entire. _barren fronds_ narrower than the fertile one. _a. laurifolium_, _a. obtusilobum_, and several others, are identical with the foregoing. tropical america, also in the old world. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum conforme_. =a. crinitum= (hairy).* _cau._ woody, erect. _sti._ of barren fronds 4in. to 8in. long, densely clothed with long scales. _barren fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 9in. wide, broadly oblong; apex blunt, base rounded, edge entire and ciliated, texture subcoriaceous, both sides scattered over with scales like those of the stipes. _fertile fronds_ like the others, but much smaller, the stipes longer. west indies, &c., 1793. stove species. syns. _chrysodium_ and _hymenodium crinitum_. =a. cylindricum= (cylindrical). synonymous with _a. osmundaceum_. =a. dombeyanum= (dombey's). a form of _a. lepidotum_. =a. flagelliferum= (rod-shaped). _rhiz._ woody, creeping. _sti._ of barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, nearly naked. _barren fronds_ simple or with one to three pairs of pinnã¦, the terminal one ovate lanceolate, entire or repand, often elongated and rooting at the point, the lateral ones 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; fertile pinnã¦ 2in. to 3in. long, about 1/2in. broad. india, &c., 1828. stove species. syn. _gymnopteris flagellifera_. =a. få�niculaceum= (fennel-leaved).* _rhiz._ slender, creeping. _sti._ distant, slender, 2in. to 8in. long, scaly. _barren fronds_ 1in. to 2in. broad, usually dichotomously forked, with filiform divisions. _fertile fronds_ 3/8in. broad, two-lobed. andes of ecuador. stove species. (for culture, see _a. peltatum_). syn. _rhipidopteris få�niculaceum_. =a. herminieri= (herminier's).* _rhiz._ stout, creeping. _sti._ very short, or none. _barren fronds_ 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, simple, acuminate, the lower part narrowed very gradually. _fertile fronds_ short-stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad. tropical america, 1871. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum herminieri_. =a. heteromorphum= (various-formed). _rhiz._ slender, wide creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1in. to 3in. long, slender, slightly scaly. _barren fronds_ 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, simple, bluntish, the base rounded, both surfaces scattered over with linear dark castaneous scales. _fertile fronds_ much smaller, and the stipes much longer. columbia and ecuador. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum heteromorphum_. =a. langsdorffii= (langsdorff's). synonymous with _a. muscosum_. =a. latifolium= (broad-leaved).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, creeping, scaly. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, naked, or scaly. _barren fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simple, acute, gradually narrowed below, entire; texture leathery. _fertile fronds_ considerably narrower than the barren ones. _a. longifolium_, _a. callã¦folium_, &c., are only varieties of this species. mexico, brazil, &c. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum latifolium_. =a. lepidotum= (scaly).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, very scaly. _sti._ 1in. to 3in. long, firm, scaly throughout. _barren fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, about 1/2in. broad, simple, usually blunt, the base cuneate or rather rounded, both surfaces and midrib very scaly. _a. dombeyanum_, of garden origin, is a varietal form of this, of which there are several others. tropical america. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum lepidotum_. =a. longifolium= (long-leaved). a form of _a. latifolium_. =a. meyerianum= (meyer's). synonymous with _a. tenuifolium_. =a. muscosum= (mossy).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, firm, clothed with large pale brown scales. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, simple, narrowed at both ends; upper surface slightly scaly; lower quite hidden by imbricated brownish scales. _barren fronds_ much smaller than the others, the stipes longer. madeira. greenhouse species. syn. _a. langsdorffii_. =a. neitnerii.= synonymous with _a. quercifolium_. =a. nicotianã¦folium= (tobacco-leaved).* _rhiz._ woody, wide creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., scaly below. _barren fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, with a large terminal pinna, and one to three lateral pairs, which are 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, acuminate, entire, or nearly so, the base slightly rounded, fertile pinnã¦ distant, 3in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. broad. cuba, &c. stove species. syn. _gymnopteris nicotianã¦folium_. =a. osmundaceum= (osmunda-like).* _rhiz._ woody, wide scandent, scaly. _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, firm, erect, scaly at the base. _barren fronds_ ample, bior tripinnate; the lower pinnã¦ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules stalked, lanceolate, with closely set sub-entire segments, of a light green colour; both surfaces naked. _fertile fronds_ nearly or quite as large as the barren ones; segments linear cylindrical, 1/4in. to 1/2in. long. tropical america. stove species. syns. _a. cylindricum_, and _polybotrya osmundaceum_. =a. paleaceum= (chaffy). synonymous with _a. squamosum_. [illustration: fig. 22. acrostichum peltatum.] =a. peltatum= (peltate-leaved).* _rhiz._ slender, wide creeping. _sti._ distant, slender, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly throughout. _barren fronds_ 1in. to 2in. each way, repeatedly dichotomously forked, with narrow linear ultimate divisions, quarter to half line broad. _fertile fronds_ 1/2in. broad, often two-lobed. west indies. stove or greenhouse species. this elegant little fern requires a liberal supply of water all the year round, and is best grown in a well drained pan of good fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with some nodules of sandstone raised above the rim of the pan; do not disturb it more than is necessary. syn. _rhipidopteris peltata_. see fig. 22. =a. petiolosum= (petioled). _rhiz._ woody, wide scandent. _sti._ woody, erect, scaly at the base. _fronds_ bipinnate, or tripinnatifid, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; the upper barren pinnã¦ lanceolate, pinnatifid, the longest sometimes 18in. long, and 6in. to 10in. broad; pinnules with long falcate lobes reaching half-way down to the midrib, both surfaces naked; fertile pinnules very narrow, and dangling, continuous or beaded. west indies, mexico, &c. stove species. syns. _polybotrya_ and _a. caudatum_. =a. piloselloides= (mouse ear-leaved). synonymous with _a. spathulatum_. =a. platyrhynchos= (broad-beaked). _sti._ tufted, scarcely any. _fronds_ 12in. to 16in. long, 1in. broad, simple. _sori_ in a patch at the apex, 1in. to 2in. long, 3/8in. broad, which does not reach to the entire edge; the lower part narrowed gradually, with naked surfaces, and a coriaceous texture. philippines. stove species. syn. _hymenolepis platyrhynchos_. =a. quercifolium= (oak-leaved).* _rhiz._ stout, wide creeping. _sti._ of barren fronds 1in. to 2in. long, clothed with brownish hairs. _barren fronds_ 3in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, the terminal pinnã¦ with blunt rounded lobes. _fertile fronds_ with a terminal pinna, 1in. to 2in. long, one line broad, and a pair of smaller lateral ones, with slender stipes 6in. to 9in. long, hairy at the base. ceylon. stove species. syns. _a. neitnerii_ (of gardens), _gymnopteris quercifolia_. =a. scandens= (climbing).* _rhiz._ woody, wide climbing. _sti._ 3in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, simply pinnate; barren pinnã¦, 4in. to 8in. long, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, the base cuneate, sessile, or slightly stalked, articulated; fertile pinnã¦, 6in. to 12in. long, one and a half to two lines broad, the lower ones distant. himalayas, &c., 1841. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _stenochlã¦na scandens_. =a. scolopendrifolium= (scolopendrium-leaved).* _rhiz._ woody, creeping, scaly. _sti._ 4in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, densely clothed with blackish scales. _barren fronds_ often 1ft. long, 1-1/2in. to 3in. broad, simple, acute, the base narrowed gradually; edge and midrib scaly. _fertile fronds_ much smaller than the barren ones. guatemala, &c. stove species. syn. _a. barbatum_. =a. serratifolium= (serrate-leaved). _rhiz._ woody, short creeping. _sti._ of barren fronds 12in. to 18in. long, slightly scaly. _barren fronds_ 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with numerous sessile pinnã¦ on each side, 3in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in. broad, inciso-crenate, the base cuneate; fertile pinnã¦ distant, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, blunt, entire. venezuela, &c. stove species. syn. _chrysodium serratifolium_. =a. simplex= (simple-leaved). _rhiz._ woody, creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. _barren fronds_ 4in. to 12in. long, about 1-1/2in. broad, very acute, the lower part narrowed very gradually. _fertile fronds_ narrower than the barren ones, with longer stipes. cuba to brazil, 1798. stove species. syn. _elaphoglossum simplex_. =a. sorbifolium= (service-leaved).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, often 30ft. to 40ft. long, clasping trees like a cable, sometimes prickly. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; barren pinnã¦ 4in. to 6in. long, about 1/2in. broad, three to twenty on each side, articulated at the base, entire or toothed; fertile pinnã¦ 1in. to 2in. apart, 2in. to 4in. long, about 1/4in. broad. west indies, 1793. there are several varieties of this species, chiefly differing in the number of pinnã¦. stove species. syn. _stenochlã¦na sorbifolia_. =a. s. cuspidatum= (cuspidate).* this is only a variety of the above species with long-stalked, ligulate-cuspidate pinnã¦; but it is usually regarded as a distinct species in gardens. =a. spathulatum= (spoon-shaped). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, firm, erect, scaly. _barren fronds_ 1/2in. to 4in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, obovate-spathulate, blunt, tapering narrowly or gradually at the base, with a coriaceous texture; both surfaces and the margins copiously scaly. _fertile fronds_ smaller than the barren, with longer stipes. tropical america, south africa, &c. stove species. syn. _a. piloselloides_. =a. spicatum= (spiked). _rhiz._ woody, short creeping. _sti._ 1in. to 2in. long, firm. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, the upper part contracted and fertile, entire, the lower part narrowed very gradually. himalayas, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _hymenolepis brachystachys_. =a. squamosum= (scaly).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 2in. to 4in. long, densely clothed with pale or dark-coloured scales. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, about 1in. broad, simple, acute, the base narrowed gradually; both sides matted, and the edge densely ciliated with reddish scales. _fertile fronds_ as long as the barren ones, but much narrower, the stipes much longer. widely distributed in both hemispheres. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _a. paleaceum_. =a. subdiaphanum= (semi-transparent).* _cau._ woody, erect. _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly. _barren fronds_ 4in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, simple, both ends narrowed, the edge entire. _fertile fronds_ much narrower, on longer stipes. st. helena. greenhouse species. syn. _aconiopteris subdiaphana_. =a. subrepandum= (slighty-waved).* _rhiz._ woody, wide-creeping. _sti._ of barren fronds stout, erect, nearly naked. _barren fronds_ from 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 12in. broad, copiously pinnate, with linear-oblong entire or subrepand pinnã¦ on each side, which are sometimes 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad. _fertile fronds_ like the others, but smaller. isle of luzon, &c. stove species. syn. _gymnopteris subrepanda_. =a. taccã¦folium= (yew-leaved).* _cau._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ of barren fronds 1in. to 4in. long, scaly. _barren fronds_ from 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 12in. broad, simple, oblong-lanceolate, entire, copiously pinnate, with oblong-lanceolate pinnã¦, 1in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1-1/2in. broad, the upper ones narrowly decurrent, the lower ones forked at the base on the under side. _fertile fronds_ simple, 6in. to 12in. long, 1/8in. broad, or pinnate, with forked linear pinnã¦. the three-lobed form of this species is sometimes known as _a. trilobum_. philippines. stove species. syn. _gymnopteris taccã¦folia_. =a. tenuifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _rhiz._ wide scandent, woody, slightly scaly. _barren fronds_ simply pinnate, the stipes 4in. to 6in. long, naked, firm, erect, the fronds 3ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad; pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, short-stalked. _fertile fronds_ bipinnate, with longer stipes; pinnã¦ long-stalked, with numerous distant pinnules. south africa. stove or greenhouse species. syns. _a. meyerianum_ and _stenochlã¦na tenuifolia_. =a. trilobum= (three-lobed). a form of _a. taccã¦folium_. =a. villosum= (hairy).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 2in. to 4in. long, slender, densely clothed with scales. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acute, the lower part narrowed gradually; both surfaces scaly, and the edge more or less ciliated. _fertile fronds_ much smaller than the others. mexico, &c. stove species. =a. viscosum= (clammy).* _rhiz._ woody, creeping, densely scaly. _sti._ 3in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly, often viscous. _barren fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, simple, acute, the lower part narrowed gradually; both surfaces more or less viscid, and minutely scaly. _fertile fronds_ smaller, with longer stipes. tropical america and the tropics of the old world, 1826. very variable in form. stove species. =acrotriche= (from _akros_, top, _i.e._, outermost--and _thrix_, a hair; the tips of the petals are bearded). ord. _epacridaceã¦_. a genus of eight or nine species of dwarf, much branched, ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs. flowers white or red; spikes axillary, short; corolla funnel-shaped; petals with deflexed hairs at apex. cultivated in an equal mixture of sandy loam and peat, and propagated by cuttings made of the young shoots, pricked in sand, covered with a bell glass, and placed in a cool house; afterwards treated like _epacris_. =a. cordata= (heart-leaved).* _fl._ white, small, axillary, twin, or solitary. april. _l._ cordate, flat, striated below. _h._ 1ft. new holland, 1823. =a. divaricata= (straggling).* _fl._ white, small, in axillary spikes. may. _l._ lanceolate, mucronate, divaricate, flat, both surfaces green. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. new south wales, 1824. =a. ovalifolia= (oval-leaved). _fl._ white, small, in axillary spikes. march. _l._ ovate and oval, obtuse, flat, with smooth margins. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. new holland, 1824. =actã�a= (from _aktaia_, an elder; in allusion to the resemblance of the foliage to that of the elder). baneberry. ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. a small genus of perennial herbaceous plants, with bior triternate leaves, and long, erect racemes of whitish flowers, which are succeeded by poisonous berries. they are excellent subjects for shady places, beneath trees, or in the wild garden. easily increased by division of the roots, and seed during spring. =a. alba= (white).* _fl._ white; racemes simple. may, june. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, serrate or cut. berries white, ovate-oblong, _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. n. america. [illustration: fig. 23. actã�a spicata, showing habit and raceme of flowers.] =a. spicata= (spiked).* _fl._ white, or bluish; racemes ovate. summer. _l._ bior triternate, serrated. berries oblong, black, poisonous. _h._ 1ft. england. see fig. 23. =a. s. rubra= (red).* this differs from the type in having bright red berries, which are disposed in dense clusters on spikes overtopping the foliage. north america. a very handsome hardy perennial. =actinella= (from _aktin_, a ray; small rayed). syn. _picradenia_. ord. _compositã¦_. a small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, having radiate capitules. the only species worth cultivating is _a. grandiflora_. it thrives in an open border with a light soil. increased by divisions of the root in spring. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, large, and handsome, 3in. in diameter. summer. _h._ 6in. to 9in. colorado. a very pretty branched perennial, suitable for the alpine garden. =a. lanata= (woolly). _see_ =eriophyllum cã¦spitosum=. =actinidia= (from _aktin_, a ray; the styles radiate like the spokes of a wheel). ord. _ternstrå�miaceã¦_. a genus of ornamental hardy deciduous climbing shrubs, with axillary corymbs of flowers; sepals and petals imbricate. leaves entire. excellent for trellis-work or walls, and thriving best in a light rich soil. increased by seeds, layers, or cuttings; the latter should be put in under a hand light in autumn, in sandy soil. [illustration: fig. 24. actinidia volubilis.] =a. kolomikta= (kolomikta).* _fl._ white, solitary, axillary, or cymose, 1/2in. in diameter; peduncles about 1/2in. long. summer. _l._ ovate-oblong, petiolate, rounded or sub-cordate at the base, and tapering into a long point, serrate; the autumnal tints are very handsome, changing to white and red. n. e. asia, 1880. rarely met with. =a. polygama= (polygamous). _fl._ white, fragrant. summer. _l._ cordate, serrate, petiolate. japan, 1870. the berries of this species are edible. =a. volubilis= (twining).* _fl._ white, small. june. _l._ oval on flowering branches, elliptic on climbing stems. japan, 1874. a very free growing species. see fig. 24. =actiniopteris= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _pteris_, a fern; the fronds are radiately cut into narrow segments). ord. _filices_. sori linear-elongated, sub-marginal; involucres (= indusia) the same shape as the sorus, folded over it, placed one on each side of the narrow segments of the frond, opening towards the midrib. a small genus of beautiful and distinct stove ferns. they thrive in a compost of equal parts crocks and charcoal, about the size of peas, which must be mixed with silver sand and a very small portion of loam and peat. about half the pot should be filled with crocks, perfect drainage being necessary. a moist atmosphere is also essential, and the plants may be syringed two or three times a day. a mean summer temperature of 78deg. to 80deg., with a night one of not less than 65deg., is desirable. in winter, a mean temperature of about 73deg., and a night one of not less than 60deg., should be maintained. =a. radiata= (rayed).* _sti._ densely tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ fan shaped, 1in. to 1-1/2in. each way, composed of numerous dichotomous segments, half line broad, those of the fertile frond longer than those of the barren one. india, &c. (very widely distributed), 1869. in form this elegant little species is a perfect miniature of the fan palm, _latania borbonica_. =a. r. australis= (southern).* _fronds_, segments fewer, larger, and subulate at the point. plant much larger and more vigorous. =actinocarpus= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _karpos_, fruit; referring to the curiously radiated fruit, resembling a star fish). ord. _alismaceã¦_. pretty little aquatic perennials, with habit and inflorescence of _alisma_. carpels six to eight, connate at base, spreading horizontally. excellent for naturalising in bogs and pools. increased by seeds and divisions during spring. =a. damasonium= (damasonium). ray pod. _fl._ white, very delicate; each petal has a yellow spot at the base; scapes with a terminal umbel. june. _l._ radical, on long petioles, sometimes floating, elliptical, five-nerved. a native aquatic. the proper name of this plant is _damasonium stellatum_. =a. minor= (smaller).* this greenhouse species, also with white flowers, from new south wales, is smaller. =actinomeris= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _meris_, a part; referring to the radiated aspect of the plants). syn. _pterophyton_. ord. _compositã¦_. a small genus of herbaceous perennials allied to _helianthus_, but with compressed and winged achenes. flower-heads corymbose, coreopsis-like. leaves ovate or lanceolate, serrate. they are hardy, ornamental plants, and of easy cultivation, in a loamy soil. increased in spring, by seeds and division of the roots, on a warm border, with or without hand lights, or in cold frames. with the exception of _a. helianthoides_, they are but little known in this country. =a. alata= (wing-stalked). _fl.-heads_ yellow. july. _h._ 3ft. america. 1803. =a. helianthoides= (sunflower-like).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, 2in. across, july to september. _h._ 3ft. s. america, 1825. =a. procera= (tall).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. september. _h._ 8ft. n. america, 1766. =a. squarrosa= (rough-headed).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, in loose terminal panicles. july and august. _l._ decurrent, broadly lanceolate, coarsely toothed. stem square, winged. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1640. syn. _verbesina coreopsis_. =actinophyllum.= _see_ =sciadophyllum=. =actinostachys.= included under =schizã¦a= (which _see_). =actinotus= (from _actinotos_, furnished with rays; referring to the involucre). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. an australian genus of greenhouse herbaceous perennials. flowers shortly pedicellate, numerously disposed in simple umbels; petals none. leaves alternate, petiolate. they thrive best in loam and peat, and are increased by root division and seeds. the latter should be sown on a hotbed, in spring, and in may the seedlings may be transplanted out in the open border in a warm situation, where they will flower and seed freely. =a. helianthus= (sunflower).* _fl._ white, in many-flowered capitate umbels; involucre many leaved, radiating, longer than the flowers. june. _l._ alternate, bipinnatifid; lobules bluntish. _h._ 2ft. 1821. syn. _eriocalia major_. =a. leucocephalus= (white-headed). _fl._ white. june. _h._ 2ft. 1837. [illustration: fig. 25. ada aurantiaca.] =aculeatus.= armed with prickles. =aculeolatus.= armed with small prickles. =aculeus.= a prickle; a conical elevation of the skin of a plant, becoming hard and sharp-pointed. =acumen.= an acute terminal angle. =acuminate.= extended into an acute terminal angle; this word is confined to considerable extension. =acunna oblonga.= _see_ =bejaria ã¦stuans=. =acute.= sharp-pointed. =acyntha.= a synonym of =sanseviera= (which _see_). =ada= (a complimentary name). ord. _orchideã¦_. an evergreen orchid, very closely allied to _brassia_, from which it differs chiefly in having the lip parallel with, and solidly united to, the base of the column. some authorities now refer the plant to the genus _mesospinidium_. it requires to be potted in peat and sphagnum, in equal parts. the drainage must be perfect, and, during summer, the water supply profuse. although in winter far less will suffice, the plant should not be allowed to become dry. propagated by divisions as soon as the plant commences growth. =a. aurantiaca= (orange).* _fl._ orange-scarlet, in long terminal nodding racemes, each bearing from six to ten blossoms; petals elongated, streaked with black inside. winter and spring. _l._ two or three to each plant, linear, dark green, about 6in. in length. habit erect, with somewhat cylindrical pseudo-bulbs, which taper upwards. see fig. 25. =adamia= (named after john adam, some time governor-general of india, and a promoter of natural history). ord. _saxifrageã¦_. a small genus of hydrangea-like greenhouse evergreen shrubs, having many flowered terminal corymbs of flowers, and opposite, petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, serrated leaves. they thrive well in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand; and cuttings will root readily in a similar compost, under a hand glass. =a. cyanea= (blue-berried). _fl._ whitish, or pink. june. _h._ 6ft. nepaul, in rocky places, 1829. =a. sylvatica= (wood). _fl._ blue; cymes nearly undivided, on short peduncles, disposed in a close panicle. june. _h._ 6ft. java, 1846. =a. versicolor= (many-coloured). _fl._ blue. august. china, 1844. =adam's apple.= _see_ =citrus limetta= and =musa paradisiaca=. =adamsia.= _see_ =geum=, =puschkinia=, =sieversia=. =adam's needle.= _see_ =yucca=. =adansonia= (named after michael adanson, an eminent french botanist). baobab tree. ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. this is reputed to be one of the largest trees in the world, as far as the girth of the trunk is concerned; but it is seldom seen in cultivation in this country. =a. digitata= (finger-leaved). _fl._ white, about 6in. across, with purplish anthers, on long, axillary, solitary pedicels. _l._ palmate, with three leaflets in the young plants, and five to seven in adult ones. _h._ 40ft. africa. =adder's fern.= _see_ =polypodium vulgare=. =adder-spit.= _see_ =pteris aquilina=. =adder's tongue.= _see_ =ophioglossum=. =adelobotrys= (from _adelos_, obscure, and _botrys_, a cluster). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. stove climbing shrubs with terete branches. flowers white, crowded in cymose heads at the tops of the branches. leaves clothed with rufous hairs on both surfaces when young, but in the adult state glabrous, except the nerves, petiolate, ovate, cordate, acuminated, ciliately serrated, five-nerved. for general culture, _see_ =pleroma=. =a. lindeni= (linden's).* _fl._ white, changing to purple. brazil, 1866. =a. scandens= (climbing).* this, the original species, possibly not now in cultivation, is a native of french guiana. =adenandra= (from _aden_, a gland, and _aner_, a male; the anthers terminate in a globose gland). ord. _rutaceã¦_. very beautiful little greenhouse shrubs from the cape of good hope. flowers large, usually solitary at the tops of the branches; stamens ten, the five opposite the petals sterile, five fertile ones similar in form, but shorter. leaves usually alternate, flat, glandularly dotted. they thrive in a mixture of sand and peat, with a little turfy loam. the young tops, before they begin to throw out their buds, made into cuttings, and planted in a pot of sand, with a bell glass placed over them, will root without bottom heat. =a. acuminata= (acuminate). synonymous with _a. amå�na_. =a. amå�na= (pleasing).* _fl._ large, whitish above, and reddish beneath, solitary, sessile, terminal. june. _l._ scattered, oblong or oval, bluntish, smooth, dotted beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1798. syn. _a. acuminata_. =a. coriacea= (leathery-leaved). _fl._ large, pink, usually solitary on the tops of the branches. june. _l._ scattered, oblong, obtuse, revolute, quite smooth. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1720. =a. fragrans= (fragrant).* _fl._ rose colour, on long peduncles, fragrant; pedicels clammy, aggregate, umbellate. may. _l._ scattered, smooth, spreading very much, ovate-oblong, glandular, a little crenulated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1812. =a. linearis= (linear-leaved). _fl._ white, terminal, on long, usually solitary, pedicels. june. _l._ opposite, linear, obtuse, spreading; branches and pedicels smooth. _h._ 1ft. 1800. =a. marginata= (margined).* _fl._ pale flesh-colour, on long peduncles; umbels terminal. june. _l._ scattered, smooth, transparent, cordate, lower ones ovate, upper ones lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1806. =a. umbellata= (umbel-flowered).* _fl._ pink, almost sessile, terminal, umbellate, petals fringed. june. _l._ oblong or obovate, dotted beneath, fringed on the edges. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1790. =a. u. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._ large, pink, nearly sessile, terminal, umbellate. june. _l._ scattered, oblong or obovate, revolute, dotted beneath, smooth, but a little fringed on the edges. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1790. =a. uniflora= (one-flowered).* _fl._ large, whitish inside, and pinkish outside, nearly sessile, solitary, terminal. june. _l._ scattered, oblong-lanceolate, somewhat pointed, revolute, smooth, dotted beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1775. =a. villosa= (shaggy).* _fl._ pink, nearly sessile, terminal, umbellate; sepals, petals, and stamens fringed. june. _l._ crowded, ovate-oblong, fringed, pubescent and glandular beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1786. =adenanthera= (from _aden_, a gland, and _anthera_, an anther; in reference to the anthers, which are each terminated by a deciduous, pedicellate gland). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a small genus of stove evergreen trees, with racemose spikes of small flowers and bipinnate or decompound leaves. they thrive well in a mixture of peat and loam. increased by cuttings, which should be taken off at a joint and planted in heat in a pot of sand, placing a bell glass over them. =a. chrysostachys= (golden-spiked). _fl._ golden. _h._ 15ft. mauritius, 1824. =a. falcata= (sickle-shaped). _fl._ yellowish. _h._ 6ft. india, 1812. =a. pavonina= (peacock-like).* peacock flower fence. _fl._ white and yellow mixed. may. _l._ leaflets oval, obtuse, glabrous on both surfaces. _h._ 5ft. india, 1759. =adenanthos= (from _aden_, a gland, and _anthos_, a flower; referring to the glands on the flowers). ord. _proteaceã¦_. ornamental greenhouse evergreen pilose shrubs, thriving in sandy peat. propagated in spring by cuttings, which should be placed in sandy soil under a bell glass, with a gentle bottom heat. =a. barbigera= (bearded).* _fl._ red, axillary, solitary, pedunculate; perianth pilose, bearded at top; involucre spreading, villous. june. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, triple-nerved. _h._ 7ft. swan river, 1845. =a. cuneata= (wedge-leaved). _fl._ red. july. _h._ 5ft. new holland, 1824. =a. obovata= (obovate-leaved).* _fl._ red. july. _h._ 5ft. new holland, 1826. =adenium= (from aden, where it is found). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. greenhouse evergreen succulent shrubs. the species mentioned below is remarkable in having a globose thick caudex or stem; branches dichotomous; corolla salver-shaped. they require a well-drained compost of sand and loam. half-ripened cuttings strike root readily in sand, under a hand glass. but little water is required when the plants are not in a growing state. =a. obesum= (fat). _fl._ pinky-crimson, downy; corymbs terminal, many-flowered; pedicels short. june. _l._ close together at the tops of the branches, 3in. long, oblong, narrowed at the base, abruptly terminated by a hard, short point. _h._ 3ft. or 4ft. aden, 1845. =adenocalymna= (from _aden_, a gland, and _calymna_, a covering; referring to the conspicuous glands on the leaves and floral coverings). ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. an elegant genus of stove evergreen climbers. flowers racemose, trumpet-shaped, bracteate. leaves ternate or binate. stems slender. they require a hot and moist temperature to grow them successfully, and thrive best in a compost of loam and peat. cuttings will root in sand, if placed under a bell glass, with bottom heat. =a. comosum= (hairy).* _fl._ yellow; racemes spicate, axillary, and terminal; bracts comose. september. _l._ trifoliate and conjugate, tendrilled; leaflets ovate, leathery, glandular. _h._ 10ft. brazil, 1841. =a. longeracemosum= (long-racemed). _fl._ yellow. october. brazil. =a. nitidum= (shining).* _fl._ yellow; racemes axillary, nearly terminal, velvety; corolla velvety; bracts narrow, glandular. february. _l._ trifoliate or conjugate, tendrilled; leaflets elliptic, oblong. _h._ 10ft. brazil, 1848. =adenocarpus= (from _aden_, a gland, and _karpos_, a fruit; in reference to the legumes being beset with pedicellate glands). ord. _leguminosã¦_. shrubs, with numerous racemes of yellow flowers; divaricate branches, trifoliate usually aggregate leaves, having petiolar stipulas, and complicated leaflets. all the species are elegant when in flower, and well suited for ornamenting the fronts of shrubberies. except where otherwise mentioned, all are hardy. they thrive best in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand; and may be readily increased by seeds or layers, or by grafting the rarer on the commoner kinds. young cuttings will root freely in sand, covered by a hand glass, which should be taken off and wiped occasionally. seeds may be sown in march, the hardy species out of doors, and the others in a cold house. =a. foliolosus= (slightly-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; racemes terminal; calyx covered with glandless hairs, with the lower lip elongated and trifid at the apex; the segments equal. may. _l._ (and branches) much crowded, hairy, trifoliate. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. canary islands, 1629. a half-hardy evergreen species. =a. frankenioides= (frankenia-like).* _fl._ yellow, crowded; racemes terminal; calyx beset with glandular pubescence, with the lower lip having the middle segment longer than the lateral ones, and exceeding the lower lip. april. _l._ trifoliate, much crowded, hairy; branches velvety. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. teneriffe, 1815. requires protection in winter; an evergreen. =a. hispanicus= (spanish).* _fl._ yellow, crowded; racemes terminal; calyx beset with glands and hairs; lower lip of calyx with three equal segments, hardly longer than the upper lip. june. _l._ trifoliate, grouped; branchlets hairy. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. spain, 1816. deciduous. =a. intermedius= (intermediate).* _fl._ yellow, not crowded; racemes terminal; calyx beset with glandular pubescence, with the lower lip trifid, the lateral segments shorter than the middle ones, and much exceeding the upper lip. may. _l._ trifoliate, grouped; branches rather shaggy. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. sicily and naples, on mountains, 1816. deciduous. =a. parvifolius= (small-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, not crowded; racemes terminal; calyx clothed with glandular pubescence, with the middle segment of the lower lip longer than the lateral ones, much exceeding the upper lip. may. _l._ trifoliate, grouped, small; branches glabrous. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. france, on exposed heaths, 1800. deciduous. =a. telonensis= (toulon).* _fl._ yellow, not crowded; racemes terminal; calyx clothed with glandless pubescence, the segments of the lower lip about equal in length, a little longer than the upper lip. june. _l._ trifoliate, grouped; branchlets smoothish. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. south france, 1800. deciduous. =adenophora= (from _aden_, a gland, and _phoreo_, to bear; in reference to the cylindrical nectary which girds the base of the style). ord. _campanulaceã¦_. a genus of elegant hardy border perennials, very similar in habit, shape of flower, &c., to _campanula_, from which genus _adenophora_ differs in having the style surrounded by a cylindrical gland. flowers stalked, drooping, spicate. leaves broad, stalked, somewhat whorled. they grow best in light rich garden soil, with a warm sunny position, and should be increased by seeds, as dividing the roots is the sure way to lose them. they are easily raised from seeds, which may be sown as soon as ripe, or in spring, in pots placed in a cold frame. =a. coronopifolia= (buckhorn-leaved).* _fl._ blue, large, three to ten, racemose, at the top of the stem, on short pedicels. july. _l._ radical ones petiolate, ovate-roundish, cordate, crenately toothed; upper ones sessile, linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, quite glabrous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. dahuria, 1822. =a. denticulata= (toothed-leaved).* _fl._ blue, small, numerous, on short pedicels, disposed in a more or less loose elongated raceme. july. _l._ serrated, smoothish; radical ones petiolate, rounded; upper ones sessile, ovate-lanceolate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. dahuria, 1817. syn. _a. tricuspidata_. =a. fischeri= (fischer's).* _fl._ blue, or whitish blue, numerous, sweet-scented, disposed in a more or less compound, elongated, and loose pyramidal panicle. august. _l._ radical ones petiolate, ovate-roundish, cordate, crenately toothed; upper ones sessile, ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, 1784. syn. _a. liliiflora_. =a. gmelini= (gmelin's). _fl._ blue, secund, three to ten, on the top of each stem, rising from the axils of the upper leaves, disposed in a long raceme. july. _l._ upper ones erect, linear, very narrow, entire, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. dahuria, in dry stony places, 1820. =a. intermedia= (intermediate). _fl._ pale blue, small, racemose. may. _l._ radical ones petiolate, cordate, toothed; upper ones lanceolate, tapering to a point at the base, serrated, crowded. _h._ 3ft. siberia, 1820. =a. lamarckii= (lamarck's).* _fl._ blue; corolla funnel-shaped, disposed in an elongated, many-flowered, raceme, which is compound at the base. june. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acutely serrated, ciliated, glabrous, except on the margins. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. eastern europe, 1824. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved). synonymous with _a. pereskiã¦folia_. =a. liliiflora= (lily-flowered).* _fl._ numerous, sweet-scented, in a loose pyramidal panicle. central and eastern europe. =a. pereskiã¦folia= (pereskia-leaved).* _fl._ blue, rather numerous, scattered over the upper part of the stems, rarely subverticillate; peduncles one to two, or three-flowered. july. _l._ three to five in a whorl, ovate-oblong, acuminated, coarsely serrated, roughly ciliated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. dahuria, 1821. syn. _a. latifolia_. =a. periplocã¦folia= (periploca-leaved). _fl._ pale blue, at the top of the stem, sometimes only one. june. _l._ petiolate, ovate, acute, somewhat cordate, crenately serrated. stem ascending. _h._ 3in. siberia, 1824. rockery species. =a. stylosa= (long-styled).* _fl._ pale blue, small, few, disposed in a loose, naked, raceme. may. _l._ petiolate; lower ones obovate, sinuate; upper ones ovate, acuminated, glabrous. stem ascending. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. eastern europe, 1820. =a. tricuspidata= (three-cusped). synonymous with _a. denticulata_. =a. verticillata= (whorl-leaved).* _fl._ pale blue, small, irregularly disposed at the tops of the stems; lower whorls many flowered, distant; peduncles one to three-flowered. june. _l._ in whorls, serrately toothed; radical ones petiolate, roundish; upper ones ovate-lanceolate; stems simple. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. dahuria, 1783. =adenostoma= (from _aden_, a gland, and _stoma_, a mouth). ord. _rosaceã¦_. hardy shrubs, having small racemose, five-petalled flowers. they grow freely in rich loam and peat in equal proportions. propagated in spring or autumn, by cuttings made of the young shoots, placed in sand, under glass. =a. fasciculata= (fascicled).* _fl._ white, small, produced in terminal panicles. _h._ 2ft. california, 1848. a hardy, heath-like evergreen bushy plant, allied to _alchemilla_. =adesmia= (from _a_, without, _desmos_, a bond; in reference to the stamens being free). ord. _leguminosã¦_. chiefly greenhouse evergreen shrubs, or trailers, from south america, with lanceolate stipulas, abruptly pinnate leaves, ending in a bristle; axillary one-flowered pedicels, or the flowers racemosely disposed at the tops of the branches, in consequence of the upper leaves being abortive. they will grow well in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. propagated by cuttings placed in sand, covered by a hand glass, in a gentle heat; or by seeds, which are generally more satisfactory. the annual species--_a. muricata_, _a. papposa_, and _a. pendula_--are not worth growing. the following are fairly representative of the most ornamental species. =a. glutinosa= (sticky).* _fl._ yellow; racemes elongated, terminal, simple, spinescent, and are (as well as the linear bracteas) clothed with white hairs. may. _l._ with about three pairs of elliptic, hairy leaflets; branches spreading, beset with glandular, glutinous hairs. stem shrubby; legumes three-jointed, very long. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1831. =a. loudonii= (loudon's). _fl._ yellow. may, _h._ 2ft. valparaiso, 1830. =a. microphylla= (small-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; racemes somewhat capitate, terminal, simple, spinescent. june. _l._ with six pairs of small orbicular leaflets, on short petioles, pubescent; branches spinose. stem shrubby. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1830. =a. uspallatensis= (uspallatan). _fl._ yellow. july. _h._ 1ft. china, 1832. =a. viscosa= (clammy). _fl._ yellow. august. _h._ 12ft. chili, 1831. =adhatoda= (its native name). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. allied to _justicia_. very ornamental stove shrubs, requiring a good fibrous peat and loam, with a moderate addition of silver sand. to grow them well, they require liberal treatment and plenty of heat, when the flowers will be produced in great profusion. increased by young cuttings in spring, placed in sandy soil, in bottom heat. _see_ =justicia=. =a. cydoniã¦folia= (quince-leaved).* _fl._ produced in rather dense clusters at the point of every branch; tube of corolla white, the upper lip white tipped with purple; the lower lip large, rich deep purple, with a white stripe down the centre. october. _l._ opposite, ovate, dark green, and are, as well as the branches, slightly downy. brazil, 1855. this species is an excellent subject for training up pillars or rafters; and, when in bloom, makes a pretty basket plant. it has a somewhat straggling habit, but a little care only is needed in pruning and training to grow it into an elegant shape. =a. vasica= (vasica). _fl._ purple. july. _h._ 10ft. india, 1699. =adherent.= strictly signifies sticking to anything, but is more commonly employed in the sense of adnate. =adhesion.= the union of parts usually distinct. =adiantopsis.= _see_ =cheilanthes=. =adiantum= (from _adiantos_, dry, as if plunged in water it yet remains dry). maidenhair. ord. _filices_. a large genus of handsome tropical and temperate ferns. _sori_ marginal, varying in shape from globose to linear, usually numerous and distinct, sometimes confluent and continuous. involucre the same shape as the sorus, formed of the reflexed margin of the fronds, bearing the capsules on its upper side. none of the adiantums are truly hardy except the american _a. pedatum_; even our own native species requires protection. the chief requirements of this handsome genus of ferns are good drainage, and a compost of fibrous peat, loam and sand. in most cases, plenty of pot room is essential, and a larger quantity of loam will be needed for strong-growing sorts. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =a. ã¦mulum= (rival).* _sti._ slender, about 6in. long. _fronds_ slender, pyramidate, tri-subquadripinnate; pinnã¦ distinct, obliquely pyramidate, unequally-sided; pinnules rhomboid or oblong, tapering to the base, the terminal one distinctly cuneate, all sparingly lobate. _sori_, 2in. to 4in., circular, or nearly so. brazil, 1877. stove or greenhouse species. =a. ã¦thiopicum= (ã�thiopian).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, rather slender, erect. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, deltoid, trior quadripinnate; lower pinnã¦ 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, deltoid; ultimate segments 1/4in. to 1/2in. across, 1/4in. deep, suborbicular, the upper part broadly lobed; rachis and surfaces naked. _sori_ in several roundish patches. _a. chilense_ (chilian), _a. scabrum_ (scurfy), _a. sulphureum_ (sulphured) are mere forms of this species. spain, and almost cosmopolitan. a very pretty greenhouse fern. syns. _a. assimile_, _a. emarginatum_. =a. affine= (related).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, erect. _fronds_ with a terminal central pinna 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, and several smaller erecto-patent lateral ones, the lowest of which are again branched; pinnules, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, the lower edge straight, the upper nearly parallel with it, crenate, like the oblique or bluntly rounded outer edge. _sori_ numerous, roundish. new zealand. greenhouse species. syn. _a. cunninghami_. =a. amabile= (lovely). synonymous with _a. glaucophyllum_. also a garden name for _a. moorei_. =a. amå�num= (pleasing). synonymous with _a. flabellulatum_. =a. andicolum.= a synonym of _a. glaucophyllum_. =a. aneitense= (aneiteum).* _sti._ and _rachises_ castaneous, the latter glabrous beneath, ferrugino-pilose above; _fronds_ deltoid, three to four pinnate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, and broad; segments, about 1/2in. long, rhomboidal, ascending, nearly sessile, inner side close to rachis, lower erecto-patent, shallowly lobed. _sori_ round, reniform, in centre of lobes, four to six to a segment. aneiteum isles, 1880. stove or greenhouse species. =a. assimile= (assimilated). an australian form of the widely-distributed _a. ã¦thiopicum_. =a. bausei= (bause's).* _fronds_ 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, spreading, triangular, tri-quadripinnate; pinnã¦ stalked, the lower ones obliquely triangular; pinnules broad, laterally deflexed, the basal ones obliquely ovate with a truncate base, the intermediate somewhat trapeziform, the terminal cuneate--all shallowly lobed and pedicellate. _sori_ oblong reniform, set across the apices of the lobes, 1879. a beautiful stove or greenhouse hybrid, between _a. trapeziforme_ and _a. decorum_. =a. bellum= (handsome).* _fronds_ tufted, 3in. to 6in. high, bipinnate. ovate-lanceolate; pinnã¦ of three to six pinnules, 1/2in. to 1-1/2in. long, stalked; pinnules cuneate or irregular transverse-oblong, the somewhat larger terminal ones cuneate, lobed, the margin erose, all shortly stalked. _sori_ two to three on the smaller pinnules, roundish, or sublunate. bermuda, 1879. greenhouse or wardian case species. =a. capillus-veneris= (venus's hair).* common maidenhair. _sti._ sub-erect, rather slender, 4in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ very variable in size, with short terminal and numerous erecto-patent lateral branches on each side, the lowest slightly branched again; segments 1/2in. to 1in. broad, deeply lobed, and the lobes again bluntly crenated. _sori_ placed in roundish sinuses of the crenation. great britain, and world-wide in its distribution. greenhouse, case, or frame species. =a. c.-v. cornubiense= (cornish).* _fronds_ very numerous, and dwarf, more or less oblong in general outline, with large, broad pinnules of a deep green, with finely-waved margins, and an almost pellucid, but firm texture. one of the best forms, but somewhat delicate in constitution. =a. c.-v. crispulum= (crisped).* _fronds_, with the stipes, from 6in. to 12in. long, more attenuated than those of the type, and narrower at the base; pinnules less numerous, but broad and thin, crisp, of a light green colour, more or less cut at the broadest part. a handsome variety, of vigorous growth. [illustration: fig. 26. adiantum capillus-veneris daphnites.] =a. c.-v. daphnites= (glistening).* _sti._ and _rachises_ dark brown, reaching a height of from 9in. to 14in. pinnã¦ and ultimate pinnules more or less confluent, the latter being broad, and of a dull green colour, usually forming a tufted crest at the extremities of the fronds. a charming subject for the wardian case. very distinct. see fig. 26. =a. c.-v. fissum= (divided). very dwarf in habit, with pinnules rather broader than those of the type, which are deeply and variously cut, so as to give the plant a distinctive appearance from most of the forms. =a. c.-v. footi= (foot's). closely allied to the variety _fissum_, having fronds a foot or more long, with very ample pinnules deeply incised, light green. vigorous. =a. c.-v. incisum= (deeply cut). very closely allied to _a. c.-v. fissum_, but rather more vigorous in growth; pinnules broad, and deeply slit into segments near the base. =a. c.-v. magnificum= (magnificent).* _fronds_ from 9in. to 16in. long, more or less elongated in outline, 3in. to 4in. across; pinnules ample, rich green, with the margins finely cut and imbricated. the arching character gives this form a most distinct appearance. a very fine variety. =a. c.-v. rotundum= (rounded). pinnules usually round, without the cuneiform base of the normal form; neither are the fronds so broad. isle of man. variable in its habit. =a. c.-v. undulatum= (wavy).* _fronds_ dense, compact, having broad, roundish dark green pinnules, which are undulated at the edges. an elegant dwarf-growing form. =a. cardiochlã¦na= (heart-form indusium). a synonym of _a. polyphyllum_. =a. caudatum= (tailed).* _sti._ 2in. to 4in. long, tufted, wiry. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, simply pinnate, often elongated, and rooting at the extremity; pinnã¦ about 1/2in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, nearly sessile, the lower line straight and horizontal, the upper rounded, more or less cut, the point usually blunt, the lower ones slightly stalked. _sori_ roundish or transversely oblong on the edge of the lobes; _rachis_ and both sides of the frond villose. _a. ciliatum_ (of gardens) is probably a mere form, if not a synonym, of this species. throughout the tropics everywhere. greenhouse or stove species; very fine for hanging baskets. =a. colpodes= (deep hollow).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, slender, slightly fibrillose. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, deltoid, tripinnate, light green; lower pinnã¦ spreading at right angles from the rachis, 2in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2in. broad, slightly branched below; ultimate segments about 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, the lower line often straight, the upper rounded, lobed, and toothed, all nearly or quite sessile. _sori_ placed in distinct teeth of the outer edge. ecuador and peru, 1875. greenhouse species. =a. concinnum= (neat).* _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnate; pinnã¦ numerous, spreading, flexuous, the lowest 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; segments 1/4in. to 3/8in. across, broadly cuneate at the base, the upper edge irregularly rounded, deeply lobed, the lobes crenate, the lowest segment of each pinna and pinnule large, sessile. _sori_ numerous, ob-reniform. tropical america. a most elegant species for baskets and the rockery. =a. c. flemingi= (fleming's). this variety, of garden origin, is also very handsome. =a. c. latum= (broad).* differs from the type in being more erect and robust in habit, and broader in all its parts. it constitutes an excellent stove plant. =a. crenatum= (crenated).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ with a terminal central pinna 6in. to 9in. long and several large erecto-patent lateral ones on each side, the lowest of which are branched again; segments about 1/2in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, the lower line upcurved, the upper nearly straight, slightly crenate. _sori_ numerous, round, placed on the upper and sometimes outer edge. this is closely allied to _a. tetraphyllum_. mexico. stove species. syn. _a. wilesianum_. [illustration: fig. 27. adiantum decorum.] =a. cristatum= (crested). _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, tomentose. _fronds_ 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with a terminal central pinna 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, and numerous rather distant lateral ones on each side, the lowest of which are sometimes again branched; segments 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, dimidiate, the lower line nearly straight, the upper nearly parallel or rounded, the point blunt. _sori_ in several oblong or linear patches. west indies and venezuela, 1844. stove species. syn. _a. kunzeanum_. =a. cubense= (cuba).* _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long, nearly black, erect. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simply pinnate, or with a single pair of short branches; pinnã¦ 1in. to 2in. long, and about 3/4in. to 1in. broad, unilateral, the lower line slightly recurved, the upper rounded and broadly lobed, of a deep green colour, with a soft herbaceous texture. _sori_ in hollows of the lobes. cuba and jamaica. a very distinct stove species. =a. cuneatum= (wedge-shaped).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, slender, erect. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, deltoid, trior quadripinnate; lower pinnã¦ 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; segments numerous, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, cuneate at the base, the upper edge deeply lobed. _sori_ four to six, obversely reniform. brazil, 1820. this fine greenhouse species is more generally grown than any other; and a number of garden forms have received distinctive names. =a. c. dissectum= (dissected).* a pretty variety, with the pinnules more deeply lobed than in the type. =a. c. lawsonianum= (lawson's). this is a very abnormal form, curiously and finely cut, with the ultimate segments narrowly cuneate at the base, stalked, and distant. of garden origin. greenhouse variety. =a. c. mundulum= (neat).* _sti._ 3in. to 4in. high. _fronds_ dwarf, tufted, erect, hardly 3in. broad, deltoid, tripinnate; pinnã¦ and pinnules crowded; pinnules narrowly cuneate, rarely three-parted, with narrow wedge-shaped lobes; apex slightly crenate, and bears a roundish sorus set in a notch of the lobe or crenature. of garden origin, 1879. greenhouse variety. =a. cunninghami= (cunningham's). synonymous with _a. affine_. =a. curvatum= (curved).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ dichotomous, with main divisions again once or twice forked; pinnã¦ 8in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules 1-1/4in. to 1-1/2in. long, about 1/2in. deep, not truly dimidiate, but only the lower two-thirds of the under half cut away, the upper margin rounded and broadly lobed, with the lobes finely toothed and point often lengthened out. _sori_ linear, or transversely oblong. tropical america, 1841. stove species. =a. decorum= (decorous).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ sub-deltoid, 9in. to 15in. long, three to four pinnate; lower pinnã¦ and pinnules stalked, deltoid; side segments rhomboid, 1/4in. to 3/8in. long; outer edge distinctly lobed; lower segments equilateral, imbricated over main rachis. _sori_ round, in final lobes, four to six to a segment. this greenhouse species ranks midway between _a. concinnum_ and _a. cuneatum_. peru. syn. _a. wagneri_. see fig. 27. =a. deltoideum= (deltoid).* _sti._ densely tufted, 3in. to 4in. long, wiry, erect. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. broad, with a terminal lobe and numerous sub-opposite pinnã¦, the lower ones distant, distinctly stalked, 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, hastate-deltoid, cordate or cuneate at the base. _sori_ in interrupted lines along the sides of the pinnã¦. west indian islands. stove species. [illustration: fig. 28. adiantum diaphanum.] =a. diaphanum= (transparent).* _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long, slender, erect. _fronds_ 6in. to 7in. long, simply pinnate, or with one to three branches at the base; pinnules 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, the lower line rather decurved, the upper nearly parallel with it, crenate like the blunt outer edge. _sori_ obversely reniform, numerous. s.e. china, new zealand, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _a. setulosum_. see fig. 28. =a. digitatum= (finger-leaved).* _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, erect. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 1ft. 6in. broad, furnished with numerous distant spreading or erecto-patent branches, gradually shortened upwards, the lowest of which are branched again; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; segments 3/4in. to 1in. each way, varying from deflexed to cuneate at the base, the upper edge rounded, deeply cut, and the lobes again less deeply cut, the lower ones distinctly stalked. _sori_ in lines along the edge of the lobes. peru. it is generally cultivated under the name of _a. speciosum_. stove or greenhouse species. =a. dolabriforme= (axe-shaped). synonymous with _a. lunulatum_. =a. dolosum= (deceiving). synonymous with _a. wilsoni_. =a. edgworthii= (edgeworth's).* this differs from _caudatum_ by having more membranous texture, glabrous surfaces, and sub-entire pinnã¦. himalaya and china. =a. emarginatum= (notched at the end). synonymous with _a. ã¦thiopicum_. =a. excisum= (bluntly cut).* _sti._ 2in. to 3in. long, wiry, densely tufted. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with numerous flexuose short pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest of which are slightly branched again; segments two to three lines broad, cuneate at the base, the upper edge rounded and bluntly lobed. _sori_ two to four, large, obversely reniform, placed in distinct hollows on the lobes. chili. =a. e. leyi= (ley's).* this is a very dwarf, copiously crested form, of garden origin, most suitable for case culture. greenhouse variety. =a. e. multifidum= (much-cut).* a handsome garden variety; the apex of every frond is frequently divided into several branches, which oftentimes are again divided and crested, thus forming a beautiful tassel 2in. to 3in. long. greenhouse species. =a. feei= (fee's).* _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, strong, scandent. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, tripinnate, the main and secondary rachises zigzag, all the branches firm and spreading at a right angle; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules 1in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. broad, consisting of a terminal segment and several distant suborbicular-cuneate lateral ones. _sori_ marginal, roundish, more than half line deep. tropical america. stove species. syn. _a. flexuosum_. =a. flabellulatum= (small fan-leaved).* _sti._ erect, strong. _fronds_ dichotomously branched, and the divisions once or twice branched again; central pinnã¦ 4in. to 8in. long, 3/4in. broad; pinnules about 1/4in. broad and deep, dimidiate, the lower edge nearly straight, the upper rounded, the outer blunt, both entire or slightly toothed. _sori_ in several transversely oblong notches. tropical asia. stove species. syn. _a. amå�num_. =a. flexuosum= (zigzagly-bent). synonymous with _a. feei_. =a. formosum= (beautiful).* _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ 18in. to 24in. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, bi-, tri-, or quadripinnate; lower pinnã¦ 12in. to 15in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, deltoid; pinnules deltoid; ultimate segments 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, one and a half to two lines deep, dimidiate, the lower edge straight, the upper and outer rather rounded and deeply lobed, the lower ones distinctly stalked. _sori_ numerous, between obreniform and transversely oblong. australia, 1820. greenhouse species. =a. fovearum.= synonymous with _a. intermedium_. =a. fulvum= (tawny).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, deltoid in general outline, with a terminal pinna 4in. to 6in. long, about 1-1/2in. broad, and several erecto-patent branches, the lower of which are branched again; pinnules about 3/4in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, the lower edge nearly straight, the upper almost parallel, sharply toothed like the oblique outer edge. _sori_ large, numerous. new zealand. greenhouse species. =a. ghiesbreghti= (ghiesbreght's).* _fronds_ 18in. to 30in. long, ovate, deltoid, tripinnate; pinnules large, slightly crenate on the margins. a very fine stove fern, with the habit of _a. tenerum farleyense_, but less dense. it is undoubtedly a variety of _tenerum_, having originated in mr. williams's nursery some years since. syn. _a. scutum_. =a. glaucophyllum= (grey-leaved).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, erect. _fronds_ 12in. to 24in. long, 9in. to 15in. broad, deltoid, quadripinnate; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, erecto-patent; segments 1/4in. broad, cuneate at the base, the upper edge irregularly rounded, more or less lobed. _sori_ four to six, obversely reniform, placed in distinct hollows in the apex of the lobes of the upper edge, deep green above, glaucous beneath. closely allied to _a. cuneatum_. mexico. greenhouse. syns. _a. amabile_, _a. andicolum_, _a. mexicanum_. =a. gracillimum= (most graceful).* _fronds_ deltoidly ovate, 9in. to 24in. long, and 6in. to 10in. across, decompound, rich green; ultimate pinnules distant, minute, distinctly stalked, obovate, emarginate, or two to three lobed, the sterile lobes blunt. _sori_ solitary on the entire pinnules, two to three on the larger lobed ones. one of the most graceful and beautiful of greenhouse ferns; the very numerous minute segments and the ramifications of the rachis impart to a well grown plant a very charming appearance. of garden origin. a form of _a. cuneatum_. =a. henslovianum= (henslow's).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, ovate, tripinnate, furnished with numerous distant pinnã¦ on each side, the upper of which are simple, but the lowest slightly branched; segments 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, 1/4in. to 3/8in. deep, dimidiate, the lower line nearly straight, the upper rather rounded and lobed, the point bluntly rounded. _sori_ obversely reniform, placed in the hollows of the lobes. columbia, peru, &c., 1833. a most distinct and beautiful stove species. syns. _a. lã¦tum_, _a. reichenbachii_, _a. sessilifolium_. =a. hewardia= (heward's). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, erect. _fronds_ simply pinnate or bipinnate, with a terminal pinna and two to four lateral ones on each side, the lowest pair of which sometimes with two to four pinnules each; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, about 1in. broad, nearly equal sided, ovate lanceolate, nearly entire. _sori_ in continuous lines along both edges. jamaica, &c., occurring over a wide area. stove species. syn. _hewardia adiantoides_. =a. hispidulum= (hairyish).* _sti._ 6in. to 15in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ dichotomous, with the main divisions flabellately branched; central pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad; pinnules 3/8in. to 3/4in. long, two to four lines broad, dimidiate, subrhomboidal, the outer edge bluntly rounded, upper and outer margin finely toothed, slightly stalked. _sori_ roundish, numerous, contiguous. tropics of old world, 1822. greenhouse. syn. _a. pubescens_. =a. intermedium= (intermediate). _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect, strong. _fronds_ with a terminal pinna 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and one to three small spreading lateral ones on each side; pinnules 1in. to 1-1/2in. long; 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, unequal sided, but not dimidiate, the point bluntish or acute, the inner edge nearly parallel with the stem, the upper nearly straight, scarcely toothed. _sori_ in interrupted marginal patches, one to two lines across, placed round the upper and lower edges. stove. tropical america, from the antilles southwards to peru and rio janeiro, 1824. syns. _a. fovearum_, _a. triangulatum_. =a. kunzeanum= (kunze's). synonymous with _a. cristatum_. =a. lã¦tum= (joyful). synonymous with _a. henslovianum_. =a. lathomi= (lathom's).* a garden variety, said to be a sport from _a. ghiesbreghti_, which it closely resembles, being between it and _a. farleyense_. it is a magnificent plant, producing _fronds_ from 18in. to 24in. long, with imbricated deeply-cut pinnules. stove variety. =a. legrandi= (legrand's). very closely allied to, if not identical with, _a. pecottei_. greenhouse variety, of garden origin. =a. lindeni= (linden's).* _sti._ black, naked. _fronds_ erect, large, pentagonal, tripinnate; rachises pubescent above, naked beneath; segments sub-distant, 1-1/2in. long, oblong-rhomboidal, falcate, acuminate, outer margins closely but bluntly lobed, of a deep green colour, the lobes toothed. _sori_ oblong or reniform. amazons, 1866. a magnificent stove species. =a. lucidum= (shiny).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, simply pinnate, with a large terminal pinna and six to ten lateral ones on each side, or the lowest very slightly branched, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, nearly equal sided, lanceolate acuminate, slightly serrated towards the point. _sori_ in a continuous row along each side. west indian islands and tropical america. stove species. [illustration: fig. 29. adiantum luddemannianum.] =a. luddemannianum= (luddemann's).* a very striking variety of the common maidenhair, _a. capillus-veneris_, of garden origin, with smooth, dark, almost black stipes, branching about a third of the way up, while the pinnules are crested, usually clustered, at the extremities of the branches, of a deep green, sub-glaucous character. it is a very elegant little greenhouse variety. see fig. 29. =a. lunulatum= (crescent-leaved).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, tufted, wiry. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ 3/4in. to 1in. broad, 1/2in. to 1in. deep, sub-dimidiate, the lower edge nearly in a line with the petiole, the upper edge rounded and, like the sides, usually more or less lobed. _sori_ in continuous lines along the edge. hongkong, &c., widely distributed in both hemispheres. stove species. syn. _a. dolabriforme_. =a. macrocladum= (long-branched). synonymous with _a. polyphyllum_. =a. macrophyllum= (long-leaved).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, nearly black. _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, simply pinnate; the lower pinnã¦ of the barren frond 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. broad, ovate, so broad at the base that the opposite ones frequently overlap, the margin rather deeply lobed; fertile ones narrower. _sori_ in long continuous, or slightly interrupted, marginal lines. tropical america, 1793. one of the finest stove species in cultivation. =a. macropterum= (long-winged). synonymous with _a. wilsoni_. =a. mexicanum= (mexican). synonymous with _a. glaucophyllum_. =a. microphyllum= (short-leaved). a synonym of _a. venustum_. =a. monochlamys= (one-covered).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, wiry, erect, dark, chestnut brown; _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnate, the pinnã¦ rather distantly placed; segments 1/4in. broad, cuneate at the base, the upper edge rounded, slightly toothed, of a light green colour, with a firm texture. _sori_ single, or very rarely two, in a hollow of the upper edge. japan. a very distinct and pretty greenhouse species. =a. monosorum= (uni-soriate). a pretty species, from solomon islands, not yet in cultivation. =a. moorei= (moore's).* _sti._ 6in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ deltoid, 6in. to 15in. long, two to three pinnate; side segments about 1/2in. long, rhomboid, lower edge deflexed from tip of pedicel, outer lobed half way down. _sori_ round, placed in tip of lobes. andes of peru. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _a. amabile_, under which name it is frequently grown. =a. moritzianum= (moritz's). this appears to be a stronger, more robust grower (fronds from 12in. to 18in. high), with thicker stipes and larger pinnules than the typical _a. capillus-veneris_. south america. greenhouse species. =a. neoguineense= (new guinea).* _sti._ 6in. to 8in. long, chestnut brown, erect. _fronds_ spreading, deltoid, tri-quadripinnate, dark olive green with a glaucous tinge on both surfaces; pinnã¦ ovate; terminal pinnules cuneate, lateral ones trapezoid, about 1/2in. long, crenately lobed, the lobes rather large, entire. _sori_ small, 6in. to 8in., orbicular, entirely sunk in closed sinuses of the marginal lobes. new guinea, 1877. a very charming stove species. =a. obliquum= (oblique). _sti._ 3in. to 6in. long, erect, wiry, pubescent. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, with a terminal lobe and three to twelve pairs of alternate pinnã¦, the lowest 1in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, costate nearly to the apex, the upper half the largest, rounded at the base, the lower half obliquely truncate at the base, those of the barren frond slightly toothed. _sori_ in numerous interrupted marginal patches, one to two lines broad. west indies, &c., 1826. stove species. =a. palmatum= (palmate).* _fronds_ with elongated zigzag rachises, elongate-oblong, narrowed to the apex, tripinnate, often reaching 3-1/2ft. long, 10in. broad; pinnules distinct; ultimate segments large, smooth, distant, distinctly stipitate, varying from obovate wedge-shaped to semi-orbicular in outline, but all deeply, palmately cut, 1in. to 1-3/4in. broad. _sori_ oblong, variable in length, situate at the tips of the segments, usually one to each. this is a very beautiful and graceful stove or greenhouse species. peru, 1877. =a. patens= (spreading). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, erect. _fronds_ dichotomously divided and the branches once or twice divided again; central pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 1-1/2in. broad; pinnules 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, the two sides nearly parallel, the upper and outer ones broadly and bluntly lobed. _sori_ placed round the upper and outer edge, obversely reniform. brazil, &c., 1824. stove species. =a. pecottei= (pecot's).* this is a charming little variety, of garden origin, with short decompound fronds, imbricated segments, comparatively large, of a deep green colour, and likely to prove one of the most useful maidenhair ferns grown. =a. pedatum= (pedate).* _sti._ 9in. to 24in. long, erect, polished. _fronds_ dichotomous, with the main divisions flabellately branched; central pinnã¦ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad; pinnules 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, broadest on the side nearest the stem, the upper and outer margin lobed, shortly stalked. _sori_ roundish, one to two lines broad. north hindostan, the united states, &c. hardy species. see fig. 30. =a. peruvianum= (peruvian).* _sti._ 9in. to 18in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ simply pinnate, or with one to three branches at the base, some of the latter sometimes again slightly divided; pinnules 2in. or more broad, 1-1/2in. deep, unequally ovate, cuneate at base, finely toothed and lobed round the upper and outer edge. _sori_ in interrupted patches round the sides of the pinnules. peru. this is one of the finest of the large growing, evergreen stove kinds. =a. polyphyllum= (many-leaved).* _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, the upper part simply pinnate; lower pinnã¦ sometimes 1ft. long; 6in. broad, with a long terminal and numerous lateral pinnules; segments 3/4in. to 1in. long, 1/4in. deep, dimidiate, with nearly parallel edges, the point obtuse, the upper edge sharply toothed. _sori_ in numerous sub-orbicular patches, placed in hollows in lobes along the upper edge. columbia. a magnificent stove species. syns. _a. cardiochlã¦na_ and _a. macrocladum_. =a. populifolium= (poplar-leaved). a synonym of _a. seemanni_. =a. princeps= (princely).* _sti._ 9in. to 12in. long, stout, nearly erect. _fronds_ large, 12in. to 24in. long, 9in. to 18in. across the base, deltoid, pendent, quadripinnate, pale greyish; lower pinnã¦ obliquely elongate, triangular, the posterior side tripinnate, the anterior bipinnate; upper ones pinnate, with a large cuneately flabellate terminal pinnule, apex of fronds pinnate; pinnules 1in. long, 3/4in. broad, roundish rhomboidal or shortly trapeziform, shortly stalked; basal margin entire, slightly concave, the anterior margins and apex lobate, the lobes serrulate in the sterile parts, and, where fertile, bearing each a concave sorus, so that the lobes appear two-horned. new grenada, 1875. a magnificent stove species. =a. prionophyllum= (saw-leaved). synonymous with _a. tetraphyllum_. =a. pubescens= (downy). synonymous with _a. hispidulum_. =a. pulverulentum= (covered with powder).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect; _fronds_ with a terminal pinna and several spreading lateral ones on each side, which are 4in. to 8in. long, 1in. broad; pinnules 1/2in. long, one and a half to two lines deep, dimidiate, the lower line nearly straight, the upper one nearly parallel, both it and the outer edge finely toothed. _sori_ in a continuous line along the lower and upper edges. west indies, &c. stove species. [illustration: fig. 30. adiantum pedatum.] =a. reichenbachii= (reichenbach's). synonymous with _a. henslovianum_. =a. reniforme= (kidney-shaped).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ simple, orbicular, reniform, of a deep green colour, 1-1/2in. to 2-1/2in. across, with usually a broad, open sinus. _sori_ all around the edge, one and a half to three lines broad. madeira, &c., 1699. greenhouse species. =a. r. asarifolium= (asarum-leaved). a rather larger growing variety of above species. =a. rhomboideum= (rhomboid). s. america, 1820. probably identical with _a. villosum_. =a. rubellum= (reddish).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, deltoid, bipinnate; uppermost side of the pinnules cuneate, flabellate, nearly sessile, entire; lower rhomboid 1/2in. long, with lower border in a line with petiole, or rather decurved, inner produced over rachis, outer deeply lobed and finely toothed; end and lowest pinnules deltoid, 1/2in. broad. _sori_ round, placed in the tips of the lobes. this pretty species is purplish crimson when in a young state, changing to light green with age, but even then tinged with pink. allied to _a. tinctum_ and _a. decorum_. bolivia, 1868. greenhouse species. =a. scutum= (shield). synonymous with _a. ghiesbreghti_. =a. seemanni= (seemann's).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect. _fronds_ 9in. to 20in. long, simply pinnate or the lower pinnã¦ compound; pinnã¦ 3in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, ovate, acuminate; but rather unequally sided, the barren ones finely serrated, one side usually cordate at the base, the other obliquely truncate, petioles of the lowest, nearly an inch long. _sori_ in long continuous marginal lines. this is a very fine and distinct stove species. central america, 1868. syns. _a. populifolium_, _a. zahnii_ (of gardens). =a. sessilifolium= (sessile-leaved). synonymous with _a. henslovianum_. =a. setulosum= (bristly). synonymous with _a. diaphanum_. =a. speciosum= (showy). synonymous with _a. digitatum_. =a. subvolubile= (somewhat twining). _fronds_ subscandent, 2ft. to 4ft. long, oblong, tripinnate, 6in. to 8in. broad, with naked glossy castaneous stipes and zigzag rachises; central pinnã¦ lanceolate, with a few short spreading pinnules; side pinnules rhomboidal, about 1/4in. long, lower edge in a line with petiole, or deflexed, inner end touching or wrapped over rachis, outer shallowly lobed; lowest pinnules equilateral, much wrapped over rachis. _sori_ minute, round, six to twelve to a segment. e. peru. stove species. =a. tenerum= (tender).* _sti._ 1ft. or more high, erect. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad, deltoid, trior quadripinnate; segments 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, cuneate or tending towards rhomboidal, dimidiate in shape, the upper edge rounder or somewhat angular, broadly and deeply lobed, all stalked. _sori_ placed in numerous roundish patches in the lobes of the upper half. mexico, &c., widely distributed. stove species. =a. t. farleyense= (farley's).* a subfertile, subcristate variety of the foregoing; but, is, nevertheless, one of the most magnificent of adiantums. it is nearly always known under the name of _a. farleyense_. barbados, 1865. stove variety. =a. tetraphyllum= (four-leaved).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ nearly as broad as long, with a terminal pinna 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, and numerous spreading lateral ones; segments 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, 1/4in. deep, subdimidiate, the lower line straight or somewhat decurved, the upper nearly parallel, finely toothed, the outer oblique. _sori_ interrupted, marginal. tropical america. stove species. syn. _a. prionophyllum_. =a. t. hendersoni= (henderson's). a stove variety with small blunt pinnules. =a. tinctum= (tinted).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, deltoid, bipinnate; side pinnules rhomboid, three to four lines long, lower edge straight, inner parallel with rachis, or just wrapped over it, outer shallowly, bluntly lobed; lower pinnules equilateral, imbricated over main rachis; surfaces glabrous, when young of a delicate rose red colour, changing to a bright green. _sori_ round, placed in final lobes. tropical america. stove or greenhouse species. =a. trapeziforme= (rhomb-leaved).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, firm, erect. _fronds_ 12in. to 24in. long, with a central pinna 4in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and two to four large spreading ones on each side, the lowest of which are often branched again; segments 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, dimidiate, the sides nearly parallel, the outer edge oblique, both it and the upper one bluntly lobed, the lowest on stalks 1/4in. to 1/2in. long. _sori_ numerous, contiguous, placed round the upper and outer edge. west indies, 1793. stove species. =a. t. cultratum= (sharpened).* outer edge of the segment bluntly rounded. =a. t. pentadactylon= (five-fingered). lower margin of the segments somewhat decurved obliquely from the petiole. =a. t. sanctã¦ catherinã¦= (of gardens).* this is a deeply cut, rather copiously divided variety of _a. trapeziforme_. =a. t. s. c. funcki= (funck's).* a deeply lobed, drooping variety, of garden origin. =a. triangulatum= (triangle-leaved). synonymous with _a. intermedium_. =a. varium= (various). probably identical with _a. villosum_. =a. veitchianum= (veitch's).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, deltoid, bipinnate in lower half, reddish when young; side pinnules rhomboid, about 1/2in. long, lower border straight, more or less deflexed from tip of pedicel, inner distant from rachis, upper and outer shallowly lobed; end segments 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, equilateral, rounded in upper, deltoid in lower half. _sori_ eight to ten to a segment, round, minute. peruvian andes, 1868. a very elegant and distinct stove species. =a. velutinum= (velvety).* _sti._ as long as fronds, slightly velvety. _fronds_ deltoid, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, three to four pinnate; rachises densely pubescent on both sides; pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long; segments twenty to thirty-jugate, sub-sessile, sub-rhomboidal, 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, lower border decurved, outer blunt or sub-acute, upper straight, shallowly, bluntly lobed. _sori_ straight, one to one and a half lines long at tips of lobes of upper edge, four to six to a segment. columbia, 1866. a magnificent stove species. =a. venustum= (charming).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, wiry, erect, glossy. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, deltoid, tri-quadripinnate; ultimate segments about 1/4in. across, cuneate at the base, the upper edge rounded, and usually finely toothed, of a light green colour, with a firm texture. _sori_ one to three, roundish; in hollows of the upper edge. himalayas, up to 8000ft. greenhouse or frame, nearly hardy in sheltered places. syn. _a. microphyllum_. =a. villosum= (hairy stalked).* _sti._ 9in. to 12in. long, strong, erect. _fronds_ with a terminal central and several spreading pinnã¦ on each side, 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules dimidiate, about 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, the lower line nearly straight, the upper edge nearly parallel with it, but considerably larger, slightly toothed, and the outer edge auriculed at the base. _sori_ in a continuous line round the upper and outer edge. west indies, &c., 1775. stove species. =a. wagneri= (wagner's). synonymous with _a. decorum_. =a. wilesianum= (wiles's). synonymous with _a. crenatum_. =a. williamsii= (williams's).* _sti._ 6in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, tripinnate, triangular; pinnã¦ ovate, distant, pinnules sub-rotund, slightly trapeziform, the basal line rather concave, the margin entire or slightly undulated, or divided into three to four lobes, crenately notched between the _sori_, the sterile portions with an erose diaphanous margin. _sori_ eight to ten, elongate reniform or lunate, occupying the whole of the semicircular outer edge. mountains of peru, 1877. in a young state, the stipes and fronds are dusted with a yellow powder. this is one of the most beautiful of the maidenhair ferns. greenhouse species. =a. wilsoni= (wilson's).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate, with a large terminal pinna and two to six sub-sessile lateral ones on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, nearly entire. _sori_ in continuous lines along both edges. jamaica. stove species. syns. _a. dolosum_, _a. macropterum_. =a. zahnii= (zahn's). synonymous with _a. seemanni_. =adike.= a synonym of =pilea= (which _see_). =adina= (from _adinos_, crowded; in reference to the flowers being disposed in heads). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. a very pretty evergreen cool stove shrub, with opposite terete branches, and solitary, axillary peduncles. it thrives in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. propagated by cuttings, inserted in a rich, loamy soil, under a hand glass, in heat. =a. globifera= (globe-bearing).* _fl._ yellowish, sessile, crowded, collected into globose heads; corolla funnel-shaped; peduncles axillary, rarely terminal, solitary. july. _l._ lanceolate, glabrous, longer than the peduncles. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. china, 1804. =adlumia= (from _adlumino_, to fringe with purple; flowers bordered with purple). ord. _fumariaceã¦_. an interesting, delicate, and nearly hardy climber from north america. flowers with four spongy, cohering petals. a warm, good soil is most suitable; sow seeds about may in a shady spot. it is a biennial, but in favourable spots is self-sowing, and thus may be treated as a perennial. if placed either against a wall or in the open it is a pretty subject for trailing over a shrub or twiggy branch. from its fragile character, it can only be seen to the best advantage under glass. =a. cirrhosa= (tendrilled).* _fl._ pale rose-coloured, about 1/2in. long; peduncles axillary, generally four-flowered. june. _l._ triply pinnate, pale green. _h._ 15ft. 1788. the maidenhair fern-like leaves are borne in profusion on the slender twining stems. syn. _corydalis fungosa_. =adnate.= grown to anything by the whole surface; anthers are said to be adnate when they are attached to the filaments by their whole length. =adonis= (name of classical derivation). ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. handsome hardy herbaceous plants. flowers solitary, terminal; petals five to fifteen. leaves divided into numerous linear segments. some of the annuals are much inferior to the perennial species. the latter section constitute very ornamental subjects for rockwork, borders, margins of shrubberies, &c. all the species will grow freely in common soil, and are propagated by seeds. the perennials may be divided at the root. =a. ã¦stivalis= (summer).* pheasant's eye. _fl._ deep crimson; petals flat, oblong, obtuse, one-half longer than the calyx. june. stem almost simple, elongated. _h._ 1ft. south europe, 1629. annual. see figs. 31 and 32. =a. autumnalis= (autumnal).* pheasant's eye; red morocco. _fl._ of an intense blood-red, with a black centre, rarely pale, globose from the six to eight concave conniving petals, which are scarcely larger than the calyx. may. stems branched. _h._ 1ft. britain. annual. =a. pyrenaica= (pyrenean).* _fl._ almost sessile, yellow; petals eight to ten, smaller and more obtuse than in _a. vernalis_. july. _l._, lower ones on long stalks, with trifid petioles and many-parted segments; upper ones sessile, multifid, with linear very entire lobules. stem 1ft. or more high, and usually much branched. pyrenees, 1817. perennial. [illustration: fig. 31. flower of adonis ã�stivalis.] =a. vernalis= (spring).* _fl._ yellow, large; petals, ten to twelve, oblong, rather denticulated. march. _l._ lower ones abortive, or reduced to somewhat sheathing scales, the middle and upper ones sessile and multifid, with very entire lobes. _h._ 9in. to 1ft. europe, 1629. charming rock plant. this handsome species requires a rich moist sandy loam, and should not be disturbed for years. perennial. [illustration: fig. 32. adonis ã�stivalis, showing habit and flowers.] =a. v. sibirica= (siberian) differs only in having larger flowers. =a. volgensis= (volga). an intermediate species between _a. vernalis_ and _a. pyrenaica_, differing from the first in the stems being branched, leaves more distant; from the last by the lower leaves being abortive, and formed like scales; and from both in the sepals being pubescent on the outside, not smooth. _fl._ yellow. _h._ 1ft. russia, 1818. =adpressed.= brought into close contact with anything without adhering. =adult.= the full grown of anything. full grown leaves are termed adult. =adventitious.= developed in an unusual position. applied to buds, roots, &c. =adventure bay pine.= _see_ _phyllocladus rhomboidalis_. =adverse.= opposite. =ã�chmea= (from _aichme_, a point; in reference to the rigid points on the calyces, or flower-envelopes). including _pironneaua_. ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. very handsome stove plants. flowers scapose, panicled; perianth six-cleft, three outer segments sepaloid, longer than the three inner or petaloid ones. leaves ligulate or sword-shaped, sometimes with marginal spines. the species thrive best in a well-drained compost of rich fibrous loam and leaf mould. they like plenty of light, which may be afforded by standing them on inverted pots, so as to raise their heads well up above the surrounding plants. propagation: when the flower-spikes, which are sent up from the heart or crown of the plant, die away, suckers or offsets are produced near the base, and from these other flowers appear the year after. if large plants are desired, these suckers should be left to grow and spread around; but to produce single plants, the suckers must be taken off and potted singly, in sharp soil, and then stood where they can get a moist heat till rooted. to enable them to do this it is necessary to strip off a few of the lower leaves, and trim the bottom with a sharp knife, in order that it may heal over and callus more readily than it otherwise would. when rooted, the plants may be shifted into larger-sized pots; but for single crowns 32-sized pots are large enough, as the plants, being epiphytal in their nature, do not require much soil or any great supply of water, except when growing freely or sending up their flower-spikes. in winter, they should be kept rather on the dry side, to induce partial rest; and an important point is to see that water is not allowed to lie for any length of time in the crown of the plant, as when that is the case it is likely to cause them to rot. [illustration: fig. 33. ã�chmea fulgens.] =ã�. calyculata= (calycled).* _fl._ bright yellow, tubular, with red bracts, borne in close roundish heads at the top of an erect scape. _l._ strap-shaped, with the ends having the appearance of being cut off, but armed with a sharp spine. _h._ 9in. brazil, 1862. syn. _hoplophytum calyculatum_. =ã�. cå�lestis= (heavenly blue).* _fl._ sky-blue, in close pyramidal panicles, on erect snipes. winter. _l._ ligulate, concave, spiny-edged, scaly beneath. brazil, 1874. syn. _hoplophytum cå�leste_. =ã�. cå�rulescens= (bluish). _fl._ bluish. _h._ 1ft. south america, 1870. this pretty species is very attractive on account of the large dense head of deep blue and pure white berries which are produced in october. syn. _lamprococcus cå�rulescens_. =ã�. discolor= (two-coloured-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet, borne on a loose, branched panicle. june. _l._ broad, minutely toothed on the margin, deep green above, and rather purplish beneath. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1844. =ã�. distichantha= (two-ranked-flowered).* _fl._ sepals rose-coloured; petals bright purple; spikes densely clothed with bright red bracts. _l._ long, glaucous, linear-oblong, tapering to a sharp point, and distinctly armed with reddish brown spines. _h._ 1ft. south brazil, 1852. syn. _billbergia polystachya_. =ã�. exudans= (exuding). _fl._ orange-coloured (exuding a white greasy substance, whence the specific name) interspersed with green bracts; scape erect, with scattered crimson lanceolate bracts, terminating in a dense head. _l._ oblong, spine-margined, grey-coated. _h._ 2ft. west indies, 1824. syn. _hohenbergia capitata_. =ã�. fasciata= (banded).* _fl._ scape upright, clothed with leafy bracts of a rosy-pink colour; each of the pink blossoms in the dense conical head is subtended by a narrow, spiny-edged, similarly-coloured bract, longer than its own. _l._ broad, recurved, banded with white. rio janeiro, 1826. syn. _billbergia fasciata_. lasts in perfection for a considerable length of time. =ã�. fulgens= (glowing).* _fl._ deep rich red, with a bluish tip, fifty or more in a large branching panicle; scape stout, erect, scarlet. august, september. _l._ somewhat sword-shaped, terminating rather abruptly. cayenne, 1842. see fig. 33. =ã�. furstenbergi= (furstenberg's). _fl._ rose; flower spike dense, with overlapping showy pink bracts. _l._ tufted, linear, spinous at the edge, recurved. _h._ 1ft. bahia, 1879. =ã�. glomerata= (glomerate).* _fl._ violet; scape erect, stout, 8in. to 10in. high, with glomerate branches of crowded blood-red bracts. _l._ oblong-ligulate, cuspidate, about 18in. long, dull green; margin with short wide-set spines. bahia, 1868. syn. _hohenbergia erythrostachys_. =ã�. hystrix= (bristly).* _fl._ in very dense, oblong spikes; floral leaves and bracts scarlet. february. _l._ densely crowded, ascending, linear lanceolate, saw-toothed. _h._ 2-1/2ft. cayenne, 1880. =ã�. legrelliana= (legrell's). a synonym of _portea legrelliana_. =ã�. lindeni= (linden's). _fl._ yellow, in dense terminal heads, with lanceolate red bracts, shorter than the flowers. _l._ linear-oblong, rounded, apiculate; margins saw-toothed; habit tufted. _h._ 1ft. south brazil, 1864. =ã�. mariã¦ reginã¦= (queen maria's).* _fl._ tipped with blue, changing to salmon colour with age, arranged compactly upon the upper portion of the spike; scape erect, about 2ft. high; half the length is clothed with large boat-shaped bracts, some 4in. long, intensely rich rose-pink. june, july. _l._ 18in. long, with a tufted habit. costa rica, 1873. this is perhaps the best species. =ã�. melinoni= (melinon's). _fl._ bright scarlet, tipped with pink, cylindric; panicle dense, terminal. _l._ oblong, leathery, about 18in. in length, dark green; margin spiny. south america. =ã�. ortgiesii= (ortgies'). _fl._ red, on short spikes. _l._ numerous, channelled, recurved, spongy, broad at the base, and tapering to a point; stem short, gouty. tropical america, 1860. syn. _ortgiesia tillandsioides_. =ã�. paniculigera= (panicled). _fl._ rose-coloured; petals projecting beyond the sepals, deep bright purple; panicle large, compound, 1ft. to 2ft. long; scape reddish, downy; rachides and bracts rose-coloured. _l._ ligulate, shortly acuminate. west indies, 1881. =ã�. spectabilis= (showy).* _fl._ rosy; calyx fleshy, ovate; corolla 1in. long, rosy crimson. _l._ spreading, channelled, ligulate, 2-1/2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. guatemala, 1875. =ã�. veitchii= (veitch's).* _fl._ scarlet; spike densely clothed with scarlet toothed bracts, closely investing flowers. _l._ tufted, leathery in texture, broadly strap-shaped, spotted, and minutely serrulate. _h._ 1ft. columbia, 1877. syn. _chevalliera veitchii_. =ã�giceras= (from _aix_, a goat, and _keras_, a horn; alluding to the shape of its fruit). ord. _myrsineã¦_. small trees, with obovate entire leaves. flowers white, fragrant, in terminal or axillary umbels. for culture, _see_ =jacquinia=. =ã�. fragrans= (fragrant). _fl._ white, fragrant; umbels pedunculate, axillary, terminal. april. _l._ obovate, margin undulated, and unequally dilated, veiny; upper surface covered with saline excrescence. _h._ 6ft. new holland, 1824. =ã�gilops.= _see_ =quercus ã�gilops=. =ã�giphila= (from _aix_, a goat, and _philos_, dear; a favourite with goats). ord. _verbenaceã¦_. stove ornamental evergreen shrubs, generally with ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, smooth leaves; and flowers in axillary and terminal panicles. they require a rich sandy loam. propagated from cuttings, which will root in sand, under a glass, with bottom heat. =ã�. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ yellow, terminal, corymbose; corolla downy. november. berry compressed, blue. _l._ verticillate oblong, entire, sub-cordate at base. _h._ 3ft. havannah, 1843. the other species are probably not now in cultivation, and this one is not generally so. =ã�gle= (from ã�gle, one of the hesperides). bengal quince. ord. _rutaceã¦_. a stove evergreen tree, producing very large fruit, which much resembles an orange in general appearance, very delicious to the taste, and exquisitely fragrant. this genus differs principally from _citrus_ by its numerous disunited stamens. the pulp of the fruit is an aperient, and a valuable remedy in dysentery, the thick rind and the dried unripe fruit are astringent. it thrives best in a rich loamy soil. propagated by ripe cuttings, which, if not deprived of any of their leaves, will root in sand under a hand glass, in heat. =ã�. marmelos= (marmelos). _fl._ white, very fragrant; panicles axillary, terminal. april. _fr._ fifteen-celled. _l._ trifoliate; leaflets toothletted. _h._ 10ft. india, 1759. =ã�olanthus= (from _aiollo_, to vary, and _anthos_, a flower; referring to the variableness of the flowers). ord. _labiatã¦_. a genus of few herbs, with thickish leaves. flowers loosely panicled. they thrive in sandy loam, and increase freely from seeds sown in a similar compost. =ã�. livingstonii= (livingstone's). _fl._ brown. east africa, 1859. =ã�. suaveolens= (sweet-scented). _fl._ lilac, secund; cymes axillary and terminal, erect, usually trifid, with floral leaves under the divisions. july. _l._ nearly sessile, obovate, obsoletely denticulated, thickish, pale green. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1859. a pretty stove annual, with a sweet odour. =aeranthus= (from _aer_, air, and _anthos_, a flower; referring to the habit). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of a couple of species of remarkable stove orchids, requiring treatment similar to =anguloa=, to which they are allied. =ã�. arachnitis= (spider-like). _fl._ green. _l._ linear. _h._ 4in. madagascar, 1850. =ã�. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ yellowish-green, large, solitary, terminal. _h._ 8in. madagascar, 1823. =aeration.= the exposure of the soil to the free action of the air, as essential to the growth of plants. =aerides= (from _aer_, the air; in reference to the power the species have of deriving their sustenance from the atmosphere). ord. _orchideã¦_. an extensive genus of epiphytal orchids, confined to the tropics of the old world, including many large and showy-flowered species. the majority of them are extremely handsome. the thick fleshy leaves are noteworthy for their characteristically distichous arrangement--that is to say, they are arranged in two opposite rows. they are usually truncate at the apex, and for the most part deeply channelled down the centre, but in some species terete or nearly cylindrical. all of them throw out large fleshy roots from various parts of their stems, by which they absorb the moisture from the atmosphere; and, in order to grow them successfully, they must be fixed upon blocks of wood. but this method should be adopted only whilst the plants are young, as it is almost an impossibility for the cultivator to maintain a sufficient amount of atmospheric moisture to meet their requirements; and, unless this is managed, the leaves will shrivel and fall off, leaving only a few at the extremity. therefore, as soon as the plants are established upon the blocks of wood, let them be removed and potted. fill the pot three parts full of broken potsherds and lumps of charcoal, and then use nothing, but clean, living sphagnum, placing a few roots in the moss and leaving the others free. by this means a greater amount of moisture can be supplied to them, and thus beautiful and symmetrical specimens obtained. the aerides are easily grown into handsome plants, which usually bloom profusely, and thus recommend themselves to all who cultivate orchids. from early spring until the end of september they should be treated liberally with water, at the same time taking care never to wet the flowers. after the above-named time, a gradual diminution in the water supply to the roots should take place; and the atmosphere, too, should be less densely charged with moisture. but drought should never be carried far enough to cause the leaves to shrivel, for, if this is done, the uniformity of the specimen is marred; and, although we are quite willing to admit the possibility of the plants producing a greater quantity of flower spikes after a thorough shrivelling, we prefer to advocate the system that gives a fair amount of flower coupled with good leafage. as before remarked, the aerides are peculiarly eastern, and therefore are usually classed amongst the orchids which require the hottest houses. this is, in one sense, correct; yet they do not require the great amount of heat which many imagine, and which has, until recently, been given them. they must not, therefore, be excluded from the amateur's collection of orchids. during the winter season many of the species may be kept in a temperature of 58deg. to 60deg.; whilst during the growing season the temperature may run up by sun heat without limit, so long as a free circulation of air and a sufficiency of moisture are secured. the following status of temperature may be observed: in spring, from 65deg. in the night, to 70deg. or 80deg. by day; in summer, from 70deg. in the night, to 80deg. or 85deg. through the day; in winter, about 60deg. night, and 65deg. day. =a. affine= (related).* _fl._ delicate rose, produced, in great profusion, on branching spikes, which are sometimes 2ft. in length, and continue in bloom two or three weeks; the sepals and petals equal, rounded at the apex; the lip is sharply rhomboid and three-lobed, with a short spur. _l._ light green, about 1ft. long. _h._ 3ft. a very handsome species from india, forming an excellent exhibition plant. =a. a. superbum= (superb).* an improved variety, with larger and richer coloured flowers, and more compact habit. =a. brookii= (sir a. brooke's).* _fl._ purple and white; labellum bright purple; sepals and petals white, very fragrant. _l._ very ornamental, of a glaucous (milky green) hue. bombay. this species, although one of the handsomest, is very rare. =a. crassifolium= (thick-leaved).* this is a dwarf, densely-habited plant, with broad, thick, purple-dotted obliquely-bilobed leaves. the flowers, which are borne on long and drooping spikes, are bare--larger than those of _a. falcatum_, which they resemble in form, and have the segments tipped with rich purple or amethyst, the centre or throat of the flower being ivory-white. compared with _a. falcatum_, the spur is here bent under at an angle, while in that plant it is straight; the side laciniã¦ of the lip are much broader and shorter in the present plant, and the two keels on the lip here stand close together at the base, and become divergent, whilst in _falcatum_ they are distant at the base, and become convergent near the middle of the lip. this species is described as being the best in the genus. it may be grown near the glass, suspended in a basket. burmah, 1877. [illustration: fig. 34. flower of aerides crispum.] =a. crispum= (curled).* _fl._ white, suffused with purplish rose, nearly 2in. in diameter; sepals and petals ovate, acute; lip three-lobed, the middle lobe being very large, toothed at the base, and fringed at the margin; the horn-like spur is slightly incurved; racemes ascending, more than double the length of the leaves, many-flowered. _l._ deep green, flat and broad, blunt at the ends, and two-lobed, about 4in. or 5in. long. bombay, 1840. lasts a long time in beauty. see fig. 34. =a. c. lindleyanum= (lindley's). a robust-growing variety, producing a large, much-branched panicle of flowers; sepals and petals white; lip large, bright rich rose-coloured. =a. c. warneri= (warner's).* the leaves are smaller, and more slender than in the species; the sepals and petals are white, with a soft, rich, rose-coloured lip. =a. cylindricum= (cylindric).* _fl._ white and pink, as large as those of _a. crispum_; sepals and petals crispy. _l._ elongate, subulate, terete, 4in. to 6in. long. east indies. a very rare and distinct species. syn. _a. vandarum_. =a. dasycarpum= (thick-fruited). _fl._ brownish, rosy. india, 1865. =a. dasypogon.= _see_ =sarcanthus erinaceus=. =a. difforme= (deformed). _fl._ green and brown. india, 1865. =a. dominiana= (dominy's).* this is a garden hybrid between _a. fieldingii_ and _a. affine_, with the colour of the former, but markings and shape of the latter. very rare. =a. falcatum= (sickle-leaved).* _fl._ sepals and petals white, dotted with reddish crimson, and tipped with soft rose; lip white at the sides, with a rosy-crimson centre; spur short, parallel with the lip; racemes pendulous, many flowered. _l._ closely set upon the stem, peculiar blue-green, coriaceous, obtuse and mucronate. this species is very closely allied to _a. crassifolium_. syn. _a. larpentã¦_. [illustration: fig. 35. aerides odoratum.] =a. fieldingii= (fielding's).* the fox-brush ã�rides. _fl._ white, numerous, large, beautifully mottled with bright rose colour; the much branched racemes are 2ft. to 3ft. long, and continue blooming three or four weeks. _l._ 8in. to 10in. long, in some plants light green, and in others dark green; long, broad, thick, and fleshy, obliquely two-lobed at the apex. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. assam. =a. houlletianum= (houllet's).* _fl._ sepals and petals buff, shading off into cream white at the base, with a purplish eye-spot at their tips; lip white; front part dark purplish, with some lines of the same colour on the sides; on densely crowded spikes. _l._ and growth similar to _a. virens_. cochin china. syn. _a. mendelii_. =a. japonicum= (japanese).* _fl._ white, with the lateral sepals slightly barred with brown purple; several on the pendent racemes; lip purple, spotted, marked with a dark violet central ridge. _l._ short, linear-oblong, obtusely bilobed. stems short, about 4in. high. a pretty cool house species from japan, 1862. =a. larpentã¦= (lady larpent's). synonymous with _a. falcatum_. =a. lobbii= (lobb's).* _fl._ white in the centre, slightly tinted with blush-rose towards the outside, somewhat spotted with violet; lip marked with a whitish central bar, and stained with a deep violet on either side; on long, dense, cylindrical, pendent spikes. _l._ ligulate, obliquely two-lobed at the apex, thick and fleshy in texture, about 18in. long, and of a light green hue. moulmein, 1868. this elegant plant, of which many distinct varieties are in cultivation, is one of the most delicate of the genus. =a. maculosum= (spotted). _fl._ large, with obtuse pale rose-coloured sepals and petals, which are spotted with purple; lip flat and undivided, bluntly ovate, and of a deep rosy-purple; racemes pendulous, proceeding from among the upper leaves, somewhat lax and branching. _l._ ligulate, thick, and fleshy, obtuse at the apex, 8in. or 9in. long, dark green. a somewhat slow growing species, with a rather stiff, dwarf habit. bombay, 1840. =a. m. schrå�deri= (schrå�der's).* _fl._ very delicate white, tinged with lilac and spotted with rose; labellum beautiful rose coloured. _l._ dark green, 10in. long. _h._ 18in. east indies. a very free growing and handsome variety, superior to the species, but rare in cultivation. =a. mendelii= (mendel's). synonymous with _a. houlletianum_. =a. mitratum= (mitred).* _fl._ waxy-white; lip violet coloured, on numerous dense erect racemes. april. _l._ cylindrical, attenuated, about 2ft. long, dark green. moulmein, 1864. a rare but elegant species. =a. nobile= (noble).* _fl._ sepals and petals white tipped, and spotted with bright rose; lip three-lobed, the side lobes creamy yellow, and the middle lobe slightly bifid at the apex, white, dotted with rose-purple, very fragrant; racemes 2ft. to 3ft. long, pendulous, much branched, many flowered. _l._ strap-shaped, obliquely emarginate at the apex, light green, slightly spotted with brown. not unlike _a. suavissimum_, but with larger and better coloured flowers, and more robust growth. east indies. =a. odontochilum= (tooth-lipped). _h._ 2ft. sylhet, 1837. =a. odoratum= (fragrant).* _fl._ sepals and petals creamy and white, tipped with pink; lip cucullate, with even side lobes, the middle lobe being ovate and inflexed, the spur conical and incurved, of the same colour as the sepals, very fragrant; racemes longer than the leaves, many-flowered, pendulous. _l._ oblique, obtuse, mucronate at the apex, and dark green. east indies, 1800. see fig. 35. =a. o. cornutum= (horned). _fl._ pink and white. distinct. =a. o. majus= (greater).* like _a. odoratum_ in growth, but with larger and longer spike of flowers. =a. o. purpurascens= (purplish).* a very robust variety, with broad dark green leaves and massive spike of large flowers, which are white, tipped with bright pink. =a. pachyphyllum= (thick-leaved). _fl._ light crimson lake; spur and column white, the small laciniã¦ of the blade of the lip on front part of spur painted with more or less warm purple (these laciniã¦ are just as insignificant as the spur is preponderant); raceme short, few-flowered. _l._ fleshy, short; apex obtuse, and unequally two-lobed. burmah, 1880. =a. quinquevulnerum= (five-wounded).* _fl._ fragrant; sepals and petals obtuse, white, marked with five reddish crimson blotches, and tipped with purple; lip cucullate and funnel-shaped, the side lobes being erect and the centre lobe oblong, incurved and serrated, of the same colour as the sepals; spur conical, green, large; racemes longer than the leaves, pendulous, and many-flowered. late summer and early autumn. _l._ ligulate, about 12in. long, tightly clasping the stem at the base, obliquely mucronate at the apex, bright shining green. philippines, 1838. =a. q. farmeri= (farmer's).* a very rare variety of the above, with similar habit, but the flowers are pure white throughout, and fragrant. =a. reichenbachii= (reichenbach's).* _fl._, sepals neatly striped (not blotched); lip deep orange colour; racemes densely crowded. borneo, 1858. a very rare species. =a. roseum= (rose-coloured).* _fl._, sepals and petals narrow, acute, pale rose colour, with darker spots; lip flat, entire, and acute, of a bright rose, freckled--like the sepals and petals--with spots of a darker hue; raceme pendulous, dense, and many-flowered, upwards of 1ft. in length. _l._ coriaceous, recurved, and channelled above with a blunt two-lobed apex. moulmein, 1840. as this does not root freely, it requires less moisture than any other species. =a. r. superbum= (superb).* a fine variety, with stronger growth and larger and richer-coloured flowers. the spikes of this, as well as the typical species, are apt to die off if much water is given. =a. rubrum= (red). a synonym of _sarcanthus erinaceus_. =a. suavissimum= (sweetest). _fl._ sepals and petals obtusely ovate, white, tipped or tinged throughout with deep lilac; lip three-lobed, pressed to the column, the side lobes being oblong and denticulate, the middle lobe linear and bifid, the whole lip being of a pale lemon colour, and the spur rosy-eyed; the numerous racemes are half pendulous and branched, bearing a profusion of deliciously fragrant flowers. _l._ flaccid, about 10in. long, light green, profusely freckled with brown dots. malacca, 1848. there are one or two varieties. =a. tesselatum= (chequered). _fl._ lined and streaked with green, white, and purple. east indies, 1838. a scarce species. =a. testaceum= (testaceous). a synonym of _vanda testacea_. =a. thibautianum= (thibaut's). a synonym of _saccolabium huttoni_. =a. vandarum= (vanda). a synonym of _a. cylindricum_. =a. virens= (vigorous). _fl._ deliciously fragrant; sepals and petals ovate, obtuse, soft white, tipped with rosy-purple; lip large; side lobes toothed at the apex, white, dotted with crimson; middle lobe bearing a red inflated tongue; racemes long, drooping, many-flowered, commencing to bloom early in april, and lasting until july. _l._ broad, oblique, rounded at the apex, with a depression in the centre, and very bright green, about 8in. long. =a. v. ellisii= (ellis's).* _fl._ sepals and petals large, white, suffused with rose, and tipped with amethyst; the lower sepals very round and broad; lip large; side lobes white, beautifully freckled towards the base, with short lines of amethyst; middle lobe broad, and deep rich amethyst in colour; spur stout, curved upwards, and tipped with brown; racemes about 18in. long, bearing generally from thirty to forty, or more, large flowers. _l._ pale green. a splendid variety. =a. wightianum.= _see_ =vanda testacea=. =a. williamsii= (williams's).* _fl._ delicate pinkish white, produced in great abundance; spikes 2ft. to 3ft. long, and branched, _l._ broad, dark green, drooping. a very scarce and pretty species. =aerobion.= _see_ =angrã¦cum=. =aerophytes.= plants that are grown entirely in the air. =ã�schynanthus= (from _aischuno_, to be ashamed, and _anthos_, a flower). ord. _gesneraceã¦_. a genus of very beautiful twining, radicant or parasitical stove shrubs, with opposite, simple, entire leaves, and axillary, terminal, few flowered, umbellate peduncles. they possess all the qualifications worthy of extensive cultivation--handsome flowers, fine deep green leaves, an agreeable fragrance, and are easily grown on blocks, which must be covered with green moss, fastened on with small copper wire. preparatory to fastening them on, the roots should be covered with moss, and the plants secured to the block also by wire. after this, but little attention is requisite, except duly syringing and occasionally dipping in tepid water. as pot plants they are very beautiful, and in this method perfection is only obtained by growing them on fast and strong by generous treatment, which consists in frequently repotting in light rich compost till they are large enough to be trained up a trellis, formed of slender rods of willow or hazel. propagated by seeds and cuttings. the former are very unsatisfactory; the latter root readily during spring in a well-drained pot, filled with a light compost, and having a surface of pure white sand, about 1in. deep. the best are obtained from half-ripened wood, cut into 2in. or 3in. lengths, and all leaves, with the exception of one or two at the top, removed. the cuttings should then be covered over with a bell glass, and placed in moderate bottom heat. so soon as rooted, transfer them singly to small pots, and again place under hand glasses, until they are thoroughly established, then gradually harden off. when about twelve months old, place the plants in their permanent quarters. baskets are commonly and very effectively employed. line these with moss, and fill with a light rich compost; place the plant as near the centre as possible, and, to promote a uniform growth, fasten down the branches with small neat pegs, at equal distances. during the summer, give copious supplies of water, to produce a liberal growth, which is of the utmost importance the first season, when they should not be permitted to flower. the following winter they should be kept cool and rather dry, thus giving them a rest. the year following, if properly managed, they will bloom profusely. =ã�. atrosanguinea= (dark-red).* _fl._ dark red; corolla 1-1/2in. long, cylindrical, saccate at base, pilose; peduncle one-flowered. july. _l._ pilose, oblong, sub-cordate, serrated, unequal. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala, 1848. =ã�. aucklandi.= (lord auckland's). synonymous with _ã�. speciosus_. =ã�. boschianus= (bosch's).* _fl._ scarlet, axillary, clustered; corolla tubular, with wide throat; calyx tubular, smooth, purplish-brown. july. _l._ ovate, obtuse, entire. _h._ 1ft. java, 1844. see fig. 36. =ã�. cordifolius= (heart-leaved).* _fl._ deep red, striped with black, inside of the tube orange, axillary, clustered. summer. _l._ cordate, quite smooth, dark green on the upper side, paler below. _h._ 1ft. borneo, 1858. =ã�. fulgens= (shining).* _fl._ bright crimson, very long; throat and the under side of the tube orange; lobes striped with black, disposed in terminal umbels. october. _l._ large, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, thick and fleshy, bright dark green. _h._ 1ft. east indies, 1855. =ã�. grandiflorus= (large-flowered).* _fl._ deep crimson and orange, large; corolla clavate; segments obtuse, with a dark mark at top, equal; umbels many-flowered. august. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, serrated, obscurely-nerved, fleshy, dark green, _h._ 5ft. east indies, 1838. =ã�. javanicus= (java). _fl._ bright red, stained with yellow in the throat; corolla downy, tubular; corymbs terminal, bracteate. june. _l._ small, ovate, slightly toothed, with sunk veins. java, 1848. plant scandent. =ã�. lobbianus= (lobb's).* _fl._ rich scarlet; calyx large, campanulate; corolla downy; corymbs terminal, bracteate. june. _l._ elliptic, entire or slightly serrated, glaucous. java, 1845. plant subscandent. [illustration: fig. 36. ã�schynanthus boschianus.] =ã�. longiflorus= (long-flowered).* _fl._ scarlet, erect, fascicled; corolla with a long clavate curved tube, and oblique constructed bilobed mouth; upper lobe bifid. summer. _l._ broad-lanceolate, acuminate, entire. java, 1845. plant pendulous. =ã�. miniatus= (vermilion).* _fl._ rich vermilion; corolla tomentose; upper lip bilobed, lower one tripartite; peduncles axillary, three-flowered. june. _l._ oval acute, entire. _h._ 1-1/2ft. java, 1845. syn. _ã�. radicans_. =ã�. pulcher= (fair).* _fl._ bright scarlet; corolla three times larger than the calyx; corymbs terminal, bracteate. june. _l._ ovate, obscurely toothed. java, 1845. scandent. =ã�. radicans= (stem-fibred). synonymous with _ã�. miniatus_. =ã�. speciosus= (showy).* _fl._ rich orange-coloured; corolla with long clavate curved tube, and obliquely four-lobed limb; upper lobe bifid, terminal, numerous, downy. summer. _l._ upper ones always verticillate, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, slightly serrate. _h._ 2ft. java, 1845. syn. _ã�. aucklandi_. =ã�. splendidus= (splendid).* _fl._ bright scarlet, spotted with black on the margins; corolla clavate, 3in. long, in terminal fascicles. summer, lasting in perfection for a considerable time. _l._ elliptic lanceolate, acuminated, entire, rather undulated. _h._ 1ft. hybrid. =ã�. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _fl._ deep blood red, usually twin; throat and base of the lobes bright orange, the three upper lobes being striped with black. july. _l._ cordate, dark green above, paler on the under side; edges, under surface, and stem, slightly hairy. _h._ 1ft. borneo, 1857. =ã�. zebrinus= (zebra-marked). _fl._ green, brown. autumn. java, 1846. =ã�schynomene= (from _aischuno_, to be ashamed; in reference to the leaves of some of the species falling on the slightest touch, like those of the sensitive plant). ord. _leguminosã¦_. stove herbs and shrubs, with impari-pinnate leaves, having many pairs of leaflets, and axillary racemes of usually yellow flowers. they thrive well in a good rich loam. propagated by cuttings, placed in sand under a bell glass, in a brisk heat. seeds of the herbaceous species require a good heat to start them into growth. the annuals are not worth growing. there are about forty other species known besides those mentioned, some of which may prove worthy of cultivation when introduced. =ã�. aristata= (awned). a synonym of _pictatia aristata_. =ã�. aspera= (rough-stemmed). _fl._ yellow; racemes compound; peduncles, bracteas, calyces, and corollas, hispid. june. _l._ with thirty to forty pairs of linear leaflets, which (as well as the legumes) are smooth. stem herbaceous, erect. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. east indies, 1759. perennial. =ã�. sensitiva= (sensitive).* _fl._ white; legumes and racemes glabrous; peduncles branched, few-flowered. june. _l._ with sixteen to twenty pairs of linear leaflets. stem smooth. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. jamaica, 1733. this shrub requires a sandy soil. =ã�sculus= (a name given by pliny to a kind of oak having an edible fruit; derived from _esca_, nourishment). the horse chestnut. ord. _sapindaceã¦_. a genus of hardy showy trees, well adapted for lawns or parks, having a beautiful appearance when in flower. they will do well in any soil, but the more loamy the better. increased by layers, put down in the spring, or by grafting or budding on the common horse chestnut. seeds, where procurable, should be sown singly in rows in spring, where they may remain until they are of sufficient size to be permanently planted out. this genus is distinguished from _pavia_, in having its capsules echinated, _i.e._, covered with prickles, like a hedgehog; but this character is not always consistent. =ã�. carnea= (flesh-coloured). synonymous with _ã�. rubicunda_. =ã�. glabra= (smooth-leaved).* _fl._ greenish yellow; corolla of four spreading petals, with their claws about the length of the calyx; stamens longer than the corolla. june. _l._ with five leaflets, very smooth; foliage larger than the common species. _h._ 20ft. north america, 1821. syns. _a. ohioensis_, _a. pallida_. =ã�. hippocastanum= (common horse-chestnut). _fl._ white, tinged with red, on very handsome terminal racemes, which are produced in great profusion; petals five. april and may. _l._ with seven obovately-cuneated, acute, toothed leaflets. asia, 1629. this, the common horse chestnut, is well known by the beautiful parabolic form in which it grows, and during the period of its flowering no tree possesses greater beauty. it has two or three unimportant varieties, differing in the variation of their leaves, and one also with double flowers. these are increased by grafting only. =ã�. ohioensis= (ohio). a synonym of _a. glabra_. =ã�. pallida= (pale-flowered). a synonym of _a. glabra_. =ã�. rubicunda= (red-flowered).* _fl._ scarlet, in very fine terminal racemes; petals four, having the claws shorter than the calyx; stamens eight. june. _l._ with five to seven obovately-cuneated, acute, unequally serrated leaflets. _h._ 20ft. north america, 1820. this is a very distinct and beautiful tree when in flower, and does not attain so large a size as _ã�. hippocastanum_. syn. _ã�. carnea_. =ã�stivation.= the manner of the folding of the calyx and corolla in the flower bud. =ã�thionema= (from _aitho_, to scorch, and _nema_, a filament; apparently in allusion to some tawny or burnt appearance in the stamens). ord. _cruciferã¦_. a genus of elegant little plants, distinguished from allied genera in having the four larger stamens winged, and with a tooth. herbs or sub-shrubs, perennial or annual, branched from the base, diffuse or erect. flowers in crowded terminal racemes. leaves fleshy, sessile. they are well worth cultivating in sunny situations, where they form a freer flowering habit than when growing in a wild state. some of the more hardy species may be planted on rock work, which, by their dwarf growth, they are well adapted for. the annual and biennial species may either be sown on rockwork or in the front of the flower-border. a light dry soil suits them best. the shrubby kinds of this genus should be kept in pots, which should be well drained with potsherds, and treated like other alpine plants. propagated by seeds, sown in may; or by cuttings, planted in summer. =ã�. buxbaumii= (bauxbaum's). _fl._ pale red; racemes crowded, aggregate. june. _l._ oblong-spathulate, glaucous. _h._ 6in. thrace, 1823. a pretty annual, with erect branched stems. syn. _thlaspi arabicum_. [illustration: fig. 37. ã�thionema coridifolium, showing habit and flowers.] =ã�. coridifolium= (coris-leaved).* _fl._ rosy lilac, small, in terminal dense rounded racemes. june. _l._ linear, glaucous, crowded. asia minor, 1871. a pretty perennial, shrubby below, with erect stems 6in. to 8in. high. see fig. 37. =ã�. gracile= (slender). _fl._ purplish; racemes crowded, terminal; when in fruit, loose. june. _l._ lanceolate, pointed. _h._ 8in. branches and branchlets slender, elongated. sandy hills in carniola, 1820. shrubby perennial. [illustration: fig. 38. ã�thionema grandiflorum, showing habit and flowers.] =ã�. grandiflorum= (large-flowered).* _fl._ of a warm shaded rose; racemes crowded, terminal, numerous. may to august. _l._ ovate-oblong, glaucous. mount lebanon, 1879. this perennial species forms a spreading bush about 1-1/2ft. high, and is perhaps the handsomest of the genus. it succeeds well in the ordinary border, but is far better suited for the rockery. see fig. 38. =ã�. membranaceum= (membranous-podded). _fl._ purplish, in terminal racemes. june. _l._ linear, distant, somewhat fleshy, strictly appressed. _h._ 3in. to 6in. persia, 1828. a small shrub, with filiform branches. =ã�. monospermum= (one-seeded). _fl._ purple, largish, in terminal racemes. july. _l._ oval or obovate, blunt, coriaceous; pods one-celled, one-seeded. _h._ 3in. to 6in. spain, 1778. a pretty little biennial, with hardish branches. =ã�. pulchellum= (pretty).* this is said to be a new species, but it much resembles _ã�. coridifolium_. it is scarcely in full cultivation yet, but it proves one of the hardiest as well as one of the most handsome kinds. =ã�. saxatilis= (rock).* _fl._ purplish; racemes loose, terminal. may and june. _l._ lanceolate, acutish. _h._ 8in. spain, 1820. a pretty annual. =african almond.= _see_ =brabejum=. =african bladder nut.= _see_ =royena lucida=. =african fleabane.= _see_ =tarchonanthus=. =african harebell.= _see_ =roella ciliata=. =african lily.= _see_ =agapanthus=. =african lotus.= _see_ =zizyphus=. =african marigold.= _see_ =tagetes erecta=. =african oak or teak.= _see_ =vitex doniana=. =african satin-bush.= _see_ =podalyria sericea=. =afzelia= (named after adam afzelius, m.d., professor of botany in the university of upsal, and for many years resident at sierra leone). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a pretty stove evergreen tree. for culture, _see_ =ã�giphila=. =a. africana= (african).* _fl._ crimson, disposed in racemes; petals four (furnished with claws), upper one largest. june. legume ligneus, many-celled; seeds black, with scarlet aril. _l._ abruptly pinnate. _h._ 30ft. sierra leone, 1821. =agalmyla= (from _agalma_, an ornament; and _hule_, a wood; the species are great ornaments to the woods in which they grow wild). ord. _gesneraceã¦_. a small but very handsome genus of climbing or radicant herbs, with simple alternate leaves and axillary fascicles of flowers, something like the blooms of a gesnera. corolla limb oblique, five-lobed, scarcely two-lipped. _a. staminea_, the most generally cultivated species, is best grown in a basket, planted in a compost of rough peat, a little leaf soil, fresh sphagnum moss, and nodules of charcoal. give an abundance of moisture when growing, which should be lessened after flowering, and allow the plant to rest during winter. it may be planted out on rockwork in the stove. half-ripened cuttings will root freely in heat under a glass. the temperature in summer should not be less than 75deg. by day, and 65deg. by night. =a. longistyla= (long-styled). _fl._ crimson. java, 1873. =a. staminea= (long-stamened).* _fl._ scarlet, disposed in axillary fascicles; corolla tubular, incurved, with a dilated throat. summer. _l._ alternate, oblong, acuminated, denticulated, nearly equal at the base, downy beneath, and on the edges. stem and petioles hairy. _h._ 2ft. java, 1846. stove species. =aganisia= (from _aganos_, desirable; in reference to the beauty of these neat little plants). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. a small genus of epiphytal orchids, requiring to be grown upon a block of wood suspended from the rafters of the stove. a damp atmosphere, syringing the roots and leaves freely when in a growing state, and shade during very bright sunshine, are primary points to be observed in their cultivation. increased by dividing the pseudo-bulbs just previous to starting into new growth. =a. cå�rulea= (dark blue).* _fl._ peduncles axillary, few flowered. "the colour is the well known one of _vanda cå�rulea_. there are, however, darker blue blotches quasi-tesselated over the flower. the lip is veiled, and has two very small basilar teeth, and then a veiled middle lacinia, that is sacciform, bordered with most remarkable long bristles, and with a deep violet blotch on its middle part beneath. the white column has two cartilaginous quadrate arms close to the stigmatic hollow." _l._ cuneate, oblong, acuminate. pseudo-bulbs distichous, depresso-ovoid. brazil, 1876. =a. fimbriata= (fringed).* _fl._ white; lip blue. demerara, 1874. this species has also a sacciform, fimbriate lip, but, when compared with the foregoing, its flowers, leaves, and bulbs are much smaller, and the lip is not slit up to the apex, but the sac is round. =a. graminea= (grass-leaved). a weedy looking species, of no garden value. guiana, 1836. =a. ionoptera= (violet-winged). the flowers, not very much larger than those of the lily of the valley, are white, with violet petals, and violet tips and streaks on the sepals. peru, 1871. =a. pulchella= (pretty).* _fl._ white, with a blotch of yellow in the centre of the lip; the spike is produced from the bottom of the bulb. _h._ 8in. demerara, 1838. it blossoms at different times of the year, and lasts two or three weeks in perfection. this species is very rare and pretty, and is best grown in a pot, with peat, and good drainage; requires a liberal supply of water at the roots, and the hottest house. =aganosma= (from _aganos_, mild, and _osme_, a smell; scent of flowers). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. a genus of showy stove or warm greenhouse shrubs, with opposite leaves and terminal corymbs of large funnel-shaped flowers, the coronet of which is cup-shaped or cylindrical, "having its parts so united that they appear only as lobes around the mouth of the cup." all the species mentioned are well worth cultivating. they thrive best in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat, in equal proportions. propagated by cuttings in sand, under glass, and with bottom heat. =a. acuminata= (pointed-leaved).* _fl._ large, white, fragrant; petals linear, falcate, curled; panicles axillary, longer than the leaves, scattered. _l._ from oblong to broad-lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous. sylhet. shrubby climber. =a. caryophyllata= (clove scented).* _fl._ pale yellow, tinged with red, deliciously clove scented; corymbs terminal. october. _l._ oval, acutish at both ends, tomentose beneath as well as the branches. india, 1812. shrubby twiner. =a. cymosa= (cymose-flowered).* _fl._ small, whitish, fragrant; calyx and corolla hoary outside; cymes terminal, shorter than the leaves. _l._ elliptic, acuminated. sylhet. shrub. =a. elegans= (elegant).* _fl._ small, purple; corolla downy outside, as well as the calyces, bracteas, and pedicels; sepals longer than the tube of the corolla; corymbs terminal, crowded. _l._ elliptic, short-acuminated, glabrous. india. shrubby twiner. =a. marginata= (bordered).* _fl._ numerous, large, white, fragrant; petals linear, falcate; panicles terminal, loose, corymbose, glabrous. _l._ lanceolate, smooth. sylhet. shrubby climber. =a. roxburghii= (roxburgh's).* _fl._ pure white, large, fragrant; calyx and corolla hoary outside; petals triangular; corymbs terminal. october. _l._ ovate-cordate, acuminated; petioles and veins red, glabrous, pale beneath, and shining above. india, 1812. shrubby twiner. =a. wallichii= (wallich's).* _fl._ white, fragrant; calyx and corolla downy outside; corymbs terminal. _l._ elliptic-acuminated, shining above and pale beneath, glabrous. india. this species differs from the last in the veins of the leaves being parallel, not longitudinal, from the base to the apex. shrubby twiner. =agapanthus= (from _agape_, love, and _anthos_, a flower). ord. _liliaceã¦_. african lily. a genus, with numerous varieties, of very handsome greenhouse or conservatory herbaceous plants. flowers large, scapose; perianth tubular, tube short; stamens six, having the filaments somewhat declinate. leaves linear or lorate, arching, radical. they are of easy culture, and thrive best in strong turfy loam, leaf mould, decomposed manure, and river sand. they may be grown in large pots or tubs outside, to be removed in autumn, and placed under the stage in the greenhouse, or where they will be protected from frost, and kept moderately dry. if planted and left outside, the crowns should be well covered with cocoa-nut fibre in winter. during the summer, and especially in dry weather, the plants can hardly be over watered. they thrive admirably on the margins of lakes or running streams, and few plants, alike in flower and foliage, are more effective. clear manure water may be given previous to or when the plants are in flower, and, after flowering, gradually lessen the quantity of water, until they are stowed away for the winter. they increase very rapidly, by offsets, and, if necessary, the old plants may be divided in early spring, to any extent required. in the more southern parts of this country they are quite hardy. [illustration: fig. 39. agapanthus umbellatus.] =a. umbellatus= (umbelled).* _fl._ bright blue; perianth funnel-shaped, regular, deeply six-parted; tube short; scape tall, naked, bearing a many-flowered umbel. summer and autumn. _l._ numerous, radical, linear, somewhat fleshy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. cape of good hope, 1692. see fig. 39. =a. u. albidus= (whitish).* _fl._ pure white, on large full-sized umbels, smaller than those of the species, but very showy. cape of good hope. this requires carefully drying off during the winter. =a. u. aureus= (golden). a variety in which the leaves are marked longitudinally with yellow. 1882. =a. u. flore-pleno= (double-flowered).* identical in all respects with the species, except that it has double flowers, which are therefore, much more lasting than the single ones. a very handsome variety. =a. u. leichtlinii= (leichtlin's).* _fl._, perianth deep bright hyacinthine blue, 1-1/4in. long; scape about 1-1/2ft. long, with a more compact umbel than any other known form. june. _l._ similar in size to the species. cape of good hope, 1878. =a. u. maximus= (larger).* _fl._ bright blue, in immense umbels. this is larger in all its parts than the type, and when well grown is truly a noble plant. there is also a white-flowered form of this variety, which is most desirable, being equally as large. =a. u. minor= (smaller).* this is smaller in all its parts, with narrow leaves, and slender scapes of deep blue flowers. a very elegant variety. =a. u. mooreanus= (moore's).* _fl._ dark blue. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1879. a new variety, with shorter, narrower, and more upright leaves than the species; it has a dwarf habit. perfectly hardy. =a. u. variegatus= (variegated).* where variegated-leaved plants are desired, few could be more useful than this; its leaves are almost entirely white, with a few green bands, but they are neither so broad nor so long as in the type. it is an excellent subject for the domestic garden. =agapetes= (from _agapetos_, beloved; in reference to the showy character of the plants). ord. _vacciniaceã¦_. a genus containing about eighteen species of warm greenhouse or stove evergreen shrubs. flowers corymbose and racemose; corolla tubular. leaves alternate, coriaceous. they are all worthy of cultivation, but only two or three species are grown in england. peat, turfy loam, and sand, in equal parts, is the best compost for them; and young hardened cuttings will strike in sandy soil, under a hand glass, in stove temperature. =a. buxifolia= (box-leaved).* _fl._ bright red, about 1in. long, tubular, wax-like, disposed in corymbs. april. _l._ small, oval oblong, bright green, leathery; branches spreading, twiggy. _h._ 5ft. bootan. =a. setigera= (bristly). _fl._ red, about 1in. long, tubular, numerous, in lateral and corymbose racemes, furnished with bristly hairs. _l._ scattered, lanceolate, acuminated, on very short robust petioles. pundua mountains, 1837. =a. variegata= (variegated). _fl._ scarlet, about 1in. long, tubular, lateral, corymbose. _l._ on short petioles, lanceolate, acuminated, denticulated, attenuated at the base, veiny. khasia, 1837. =agaricus= (derived from _agaria_, the name of a town in sarmentosa). mushroom. ord. _fungi_. the most extensive genus known. it, however, contains but one or two species of cultural value. the most important ones are the common field mushroom, _a. campestris_ (fig. 44), the fairy ring mushroom, _a. pratensis_, and _a. vaginatus_. familiar species are the parasol mushroom, _a. procerus_ (fig. 43); st. george's mushroom, _a. gambosus_ (fig. 42); and the deadly fly agaric, _a. muscarius_ (fig. 41). for practical purposes the majority of this genus are poisonous, and many virulently so. great care must be exercised in experimenting with unknown species, even by experienced fungologists. _see_ =mushroom=. =agastachys= (from _agastos_, admirable, and _stachys_, a spike). ord. _proteaceã¦_. a greenhouse evergreen shrub, with four sepalled apetalous flowers, which are disposed in numerous spikes. it thrives in a compost of equal parts loam, sand, and peat. cuttings of ripened wood will strike in sandy soil under a glass, in a cool house. =a. odorata= (fragrant).* _fl._ pale yellow, sweet scented, crowded; spikes 4in. to 5in. long. april. _l._ bluntly lanceolate, sub-sessile, thickish, about 2in. long. _h._ about 3ft. new holland, 1826. =agathã�a= (from _agathos_, excellent; in reference to the beauty of the flowers). ord. _compositã¦_. allied to _cineraria_, and requiring the same greenhouse treatment. it makes a very pretty object for summer decoration in the flower garden. young cuttings root freely, in a gentle heat, at all times; and the plant may be had in bloom all the year round. =a. cå�lestis= (sky-blue).* _fl.-heads_ blue; peduncle one-headed. june. _l._ opposite, ovate, naked. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1753. herbaceous perennial. see fig. 40. [illustration: fig. 40. agathã�a cå�lestis.] =agatha rose.= _see_ =rosa gallica agatha=. =agathis.= _see_ =dammara=. =agathophyllum= (from _agathos_, pleasant, and _phyllon_, a leaf; referring to the pleasant clove-like smell of the leaf). madagascar nutmeg. ord. _lauraceã¦_. a stove evergreen tree, of economic value only, having the fruit enclosed by the persistent calyx; thriving in peat and light rich loam. of easy propagation by cuttings in sand, with a moderate bottom heat. =a. aromaticum= (aromatic). _fl._ white. _l._ stalked, alternate, obovate, obtuse, leathery, entire, smooth. _h._ 30ft. madagascar, 1823. =agathosma= (from _agathos_, pleasant, and _osme_, smell; the plants contained in this genus have a pleasant smell). syns. _bucco_, _dichosma_. ord. _rutaceã¦_. beautiful small heath-like greenhouse shrubs, from the cape of good hope. flowers in terminal heads, or umbels; petals five, divided, with long claws, and scattered, short, narrow leaves, usually with revolute edges. they are of easy culture, thriving best in a mixture of sand and peat, with the addition of a little turfy loam. young cuttings will strike root freely in a pot of sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house. they require to be shaded somewhat in the summer. winter temperature, 40deg. to 45deg. about forty-six species are known. =a. acuminata= (taper-pointed leaved).* _fl._ violet; calyces smooth, glandular, on terminal subcapitate heads. april. _l._ ovate, somewhat cordate, long acuminated, fringed, at length spreading. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1812. =a. bruniades= (brunia-like).* _fl._ lilac or white, on terminal sub-umbellate heads; peduncles fastigiate, elongated. april. _l._ scattered, linear-trigonal, awl-shaped, dotted, and a little fringed; branches hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1820. =a. cerefolia= (chervil-leaved). _fl._ white, small; pedicels and calyces beset with glandular hairs; heads terminal sub-umbellate. april. _l._ crowded, lanceolate, acute, spreading, keeled, fringed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1794. =a. ciliata= (ciliated).* _fl._ white; pedicels smoothish; heads terminal sub-umbellate. april. _l._ scattered, lanceolate, acute, with toothletted-fringed, revolute edges, dotted beneath, and bearing hairs on the middle nerve, becoming at length reflexed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1774. =a. erecta= (upright).* _fl._ pale violet, terminal, sub-umbellate; peduncles short, villous. april. _l._ imbricate, trigonal, blunt, dotted beneath, a little fringed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1818. =a. hirta= (hairy). _fl._ purple, densely capitate; petals bearded at the claws. april. _l._ somewhat imbricate, linear, awl-shaped, channelled, hairy on the back, decurrent. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1794. [illustration: fig. 41. agaricus muscarius (fly agaric).] [illustration: fig. 42. agaricus gambosus (st. george's mushroom).] [illustration: fig. 43. agaricus procerus (parasol mushroom).] [illustration: fig. 44. agaricus campestris (common mushroom).] =a. hispida= (rough-haired). _fl._ violet, on terminal sub-umbellate heads; pedicels and sepals pubescent; petals quite smooth. may. _l._ crowded, linear, trigonal, blunt, spreading, hispid, keeled, and two-furrowed beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1786. =a. imbricata= (imbricated). _fl._ pale purple, in terminal sub-capitate heads; petals with a roundish limb; sepals smoothish; pedicels pubescent. april. _l._ imbricate, crowded, ovate, acuminated, dotted, fringed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1774. =a. orbicularis= (round-leaved). _fl._ white, on terminal sub-umbellate heads; stamens twice as long as the corolla; pedicels pubescent. april. _l._ scattered, spreading, orbicular, ovate, or reniform, smooth, reflexed, small, thickish, without any dots beneath; branches villous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1790. =a. prolifera= (proliferous). _fl._ white, on terminal sub-umbellate heads; sepals smooth; pedicels somewhat fastigiate, pubescent. april. _l._ spreading, lanceolate, cuspidate; keel and edges fringed, dotted; branches whorled, proliferous. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1790. =a. pubescens= (downy). _fl._ white; umbels terminal; peduncles and sepals villous. april. _l._ lanceolate, trigonal, pointless, with margins and rib ciliated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1798. =a. rugosa= (coarsely-wrinkled). _fl._ white, on terminal sub-umbellate heads; sepals pubescent; pedicels capillary, clothed with glandular hairs. april. _l._ spreading, oblong or ovate, blunt, keeled, wrinkled, villous beneath, reflexed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1790. =a. vestita= (clothed). _fl._ lilac, on terminal sub-capitate heads; pedicels quite smooth. may. _l._ closely imbricated, ovate, acuminated, keeled, fringed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1824. =agathyrsus.= _see_ =mulgedium=. =agati= (its sanscrit name). ord. _leguminosã¦_. ornamental stove trees from india, with lanceolate stipulas, abruptly-pinnate leaves, having many pairs of leaflets. flowers large, few, racemose. legumes 1-1/2ft. long. a mixture of loam, peat, and sand is most suitable. young cuttings will root in a pot of sand, with a hand glass over them, placed in heat. =a. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ red, rather smaller than the next species. legumes rather terete. _l._ leaflets powdery. july. _h._ 20ft. to 30ft. 1768. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered). _fl._ rosy red. july. legumes evidently compressed. _l._ leaflets glabrous. _h._ 14ft. to 26ft. 1768. =a. g. flore-albo= (white flowered). _fl._ white, double. n. australia, 1869. =agave= (from _agauos_, admirable; referring to the stately form in which some of them flower). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. flower-scape tall, proceeding from the centre of the rosette of leaves; perianth funnel-shaped, six-parted. leaves large, fleshy, tufted. mr. b. s. williams describes them as follows: "they are noble, massive-growing plants, and form magnificent ornaments in the greenhouse or conservatory; whilst, from their slow growth, they do not rapidly get too large, even for a small greenhouse. indeed, some of the real gems of this genus are neat, compact-growing plants, seldom exceeding 2ft. in height. besides being fine ornamental plants for indoor decoration, the larger growing kinds are unquestionably the finest objects for the embellishment of terrace-walks, or surmounting flights of steps in the open air during the summer season, and also for plunging in rockwork, or about any rustic nooks in the pleasure-grounds, as, in such situations, they are quite in keeping, and thrive admirably. as is well known, they attain maturity very slowly; but when this condition is reached, the plant sends up a flower spike, and, after perfecting this, dies." _a. sartorii_, and a few others are, however, exceptional, and go on flowering year after year. it is certainly fallacious to suppose it takes them a hundred years to flower. agaves succeed well potted in good loam and river sand, to which may be added a little peat and leaf mould for some of the smaller-growing kinds. the drainage should be good, as they enjoy a liberal supply of water during the summer season, but during winter considerably less will be required. they can be increased by suckers when these are to be obtained, and also by seeds, to secure the production of which, in the species that do not yield suckers, the flowers should be carefully impregnated. in the following descriptive list of species, only those of horticultural value are mentioned, some of which are still rare; and in describing them we have availed ourselves of mr. j. g. baker's excellent monograph, which appeared in the columns of the _gardener's chronicle_. many are omitted, not from any deficiency in horticultural beauty, but because, in several instances, only one plant of a species is known to exist in cultivation, and such cannot, therefore, hope to become in general cultivation for many years hence. =a. albicans= (whitened). probably a variety of _a. micrantha_. [illustration: fig. 45. agave americana.] =a. americana= (american).* _fl._ yellowish green, 2in. to 3-1/2in. long; in very dense globose clusters, on pedicels 1/4in. to 1/2in. long; scape, including the thyrsoid panicle, 24ft. to 36ft. august. _l._ usually thirty to forty, sometimes more, in a rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, 3ft. to 6ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad above the middle, glaucous green, more or less concave all down the face, the outer leaves recurved, the dark brown pungent point 1in. to 2in. long; prickles brown tipped, 1/6in. to 1/4in. long. s. america, 1640. see fig. 45. =a. a. mexicana= (mexican). a variety much shorter in the leaves than the species, of which it may be regarded as one of the many small forms. =a. a. picta= (painted).* _l._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, about 4in. wide, lower ones recurved, upper ones erect, moderately thick, rich golden yellow on both sides, bordered with dark green. a very splendid variety. syn. _a. ornata_. =a. a. variegata= (variegated). _l._ 6ft. or more in length, 6in. or 8in. wide, dark green in the centre, broadly margined with rich yellow. a very desirable variety. =a. amå�na= (pleasing). referred to _a. scolymus_. =a. amurensis= (amur river). synonymous with _a. xylacantha_. =a. applanata= (plano-convex-leaved). _fl._ unknown. _l._ twenty to forty in a dense sessile rosette, reaching a couple of feet in diameter, oblong-spathulate, 8in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3-1/2in. broad, the lower half of the face flat, the upper half concave, suddenly terminating in a pungent brown spine above 1in. long, blue-green bordered with brown; prickles 1/4in. to 1/3in. long, bright brown. mexico, 1869. =a. atrovirens= (dark-green). synonymous with _a. salmiana_. =a. attenuata= (attenuated).* _fl._ greenish-yellow, 2in. long; pedicels about 1/4in. long, on a dense spike, 6ft. to 8ft. long, and 6in. in diameter; bracts overtopping the perianth. _l._ ten to twenty, in a dense rosette at the top of the stem, oblong-spathulate, 2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, 8in. to 9in. broad two-thirds of the way up, narrowed to 2-1/2in. to 3in. above the base, persistently glaucous, one of the most fleshy of all in texture; face rather concave when young; tip not pungent, edge quite entire. stem 4ft. to 7ft. high, 3in. to 4in. thick. mexico, 1834. a most distinct species. =a. beaucarnei= (beaucarne's). synonymous with _a. kerchovei_. =a. botterii= (botteri's).* _fl._ greenish-yellow, about 1in. long, on a dense spike, longer than the leaves; primary bracts lanceolate, with a long point, the lower ones as long as the flowers; scape covered with adpressed lanceolate bracts. _l._ about fifty in a rosette, oblong-spathulate, about 2ft. long, 6in. broad above the middle, narrowed to 4-1/2in. above the base; pale green, concave in the centre; spine hard, pungent, about 1/2in. long; marginal teeth crowded, 1/8in., upcurved at the tip. stemless. mexico, about 1865. =a. bulbifera= (bulb-bearing). synonymous with _a. vivipara_. =a. cã¦spitosa= (tufted). synonymous with _a. sartorii_. =a. cantula.= synonymous with _a. vivipara_. [illustration: fig. 46. agave celsiana.] =a. celsiana= (cels's).* _fl._ tinged purplish-brown, 2in. long, in a dense spike, 1ft. or more long, and 6in. to 8in. in diameter when expanded; scape 4ft. long, the lower bract leaves lanceolate, the upper ones subulate. _l._ twenty to thirty in a rosette, oblong-spathulate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 5in. broad at the middle, narrowed to 2-1/2in. to 3in. above the base, persistently glaucous, the point hardly at all pungent; spines very unequal in size and shape, green, largest brown and horny at the top. mexico, 1839. this is a beautiful species, the stem of which scarcely rises off the surface of the ground. see fig. 46. =a. coccinea= (scarlet). _fl._ unknown. _l._ twenty to thirty in a dense rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad two-thirds of the way up, narrowed to 3in. above the dilated base, where it is 1in. to 1-1/4in. thick, deep heavy green; terminal spine 1-1/2in. or more in length, red; side prickles irregular, deltoid, unequal, nearly straight, 1/6in. to 1/4in. long, red. mexico, 1859. =a. cochlearis= (cochleate). _fl._ yellowish green, above 4in. long, in dense clusters. _l._ forming a sessile rosette 10ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 5ft. to 6ft. long, above 1ft. broad, 5in. thick at the base, opaque green, with a deeply excavated face; terminal spine very stout, pungent; side prickles curved variously, middle sized, deltoid. stems 26ft. high. mexico, previous to 1867. =a. consideranti= (considerant's). synonymous with _a. victoriã¦ regina_. =a. corderoyi= (corderoy's).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ forty to fifty in a dense rosette, rigidly erecto-patent, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, bright green; terminal spine hard, brown, 1in. long; side prickles moderately close, erecto-patent, dark brown, 1/6in. long. mexico, 1868. a very distinct and pretty species. =a. crenata= (crenated). referred to _a. scolymus_. =a. cucullata= (hooded). referred to _a. scolymus_. =a. dasylirioides= (dasylirion-like).* _fl._ yellow, about 1-1/2in. long; spike as long as the scape, often decurved; lower bracts much longer than the flowers; pedicels obsolete; scape 6ft. long, densely clothed with spreading subulate bract leaves, the lower ones 1ft. long. _l._ eighty to a hundred in a dense rosette, linear-ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. long, about 1in. broad, narrowing gradually from the middle to a short brown pungent point, pale glaucous green, rigidly leathery; edge minutely denticulate. mexico, 1846. =a. d. dealbata= (whitened). a variety of preceding, but with more glaucous foliage. [illustration: fig. 47. agave densiflora.] =a. densiflora= (close-flowered).* _fl._ yellowish-red, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, on a dense spike, 2ft. long; pedicels very short; scape, including the spike, 6ft. long, the lower bracts ascending, the upper ones spreading. _l._ thirty to forty in a stemless rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, and 2-1/2in. to 5in. broad, bright green when mature; terminal spine 1/2in. long, thick, pungent, slightly decurrent; side spines crowded, short, bright chestnut brown. mexico (previous to) 1857. see fig. 47. =a. deserti= (desert's).* _fl._ yellow, under 2in. long, on a thyrsoid panicle, the branches very short, the lower horizontal, the upper ascending; pedicels short; scape 4ft. to 10ft. high, 1in. to 2in. thick at the base, furnished with distant lanceolate acuminate toothed bracts. _l._ few, in a rosette, oblanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad above the middle, thick, fleshy, very glaucous; face deeply concave; terminal spine 1in. to 2in. long, slender; prickles crowded, strong, hooked, horny, nearly 1/4in. long. california, 1877. =a. desmetiana= (de smet's). probably synonymous with _a. miradorensis_. =a. elemeetiana= (elemeet's).* _fl._ yellowish-green, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, in a dense spike 8ft. to 9ft. long, 7in. to 8in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels 1/4in. long; scape, including the spike, 12ft. to 13ft. high, stiffly erect, lower 3ft. to 4ft., barren, with squarrose lanceolate bracts. _l._ twenty to twenty-five in a rosette, lanceolate-oblong, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 6in. wide, slightly glaucous; face flat above the middle terminal spine, not pungent, the margin pale and quite entire. stemless. a very distinct species. mexico, 1864. =a. fenzliana= (fenzl's). synonymous with _a. hookeri_. =a. ferox= (fierce). _fl._ unknown. _l._ about twenty in a rosette, oblong-spathulate, 4in. to 8in. broad; face nearly flat, except at the top, slightly glaucous green; terminal spine above 1in. long, hard, pungent; margin slightly wavy between the large dark brown teeth, which are about 1/4in. long, and curved at the top. mexico, 1861. =a. filifera= (thread-bearing).* _fl._ greenish, about 2in. long; pedicels very short and stout, in a dense spike 2ft. to 3ft. long; scape 3ft. to 4ft. long, its bract-leaves subulate, the lower ones ascending, the upper squarrose. _l._ sixty to a hundred in a dense rosette, stiff, straight, ensiform, 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. broad at the middle, gradually narrowing to a grey pungent tip; face flat, the continuous grey edge splitting off copiously into irregular spreading grey wiry threads; outer leaves of the rosette not all recurved, but spreading stiffly. mexico. =a. f. filamentosa= (thready).* a form with larger leaves and scape; including the spike, 10ft. to 12ft. high. a well-known, handsome variety. =a. galeotti= (galeotti's). _fl._ unknown. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, 2in. to 6in. broad; face rather flat or convex, green; terminal spine hard, pungent; prickles close, straight, or slightly hooked, purplish-black. mexico, 1877. =a. ghiesbreghtii= (ghiesbreght's). _fl._ unknown. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, rigid, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bright glossy green; terminal spine 1/2in. long, pungent; border narrow, red-brown till a late stage; side prickles numerous, irregular, two to three lines long. mexico, 1862. very handsome dwarf species. _a. rohanii_ and _a. leguayana_ are mere varieties. =a. heteracantha= (various-spined).* _fl._ greenish, 1-1/2in. long, on a dense spike 3ft. long; scape 3ft. to 4ft. long. _l._ fifty to eighty in a rosette, rigid, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 2-1/2in. broad in the middle, dull green, with numerous darker green lines on the back; terminal point 1in. long; side spines numerous, strongly hooked, lanceolate. stemless. mexico. =a. hookeri= (hooker's).* _fl._ large, yellow, very numerous, in stalked panicled cymes. _l._ thirty to forty in a sessile rosette, 8ft. or 9ft. in diameter, oblanceolate-spathulate, bright green on the face, rather glaucous on the back, 4ft. to 5ft. long, 5in. to 9in. broad, 2in. to 3in. thick; terminal spine 2in. long, and decurrent for nearly half a foot; face flattish or slightly concave; side prickles irregular, brown and horny, about 1/4in. long, and curved in different directions. mexico. syn. _a. fenzliana_. a rare and noble species, very massive. =a. horrida= (horrid).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, rigid, lanceolate-spathulate, 8in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, bright green; terminal spine pungent, nearly 1in. long; margin furnished with a continuous broad grey border, with copious prickles 3/8in. to 1/2in. long. =a. h. gilbeyi= (gilbey's).* _l._ about thirty, 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. broad, dark green with a pale stripe down the middle, three to four large spines on each side. mexico, 1873. =a. h. lã¦vior= (smoother). _l._ somewhat narrower, longer, with marginal spines less strongly developed, and of a paler colour. mexico, 1870. =a. h. macrodonta= (long-toothed). _l._ fifty to sixty, 2-1/2in. broad; spines larger than in the typical form. mexico, 1876. =a. h. micrantha= (small-toothed). border of leaf narrower, and spines smaller, than in the typical form. =a. jacobiana= (jacob's). synonymous with _a. salmiana_. =a. kerchovei= (kerchove's).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ thirty to forty in a stemless rosette, stiff, rigid, typically ensiform, 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, narrowing gradually to a pungent spine 1in. long, dull green, with a distinct pale central band, rounded on the back, without any stripes of dark green, the margin with a continuous moderately broad grey border; side prickles irregular, grey, lanceolate, curved, 1/6in. to 1/4in. long. syn. _a. beaucarnei_. there are several varieties of _a. kerchovei_, of which the following are the most important:- =a. k. diplacantha= (double-spined).* with very few distant, small teeth, often collected or united in pairs. =a. k. inermis= (unarmed). dwarf, with spines entirely obsolete. =a. k. macrodonta= (long-toothed). _l._ 1-1/2ft. long, without any distinct central band, and with copious irregular grey lanceolate prickles, about 1/3in. long. =a. k. pectinata= (comb-like). _l._ 1ft. long, 2-1/4in. broad, without any central band. =a. lophantha= (crest-flowered).* _fl._ greenish, arranged in a dense spike 4ft. to 5ft. long; scape 7ft. to 8ft. long, its leaves brown, the lower ones 6in. long. _l._ thirty to forty in a rosette, rigid, ensiform, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1-1/2in. broad at the middle, rather concave down the face, rounded on the back, not marked with any lines, dull green; terminal spine 1in. long; margins bordered by a very narrow continuous grey hoary line, furnished with distant linear falcate teeth, about 1/12in. long, sessile. mexico. =a. l. cå�rulescens= (bluish).* _l._ with a decided glaucous bloom. =a. l. longifolia= (long-leaved). a mere variety of above species. =a. macracantha= (long-spined).* _fl._ greenish, 2in. long, ten to twelve in a loose raceme 6in. long, all solitary on ascending pedicels 1/4in. to 1/2in. long; scape 2ft. to 3ft. long; bracts erect. _l._ thirty to fifty in a stiff rosette 1ft. to 2ft. broad, oblanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, very stiff and rigid, very glaucous; face rather thicker in the lower half; terminal spine nearly black, very pungent, 1/2in. long; side prickles purplish-black, sub-distant, 1/8in. long, with a large point straight or slightly hooked. with a short stem, or stemless. mexico, 1830. it has many varieties, among which are _a. bessereriana_ and _a. flavescens_. =a. maximiliana= (maximilian's).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ about twenty in a sessile rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 1-3/4in. to 3in. broad; face slightly glaucous green; terminal spine pungent, brown, 1in. broad; side prickles bright chestnut brown, larger and more irregular than in _a. americana_, more hooked, and furnished with longer and sharper points, reaching 1/4in. long. mexico. a very distinct species. =a. micracantha= (small-spined). _fl._ yellowish, 1-1/2in. long, in a dense spike 3ft. to 4ft. long, 6in. to 7in. broad when expanded. _l._ twenty to thirty in a shortly stalked rosette, oblanceolate oblong, 15in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 5in. broad above the middle, narrowed to 2in. to 3in. above the base, bright green; face flattish above the centre; terminal spine red brown, moderately firm; the copious close reddish-brown horny teeth about 1/12in. long, the upper ones ascending, the lower deflexed. mexico, 1860. =a. miradorensis= (mirador).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ about thirty in a sessile rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 2-1/2in. broad above the middle, thin but firm in texture, very glaucous, with a firm red-brown terminal spine 1in. long; side prickles very minute, crowded, colourless, five or six to an inch in the centre of the leaf. mexico, 1869. syn. (probably) _a. desmetiana_. =a. noackii= (noack's). a synonym of _a. sartorii_. =a. ornata= (adorned). a synonym of _a. americana picta_. =a. ortgiesiana= (ortgies'). a dwarf form of _a. schidigera_ with a pale central band to the leaf. mexico, 1861. a widely-distributed and desirable species. =a. pendula= (pendulous). synonymous with _a. sartorii_. =a. polyacantha= (many-spined).* _fl._ greenish-yellow, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; flowering-stem 8ft. to 12ft. high, including the dense spike, which is 3ft. to 4ft. long. _l._ about thirty in a sessile rosette, oblanceolate-spathulate, rigid, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2-1/2in. to 5in. broad above the middle, bright green, slightly glaucous when young; terminal spine dark brown, pungent, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long; side prickles crowded, deltoid, dark chestnut brown, irregular, 1/12in. or 1/8in. long, all sub-patent. mexico, 1800. syns. _a. uncinata_, _a. xalapensis_. =a. poselgerii= (poselger's). _fl._ purplish, rather more than 1in. long; scape, including the spike, 6ft. to 10ft. _l._ twenty to thirty in a dense rosette, rigid, ensiform, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long; 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad at the middle, dull green, with a broad pale band down to the face, rounded and marked with numerous distinct green lines down the back; margin furnished with a continuous straight, moderately broad edge; terminal spine 1in. long, brown, pungent; side prickles moderately close, lanceolate, hooked, 1/6in. long. trunk, 4in. to 6in. long. texas. =a. potatorum= (drinkers'). _fl._ greenish yellow, 3in. long; scape 12ft. high, including the thyrsoid panicle, which is 4ft. to 5ft. long. _l._ about twenty in a dense sessile rosette, 4ft. to 5ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, 7in. to 9in. broad above the middle, a dull glaucous green; face slightly concave; terminal spines hard, pungent, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; side prickles deltoid-cuspidate, about 1/4in. long, with the edge slightly wavy between them. mexico, 1830. =a. pruinosa= (frosty).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ ten to twenty in a dense rosette, spreading, oblanceolate-oblong, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 5in. broad above the middle, soft and fleshy in texture, pale glaucous green; terminal spine very weak; edge furnished with minute irregular spreading deltoid serrations, not more than quarter line long. mexico, 1863. a very distinct species. =a. roezliana= (roezl's). _fl._ unknown. _l._ twenty to thirty in a sessile rosette, stiff, ensiform, 6in. to 7in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad at the middle, bright glossy green, with a distinct pale band down the centre, broadly rounded on the back, without any darker green lines, margined with a continuous moderately broad border, red brown at first, fading into grey when old; terminal spines bright reddish brown, pungent, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long; side prickles copious, spreading, lanceolate, curved, 1/4in. long. mexico, 1869. [illustration: acacia leprosa (lemon). a. lineata (orange).] =a. salmiana= (prince salm-dyck's).* _fl._ greenish yellow, 4in. long; panicle thyrsoid, 6ft. to 8ft. long, with erecto-patent branches and flowers in dense clusters; scape, exclusive of the panicle, 20ft. high. _l._ twelve to thirty in a dense rosette, which is often 5ft. to 6ft. broad, oblanceolate-spathulate, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad above the middle, a dull, slightly glaucous green; face more or less concave; terminal spine 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, hard and pungent; side prickles 1/4in. long, chestnut brown, hooked up or down. mexico, 1860. syns. _a. atrovirens_, _a. jacobiana_, _a. tehuacensis_. =a. s. latissima= (very broad). _l._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, by 8in. to 9in. broad above the middle. =a. sartorii= (sartor's). _fl._ greenish, 1-1/2in. long; pedicels very short, in a dense spike about 3ft. long, 5in. to 6in. broad when expanded; scape 3ft. to 4ft. long, the green linear ascending bracts 2in. to 4in. long. _l._ thirty to forty spaced out in a loose rosette, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. broad at the middle, bright green, with a pale band down the middle; face flat; terminal spine small, not pungent; side prickles minute, crowded, spreading, tipped with red-brown. caudex 1ft. to 2ft. long, sometimes forked. syns. _a. cã¦spitosa_, _a. noackii_, _a. pendula_. =a. schidigera= (spine-bearing).* _fl._ almost identical with _a. filifera_. _l._ fifty to eighty in a dense sessile rosette, stiff, ensiform, 12in. to 15in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad at the middle, similar in colour and texture to those of _a. filifera_, but the grey marginal border, and splitting off into flat shavings, not mere threads. =a. schnittspahni= (schnittspahn's). referred to _a. scolymus_. =a. scolymus= (scolymus). _fl._ greenish yellow, 2-1/2in. to 3in. long; branches few, with the flowers at the end in very dense clusters; scape 14ft. to 16ft. high, including the thyrsoid panicle, which is 4ft. long and 2ft. broad, furnished with green bracts. _l._ twenty to thirty in a dense rosette 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 9in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad above the middle, very glaucous, abruptly terminating in a pungent spine, 1in. or more long; side prickles chestnut brown, about 1/4in. long; edge wavy between them; those on the lower half smaller and directed downwards. mexico, 1830. other so-called species referred to this are _a. amå�na_, _a. crenata_, _a. cucullata_, _a. schnittspahni_, and _a. verschaffeltii_. =a. s. saundersii= (saunders'). _fl._ about 1ft. long; teeth very large. =a. seemanni= (seemann's).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ twenty in a sessile rosette, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 3-1/2in. broad at the middle, narrowed to 2in. above the dilated base, slightly glaucous; face flat, except close to the top; terminal spine pungent, dark brown, 1/2in. long; side prickles large, moderately close, slightly curved upwards or downwards. guatemala, 1868. there are two or three garden forms of this species. =a. shawii= (shaw's).* _fl._ greenish yellow, 3in. to 3-1/2in. long; panicle thyrsoid, about 2ft. long and broad; clusters dense, composed of thirty to forty flowers, surrounded by large foliaceous fleshy bracts. _l._ fifty to sixty, or more, forming a dense globose sessile rosette 2ft. in diameter, oblong-spathulate, 8in. to 10in. long, 3-1/2in. to 4-1/2in. broad at the middle, deep green; terminal spine brown, 1in. long, the upper third or quarter entire, the rest furnished with crowded upcurved lanceolate prickles, 1/4in. to 1/2in. long. california, 1877. this species is very rare at present, but is a most distinct and handsome plant. =a. sobolifera= (soboliferous). _fl._ greenish yellow, 2in. to 2-1/2in. long, in a deltoid panicle, of which the lower panicles are 9in. to 12in. long, and bear a hundred flowers each; pedicels 1/4in. to 1in. long; scape 8ft. to 10ft. high, 2-1/2in. thick at the base. _l._ twenty to forty in a shortly caulescent rosette, oblanceolate-oblong-spathulate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 5in. broad at the middle, very bright green; face deeply channelled, the border much raised and tip often recurved; terminal spine sub-pungent, chestnut brown, 1/2in. long; side prickles distant, brown, hooked, 1/12in. to 1/8in. long. west indies, 1678. =a. striata= (striated-leaved).* _fl._ brownish green outside, yellow inside, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long; pedicels very short; spike dense, 2ft. to 3ft. long; bracts linear, shorter than the flowers; scape 6ft. to 8ft. high, including the spike, furnished with numerous spreading subulate bracts, which are 2in. to 3in. long. _l._ 150 to 200 in a dense rosette, linear-ensiform, 2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad above the deltoid dilated base, where they are 1/4in. thick and 1in. broad, narrowed gradually from the top of the base to the point, rigid in texture, glaucous green; face rather keeled, and the back more so; point brown, pungent, 1/2in. long; edges minutely serrulate. mexico, 1856. =a. s. echinoides= (echinus-like). _l._ about 6in. long, 1/3in. broad at the middle; face flat. mexico, 1869. dwarfer and stiffer in habit than the variety _stricta_. =a. s. recurva= (recurved-leaved). _l._ longer than in the type, 3ft. to 4ft., more or less falcate, narrower, and decidedly convex on both surfaces. =a. s. stricta= (upright). _l._ about 1ft. long, very stiff, 1/4in. broad at the middle, both faces convex. _a. richardsii_ comes near to this variety. =a. tehuacensis= (tehuan). synonymous with _a. salmiana_. =a. uncinata= (hooked). synonymous with _a. polyacantha_. =a. univittata= (one-striped).* _fl._ green, 1-1/2in. long (or less); spike 10ft. to 12ft. long, 6in. to 7in. thick; pedicels 1/4in. long; scape 4ft. long, exclusive of the spike, its bracts dense and squarrose. _l._ fifty to eighty in a stemless rosette, rigid, ensiform, 2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad at the middle, narrowed slightly downwards, and very gradually upwards, dull green, with a broad pale band down the face, faintly lineate on the back; margin bordered by a narrow, continuous grey horny line, furnished with hooked lanceolate prickles, 1/8in. long, from 1/2in. to 1in. apart; terminal spine brown, pungent, 1in. long. mexico, 1830. =a. utahensis= (utahan).* _fl._ yellowish, about 1in. long; peduncles ultimately 1/4in. long; scapes, 5ft. to 7ft. high, including the 1ft. to 2ft. spike. _l._ stemless, ensiform, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to nearly 2in. broad, thick, glaucous; terminal spine channelled, pungent, about 1in. long; marginal prickles, 1/8in. to 1/2in. long, white, with a darker base. southern utah, 1881. this is a true alpine species, perfectly hardy, and of very easy culture. =a. vanderdonckii= (vanderdonck's). synonymous with _a. xylacantha_. =a. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._ greenish, about 1-1/2in. long; spike about 1ft. long, fifteen to twenty flowered; bracts minute, deltoid; scape 2ft. long, exclusive of the spike, bearing about twelve lanceolate bract leaves. _l._ fifteen to eighteen in a sessile rosette, spreading, ligulate-lanceolate, finally 12in. to 15in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad below the middle, narrowed slightly downwards, and gradually to the point, deeply channelled down the face, and copiously spotted with brown on a green ground; edge hard and tough, very obscurely serrulate. texas, 1865. this very desirable variegated species is extremely rare in cultivation. =a. verschaffeltii= (verschaffelt's). referred to _a. scolymus_. =a. victoriã¦ regina= (queen victoria).* _l._ forty to fifty in a sessile rosette, stiff, rigid, lanceolate, 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to nearly 2in. broad above the dilated base, narrowed gradually to a rather obtuse point, dead green, margined with a continuous white border, like that of _a. filifera_, not splitting up into threads, but leaving distinct white vertical bands where it is pressed against the neighbouring leaves; terminal spine 1/2in. long, black, pungent, with usually one or two small spines on each side of it. mexico, 1875. this is also much too rare a plant. syn. _a. consideranti_. =a. virginica= (virginian).* _fl._ greenish yellow, 1in. to 1-1/4in. long; spike very loose, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long; lower flowers with very short pedicels and lanceolate bracts, about 1/4in. long; scape 2ft. to 3ft. high, exclusive of the spike, with only a few distant small bract leaves. _l._ ten to fifteen in a sessile rosette, spreading, lanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad below the middle, narrowed gradually to the point and a little downwards; face channelled, undulated, pale green, or mottled with brown spots, the narrow hard and tough margin very obscurely serrulate. north america, 1765. _a. conduplicata_ is said to be allied to this species. =a. vivipara= (viviparous).* _fl._ greenish yellow, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, often changed into bulbillã¦, which bear lanceolate leaves 6in. long before they fall and take root; inflorescence reaching a height of 20ft. or more, the deltoid panicle about a quarter of the length of the scape; corymbs on stout peduncles, pedicels short. _l._ twenty to fifty in a dense, shortly caulescent rosette, ensiform, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad at the middle, whence it gradually narrows to the point, dull green when mature, thin but firm in texture, flat or channelled down the face; terminal spine firm, brown, 1/2in. long; side teeth brown, hooked, 1/12in. or less long. a very widely spread species throughout tropics of the old world, 1731. syns. _a. cantula_, _a. bulbifera_. =a. warelliana= (warell's).* _l._ about thirty in a rosette, oblong-spathulate, 9in. to. 10in. long, 3in. broad above the middle, narrowed to 2in. above the dilated base; face nearly flat, green, scarcely at all glaucous, tipped with a strong brown channelled spine 1in. long; border margined with close, very short teeth, dark purple when mature. mexico. a rare but very handsome species. =a. wislizeni= (wislizenius's). _fl._ 2-1/2in. long; panicle thyrsoid, its branches 3in. to 6in. long; pedicels very short; scape 12ft. high. _l._ about thirty in a dense, rigid, sessile rosette, which is under 2ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 3in. to 3-1/2in. broad above the middle, very glaucous, concave in the upper part; terminal spine hard, pungent, dark brown, 1in. long, and decurrent down the border a little; side prickles 1/8in. long, dark purple, moderately close, those below the middle of the leaf smaller and curved downward. mexico, 1847. =a. xalapensis.= synonymous with _a. polyacantha_. =a. xylacantha= (woody-spined).* _fl._ green, 1-1/2in. long; spike dense, rather shorter than the scape, its bracts linear-subulate; scape 5ft. to 6ft. long, its bracts subulate, all ascending, the lower ones 6in. to 8in. long. _l._ not more than twenty in a stemless rosette, ensiform, diverging irregularly and often curving, 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. long, 2in. to 3in. (rarely 4in.) broad at the middle, narrowed gradually upwards, a slightly glaucous dead green, marked with a few darker green lines on the back, furnished with a broad continuous horny border and a few very large irregular hooked teeth, often united or collected in pairs, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, and 3/8in. to 1/2in. broad; terminal spine brown, pungent, 1in. long. mexico. a long-known, widely-spread, and distinct species. syns. _a. amurensis_ and _a. vanderdonckii_. =a. x. hybrida= is a striking dwarf variety with vittate leaves, and smaller, more crowded deltoid-cuspidate prickles than in the type. it is also commonly known as _a. x. vittata_ and _a. perbella_. [illustration: fig. 48. agave yuccã�folia.] =a. yuccã¦folia= (yucca-leaved).* _fl._ greenish yellow, 1-1/4in. to 1-1/2in. long, in a dense spike 6in. to 15in. long, about 14in. in diameter, sessile, solitary, or in pairs; scape 12ft. to 20ft. high. _l._ twenty to forty in a dense, shortly-stemmed rosette, linear, much recurved, 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad at the middle; face deeply channelled, dull, rather glaucous green, with a pale band down the centre, the tip not at all pungent, the back broadly rounded, edge entire, or obscurely serrulate. mexico, 1816. a most distinct species. see fig. 48. =ageratum= (from _a_, not, and _geras_, old; in reference to the flowers being always clear). syn. _cå�lestina_. ord. _compositã¦_. this genus includes several american species, for the most part half-hardy annuals and biennials; or, if the seed is not allowed to ripen, they become perennials. involucre cup-shaped, of many imbricated linear bracts; receptacle naked. leaves opposite. a light rich soil is most suitable. very easily increased by cuttings or seeds; if required true, the former is the only sure method of propagation. to grow large plants for greenhouse decoration, sow the seeds in january, in heat, in sandy soil, barely covering them. as soon as the young plants are large enough, prick them off into thumb pots, and keep in heat till they grow freely, then place them into a cooler house. transfer into larger pots as soon as the others are full of roots, until they are finally shifted into 10in. or 12in. pots. when these are full of roots, the plants should be watered with liquid manure twice a week, and they soon flower well, making fine specimens. during hot weather especially, they should be well syringed with clear water daily, to keep down red spider. the plants required for bedding (for which purpose the dwarf garden varieties are mostly used) should be raised about the same time, kept in small pots, gradually hardened off, and planted out in the middle or end of june. cuttings of all the varieties strike readily in heat, treated like most soft-wooded plants, and, when rooted, may be managed as recommended for the seedlings. =a. lasseauxii= (lasseaux's). _fl.-heads_ rose-coloured, small, disposed in corymbose heads. summer. _l._ lanceolate-elliptic. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. monte video, 1870. a much-branched plant, requiring greenhouse protection in winter, and suitable for planting out in summer. =a. latifolium= (broad-leaved). a synonym of _piqueria latifolia_. =a. mexicanum= (mexican).* the commonest and most useful species, with a profusion of lilac-blue flowers. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1822. when used for bedding purposes it may be pegged down like the verbena, or be allowed to grow its full height. several very dwarf varieties of it have originated under cultivation, which supersede the species for bedding, the best of which are:--cupid,* rich blue, very dwarf and floriferous; imperial dwarf, about 9in. high, with porcelain blue flowers; lady jane, of the same colour, very free; queen,* silvery grey, about 9in. high; snowflake,* white, very free and showy; swanley blue,* very deep blue, 6in. to 8in. high. there is also a white-flowered variety of _mexicanum_, which is very showy; and a variegated form, sometimes grown for the sake of its pretty foliage. =agglomerate, agglomerated.= collected into a heap or head. =agglutinated.= glued together. =aggregate, aggregated.= gathered together; usually applied to the inflorescence. =aglaia.= (mythological: from aglaia, the name of one of the graces, and given to this genus on account of its beauty and the sweet scent of the flowers). ord. _meliaceã¦_. stove evergreen trees or shrubs having very small flowers, disposed in branched axillary panicles. leaves alternate, trifoliate, or impari-pinnate. there are several species, but the undermentioned is the only one worth growing yet introduced. it thrives well in a mixture of turfy loam and peat. young cuttings ripened at the base, and taken off at a joint, will root in sand under a hand glass, in heat. =a. odorata= (sweet-scented). _fl._ yellow, small, in axillary racemes, very sweet-scented, said to be used by the chinese to scent their teas. february to may. _l._ pinnate, with five or seven glossy leaflets. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. china, 1810. =aglaomorpha.= _see_ =polypodium=. =aglaonema= (from _aglaos_, bright, and _nema_, a thread; supposed to refer to the shining stamens). ord. _aroideã¦_. stove perennials, allied to _arum_, and requiring similar treatment to the stove species of that genus. =a. commutatum= (changed).* _fl._ white. _l._ greyish-blotched. _h._ 1ft. philippines, 1863. syn. _a. marantã¦folium maculatum_. =a. mannii= (mann's).* _fl._, spathe 2in. long, whitish, with a spadix one-third shorter, bearing white anthers and scarlet ovaries. _l._ elliptic-oblong, dark green. stems thickish, erect. _h._ 1-1/2ft. victoria mountains, 1868. =a. marantã¦folium maculatum= (maranta-leaved, spotted). a synonym of _a. commutatum_. =a. pictum= (painted).* _fl._, spathe pale creamy yellow, folded round so as to appear globular-oblong, opening at top; spadix projecting, white. august. _l._ elliptic-acuminate, light green, blotched irregularly with broadish angulate patches of grey. stems slender, erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. borneo. =agnostus.= _see_ =stenocarpus=. =agraphis.= included under =scilla= (which _see_). =agrimonia= (from _argos_, white; the cataract of the eye being white. once reputed to contain medicinal qualities). agrimony. ord. _rosaceã¦_. a genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, with interruptedly pinnate leaves, each accompanied by a pair of stipules united to the petioles. flowers small, numerous, spiked; calyx turbinate, involucrated by bristles; petals five. they are all of the easiest culture, growing in ordinary soil. readily increased by root-division. the most showy species in cultivation are described below. =a. eupatoria= (eupatoria). _fl._ yellow, on an elongated spike. _l._ with elliptic-oblong, coarsely serrated leaflets, odd one stalked. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. britain. =a. nepalensis= (nepaul). _fl._ yellow, on erect, slender racemes. _l._ with ovate, serrated leaflets, odd one stalked, villous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. nepaul, 1820. =a. odorata= (sweet-scented).* _fl._ yellow; spikes several. _l._ with oblong lanceolate, deeply crenate-toothed leaflets, hairy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. italy, 1640. =agrimony.= _see_ =agrimonia=. =agriotes.= _see_ =wireworm=. =agrostemma= (from _agros_, a field, and _stemma_, a crown; alluding to the beauty of the flowers, which were formerly made into crowns or garlands). rose campion. ord. _caryophyllaceã¦_. hardy evergreen perennials and annuals, with broadish leaves, and one-flowered peduncles. of easy culture, and well adapted for borders. they will all grow freely in common garden soil. increased by division of the roots, and seed. _a. cå�li-rosa_, and _a. flos-jovis_ are, perhaps, species of _lychnis_, but the generic name which we have adopted is the most common one. all the species of this genus are exceedingly pretty free-flowering plants, and both annuals and perennials are well worth growing. =a. cå�li-rosa= (rose of heaven).* _fl._ delicate rose, white, or bright purple, solitary, terminal. summer. levant, &c., 1713. an annual species about 1ft. high, not tomentose; should be grown in patches. sow the seed in april. [illustration: fig. 49. agrostemma cå�li-rosa fimbriata.] =a. c.-r. fimbriata= (fimbriate). a form having fimbriated petals. known also as _nana_. _h._ 9in. see fig. 49. =a. c.-r. purpurea= (purple).* a very pretty form, having dark purple flowers, and compact habit. see fig. 50. =a. coronaria= (crowned).* _fl._ white, with the middle red; petals emarginate, crowned, serrated; peduncles elongated, one-flowered. july. _l._ lanceolate, very broad, leathery; plant woolly throughout. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. south europe, 1596. this species is admirably adapted for naturalising on dry hill sides, and in the wild garden. there are several varieties seen in gardens with a great diversity of colour, including dark crimson, white, and sometimes double flowers. see fig. 51. [illustration: fig. 50. agrostemma cå�li-rosa purpurea.] [illustration: fig. 51. agrostemma coronaria, showing habit and flower.] =a. flos-jovis.=* flower of jove. _fl._ purple or scarlet, in umbellate heads; peduncles short, rather branched. july. _l._ lanceolate, stem-clasping, silky, tomentose. _h._ 1-1/2ft. switzerland, 1726. plant white from tomentum. see fig. 52. [illustration: fig. 52. agrostemma flos-jovis, showing habit and flower.] =agrostis= (from _agros_, a field; the greek name for a kind of grass). bent grass. ord. _gramineã¦_. annual or perennial grasses. panicle loose; spikelets compressed. several of the species are very effective, and well worth growing; and the spikes are pretty objects, when dried, for window vases, &c. they are of easy culture, in ordinary garden soil. sow seeds during spring in the open border, in tufts, among ferns, &c., or in pots for decorative purposes. =a. elegans= (elegant). _h._ 1ft. russia, 1834. [illustration: fig. 53. agrostis nebulosa.] =a. nebulosa= (cloud).* cloud grass. _fl._ panicles resemble, when developed, a cloud resting over the ground. _h._ 1-1/2ft. very light and elegant. annual. see fig. 53. =a. pulchella= (pretty).* dwarfer, and with a more rigid habit than _a. nebulosa_. it is, nevertheless, a most graceful plant, and valuable for bouquet making, and for winter decorative purposes. _h._ 6in. to 12in. russia. annual. =a. spica-venti= (windward-spiked). _fl._ panicle large, silky looking, loosely spreading. england. annual. =agrotis.= _see_ =pot-herb moths= and =turnip moth=. =ailantus= (from _ailanto_, referring to its lofty growth). tree of heaven. ord. _xanthoxylaceã¦_. tall deciduous trees. the stove species will grow freely in a mixture of loam and peat; and the best way to increase these is by pieces of the roots, planted in a pot with their points above the ground, and placed in a hotbed, where they will soon make fine plants. =a. excelsa= (tall). _fl._ whitish green, disposed similar to the following. _l._ abruptly pinnate, 3ft. long, with ten to fourteen pairs of leaflets coarsely toothed at the base, without glands. _h._ 66ft. india, 1800. a stove tree. =a. glandulosa= (glandulous).* _fl._ whitish green, disposed in large branched, terminal, fascicled panicles, exhaling a disagreeable smell. august. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets coarsely toothed at the base with glands. (the leaves on vigorous young trees are sometimes 6ft. in length.) _h._ 60ft. china, 1751. this tree grows with great rapidity for the first ten or twelve years, in favourable situations, afterwards its growth is much slower. it is quite hardy, and thrives in almost any soil, though one that is light and somewhat humid, and a sheltered situation, suits it best. it is a very desirable tree for plantations, or to stand singly on lawns, and is easily increased by slips of the roots. =ainslã�a= (in honour of dr. whitelaw ainslie, author of a work on indian drugs). ord. _compositã¦_. herbaceous perennials, of recent introduction. although, no doubt, both species will prove tolerably hardy, they should have slight protection during winter. they thrive in light rich soil. propagated by divisions of the root. =a. aptera= (wingless). _fl.-head_ purple, disposed in an elongated spike-like panicle. _l._ deeply cordate, sinuately toothed; petioles wingless, whence the name. sikkim himalayas, 1882. =a. walkerã¦= (mrs. walker's).* _fl.-heads_ slender, distant, shortly stalked, borne in erect or somewhat nodding racemes; the white corolla-lobes and the red purple anthers make a pretty contrast. _h._ about 1ft. hong kong, 1875. a very rare and graceful species. =air.= pure atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and a very small quantity of carbonic acid gas, all of which are essential to the growth of plants. air-giving is a term used by gardeners to lessen the temperature of a greenhouse, or to equalise it with that outside. _see_ =ventilation=. =aira= (from _aira_, applied by the greeks to _lolium temulentum_). hair grass. ord. _gramineã¦_. chiefly hardy grasses, of agricultural value. panicle loose; spikelet compressed, with two perfect flowers, and sometimes a neuter. of easy culture, in ordinary garden soil. sow seeds in spring. =a. flexuosa= (waved).* the waved hair grass. _fl._ shining brown; panicle erect, spreading, with waved angular branches and flower-stalks. _l._ short. stem upwards of 1ft. high, erect, smooth. england. a very pretty and graceful perennial. [illustration: fig. 54. aira pulchella.] =a. pulchella= (pretty).* _fl._ panicles loose, very delicate and graceful. _l._ very short. _h._ 6in. to 8in. south europe. an elegant plant, with tufted filiform stems. one of the best of dwarf-growing ornamental grasses. see fig. 54. =air-plant.= _see_ =aerides=, also =epiphytes=. =aitonia= (in honour of w. aiton, once head gardener at kew). ord. _meliaceã¦_. a small and rather interesting greenhouse evergreen shrub from the cape of good hope, and thriving well in an equal mixture of sandy loam and peat. young cuttings will root in sand, under a bell glass, with bottom heat. the cuttings must not be put in very close together, and the glass should be wiped frequently, as they are apt to damp off. =a. capensis= (cape). _fl._ pink; petals four, shorter than the projecting stamens. july. _h._ 2ft. 1777. =aizoon= (from _aei_, always, and _zoos_, alive; tenacious of life). ord. _portulacaceã¦_. greenhouse annuals, biennials, or evergreen shrubs. flowers apetalous; calyx five-cleft, coloured on the inner surface. the undermentioned species is the only one worth growing. it requires no shade, a dry atmosphere, and light sandy soil. propagated by seeds and cuttings. =a. sarmentosum= (sarmentose). _fl._ greenish, sessile. summer. _l._ opposite, linear-filiform, rather connate, glabrous; branches rather villous, three-flowered at the apex, the two lateral flowers are bracteated, and spring from the sides of the middle one. sub-shrub, erect, diffuse, glabrous, branched. south africa, 1862. =ajava seed.= _see_ =ptychotis=. =ajax maximus.= _see_ =narcissus=. =ajowan.= _see_ =ptychotis=. =ajuga= (from _a_, not, and _zugon_, a yoke; in reference to the calyx being equal, not bilabiate). bugle. ord. _labiatã¦_. hardy annual or perennial herbaceous plants, usually procumbent or ascending, sometimes stoloniferous. whorls two or many flowered, dense, sometimes all axillary, when the floral leaves conform to those of the stem; sometimes the superior whorls are approximate into spikes, then the floral leaves are small, and of a different form from the stem ones. all the species are of easy cultivation in ordinary garden soil. perennials increased by divisions, or by seeds sown in the open border, during spring or autumn. the seeds of annual kinds may be sown in the open border in spring, where they are intended to remain. =a. alpina= (alpine). synonymous with _a. genevensis_. =a. australis= (southern). _fl._ blue; whorls six or more flowered; lower whorls remote, upper ones sub-spicate, floral leaves similar to the stem ones, exceeding the flowers. may to july. _l._ narrow-oblong, narrowed at the base, quite entire or sinuated, thickish, rather villous. stem ascending, or erect. _h._ 6in. new holland, 1822. perennial. =a. chamã¦pitys= (ground-pine). _fl._ yellow, dotted with red, pubescent outside; whorls two-flowered; floral leaves similar to the others, exceeding the flowers. april. _l._ deeply trifid, with linear, quite entire, or trifid lobes. stem procumbent at the base, much branched, beset with long hairs, like the leaves. _h._ about 6in. england (rare). annual. =a. genevensis= (geneva).* _fl._ varying from blue to rose colour and white; upper whorls spicate, lower ones distant, six or more flowered. may. _l._ stem ones oblong-elliptic or obovate, narrowed at the base; lower ones petiolate; floral ones ovate or cuneated; superior ones scarcely equalling the flowers or shorter, all usually coarsely toothed, membranaceous, green on both surfaces, and beset with scattered hairs. stem erect, pilose. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. europe. a very variable species, admirably adapted as an alpine plant, and succeeds best in bog soil, where its roots will have plenty of room; it increases rapidly. perennial. syns. _a. alpina_, _a. rugosa_. =a. orientalis= (oriental).* _fl._ blue; whorls six or more flowered, distant, or the upper ones are approximate. may. _l._ lower ones large, petiolate; ovate, coarsely and sinuately toothed, narrowed at the base; floral ones sessile, broad ovate, deeply lobed or toothed, exceeding the flowers. stem ascending, pilosely woolly. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. eastern europe, 1732. this species should be grown in a dry, sunny spot. =a. pyramidalis= (pyramidal).* _fl._ blue or purple; whorls many-flowered, upper ones or all spicate. may and june. _l._ stem ones approximate, scarcely petiolate, obovate; floral ones broad-ovate, clasping the flowers, tetragonally pyramidate; the upper ones often coloured, all quite entire or obscurely sinuated. stem erect. _h._ 6in. scotland. perennial. of this there are several handsome garden varieties. [illustration: fig. 55. flower of ajuga reptans.] =a. reptans= (creeping).* _fl._ varying from blue to rose-colour; lower whorls remote; upper ones spicate, six to twenty flowered. may. _l._ ovate or obovate, quite entire or sinuated, and are, as well as the stem, nearly glabrous; radical one petiolate, stem ones nearly sessile. stem creeping. the variegated and darkest leaved forms of this are superior to the type for horticultural purposes. britain. perennial. see fig. 55. =a. rugosa= (wrinkled). synonymous with _a. genevensis_. =akebia= (its japanese name). syn. _rajania_. ord. _lardizabalaceã¦_. a pretty twining shrub, succeeding well in the south-western counties of england, or in scotland, trained to a trellis, or rambling over other shrubs in the open; but, when so grown, it requires the protection of a mat in winter. it makes an excellent twiner for the cool greenhouse. sandy loam, leaf soil, and peat are most suitable for its culture. increased by root divisions and cuttings. =a. quinata= (five-leafletted).* _fl._ purplish brown, small, in axillary racemes, very fragrant. march. _l._ on very slender petioles, and palmately divided into usually five distinct petiolulate oval or oblong emarginate leaflets, the bottom pair smallest. _h._ 10ft. chusan, 1845. =akee-tree.= _see_ =blighia sapida=. =ala.= a lateral petal of a papilionaceous flower. =alangiaceã�.= a very small order of trees or shrubs, usually with inconspicuous flowers, in axillary fascicles. fruit succulent, eatable. the two genera best known in this country are _alangium_ and _nyssa_. =alangium= (from _alangi_, the malabar name of the first species). ord. _alangiaceã¦_. very showy stove evergreen trees, with alternate, exstipulate, entire leaves. flowers few, sessile, in axillary fascicles; calyx campanulate; petals linear, spreadingly reflexed. they thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat, or any light rich soil. cuttings root readily if planted in a pot of sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in heat. =a. decapetalum= (ten-petaled).* _fl._ pale purple, with a grateful scent, solitary, or two to three together in the axils of the leaves; petals ten or twelve. june. _l._ alternate, oblong-lanceolate, quite entire; branches glabrous, spinescent. _h._ 30ft. malabar, 1779. =a. hexapetalum= (six-petaled). _fl._ purple, six-petaled. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, velvety beneath. _h._ 30ft. malabar, 1823. =alatus.= furnished with a membranous or thin wing or expansion. =albescent.= growing white. =albicant.= growing whitish. =albinism.= a pale condition due to the absence of chlorophyl. =albizzia= (named after an italian). ord. _leguminosã¦_. ornamental greenhouse or hardy trees or shrubs. for culture, _see_ =acacia=, to which they are often referred. =a. julibrissin= (julibrissin). _fl._ white; heads pedunculate, forming a terminal somewhat corymbose panicle. august. _l._ with eight to twelve pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing about thirty pairs of dimidiate-oblong, acute, rather ciliated leaflets. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. hardy. levant, 1745. syn. _a. nemu_. =a. lophantha= (crest-flowered).* _fl._ yellow; racemes ovate-oblong, axillary, twin. may. _l._ with eight to ten pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing twenty-five to thirty pairs of linear, bluntish leaflets; petioles and calyces clothed with velvety down. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. new holland, 1803. a very distinct unarmed greenhouse species, and one of the best for window gardening. =a. nemu.= a synonym of _a. julibrissin_. =albuca= (from _albicans_, or _albus_, white; the colour of the earlier species). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a rather extensive genus of cape of good hope bulbs, requiring ordinary greenhouse culture. closely allied to _ornithogalum_. perianth six-cleft, three outer segments spreading; three inner ones closed over the stamens. they, however, succeed admirably when grown in a warm sunny position out of doors, if covered with a hand glass, or litter, during winter. a light loamy soil, with leaf mould and sand, suits them well. propagated by offsets from the old bulb, or seeds. there are but few species worthy of cultivation. =a. angolensis= (angolan). _fl._ yellowish, large, in cylindrical racemes 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long. _l._ linear-lorate, sub-erect, fleshy, pale green, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long. _h._ 3ft. angola. =a. aurea= (yellow).* _fl._ pale yellow, upright; peduncle very long, erect, spreading. june. _l._ linear-lanceolate, flat. _h._ 2ft. 1818. =a. fastigiata= (peaked).* _fl._ white; peduncle very long, spreading. may. _l._ linear, flattish, longer than the scape. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1774. =a. flaccida= (weak). _fl._ pale yellow, with a green keel, drooping, six to eight in a loose raceme; peduncles spreading at right angles. july. _l._ lanceolate-linear, obliquely bent. _h._ 2ft. 1791. =a. nelsoni= (nelson's).* _fl._, perianth, 1-1/2in. long, ascending, white, with a dull red stripe down the back of each segment; scape stout, 4ft. to 5ft. high. summer. _l._ bright green, very concave at the basal part, nearly flat in the upper part, 3ft. to 3-1/2ft. long, l-1/4in. to 2-1/4in. broad, at about one-third the way up, whence they are gradually narrowed to an acute point. natal, 1880. this very handsome species is the best of the genus. =albumen.= the substance under the inner coat of the testa of seeds, surrounding the embryo. it is sometimes absent. =albuminous.= furnished with albumen. =alburnum.= the white wood of a tree; the younger wood, not choked up by sedimentary deposit, and therefore permeable to fluids. =alchemilla= (from _alkemelyeh_, the arabic name of one of the species). lady's mantle. ord. _rosaceã¦_. hardy herbaceous perennials, with corymbose, apetalous flowers; calyx tubular, with the tube rather contracted at the apex. leaves palmate or lobed. of very easy culture, in common, but well drained soil. they are well adapted for rockwork and planting near the front of borders. easily increased by divisions of the roots, and seeds. all here described are hardy, except _a. sibbaldiã¦folia_. =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ greenish, small; corymbose. june. _l._ digitate; leaflets five to seven, lanceolate-cuneated, obtuse, serrated, clothed with white satiny down beneath. _h._ 6in. britain. =a. pubescens= (pubescent). _fl._ greenish; corymbs terminal, crowded, clothed with a coating of long weak hairs. june. _l._ roundish-reniform, seven-lobed, toothed, silky beneath. _h._ 6in. to 8in. caucasus (higher), 1813. =a. sericea= (silky).* _fl._ greenish, corymbose. june. _l._ digitate; leaflets seven, lanceolate-obovate, obtuse, connected at the base, serrated at the apex, clothed with satiny down beneath. _h._ about 6in. caucasus, 1813. much larger in every part than _a. alpina_, to which it is closely allied. =a. sibbaldiã¦folia= (sibbaldia-leaved). _fl._ white, conglomerate; stem corymbosely many-flowered at the apex. july. _l._ deeply three-parted, clothed with adpressed pubescence beneath; segments deeply serrated, lateral ones bifid. _h._ 6in. mexico, 1823. a greenhouse species, which should be grown in small well-drained pots, with a mixture of leaf soil and sandy loam. =aldea.= a synonym of =phacelia= (which _see_). =alder.= _see_ =alnus=. =aletris= (from _aletron_, meal; referring to the powdery appearance of the whole plant). the american star grass. syn. _tritonia_. ord. _hã¦modoraceã¦_. interesting hardy herbaceous perennials, closely allied to the _amaryllids_. perianth half-inferior, tubular; limb spreading or funnel-shaped; stamens inserted at base of perianth segments, filaments flat. they delight in a sunny but damp situation, with peat, leaf mould, and sand, and are slowly increased by division of the roots. =a. aurea= (golden).* _fl._ yellow, bell-shaped. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america, 1811. similar in habit to _a. farinosa_. =a. capensis= (cape). _see_ =veltheimia viridifolia=. =a. farinosa= (mealy).* _fl._ white, bell-shaped, in a terminal spiked raceme, upon stems 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. high. _l._ lanceolate, ribbed. north america, 1768. a pretty species, forming a spreading tuft, and possessing intensely bitter properties. =aleurites= (from the greek word signifying floury; all the parts of the plant seeming to be dusted with a farinaceous substance). ord. _euphorbiaceã¦_. a handsome stove evergreen tree, with small, white, clustered flowers. leaves alternate, stalked, exstipulate. of easy culture in a loamy soil. ripe cuttings, with their leaves untouched, root readily in sand, under a hand-glass. =a. triloba= (three-lobed).* candleberry tree. _l._ three-lobed, 4in. to 8in. long. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. moluccas and south pacific islands, 1793. =alexanders.= _see_ =smyrnium=. =alexandrian laurel.= _see_ =ruscus racemosus=. =algaroba bean, or carob.= _see_ =ceratonia=. =algarobia.= included under =prosopis= (which _see_). =alhagi= (its arabian name). ord. _leguminosã¦_. manna tree. greenhouse shrubs or sub-shrubs, with simple leaves, and minute stipulas. flowers few, in clusters. they thrive in pots filled with a mixture of sand, loam, and peat. young cuttings will root in sand, with a bell glass placed over them, in heat; but by seeds, if they can be procured, sown in a hotbed, is a preferable mode of increasing the plants. they may be placed out of doors during the summer months. =a. camelorum= (camels). _fl._ red, few, disposed in racemes along the peduncles. july. _l._ lanceolate, obtuse, simple; stipulas minute. stem herbaceous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. caucasus, 1816. =a. maurorum= (moors'). _fl._ purple in the middle, and reddish about the edges, disposed in racemes along the axillary, spinose peduncles. july. _l._ obovate-oblong, simple; spines strong, and longer than those of the above species. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. egypt, &c. the manna is a natural exudation from the branches and leaves of this shrub, which takes place only in very hot weather. =alibertia= (in honour of m. alibert, a celebrated french chemist, author of "traite des fievres attaxiques," wherein he mentions the effects of peruvian bark). ord. _cinchonaceã¦_. a small stove evergreen tree, very ornamental when in flower. flowers solitary or fascicled, diå�cious; corolla leathery, tubular. a mixture of loam and peat is the best soil. cuttings strike root freely, in a similar kind of soil, under a hand glass, in a moist heat. =a. edulis= (edible). _fl._ cream-coloured, solitary or in fascicles, terminating the branches, almost sessile. june. _fr._ edible. _l._ opposite, leathery, oblong, acuminated, shining above, and bearded in the axils of the veins beneath. _h._ 12ft. guiana, 1823. =alicant soda.= _see_ =salsola=. =alisma.= (from _alis_, the celtic word for water). water plantain. syn. _actinocarpus_. ord. _alismaceã¦_. a genus entirely composed of hardy aquatic species. flowers three-petalled. leaves parallel-veined. increased by division or seeds. the latter should be sown in a pot immersed in water, filled with loam, peat, and sand, and the former root freely in a moist loamy soil. the british species are most easily grown. [illustration: fig. 56. alisma natans.] =a. natans= (floating).* _fl._ white; peduncles simple. july. _l._ elliptical-obtuse; stem ones floating, on long stalks, scarcely nerved; those at the base of the plant are long, linear-lanceolate, membranous scales, or abortive root leaves. north wales and cumberland, but very rare; abundant in other parts of europe. see fig. 56. =a. plantago= (plantain).* _fl._ delicate pale rose coloured; scape branched upwards. july. _l._ ovate, acute, all radical, on long stalks; branches all whorled, bracteated, compound. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. britain. a very handsome aquatic for naturalising. see fig. 57. [illustration: fig. 57. portion of inflorescence of alisma plantago.] =a. p. lanceolata= (lance-shaped leaves). _fl._ pure white. july. _l._ lanceolate. britain. =a. ranunculoides= (ranunculus-like). in general appearance very like the last named species, but smaller. britain. =alismaceã�.= a small order of aquatic or marsh plants, with three-petaled flowers, on leafless scapes, and simple radical leaves. the genera best known are _alisma_ and _sagittaria_. =alkanet.= _see_ =anchusa tinctoria=. =allamanda= (named in memory of dr. allamand, of leyden, who first communicated seeds of this genus to linnã¦us). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. elegant climbing evergreen stove plants. peduncles terminal and many-flowered; corolla funnel-shaped, with a narrow tube, gamopetalous, large, inflated, five-cleft at the apex. leaves verticillate. this genus differs from all others of the same order, in the figure of the corolla. of comparatively easy culture. to obtain their beauty of foliage and flowers, the shoots should be tied to wires placed within 8in. or 9in. of the glass that forms the roof of the structure in which the plants are growing. trained in this way, and the shoots allowed to ramble in a somewhat natural manner, the effect, when the plants are in flower, is grander and more pleasing in every respect than when the shoots are tied to a formal trellis, of whatever shape. when thoroughly established, they succeed admirably in a compost of three parts good fibry loam, and one part wood charcoal or coarse river sand, with some rotten cow manure added. when potting the plants, make the fresh compost firm round the old balls of soil, and do not fill the pots too full; leave room for plenty of water, as, when in active growth, they require a liberal daily supply. they must be pruned annually in january or february, cutting the previous year's shoots back to within a joint or two of the old wood. allamandas should be exposed to the light as much as possible at all seasons of the year. in winter months they require but little water, but the drainage must always be perfect. they are remarkably free from insect attacks of any kind. it may be also observed that the temperature should never fall below 55deg. this genus is easily propagated by cuttings, which will root at any time of the year in a bottom heat of from 70deg. to 80deg. the usual time is, however, in spring, when the old plants are pruned back. choose the tops of the shoots, retaining two or three joints to each cutting; place these in a compost of sand and peat or leaf mould in equal proportions, singly, in small pots. press the soil firmly around each cutting, and, when all are inserted, give a good watering, and plunge the pots in the propagating bed. attend to shading and watering, and in about three weeks' time they will have emitted roots, and started to grow at the tops. the pots should now be raised out of the plunging material, and placed upon the surface thereof, and there allowed to remain two or three weeks longer; when the young roots will have, by this time, filled the little pots, and a shift into the larger ones will be necessary. return the plants to the propagating bed, but do not plunge them therein. as soon as it is certain that the roots have commenced growth in the fresh soil, pinch the point of each plant that is intended to be grown on a trellis. this will cause the remaining buds to push out fresh shoots; and these, as soon as they have made two joints or whorls of leaves each, should have their points pinched out also. by repotting the plants as often as they fill their pots with roots during the first season of their growth, and pinching the points out of the shoots twice or thrice in the same time, a good foundation will be formed, from which the future specimens will spring. in the case of plants intended to be trained up rafters or pillars, they should not have their points pinched out until they attain to the height where it is desirable they should have more than one shoot, and be repotted as recommended above, for the first year; but, after that, they will require to be repotted only once a year, and this should be done soon after the buds have started to grow afresh in the spring. =a. aubletii= (aublet's).* _fl._ yellow, large. june. _l._ four to five in a whorl, broad-oblong, acuminated, rather hairy beneath. guiana, 1848. =a. cathartica= (purging).* _fl._ yellow, large. june. _l._ four in a whorl, obovate, obtuse, acutish, with sub-undulated edges, glabrous. guiana, 1785. syn. _a. linnã¦i_. =a. chelsoni= (chelsea).* _fl._ yellow, large. summer. this splendid plant is least suited of any for trellis training, from its wood being stiffer and harder, and is therefore best for the roof of a house; it is one of the best kinds for cutting. garden hybrid. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ distinct pale yellow, rather large, very free bloomer. june. brazil, 1844. =a. linnã¦i= (linnã¦us's). synonymous with _a. cathartica_. =a. neriifolia= (oleander-leaved).* _fl._ deep golden yellow, elegantly streaked with orange, between funnel and bell shaped, the tube being wide, 1in. long; panicle many-flowered. june. _l._ oblong, on short petioles, acuminate. _h._ 3ft. south america, 1847. shrub erect, glabrous. =a. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._ bright yellow, rather deeper tinted in the throat, large, full circular form, but without streaks or any other markings. july. _l._ in whorls of four or of three, tapered to the base, sessile, oblong, abruptly acuminate, membranaceous, hairy on both surfaces, especially beneath and on the midrib. brazil, 1867. one of the best species. =a. schottii= (schott's).* _fl._ yellow, large, throat beautifully striped with rich brown. september. _l._ oblong, acuminated, four in a whorl, quite glabrous, on both surfaces. _h._ 10ft. brazil, 1847. this species is a very strong grower, and suits the roof system best; it is also a very free bloomer. =a. verticillata= (whorl-leaved). _fl._ yellow, large. june. _l._ usually six in a whorl, ovate-oblong, obtuse, quite glabrous. south america, 1812. =a. violacea= (violet). _fl._ purple. brazil, 1859. =allantodia= (from _allantos_, a sausage; in reference to the cylindrical form of the indusium). ord. _filices_. a greenhouse monotypic genus, differing from _asplenium_ in the dehiscence of the involucre, and it may receive similar treatment to the spleenworts. sori dorsal, linear-oblong, attached to the primary veins. involucre the same shape as the sorus and quite inclosing it, bursting in an irregular line down to the centre. =a. brunoniana= (brown's).* _fronds_ often 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1/2ft. to 1ft. broad; pinnã¦ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, entire. _sori_ confined to the anterior vein of the first fork. himalayas, up to 6000ft., &c. syn. _asplenium javanicum_. =allardtia.= _see_ =tillandsia=. =alleys.= small walks of various widths, but generally 1-1/2ft. or 2ft. wide, and formed in right lines, parallel to the main walks, or borders, sometimes covered with a thin coat of sand, gravel, or shells, or paved with flints, pebbles, &c. spaces left between beds of seedling plants are generally meant when alleys are referred to. =all-heal.= _see_ =prunella vulgaris=. =alliaceous.= pertaining to the _garlic_ family. =alliaria.= _see_ =sisymbrium=. =alligator apple.= _see_ =anona palustris=. =alligator pear.= _see_ =persea gratissima=. =allium= (from _all_, meaning hot or burning; in allusion to the well-known properties of the onion tribe). including _porrum_, _schå�noprasum_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. hardy bulbous plants, with flat or terete radical leaves, and capitate or umbellate flowers, enclosed in a membranous spathe at the summit of a slender, naked, or leafy scape; perianth spreading or campanulate. they are of very easy culture, increasing rapidly by offsets. the little bulbs, which are produced in clusters, may be separated and replanted, in autumn or early spring, about 4in. deep. seeds are also easily obtainable. these may be sown thinly in light soil, in february or march, where they should remain until the autumn or following spring, when they may be transplanted to their flowering situations. during the growing season, all the attention required will be to keep the plants free of weeds, and place stakes to the tall-growing kinds. =a. acuminatum= (taper-pointed).* _fl._ deep rose, 1/2in. to 1in. across, in many-flowered umbels. july and august. _l._ rather shorter than the stems, very narrow, only about a line wide. _h._ 6in. to 10in. north-west america, 1840. =a. a. rubrum= (red). _fl._ deep red-purple; in other respects like the type. california. =a. ascalonicum= (eschallot). _fl._ purple; umbels globose; scape rounded. summer. _l._ subulate. _h._ 9in. palestine, 1546. for culture, _see_ =eschallot=. =a. azureum= (sky-blue).* _fl._ deep sky-blue, with a dark line through the middle of each division; umbels dense, globular, longer than the spathes which envelop them before expanding. summer. _l._ triangular, from 6in. to 12in. long. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. siberia, 1830. one of the handsomest species grown. =a. bidwelliã¦= (mrs. bidwell's).* _fl._ bright rose, about 1/2in. across, in few-flowered umbels. july. _l._ narrow, rather longer than the stem. _h._ 2in. to 3in. sierra nevada, 1880. a very charming little species for the rockery. =a. breweri= (brewer's).* _fl._ deep rose, nearly or quite 1in. across, in few-flowered umbels. july. _l._ much longer than the flower-stem, 1/4in. or more broad. _h._ 1in. to 3in. california, 1882. =a. cepa= (common onion). _fl._ white; scape ventricose, longer than the leaves. june, july. _l._ fistular, rounded. _h._ 3ft. for culture, _see_ =onion=. =a. c. aggregatum.= aggregated, tree, or potato onion. _see_ =onion=. =a. cå�ruleum= (blue-flowered).* _fl._ blue, in large compact globular heads. june. _h._ 8in. russia, 1840. very distinct. =a. douglasii= (douglas'). synonymous with _a. unifolium_. =a. erdelii= (erdel's). _fl._ white, keeled with green, in compact umbels. _h._ 6in. palestine, 1879. a rare but pretty species, and should be planted in a warm position on the rockery. =a. falcifolium= (sickle-leaved).* _fl._ pale rose, 1/2in. to 3/4in. across, in few-flowered umbels. august. _l._ two in number, thick, broadly linear, falcate. _h._ 2in. to 3in. north-west america, 1880. =a. falciforme= (sickle-formed). probably a variety of _a. unifolium_, with pure white flowers, in several-flowered umbels. _h._ 6in. california, 1882. =a. flavum= (golden). _fl._ yellow, bell-shaped, and somewhat drooping, in pretty umbels; scape leafy at the base. _l._ round, not hollow, flattish above the base. _h._ about 1ft. italy, 1759. a slender species. =a. fragrans.= _see_ =nothoscordum=. =a. karataviense= (karatavian). _fl._ white, in dense globose heads. may. _l._ very broad, flat, glaucous, sometimes variegated. _h._ 6in. turkestan, 1878. =a. macnabianum= (macnab's).* _fl._ deep magenta, a colour quite unique in this family, in large umbels. _l._ nearly as long as the stem, channelled, about 1/4in. broad. _h._ 1ft. north america. =a. magicum= (enchanting). synonymous with _a. nigrum_. [illustration: fig. 58. allium moly.] =a. moly= (moly).* _fl._ bright yellow, numerous, in compact umbels. spring. _l._ few, broadly lanceolate. stem sub-cylindrical. _h._ 10in. to 15in. south europe, 1604. a very old favourite; bright-flowered and very fine in masses. see fig. 58. =a. murrayanum= (murray's).* _fl._ rosy purple, in large heads. _l._ narrow, longer than the stem. _h._ 1ft. north america. a good variety of _a. acuminatum_. =a. mutabile= (changeable). _fl._ white, changing to rose, in many-flowered umbels. july. _l._ shorter than the stem, narrow, channelled. _h._ 12in. to 24in. north america, 1824. =a. neapolitanum= (neapolitan).* _fl._ white, with green stamens, numerous, in a loose umbel, on stems exceeding the leaves in length; pedicels much longer than the flowers. early summer. _l._ two or three, sheathing the flower stem, strap-shaped, about 1in. across. _h._ 15in. to 18in. south europe, 1823. probably the most ornamental white-flowered species. =a. nevadense= (sierra nevada). _fl._ white, or pale rose, about 1/2in. across, in several-flowered umbels. july. _l._ flat, rather longer than the stem, about 1/4in. wide. _h._ 3in. to 6in. sierra nevada and utah, 1882. =a. nigrum= (blackish).* _fl._ dull violet, or whitish, with a green vein, very numerous, in a large umbel. summer. _l._ thick, broadly lanceolate, acute, ciliated, toothed at the edges, at first erect and glaucescent, afterwards green and spreading, much shorter than the stem. _h._ 2-1/2ft. to 3-1/4ft. south of europe. very vigorous and free flowering. syn. _a. magicum_. =a. paradoxum= (wonderful). _fl._ white, gracefully pendulous, borne on long footstalks springing from little nests of yellow bulbils. spring. _l._ one or two, as long as the scape, linear-lanceolate, acute, keeled, striated, smooth, 1/4in. broad, drooping and recurved. _h._ 9in. to 14in. siberia, 1823. =a. pedemontanum= (piedmont).* _fl._ rosy-purple, large, bell-shaped, in large, graceful drooping clusters. july. _l._ lanceolate, shorter than the stem. piedmont, 1817. a neat little plant for rockwork, or warm border. one of the handsomest species grown. =a. reticulatum= (netted). _fl._ varying from pink to white. summer. _l._ narrow, or almost filiform, shorter than the stem. _h._ 9in. to 15in. north-west america, 1882. a rare species. =a. r. attenuifolium= (attenuate-leaved).* this may be regarded as an extremely handsome white-flowered variety. north-west america. =a. roseum= (rose-coloured).* _fl._ pale lilac-rose, large, in umbels of ten or twelve; stems round, rather longer than the leaves. summer. _l._ strap-shaped, channelled, rolled inwards at the top, not hairy. _h._ 12in. to 16in. south europe, 1752. =a. sativum= (cultivated). garlic. _fl._ white; umbel bulbiferous. summer. _l._ flat. _h._ 1-1/2ft. sicily, 1548. for culture, _see_ =garlic=. =a. schå�noprasum= (rush-leaved onion). chives. _fl._ purple; umbel many-flowered, globose, without bulbils. june and july. _l._ cylindrical, somewhat tapering towards the point; stem with one leaf, or naked. _h._ 1ft. england. for cultivation, _see_ =chives=. =a. scorodoprasum.= rocambole; sand leek. _fl._, perianth 1/3in. long, the segments red-purple, with white margins; head loose-flowered, with purple bulbils; scape slender. may to august. _l._ 6in. to 8in. long, flat, keeled, the edges scabrid. _h._ 3ft. europe (britain), 1596. _see also_ =rocambole=. =a. sphã¦rocephalum= (globe-headed).* _fl._ densely packed in a subspherical head; in a bud state the upper ones are reddish-purple, the lower green. june. _l._ narrow, shorter than the long terete stems. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. south europe, 1759. =a. stramineum= (straw-coloured). _fl._ yellow, in dense globular umbels. july. _l._ narrow, shorter than the stems. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. siberia. =a. striatum= (striated). _see_ =nothoscordum=. =a. triquetrum= (three-cornered). _fl._ white, somewhat bell-shaped, with a narrow streak of pure green down each petal, in a loose, slightly drooping umbel, on erect triangular stems shorter than the leaves. summer. _l._ green, broadly strap-shaped, keeled in a triangular manner, sometimes very long. _h._ 12in. to 18in. south europe, 1789. =a. unifolium= (one-leaved). _fl._ bright rose. july. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. california, 1873. a handsome species, from california, resembling _a. roseum_, but differing from all known species by the circumstance that its bulbs are developed at a distance from each other, and are connected by a thread-like rhizome, 1/2in. to 1in. long. syn. _a. douglasii_. [illustration: fig. 59. allium ursinum.] =a. ursinum= (bear). broad-leaved garlic; ramsons. _fl._ pure white, with acute perianth segments; umbel level at top; scape triangular. summer. _l._ one or two, radical, ovate-lanceolate, stalked, large, bright green. _h._ 1ft. britain. see fig. 59. =a. validum= (strong). _fl._ pure white or rose-coloured, in large, rather drooping umbels. summer. _l._ 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, nearly as long as the stem. _h._ 12in. to 30in. oregon and california, 1881. a pretty species. =a. victorialis= (victoria's). _fl._ greenish-white, in many-flowered, spicate umbels. may. _l._ broadly ovate-oblong, channelled, shorter than the stem. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. southern and eastern europe, 1739. conspicuous from its broad leaves. rare. =allobrogia.= a synonym of =paradisia= (which _see_). =allochlamys.= a synonym of =pleuropetalum= (which _see_). =allophyllus.= a synonym of =schmidelia= (which _see_). =alloplectus= (from _allos_, diverse, and _pleco_, to plait; the calyx appears as if it was plaited in diverse directions). ord. _gesneraceã¦_. very handsome stove evergreen shrubs. corolla tubular or club-shaped, straightish; calyx coloured. leaves opposite, one in each pair smaller than the other, petiolate, fleshy, scattered or decumbent, or erect, the under surface generally reddish; branches opposite. for cultivation, _see_ =gesnera=. =a. bicolor= (two-coloured). _fl._ yellow, purple; corolla pilose; pedicels axillary, one-flowered. june. _l._ ovate, oblong, acuminate, denticulate, pilose above, downy beneath; branches tetragonal. _h._ 1ft. new grenada, 1840. plant erect, rather woody. =a. capitatus= (headed). _fl._ capitate; sepals red, leafy; corolla silky, ventricose above the middle; peduncles axillary. march. _l._ large, ovate, serrated, downy, reddish beneath. stem bluntly tetragonal, red. _h._ 2ft. south america, 1847. =a. dichrous= (two-coloured). _fl._ purple, yellow, axillary, crowded, nearly sessile. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, quite entire, pubescent. brazil, 1845. a climber. =a. peltatus= (peltate-leaved).* _fl._ whitish, about 2in. long, in axillary tufts. august. _l._ opposite, one is 1in. to 2in. long, and the other 6in. to 9in. long, and 2in. wide, oblong, shortly acuminate, rounded, peltate at the base, and raised on stout footstalks, 1in. to 2in. long. _h._ 1ft. costa rica, 1877. =a. repens= (creeping). _fl._ yellow; corolla with curved tube, four lobed; sepals ovate, spotted; peduncles axillary, solitary. february. _l._ ovate, rather fleshy, serrate, on short petioles. st. martha, 1845. plant downy; an evergreen trailer. =a. vittatus= (striped). _fl._, calyx crimson; corolla pale yellow; terminal and fasciculate, surrounded by vivid red foliaceous bracts. _l._ large, shortly-stalked, broadly-ovate, of a deep velvety green, having a broad greyish-green band down the centre, branching off along the course of the principal veins. stems erect, fleshy. peru, 1870. =a. zamorensis= (zamora).* _fl._ yellow; sepals orange-red. _h._ 1ft. columbia, 1875. =allosorus.= _see_ =cryptogramme= and =pellã¦a=. =allotment gardens.= a system of assigning small portions of land to be cultivated by labourers after their ordinary day's work. the following are the most important rules to be carried out; but, should occasion arise, other rules must be made to meet particular cases:-1. each allotment should consist of a rood of land (=1/4 acre) to be let yearly at a rent of not more than 10s. 2. the allotment to be let for one year only, to be re-let to the same occupier, provided his character has been satisfactory during the preceding year. 3. the rent shall be considered due at michaelmas. if it remains unpaid for one month after that date, the allotment shall be forfeited. 4. the allotment to be cultivated solely by spade husbandry, and the same crop shall not be planted on the same part two years in succession. 5. separate allotments shall be divided by a space not less than 18in. 6. any occupier trespassing on his neighbour's allotment, or in any way interfering or damaging the same, shall not be allowed to hold his allotment after the expiration of the year. =allspice.= _see_ =calycanthus=. =allspice tree.= _see_ =pimenta=. =almeidea= (in honour of j. r. p. de almeida, a brazilian, who was of great assistance to st. hilaire while travelling in brazil). ord. _rutaceã¦_. stove trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, entire, stalked leaves. racemes terminal, divided at the apex into compound thyrse-like panicles. the undermentioned species will grow freely in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. partly ripened cuttings will root in sand under a hand glass, in heat. =a. rubra= (red). _fl._ pink; petals very blunt; racemes compound. september. _l._ lanceolate, acute at base. _h._ 12ft. brazil, 1849. evergreen shrub. =almond.= _see_ =amygdalus=. =almond-leaved willow.= _see_ =salix triandra=. =alnus= (from _al_, near, and _lan_, the bank of a river; general habitat of the genus). the alder tree. ord. _betulaceã¦_. a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs. flowers monå�cious; barren ones in long drooping autumnal catkins, lasting through the winter; fertile ones, produced in spring, in oval catkins, resembling a fir-cone in shape, the fleshy scales of which become indurated and ligneous as they approach maturity. leaves stalked, roundish, blunt. propagated usually by seeds, which are gathered towards the end of october; they require to be well dried, in order that the cones do not become mouldy. the seeds are sprinkled lightly on the ground with the slightest possible covering. towards the end of the year, the seedlings will be about 10in. high. they are then planted in rows 1-1/2ft. apart, and 6in. from each other, where they may remain for two years, after which they can be placed out in the situations where they are intended to stand. planting is best done in november or march; and, if it is designed to make a plantation of alder, the young trees should be put in holes, made with an ordinary garden spade, about 9in. deep, and about 4ft. apart. they are also increased, but rarely, by cuttings, by suckers, and by grafting. =a. cordifolia= (heart-shaped-leaved).* _fl._ greenish-brown. march and april, before the development of the leaves. _l._ heart-shaped, acuminate, dark green, and shining. _h._ 15ft. to 50ft. calabria and naples, 1820. a large, very distinct, and handsome round-headed tree. it grows rapidly in dry soil, and is one of the most interesting of ornamental trees. =a. firma= (firm).* _l._ oval lanceolate, acuminate, sharply serrated, many-nerved. japan. one of the most distinct of all the alders. [illustration: fig. 60. alnus glutinosa, showing catkins and fruit.] =a. glutinosa= (sticky).* _barren catkins_ long, large, and cylindrical, pendent, their footstalks branched. _fertile catkins_ small, ovate, with deep red scales. spring. _l._ roundish-cuneiform, obtuse lobed at the margin, and serrated, somewhat glutinous, downy in the axils of the nerves beneath. _h._ 50ft. to 60ft. britain. the alder affects moist and damp situations, and, as it grows quickly, it is a useful tree to plant in bare situations. it is valuable as a nurse to other trees by the sea-side. see fig. 60. =a. g. aurea= (golden).* foliage golden colour. =a. g. incisa= (incised).* compact form, with leaves quite like those of common hawthorn. syn. _a. g. oxyacanthifolia_. =a. g. laciniata= (cut).* _l._ oblong and pinnatifid, with the lobes acute. this has elegant drooping branches and fern-like leaves, and is one of the best. =a. g. oxyacanthifolia= (sharp-prickled). synonymous with _a. g. incisa_. =a. g. quercifolia= (oak-leaved).* _l._ with a sinuate outline, like that of the common oak. a very distinct form. the variety _imperialis_ (=_asplenifolia_) slightly differs in its more or less lobed or cut foliage; _a. g. variegata_ is a variegated form. =a. incana= (hoary).* _l._ broadly oval or ovate, rounded at the base, sharply serrate, whitened, and mostly downy beneath. _h._ 8ft. to 20ft. north temperate regions. this affects drier situations than our native _a. glutinosa_. =a. viridis= (green). _fertile catkins_ slender stalked, clustered, ovoid. _l._ round oval or slightly heart-shaped, glutinous and smooth or softly downy beneath, serrate, with very sharp and closely set teeth. mountainous regions of northern hemisphere. =alocasia= (from _a_, without, and _colocasia_). allied to _colocasia_. ord. _aroideã¦_. stove plants of great beauty, often with large and handsomely variegated, usually peltate, leaves, and shortly petiolate glaucous spathes. they are not difficult to grow, with a strong moist heat, and an abundant supply of water to the roots. the soil should consist of fibrous peat, with a little light fibry loam, in large lumps; to this add a good proportion of sphagnum and lumps of charcoal, with plenty of silver sand. keep the bulbs and soil raised well above the rim of the pots, and finish off with a surfacing of either sphagnum or cocoa-nut fibre. the latter will soon encourage new rootlets. crock the pot quite two-thirds up with clean, broken potsherds. water freely when in good growth, and give liquid manure once or twice a week through the growing season. shade during bright sunshine in the spring and summer months. increased by seeds and division of the stems or rhizome. winter temperature, 60deg. to 65deg.; summer, 75deg. to 85deg. _see also_ =caladium= and =colocasia=. =a. alba= (white). _fl._ white. _h._ 1-1/2ft. java, 1854. =a. amabilis= (lovely). synonymous with _a. longiloba_. =a. chelsonii= (chelsea).* an interesting hybrid between _a. cuprea_ and _a. longiloba_. _l._ large, upper surface deep green, glossy and metallic, under side purplish, as in _a. cuprea_. =a. cucullata= (hood-leaved). _fl._ green, whitish. spring. _h._ 2ft. india, 1826. =a. cuprea= (coppery).* _fl._, spathe purplish-red, with short lamina. _l._ cordate-ovate, peltate, deflexed, 12in. to 18in. long, rich bronze colour, purple beneath. _h._ 2ft. borneo, 1860. syns. _a. metallica_, _xanthosoma plumbea_. =a. gigantea= (gigantic). synonymous with _a. longiloba_. =a. guttata= (spotted). _fl._, spathe white, spotted with purple. _l._ leafstalk also spotted. _h._ 2-1/2ft. borneo, 1879. =a. hybrida= (hybrid).* a cross between _a. lowii_ and _a. cuprea_. _l._ elliptic in outline, with a very short acuminate point, and very slightly parted at the base, deep olive-tinted green on the upper surface, having stout, well-defined ribs, and the margin of an ivory white; dull purple at the back. =a. illustris= (bright). _l._ ovate-sagittate, rich green, with olive-black patches, deflexed, 1-1/2ft. long. india, 1873. =a. jenningsii= (jennings's).* _l._ peltate, cordate-ovate, acuminate, with their blades deflexed from the top of the erect mottled stalks, ground colour green, surface marked with large wedge-shaped blotches of dark brown; veins bright green, 6in. to 8in. long. india, 1867. a very distinct and free growing species. =a. johnstoni= (johnston's).* _l._ semi-erect, arrow-shaped, peltate, the front lobe being about 12in. long, and the two back lobes 14in. long and divergent, olive-green, prettily variegated and strikingly veined with bright rosy red. the leafstalks are furnished at intervals with irregular whorls of stiff spines, the points of which are turned upwards. stem darkly mottled with flesh-coloured bands just above the spines. solomon isles, 1875. this plant has quite a unique appearance. =a. liervalii= (lierval's). _l._ bright green. philippines, 1869. =a. longiloba= (long-lobed). _l._ large, sagittate, with the upper part spreading out, green, with silvery veins. _h._ 4ft. java, 1864. syns. _a. amabilis_, _a. gigantea_. =a. lowii= (low's). _fl._, spathe white. _l._ cordate-sagittate, 14in. to 16in. long, peltate, deflexed, olive-green, with thick white ribs, deep purple beneath. borneo, 1862. =a. macrorhiza= (long-rooted). _fl._ green, whitish. _h._ 5ft. polynesia. =a. m. variegata= (variegated). _l._ large, somewhat cordate, with slightly waved margins, bright green, blotched and marbled with white, sometimes nearly quite white; footstalks broadly streaked with pure white. ceylon. a very striking and effective large growing plant. =a. marshallii= (marshall's). _l._ green, with dark blotches, and broad central silvery band. india, 1811. =a. metallica= (metallic). synonymous with _a. cuprea_. =a. navicularis= (boat-shaped spathe). _fl._, spathe boat-shaped, whitish. _h._ 1ft. india, 1855. =a. roezlii.= _see_ =caladium marmoratum=. =a. scabriuscula= (roughish).* _fl._, spathe entirely white; limb 3in. long, oblong, cuspidate. _l._ spreading, not deflexed, sagittate, not in the least peltate, deep shining green above, pale green beneath, extreme length 22in. to 31in. _h._ 4ft. to 4-1/2ft. north-west borneo, 1878. although this is not such an ornamental species as _a. lowii_, _a. thibautiana_, or _a. cuprea_, it has the merit of being a much larger and bolder plant than either of these, and is one of the largest species in the genus. =a. sedeni= (seden's).* a hybrid between _a. lowii_ and _a. cuprea_. _l._ oval, cordate, sagittate, deflexed, bronzy green, purple beneath, veins distinct ivory white. =a. thibautiana= (thibaut's).* _l._ ovate-acute, deeply cordate; basal lobes rounded and not sharply pointed, deep olive greyish-green, traversed by numerous grey veinlets branching from the midrib, which is greyish-white, purple beneath. borneo, 1878. this is said to be by far the finest of the genus. =a. variegata= (variegated). _fl._ whitish. _l._ leafstalk mottled with violet. india, 1854. =a. zebrina= (zebra).* _l._ erect, broadly sagittate, rich dark green borne upon stout footstalks, which are pale green, mottled and striped with zigzag bands of dark green. _h._ 4ft. or more. philippine isles, 1862. =aloe= (from _alloeh_, its arabic name). allied genera: _apicra_, _haworthia_, _pachidendron_, _phylloma_. including _rhipodendron_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. this hitherto much confused genus, and its allies, have been completely revised by mr. j. g. baker (_vide_ "journal of the linnean society," vol. xxviii. pp. 152-182), to whose account we are indebted for many of the following particulars:--plant with or without stems; shrubs or (rarely) trees; leaves thick, fleshy, frequently in a rosette; peduncles simple or racemed, endowed with few or many empty bracts. flowers racemed; pedicels bracteated at base, solitary; perianth-tube straight or slightly recurved; segments elongated; stamens hypogynous, as long as the perianth, or longer. mr. baker describes over eighty species, many of which, for various and important reasons, have no claim upon our space. natives of the cape of good hope, except where otherwise stated. these very interesting and curious plants thrive well in a mixture of open loam and peat, together with a small quantity of well decomposed manure. if old brick rubbish, or any other similar material is mixed with the soil to ensure perfect and rapid drainage, so much the better. water, especially during winter, must be carefully administered. they thrive in an ordinary greenhouse, and cannot have too much light at any time. =a. abyssinica= (abyssinian).* _fl._, perianth twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme dense-oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to 3in. broad; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncle branched, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ about twenty in a rosette, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, acuminate, green, sometimes spotted, five to six lines thick in middle; back rounded; marginal prickles distant, deltoid, one to two lines long. stem simple, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. abyssinia, 1777. syn. _a. maculata_. =a. a. peacockii= (peacock's). this is a rare variety. =a. africana= (african). _fl._, perianth yellow, fifteen to eighteen lines long; racemes dense, 1ft. in length, 3in. in diameter; peduncle very strong, branched. _l._ in a dense rosette, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad, slowly narrowing from base to the apex, channelled above the middle, where it is four to five lines thick; marginal prickles close, one and a half to two lines long. stem simple, when fully grown, 20ft. =a. albispina= (white-spined).* _fl._, perianth red, 1-1/2in. long; raceme dense, nearly 1ft. long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._ loosely disposed, lanceolate, ascending, 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. broad, green, without spots or lines; face concave upwards; middle three to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles white, horny, two lines long. stem simple, short, 1in. to 1-1/2in. in diameter. 1796. =a. albocincta= (white-banded).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, ten to twelve lines long; racemes twenty or more, shortly capitate, 2in. to 2-1/2in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels ascending, six to nine lines long; scape stout, branched, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, outer ones recurved, lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, glaucous, obscurely lined and spotted; middle three to four lines thick; margin red or white tinted. stems in old specimens, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. in diameter. syns. _a. hanburyana_, _a. paniculata_, and _a. striata_. =a. arborescens= (tree-like).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft.; pedicels ascending, twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles strong, 1-1/2ft., simple or branched. _l._ (rosette 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter) dense, aggregate, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft.; base 2in. broad, thence to apex attenuated, acuminated, green, rather glaucous, without spots or lines; middle three to four lines long; base five to six lines thick; upper surface beyond the base channelled; marginal prickles close, one and a half to two lines long, horny. stem simple, finally 10ft. to 12ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. 1700. =a. a. frutescens= (shrubby). dwarfer. _l._ often loose, and shorter, intensely glaucous; peduncle simple. stem slender, sometimes racemosed. =a. aristata= (awned). _fl._, perianth red, fourteen to sixteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 4in. to 6in. long, and about 4in. broad; pedicels sub-patent, thirteen to eighteen lines long; scape simple, 1ft. _l._ about fifty in a dense rosette, ascending, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines broad, without spots or lines; face flat, sparingly tubercled; middle one and a half lines thick; back copiously tubercled; apex bearded with a pellucid awn; marginal teeth diffuse, white, half line long. 1824. =a. bainesii= (baines').* _fl._, perianth fifteen to sixteen lines long, yellowish red; raceme simple, dense, oblong, 3-1/2in. to 4in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels thick, two to three lines long; peduncles upright, strong, eight to nine lines in diameter. _l._ closely packed at the top of the branch, ensiform, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter, green, spotted, deeply channelled, recurved; middle two to three lines thick; marginal prickles pale, rather distant, one to one and a half lines long. arborescent, branched. _h._ 40ft. to 60ft.; trunk 4ft. to 5ft. in diameter. syns. _a. barberã¦_, _a. zeyheri_. =a. barbadensis= (barbadoes). synonymous with _a. vera_. =a. barberã¦= (barber's). synonymous with _a. bainesii_. =a. brevifolia= (short-leaved).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; pedicels upright, six to twelve lines long; peduncles simple, hardly 1ft. long. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 1in. broad at the base, glaucous, without spots or lines; face unarmed, below swollen or flat; middle three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly tubercled; marginal teeth whitish, one to one and a half lines long. stem short, simple. syn. _a. prolifera_. =a. b. depressa= (depressed). _fl._ somewhat larger; peduncles 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long. _l._ 6in. long; bottom 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; face sometimes sparingly tubercled. =a. cã¦sia= (bluish-grey).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; racemes dense, nearly 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape simple, 6in. _l._ rather dense, lanceolate acuminate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.; bottom 2in. to 3in. broad, intensely glaucous, without spot or lines, slightly channelled upwards; middle 3in. to 4in. thick; marginal prickles red, one to one and a half lines long. stem simple, finally, in old specimens, 12ft. to 14ft. 1815. =a. candollei= (de candolle's). a mere form of _a. humilis_. =a. chinensis= (chinese). _fl._, perianth yellow, 1in. long; raceme loose, simple, 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels one and a half to two lines long; peduncle simple, 6in. to 12in. _l._ fifteen to twenty in a dense rosette, ensiform, 9in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. broad at the bottom, pale green, not lined; base nearly flat; middle three to four lines thick; upper surface channelled; marginal prickles distant, pale, one to one and a half lines long. stem short, simple. china, 1817. =a. ciliata= (ciliated).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 2in. to 4in. long; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender, simple. _l._ linear, widely spreading, amplexicaul, green, 4in. to 6in. long; base six to nine lines broad, slowly narrowing towards the apex, without spots or lines; middle one line thick; marginal teeth minute, white. stems long, sarmentose; branches three to four lines in diameter; internodes six to twelve lines long, obscurely striated with green. 1826. =a. commelyni= (commelin's). a mere form of _a. mitrã¦formis_. =a. consobrina= (related). _fl._, perianth yellowish red, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme rather loose, oblong, cylindrical, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; scape 1-1/2ft., slender, branched. _l._ loosely disposed, ensiform, 6in. to 8in. long, and 1in. broad, green, spotted white; face channelled; middle three lines thick; marginal prickles minute, brownish; rosette 10in. to 12in. (sometimes 2ft.) in diameter; upper leaves ascending; central ones spreading half open; lower ones deflexed. stem 2ft., simple, 1in. in diameter. south africa, 1845. =a. cooperi= (cooper's).* _fl._, perianth fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme close, 3in. to 6in. long, and 3in. to 4in. in diameter; lower pedicels 1in. to 2in. long; scape simple, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ when mature, 8in. to 10in. long, distichous, falcate, lined; outer ones 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., above the base six to eight lines broad, greenish, deeply channelled, sparingly spotted; middle one and a half to two lines thick; marginal teeth minute, close, white. plant stemless. natal, 1862. syn. _a. schmidtiana_. =a. dichotoma= (two-branched).* quiver-tree. _fl._, perianth oblong, ten to twelve lines long; raceme loose, 2in. to 4in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles stout, branched. _l._ closely packed, at the top of the branch, lanceolate, 8in. to 12in. long; bottom twelve to fifteen lines broad, glaucous, without spots or lines, slightly channelled above the base; middle three to four lines thick, narrow-margined with white; marginal prickles minute, pale. trunk short, sometimes 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter. _h._ 20ft. to 30ft. 1781. arborescent, branched. =a. distans= (distant).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme densely capitate, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; lower pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles 1-1/2ft., usually simple. _l._ ascending, loosely disposed, ovate-lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, and 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, green, slightly glaucous, without spots and lines; face concave; middle three to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles close, white, horny, one to one and a half lines long. stem short, simple, 1in. in diameter; internodes pale, striated green. 1732. =a. glauca= (milky-green).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, 3-1/2in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels 1in. to 1-1/2in. long. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long; at the base 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, slowly narrowing towards the apex, intensely glaucous, spotless, obscurely lined; middle three to four lines thick; face above the base slightly concave; back tubercled at apex; marginal teeth spreading, brownish, one to one and a half lines long. stem simple, at length, about 1ft., 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1731. =a. gracilis= (graceful). _fl._, perianth yellow, straight, fourteen to sixteen lines long; raceme densely packed, simple, 2in. to 3in.; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncle simple, 6in. to 9in. long, two-edged at the base. _l._ loosely disposed, spreading, 6in. to 10in. long; base ten to twelve lines broad, ensiform, acuminated, glaucous, spotless and without lines; face slightly channelled; back rounded; marginal prickles close, minute. stem leafy, simple. 1822. =a. greenii= (green's).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fourteen to fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, 4in. to 8in. long, and 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels five to six lines long; scape 2ft. long. _l._ in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 18in. long; bottom 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad, slowly narrowing from middle to the apex; middle three to four lines thick; face flat, shining green, obscurely lined and spotted white; marginal prickles spreading, one and a half to two lines long, horny. stem short, simple, 1-1/2in. in diameter. south africa, 1875. =a. hanburyana= (hanbury's). synonymous with _a. albocincta_. =a. humilis= (humble).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen lines long; raceme loose, simple, 6in. long, and 2in. to 2-1/2in. in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles about 1ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ascending, lanceolate, acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines broad, glaucous green, obscurely lined; face slightly concave above, sparingly tubercled; middle three lines thick; back convex; marginal prickles pale, one line long. plant stemless. 1731. =a. h. acuminata= (taper-pointed). _l._ ovate-lanceolate, 4in. to 5in. long, fifteen to eighteen lines broad; marginal prickles pale, two to two and a half lines long. _a. incurva_, _a. suberecta_, and _a. subtuberculata_, of haworth; _a. candollei_, and _a. macilenta_, of baker, are mere forms of the foregoing species. =a. incurva= (incurved). a mere form of _a. humilis_. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved).* _fl._, perianth brilliant golden scarlet, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, terminal, 4in. to 5in. long and wide; lower pedicels 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; peduncle robust, 2ft., often branched. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, 6in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3-1/2in. broad at bottom, slowly narrowing from below the middle upwards, green, not lined, but copiously spotted white; middle three to four lines thick; marginal prickles one and a half to two lines long, horny, brownish. stem at length, 1ft. to 2ft., 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter, simple. 1795. =a. lineata= (line-marked).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in.; pedicels hardly perpendicular, fifteen to eighteen lines long; scape simple, 1ft. _l._ in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. long, 2in. broad at base, narrowing slowly from thence to the apex, pale green, spotless, lined; middle three lines thick, channelled upwards on both sides, unarmed; marginal teeth numerous, red, one and a half to two lines long. stem finally 6in. to 1ft., simple, 2in. in diameter. 1789. =a. macilenta= (thin). a mere form of _a. humilis_. =a. macracantha= (long-spined). _fl._ unknown. _l._ fifteen to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 20in. long, and 3in. to 4in. broad at the bottom, slightly narrowed from middle to apex; middle four lines thick; face flat, green, obscurely lined, spotted; marginal prickles horny, three to four lines long. stem simple, 2ft. to 3ft., 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. south africa, 1862. =a. macrocarpa= (large-fruited).* _fl._, perianth club-shaped, brilliant red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; raceme loose, terminal, 6in. long, and 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels 1/2in. long; peduncles 2ft. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, less than 1ft. long; bottom 3in. to 4in. broad; top channelled; middle three to four lines thick, green, copiously spotted; marginal prickles spreading, half line long. stem short, simple. abyssinia, 1870. =a. maculata= (spotted). synonymous with _a. abyssinica_. =a. margaritifera= (pearl-bearing). _see_ =haworthia margaritifera=. =a. mitrã¦formis= (mitre-shaped).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 4in. to 6in. long, and nearly as much in diameter; pedicels ascending; lower ones fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles strong, 1-1/2ft., sometimes branched. _l._ rather loosely disposed, ascending, lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; green, slightly glaucous, without spots or lines; face concave; middle three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly tubercled; apex horny, pungent; marginal prickles rather close, pale, one to one and a half lines long. stem finally 3ft. to 4ft., simple, 1in. to 2in. in diameter. =a. m. flavispina= (yellow-spined). differs from the type in having narrower and more lanceolate leaves, and yellow spines. _a. commelyni_, _a. spinulosa_, _a. pachyphylla_, and _a. xanthacantha_, are also forms of this species. =a. myriacantha= (many-spined). _fl._, perianth pale red, eight to nine lines long; racemes densely capitate, 2in. in diameter; pedicels four to six lines long; peduncles slender, simple, 1ft. _l._ ten to twelve, falcate, linear, 5in. to 6in. long, four to five lines broad, green, glaucous; face deeply channelled; back convex, spotted white; marginal teeth numerous, white. plant stemless. 1823. =a. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6 or more inches long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; peduncles simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._ rather loosely disposed, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2-1/4in. to 4in. broad; face green, without spots or lines, concave above the base; middle three to four lines thick; apex rather pungent; back prickly upwards; marginal prickles rather close, one and a half to two lines long, horny. stem simple, at length 3ft. to 4ft. high, 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1800. =a. pachyphylla= (thick-leaved). a mere form of _a. mitrã¦formis_. =a. paniculata= (panicled). synonymous with _a. albocincta_. =a. perryi= (perry's).* _fl._, perianth greenish, nine to ten lines long; raceme dense, 3in. to 4in. long; pedicels three to four lines long; inflorescence 1-1/2ft. long, commonly two-headed. _l._ in a rosette, lanceolate, 7in. to 8in. long, and 2-1/2in. broad, from below the middle to the apex narrowed, pale glaucous green, spotless, obscurely lined, channelled above the base; middle three to four lines thick; marginal teeth close, horny, one line long. stem simple, 1in. in diameter. socotra, 1879. =a. prolifera= (proliferous). synonymous with _a. brevifolia_. =a. purpurascens= (purplish). _fl._, perianth reddish, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. to 9in. long, and about 3in. in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; scape strong, simple, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ forty to fifty in a dense rosette, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, ensiform, 2in. broad at the base, slowly narrowed towards the apex, green; base flat; middle three lines thick, slightly channelled upwards, sometimes spotted; marginal prickles small, white. stem 2ft. to 3ft., sometimes forked. 1789. =a. rhodocincta= (red-margined), of gardens, is probably a form of _a. albocincta_. =a. saponaria= (soapy).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 3in. to 4in. long and wide; lower pedicels 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; scape 1ft. to 2ft., simple, or sparingly branched. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, eighteen to twenty-four lines broad, narrowed from below the middle upwards; middle three to four lines broad; face flat at bottom; back swollen, green, copiously spotted, distinctly lined; marginal prickles adjoining, horny, one and a half to two lines long. stem short, simple, 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1727. =a. schimperi= (schimper's).* _fl._, perianth bright red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; racemes densely corymbose, 4in. in diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape strong, 3ft. long, strongly branched above. _l._ twenty in a dense rosette, oblong-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 4in. broad, glaucous green, lined, sometimes spotted, three to four lines thick at middle, above which they are channelled; teeth minute, spreading. stem short, simple. abyssinia, 1876. =a. schmidtiana= (schmidt's). synonymous with _a. cooperi_. =a. serra= (saw). _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen lines long; raceme simple, dense, 6in. long or more, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels six to twelve lines long; scape simple, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, twelve to eighteen lines broad below, without spots and lines; base swollen, concave towards the apex; middle three to four lines thick, sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles close, one to one and a half lines long. plant shortly stemmed. 1818. =a. serratula= (finely-toothed).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme rather dense, 6in. long; pedicels six to nine lines long; peduncles simple, about 1ft. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long; bottom 1-1/2in. to 2-1/4in. broad, pale green; face below the top flat or slightly concave, obscurely lined, spotted; margin minutely denticulated. stem simple, finally 1ft. to 2ft. high, 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1789. =a. spinulosa= (spiny). a mere form of _a. mitrã¦formis_. =a. striata= (striated). synonymous with _a. albocincta_. =a. striatula= (slightly striped).* _fl._, perianth yellow, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, rather dense, simple, 3in. to 6in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels short; peduncles simple, nearly 1ft. _l._ linear, spreading, green, 6in. to 9in. long; base not dilated, six to eight lines broad, above the base upwards narrowed, slightly channelled; middle one line thick; marginal prickles deltoid. stem long, sarmentose; floral branches three to six lines in diameter; internodes 6in. to 12in. long. 1823. =a. suberecta= (slightly erect). a mere form of _a. humilis_. =a. subtuberculata= (slightly knobbed). a mere form of _a. humilis_. =a. succotrina= (socotrine).* _fl._, perianth reddish, fifteen lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ensiform, acuminate, falcate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; base 2in.; middle 1in. broad, green, slightly glaucous, sometimes spotted, slightly channelled upwards; marginal prickles pale, one line long. stem 3ft. to 5ft., often forked. isle of socotra. 1731. =a. tenuior= (thinned). _fl._, perianth pale yellow, five to six lines long; racemes rather loose, simple, oblong, nearly 1ft. 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender, simple, 4in. to 8in. _l._ loose, linear, 5in. to 8in. long, slowly narrowing from middle towards apex, green, spotless, slightly channelled; middle one line thick; marginal prickles minute, pale. stem long, sarmentose. 1821. =a. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _fl._, perianth coral red, fleshy; raceme loose, oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels ascending, three to four lines long; scape 1-1/2ft. long, glaucous purple; panicle deltoid. _l._ twelve to sixteen in a close rosette, lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad at bottom, slowly narrowing from below the middle to apex; middle five to six lines thick; back rounded; face slightly swollen, copiously spotted, not lined; marginal prickles close, spreading, about one line long. stem short, simple. south africa, 1875. =a. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._, perianth reddish, fifteen to sixteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 3in. to 4in. long and about 3in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; scape simple, tapering, 6in. to 8in. _l._ close, erecto-patent, lanceolate, 4in. to 5in. long, 1in. broad; face concave; back keeled, bright green, copiously spotted grey on both sides; margin whitish, denticulated. 1790. this is the variegated aloe so frequently seen in cottage windows. [illustration: fig. 61. aloe vera.] =a. vera= (true).* _fl._, perianth yellow, cylindrical, 3/4in. to 1in. long; raceme dense, 6in. to 12in. long; scape strong, 2ft. to 3ft. long, simple or branched. _l._ ensiform, dense, aggregate, 2in. to 4in. broad, narrowing from the base to apex, pale green; middle about 1/2in. thick; face channelled above the base; marginal prickles subdistant, deltoid, horny. stem rarely more than 1ft. or 2ft. 1596. syns. _a. barbadensis_, _a. vulgaris_. see fig. 61. =a. vulgaris= (common). synonymous with _a. vera_. =a. xanthacantha= (yellow-spined). a mere form of _a. mitrã¦formis_. =a. zeyheri= (zeyher's). a garden synonym of _a. bainesii_. =alomia= (from _a_, not, and _loma_, a fringe). ord. _compositã¦_. allied to _eupatoria_. an ornamental half-hardy evergreen plant. grows freely in sandy loam, and may be propagated by cuttings. =a. ageratoides= (ageratum-like). _fl.-heads_ white, many flowered; involucrum campanulate, imbricate; scales narrow, acute; receptacle naked, convex. july. _l._ opposite, or upper ones alternate, petiolate, denticulated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. new spain, 1824. =alona= (primitive name, _nolana_--letters transposed; from _nola_, a little bell, in allusion to the shape of the flowers). ord. _nolanaceã¦_. a genus of pretty evergreen shrubs closely allied to _nolana_, but differing principally in having several ovaries from one to six-celled, whereas _nolana_ has five four-celled ovaries. leaves fasciculate; stems woody. they require ordinary greenhouse treatment, in a peat and loam compost. cuttings root freely in sandy loam, with a very gentle bottom heat, in about a fortnight. =a. cå�lestis= (sky-blue).* _fl._ pale blue, very large, axillary, solitary; peduncle elongated. july. _l._ terete, fascicled; plant nearly glabrous. _h._ 2ft. chili, 1843. this pretty species is an excellent one for growing out-of-doors during summer months. =alonsoa= (in honour of z. alonso, formerly spanish secretary for santa fe de bogota). ord. _scrophularineã¦_. a genus of very pretty little half-hardy shrubs, herbaceous perennials, or annuals, with axillary, sub-racemose flowers, which are resupinate, with a sub-rotate five-cleft limb. leaves opposite, or ternately whorled. they will grow freely in light rich soil; and are readily increased by cuttings in august or march, which should be placed in sandy soil in gentle heat, or by seeds sown in march. the herbaceous species may be treated as outdoor summer annuals, and should be raised in a little heat, and planted out early in may. =a. albiflora= (white-flowered).* _fl._ pure white, with yellow eye, in long terminal spikes. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. mexico, 1877. this is recommended for pot culture, as in the conservatory it will provide a succession of flowers throughout the autumn and winter. =a. caulialata= (wing-stemmed). _fl._ scarlet, racemose. june. _l._ ovate, acute, serrated. stems and branches quadrangular, winged. _h._ 1ft. peru, 1823. half-hardy, herbaceous. =a. incisifolia= (cut-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet; peduncles long, alternate, disposed in terminal racemes. may to october. _l._ opposite, ovate, acute, deeply toothed, or serrate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. chili, 1795. glabrous greenhouse shrub. syn. _hemimeris urticifolia_. =a. linearis= (linear-leaved). _fl._ scarlet, with a dark bottom, like most of the species. may to october. _l._ opposite, or three in a whorl, linear, entire or remotely denticulated; young leaves fascicled in the axils of the old ones. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. peru, 1790. greenhouse shrub. syn. _hemimeris coccinea_. =a. linifolia= (flax-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. new holland. this is an elegant little annual, forming symmetrical, graceful, and very free flowering plants, either for pot or outdoor culture. =a. matthewsii= (matthew's). _fl._ scarlet, in loose, terminal racemes. july. _l._ lanceolate, toothed, about 1in. long. stem slender, quadrangular. _h._ 1ft. peru, 1871. greenhouse shrub. =a. myrtifolia= (myrtle-leaved). _fl._ scarlet, very large. new and pretty species. =a. warscewiczii= (warscewicz's).* _fl._ rosy scarlet. _h._ 1-1/2ft. chili, 1858. this is probably a herbaceous variety of _a. incisifolia_, and one of the best annuals. =aloysia= (in honour of maria louisa, mother of ferdinand vii., king of spain). sweet-scented verbena. ord. _verbenaceã¦_. this genus is nearly allied to _verbena_, which _see_ for generic characters. a greenhouse deciduous shrub, with a very fine perfume and graceful habit. the most satisfactory plan of culture is to obtain well-grown thrifty young plants in spring, and grow them on for the season. as the wood ripens, give less water until they are at rest, when it must be nearly withheld. about the end of january, bring into the light and warmth, and water thoroughly. as soon as the plants break, cut back to three or four eyes; and when the young shoots are about an inch long, transfer into rich sandy soil, using pots a size or two smaller than those they were in before. when the pots are full of roots, transfer to those that are to hold the plants for the season. by this mode of culture, good plants are to be maintained for any length of time. aloysias form excellent pillar subjects for either a cold greenhouse, or out-of-doors, in which latter situation they thrive remarkably well, but require thorough protection, with straw bands or mats, from november until march, and afterwards at night, until danger from severe frosts has passed. they require no summer training, their young growth being continually cut off for the many purposes of decoration to which they are applied, and to which they are so well adapted. they are easily increased by young cuttings in spring, which should be placed in sandy soil and gentle heat, when they will root in about three weeks. =a. citriodora= (lemon-scented).* _fl._ whitish or lilac, very small, in terminal panicles. august. _l._ pale green, lanceolate, agreeably scented, arranged in whorls of threes; branches slender. chili, 1781. syns. _lippia citriodora_, _verbena triphylla_. =alpine garden.= a very interesting style of gardening, which succeeds best by imitating nature as closely as possible. the situation may be an open or a sheltered one. in building a rock or alpine garden, it should be so arranged that all aspects are secured--shady and sunny--fully or in degree only. pockets and crevices of various sizes may be made, and filled with soil suitable for the subjects to be planted therein, each one having a direct connection with the bulk of the soil; and the constructing material should be arranged with a gentle fall, so that moisture drains towards rather than from the roots. alpine plants, as a rule, flourish better on a properly constructed rockery than if placed in any other position, because thorough drainage is effected, and the long and fine roots can run down in the crevices, where the soil is cool and moist. although most alpine plants are naturally exposed to the full action of sun and wind, they should be placed out in early autumn, or early spring, so as to become thoroughly established before the approach of scorching summer weather. failing materials necessary for the construction of a rockery, many alpines are easily grown in the ordinary border, in a naturally or artificially well drained situation. excavate to the depth of 18in., put in a layer of stones, broken bricks, &c., 6in. deep; fill up with rich fibrous loam and leaf mould, adding sufficient sand to keep the soil porous. when the desired subjects are firmly planted, cover the surface with small gravel or stone chippings, which, while allowing the rain to penetrate the soil, effectually checks evaporation, and keeps it moist and cool, as well as giving the appearance of rocky _dã©bris_. the effect will be better if the surface is slightly undulated. =alpine rose.= _see_ =rhododendron ferrugineum=. =alpinia= (in honour of prosper alpinus, an italian botanist). ord. _zingiberaceã¦_. a rather large genus of stove herbaceous perennials, with considerable grace and beauty. flowers disposed in terminal spikes. leaves lanceolate, smooth, even, entire, sheathed at the base, and having transverse veins. roots fleshy, branched, having much of the smell and taste of ginger. the soil can hardly be too rich for the successful culture of these plants. a mixture of equal parts loam, peat, leaf mould, or thoroughly rotted hotbed manure, freely mixed with sharp sand or fine charcoal dust, forms an excellent compost. during the growing season, a top dressing of rotten dung, and a frequent application of weak manure water, prove excellent stimulants. they grow rapidly and consume a great deal of food in the production of so much stem and so many leaves. unless the former is vigorous and of considerable thickness, it will fail to be crowned with spikes of flower. alpinias require a high temperature, a rich, light soil, abundance of water, and not a little space, to grow them well. soon after flowering, the plants will assume the yellow leaf, when water may be gradually withheld; but no attempt should be made to dry them off too severely, even after the stems die down. nor must they be stored when at rest in a low temperature; in fact, they require as much heat to preserve them in health when resting as at any other time. the best time to divide the plants is after the young shoots have made an inch of growth in spring. =a. albo-lineata= (white-lined).* _l._ elliptic lanceolate, pale green, marked with oblique broad bands of white. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. new guinea, 1880. =a. mutica= (beardless). _fl._ in pairs on a spike-like raceme; calyx white; corolla duplex, consisting of three outer oblong white segments; upper lobe concave and projecting, broad; lip large, bright yellow, veined with crimson; mouth finely crispulate at the edge. borneo, 1882. a very handsome species. =a. nutans= (nodding).* _fl._ pink, sweetly-scented; racemes drooping. may. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, even, entire. _h._ 13ft. india, 1792. this species looks best in considerable masses, even larger than those shown in the illustration, grown in large pots or tubs, or planted out in borders of tropical houses. it should on no account be severely divided. see fig. 62. [illustration: fig. 62. alpinia nutans, showing form of individual flower.] =a. vittata= (striped).* _l._ 6in. to 8in. long, elliptic lanceolate, tapering to a long fine point, and also narrowed gradually towards the sheathing base, pale green, marked by broad stripes of dark green and creamy white, running off from the midrib in divergent lines, corresponding to the venation. south sea islands. see fig. 63, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =alsike.= _see_ =trifolium hybridum=. =alsodeia= (from _alsodes_, leafy; plants thickly beset with leaves). ord. _violarieã¦_. ornamental evergreen stove shrubs. flowers small, whitish, racemose; petals equal; racemes axillary and terminal; pedicels bracteate jointed. leaves usually alternate, feather-nerved; stipules small, deciduous. they thrive best in a mixture of loam and sand, and young cuttings root readily under a bell glass if planted in sand, in heat. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved).* _fl._ on dense, glabrous racemes. _l._ ovate, obtusely acuminated. _h._ 6ft. madagascar, 1823. =a. pauciflora= (few-flowered). _fl._ few, somewhat corymbose; pedicels reflexed. _l._ wedge-shaped, on short footstalks. _h._ 4ft. madagascar, 1824. =alsophila= (from _alsos_, a grove, and _phileo_, to love; in reference to the situation which they affect in nature). ord. _filices_. a magnificent genus of tropical and temperate tree ferns. sori globose, dorsal, on a vein or in the forking of a vein; receptacle mostly elevated, frequently villous; involucre none. the species of this genus require an abundant supply of water, particularly in summer, and the young fronds must be carefully shaded from solar heat. they thrive well in a peat and loam compost. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =a. aculeata= (prickly).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnate. _rachises_ brown-stramineous; pinnã¦ ovate-lanceolate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long; pinnules sessile, ligulate, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad; segments close, ligulate, blunt, denticulate, often less than one line broad; both sides bright green, slightly hairy on the ribs, not scaly. _sori_ minute, medial; texture herbaceous. tropical america; very common. a very effective stove species. syn. _a. ferox_, &c. see fig. 64. =a. armata= (armed).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid or tripinnate. _rachises_ stramineous, densely pilose; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules ligulate-lanceolate, sessile, 3in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad; segments falcate, blunt, one to one and a half lines broad, sub-entire or toothed; both sides densely pilose on the ribs, not scaly. _sori_ subcostular. tropical america; extremely abundant. stove species. [illustration: fig. 63. alpinia vittata.] =a. aspera= (rough).* _cau._ slender, 10ft. to 30ft. high. _sti._ and _rachises_ strongly aculeated; main and partial rachis above strigillose, slightly scaly beneath and on the costa, the rest glabrous, often glossy. _fronds_ bipinnate; pinnules shortly petiolate, oblong; apex acuminated, pinnatifid half or two-thirds of the way down to the costa; lobes oblong-ovate, often acutely serrulate; costa bearing small, deciduous, bullate scales beneath. _sori_ very deciduous. west indies, &c. stove species. =a. australis= (southern).* _sti._ with very long, firm, subulate scales, 1-1/2ft. long, and as well as the main rachises, muricato-asperous, stramineous. _fronds_ ample, subglaucous beneath, more or less villous on the costã¦ and costule above, and very minutely bullato-paleaceous beneath, often quite naked, from 6ft. to 30ft. long; primary pinnã¦ 1-1/2ft. long, 6in. to 10in. wide; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. wide, oblong, acuminate, deeply pinnatifid, or towards the base even pinnate; ultimate pinnules or lobes oblong, acute, serrated, subfalcate. _sori_ copious, rather small. new holland, &c., 1833. a very handsome greenhouse species. =a. comosa= (hairy). synonymous with _a. scottiana_. =a. contaminans= (contaminating).* _cau._ slender, growing from 20ft. to 50ft. high. _sti._ and _rachises_ purplish brown, glossy, aculeate. _fronds_ 6ft. to 10ft. long, ample, glabrous, deep green above, glaucous beneath; primary pinnã¦ 2ft. or more in length, oblong-ovate, acuminate; pinnules sessile, 4in. to 5in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. wide, deeply pinnatifid, linear-oblong, sub-falcate, entire. _sori_ nearer the costule than the margin. java and malaya. stove species. syn. _a. glauca_. =a. cooperi= (cooper's).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnate. _rachises_ stramineous, muricated, glabrous beneath; basal scales large, linear, pale, spreading; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules ligulate, 4in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, lowest long-stalked; segments ligulate, blunt, toothed, one and a half to two and a half lines broad. _sori_ small. queensland, &c. greenhouse. =a. excelsa= (tall).* _trunk_ about 30ft. high. _sti._ and main _rachises_ muricated. _fronds_ ample, dark green above, paler beneath; primary pinnã¦ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 10in. wide; pinnules numerous, oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, deeply pinnatifid, often quite pinnate; ultimate divisions 1/4in. to 3/4in. long, oblong, acute or obtuse, falcate, the margins sub-recurved, serrated. _sori_ copious near the costules. norfolk island. this rapid-growing and splendid species proves nearly hardy in the neighbourhood of cornwall; and is a most effective plant for sub-tropical gardening purposes generally. greenhouse species. =a. ferox= (fierce). synonymous with _a. aculeata_. =a. gardneri= (gardner's). synonymous with _a. paleolata_. =a. gigantea= (gigantic). _cau._ growing from 20ft. to 40ft. high. _sti._ asperous; _fronds_, primary pinnã¦ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. and more long, deeply pinnatifid at the apex; pinnules, upper ones sessile, lower ones petiolate, oblong-acuminate, 3in. to 6in. long, five to nine lines wide, deeply pinnatifid; lobes triangular or rounded, serrated. _sori_ copious. india, &c. stove species. syn. _a. glabra_. =a. glabra= (glabrous). synonymous with _a. gigantea_. =a. glauca= (grey). synonymous with _a. contaminans_. =a. infesta= (troublesome). _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long; pinnules ligulate, 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, cut down to a narrow wing; segments 1/8in. broad, ligulate, blunt, nearly entire; texture sub-coriaceous; colour deep green on both sides. tropical america; widely distributed. stove species. =a. leichardtiana= (leichardt's).* _cau._ 10ft. to 20ft. high. _sti._ jointed upon the caudex; main and secondary rachises purple, deciduously powdery, spiny. _fronds_ 6ft. to 10ft. long, firm, dark green above, sub-glaucous beneath, naked and glaucous (or nearly so), tripinnate; primary pinnã¦ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. wide, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate; pinnules oblong-acuminate, sessile, pinnatifid only at the apex; ultimate divisions linear-oblong, acute, spinulose-serrate. _sori_ copious, close to the costa. australia, 1867. greenhouse species. syns. _a. macarthurii_, _a. moorei_. =a. lunulata= (moon-shaped pinnuled). _fronds_ ample, tripinnate. _rachises_ stramineous, glabrous below, densely muricated; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules close, ligulate, sessile, 4in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad; segments close, ligulate, falcate, blunt, one line broad, obscurely crenulate. _sori_ minute. _h._ 25ft. polynesia. greenhouse species. =a. macarthurii= (macarthur's). synonymous with _a. leichardtiana_. =a. moorei= (moore's). synonymous with _a. leichardtiana_. =a. paleolata= (scaly).* _cau._ slender, 10ft. to 20ft. high. _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid. _rachises_ stramineous, smooth, pubescent below; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules ligulate, sessile or shortly stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, deeply cut, the segments blunt and nearly entire; texture sub-coriaceous; colour deep green, both surfaces deeply pilose, the lower scaly on the ribs. _sori_ large, medial. columbia, &c. stove species. syn. _a. gardneri_. =a. procera= (tall). _sti._ aculeated and paleaceous below, with large glossy, dark brown scales. _fronds_ bipinnate, glabrous, pinnatifid at the apex; primary pinnã¦ 1ft. or more long, the rachis winged above; pinnules 2in. to 3in. long, oblong-acuminate or obtuse, pinnatifid half way down to the costa; lobes short, sub-rotundate, often acute, mostly entire. _sori_ small on all the lobes, between the costule and the margin. tropical america. stove species. =a. pruinata= (as if hoar-frosted).* _sti._ densely woolly at the base. _fronds_ glaucous, bi-tripinnate; primary pinnã¦ petiolate, 12in. to 18in. long, ovate-lanceolate; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. wide, petiolulate, from a broad base, oblong-acuminate, deeply pinnatifid, or again pinnate; ultimate divisions 1/2in. long, lanceolate, very acute, deeply and sharply serrated. _sori_ solitary. tropical america, extending to chili. stove or greenhouse species. =a. radens= (rasping). _cau._ 3ft. high, 3in. diameter. _sti._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, clothed with ovate, pale brown scales. _fronds_ 6ft. to 8ft. long, lanceolate-ovate, bipinnatisect; primary segments 1-1/2ft. long, elongato-oblong, acuminate; secondary ones 2in. to 3in. long, petiolulate, linear-lanceolate, pinnati-partite; segments oblong, denticulate. _sori_ between the costule and the margin. brazil. stove species. =a. rebeccã¦= (rebecca's).* _cau._ slender, 8ft. high. _fronds_ ample, bipinnate; pinnules twenty to thirty on each side, the lower ones stalked, linear, 2in. to 3in. long, more or less inciso-crenate, apex acuminate. _sori_ principally in two rows between the midrib and edge. queensland. greenhouse species. see fig. 65, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =a. sagittifolia= (arrow-leaved).* _fronds_ oblong-deltoid, 4ft. to 6ft. long, bipinnate. _rachises_ stramineous, muricated; pinnã¦ lanceolate, 3/4ft. to 1ft. long, the lower shorter, deflexed; pinnules sessile, ligulate, crenulate, cordate on both sides at the base, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, nearly 1/4in. broad. _sori_ large. trinidad, 1872. very handsome and distinct stove species. [illustration: fig. 64. alsophila aculeata.] =a. scottiana= (scott's).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid. _rachises_ castaneous, naked and smooth beneath; pinnã¦ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules sessile, 3in. to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, ligulate, cut down to a narrow wing on the rachis; segments ligulate, blunt, dentate, sub-falcate, not 1/8in. broad. _sori_ sub-costular. sikkim, 1872. greenhouse species. syn. _a. comosa_. =a. tã¦nitis= (tã¦nitis-like).* _fronds_ 3ft. to 6ft. long, bipinnate; pinnules distant, 3in. to 5in. long, lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, sub-entire, petioled; petiole articulated on the rachis. _sori_ in a single series, equidistant between the costa and the margin, mixed with long, copious hairs. brazil. an elegant stove species. =a. villosa= (villous).* _cau._ 6ft. to 12ft. high. _sti._ 1ft. or more long, tubercular, densely clothed at the base with ferruginous scales. _fronds_ from 6ft. to 8ft. long, bior sub-tripinnate, broadly lanceolate in outline; pinnules 1in. to 3in. long, oblong-lanceolate, obtusely acuminate, deeply pinnatifid; lobes oblong, obtuse, entire or coarsely serrated. _sori_ copious. tropical america. a very beautiful stove species. =alstonia= (in honour of dr. alston, once professor of botany at edinburgh). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. usually tall, lactescent, or milk-bearing stove evergreen shrubs or trees, with small white flowers, which are disposed in terminal cymes. leaves entire, opposite or often whorled. of easy culture, thriving best in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. cuttings root readily in sand, in heat. besides the one mentioned, there are eleven other species. =a. scholaris= (school). _fl._, corolla salver-shaped, white; cymes on short peduncles. march to may. _l._ five to seven in a whorl, obovate-oblong, obtuse, ribbed; upper surface glossy, under white, and having the veins approximating the margin. _h._ 8ft. india, 1803. syn. _echites scholaris_. [illustration: fig. 65. alsophila rebeccã�.] =alstrã�meria= (in honour of baron alstrã¶mer, a swedish botanist and friend of linnã¦us). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. tall handsome hardy or half-hardy tuberous rooted plants, with leafy stems and terminal umbels of richly-coloured flowers; perianth regular, six-parted, subcampanulate; inner segments narrower, two of which are somewhat tubulose at the base; stamens included within, and inserted with perianth; stigma trifid. leaves linear, lanceolate, or ovate, and resupinate, or inverted in position by the twisting of the petiole. cultivation: few plants need less attention to grow them successfully, either in pots or planted out. the best position for those kinds which succeed outside is a deep and dry, sloping, sheltered border, in a compost of two-parts peat and leaf soil, and one loam with some sharp sand. water freely if severe drought sets in; a surface covering of common moss, or cut fern in winter, will prove an advantage. they are very effective in masses. propagation: they may be increased by seed or root division. sow the former when ripe, or in early spring, thinly in pans, pots, or boxes, and place in a cool house or frame, so that they will receive some fostering in their early stages. the seedlings should be pricked out singly, when large enough to handle, and grown on till well established under glass. a mixture of peat, leaf mould, and sandy loam, is the best compost in which to sow the seeds and grow the young plants. when sufficiently established, they may be placed in a warm sheltered spot outside, and about 1ft. apart. the fasciculated masses of fleshy roots are readily separated into as many pieces as there are crowns; this operation may be performed during september or october, or february and march; but it must be done carefully. except for the sake of increase, the less they are disturbed the better. they are excellent subjects for pot culture (some can only be managed thus, unless planted out in a house), and may be potted as early in the autumn as possible, in 8in., 10in., or 12in. pots. thorough drainage is essential; arrange the crocks carefully, and place a layer of thin turfy loam over them. a compost of equal parts turfy loam, leaf mold, and fibrous peat, with an abundance of sand, will suit them admirably. water sparingly at first, but when root-action is fully resumed, they must never be allowed to get dry. support the stems by staking when they require it, and just previous to flowering, top-dress with some rotten manure and leaf soil. occasional syringings will be necessary to keep down red spider, especially if the atmosphere is very dry. as the plants finish flowering, and the leaves fade, gradually diminish the supply of water until the stems are quite down, when they may be placed somewhere out of the way, free from frost, for the winter, but not kept dry enough to make them shrivel. in repotting, as much of the old soil as is practicable should be removed, without seriously disturbing the roots, and the plants shifted into larger or the same sized pots, according to their condition. alstrã¶merias were at one time much more largely grown than they are at present, and the genus was represented in nearly every garden. [illustration: fig. 66. alstrã�meria aurantiaca, showing habit and flower.] =a. aurantiaca= (golden).* _fl._ orange; two upper perianth segments lanceolate, streaked with red; arranged in a five to six stalked umbel, bearing ten to fifteen blooms. summer and autumn. _l._ numerous, linear-elliptical, obtuse, glaucous, twisted and turned back at the base, about 4-1/2in. long. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. chili, 1831. a variable but very showy species, quite hardy. see fig. 66. =a. caryophyllã¦a= (clove-like scent).* _fl._ scarlet; very fragrant, perianth two-lipped; peduncles longer than the involucre. february and march. _l._ spathulate-oblong. stem erect. _h._ 8in. to 12in. brazil, 1776. this stove species requires perfect rest in winter. syn. _a. ligtu_. [illustration: fig. 67. flower of alstrã�meria pelegrina.] =a. chilensis= (chilian).* _fl._ blood-red or pink, large, the two upper interior petals longer and narrower, variegated with yellow lines; in pairs on a five to six stalked umbel. summer and autumn. _l._ scattered, obovate, spathulate; upper ones lanceolate, twisted at the base, minutely fringed on the edges, glaucescent. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. chili, 1849. hardy. there are many varieties of this species, varying in colour from a rosy white to a deep orange or red. =a. densiflora= (thickly-flowered).* _fl._, perianth scarlet, dotted with black spots inside towards the base; umbels many-flowered, dense; pedicels pubescent, rarely bracteated. _l._ alternate, ovate, shortly acuminate, pubescent underneath. stem climbing, glabrous. peru, 1865. tender species. =a. flos martini= (st. martin's flower). synonymous with _a. pulchra_. =a. hookeri= (hooker's). synonymous with _a. simsii_. =a. ligtu= (ligtu). synonymous with _a. caryophyllã¦a_. =a. pelegrina= (the native name).* _fl._ white, or pale yellow, striped with rose, and yellow spot on each segment; pedicels one-flowered, on a six or more stalked umbel. summer. _l._ lanceolate, twisted at the base. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1754. rather tender. see fig. 67. =a. p. alba= (white).* lily of the incas. _fl._ white. perhaps this is the most chaste of all the alstrã¶merias, and more tender than many others; it should have a specially warm spot, or the protection of glass. 1877. =a. peruviana= (peruvian). synonymous with _a. versicolor_. =a. psittacina= (parrot-like).* _fl._ bright crimson at the base, greenish upwards, spotted with purple; upper perianth segments slightly hooded, hence the specific name; umbels many-flowered; peduncles angular. september. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute, twisted at the base. stem erect, spotted. _h._ 6ft. mexico, 1829. hardy. =a. p. erembaulti= (erembault's). _fl._ white, spotted with purple. august. _h._ 2ft. 1833. a beautiful but rather tender hybrid. =a. pulchella= (pretty). synonymous with _a. simsii_. =a. pulchra= (fair).* st. martin's flower. _fl._ in umbels of from four to eight in each; the lower perianth segments purplish outside, and edges of a sulphur-white; the upper part of the upper segments of a fine yellow, dotted with deep red spots, the lower part of a flesh colour; pedicels twisted. _l._ linear lanceolate. stem erect. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1822. a beautiful species, but one requiring protection. syns. _a. flos martini_, _a. tricolor_. =a. rosea= (rosy). a synonym of _a. simsii_. =a. simsii= (sims's).* _fl._ brilliant yellow, with red streaks, very showy; umbels many-flowered; peduncles two-flowered. june. _l._ spathulate, ciliated. stem weak. _h._ 3ft. chili, 1822. tender species. syns. _a. hookeri_, _a. pulchella_, _a. rosea_. =a. tricolor= (three-coloured). a synonym of _a. pulchra_. [illustration: fig. 68. alstrã�meria versicolor, showing habit and flower.] =a. versicolor= (various coloured).* _fl._ yellow, with purple marks; lowest segment the broadest; umbel of usually three shortly-stalked blooms, very floriferous. late summer. _l._ linear-lanceolate, sessile, scattered. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. peru, 1831. this is a very robust species, with several beautiful varieties, which are both easily obtained and very cheap. syn. _a. peruviana_. see fig. 68. =a. v. niveo-marginata= (snowy-margined).* _fl._ rose, crimson and white, with green tips and black spots. _l._ lanceolate, stalked, white-edged. 1875. a charming but scarce variety. =alternanthera= (in allusion to the anthers being alternately barren). ord. _amaranthaceã¦_. well known ornamental-leaved half-hardy plants, with inconspicuous flowers in axillary heads. some of the undermentioned species and varieties belong, technically speaking, to _telanthera_, in which genus the five stamens are inseparate below, and alternate with as many sterile filaments. they are so universally known in gardening under the present generic name, that we have here included them for convenience' sake. where alternantheras are used in large quantities (and if they are to be used effectively, a considerable number must be provided), their economical propagation becomes a matter of importance. a good colour can only be secured by growing them in some house or pit in the full light and warmth of the sun; for, unless so grown, green or badly coloured plants will be the result. the best and quickest way of producing this class of plants in large quantities, is to make up a special hotbed for them about the end of march or beginning of april. if a pit be used, it should be filled up within 6in. of the glass with leaves and manure, or any other material that will produce a steady bottom heat of 80deg. or 85deg., and will last for three weeks or so at that point; which, at this season, will be an easy matter. when the heat has become regular and steady, about 4in. or 5in. of light, rich, sandy soil should be placed all over the surface, adding, at the same time, a sprinkling of silver sand on the top, and pressing it moderately firm with a flat board. the cuttings may now be prepared and dibbled in, 1in. apart each way. if kept close, moist, and shaded from bright sunshine, in a few days they will be forming roots, and so soon as that takes place the shading should be discontinued, and the ventilation gradually increased until they are finally hardened off and planted out. if carefully lifted, and placed in trays or baskets, with a rhubarb leaf over them, they may be taken any distance, and planted without flagging; with this advantage-â�that the plants being in good colour, the beds are effective at once. april is early enough to commence striking them, and these will be fit to plant out by the middle of june. the several species quoted in various dictionaries hitherto are unknown in english gardens. =a. amabilis= (lovely).* _l._ elliptic, acuminate, greenish in some stages, with the principal ribs stained with red, but under free growth becoming almost entirely suffused with rose colour, mixed with orange, the midribs continuing to be of a deep red hue. brazil, 1868. =a. a. amå�na= (charming).* _l._ small, spathulate, orange red and purple in colour, which is shaded with deep green and bronze. brazil, 1865. a most elegant little plant, with a spreading habit. =a. a. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _l._ broadly ovate, glabrous, dark green at the edge, and have a centre of vivid rose, traversed by purple veins, an irregular band of orange yellow intervening between the centre and margin. brazil, 1862. =a. bettzichiana= (bettzich's). _l._ olive and red. brazil, 1862. =a. b. spathulata= (spathulate-leaved). _l._ spathulate, but more elongated than the others; the principal colours are reddish pink and light brown; these are shaded with bronze and green. brazil, 1865. a rather tall species. =a. ficoidea= (fig-like).* _l._ variegated with green, rose, and red. india, 1865. =a. paronychioides= (paronychia-like).* _l._ narrow, spathulate, ground colour deep orange red, beautifully shaded with olive green. dense and compact grower, forming a little clump about 4in. high. =a. p. magnifica= (magnificent).* a very fine variety, with a much higher colour than the type. =a. p. major= (greater).* _l._ bronze, with rich orange tips; very effective. =a. p. m. aurea= (greater-golden).* _l._ bright golden yellow, which colour they retain all through the season. =a. versicolor= (various-colour).* _l._ medium sized, ovate, bright rosy pink and crimson, shaded with bronzy green, branching freely, and making a compact and handsome plant. brazil, 1865. =alternate.= placed on opposite sides of an axis on a different line, as in alternate leaves. =althã�a= (from _altheo_, to cure; in reference to the medicinal qualities of some of the species). marsh mallow. ord. _malvaceã¦_. hardy biennials or perennials, closely allied to _malva_. outer calyx six to nine-cleft, inner one five-cleft. most species belonging to this genus are worthy of cultivation, particularly in woods, coppices, and shrubberies; they will thrive in almost any kind of soil. they may be either increased by dividing the plants at the roots, or by seeds; the biennial species must be raised from seed every year, which may be sown in spring where they are intended to remain, or in pans placed in a cold frame, from which the young plants may be removed when large enough. =a. cannabina= (hemp-leaved).* _fl._ rose-coloured; peduncles axillary, many-flowered, loose, longer than the leaves. june. _l._ pubescent, lower ones palmately-parted, upper ones three-parted; lobes narrow, and grossly toothed. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. south france, 1597. perennial. =a. caribã¦a= (caribean).* _fl._ rose coloured, with a yellow base, solitary, almost sessile. march. _l._ cordate, roundish, lobed, crenate-serrated. stem straight, hispid. _h._ 3ft. caribbee islands, 1816. biennial. =a. ficifolia= (fig-leaved). antwerp hollyhock. _fl._ generally yellow or orange coloured, in terminal spikes, large, single or double. june. _l._ divided beyond the middle into seven lobes; lobes oblong, obtuse, irregularly toothed. _h._ 6ft. siberia, 1597. biennial. =a. flexuosa= (zigzag).* _fl._ scarlet, axillary, solitary, stalked; petals obcordate. june. _l._ cordate, somewhat seven-lobed, obtuse, on long footstalks. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north india, 1803. perennial. =a. frutex= (shrubby). synonymous with _hibiscus syriacus_. =a. narbonensis= (narbonne).* _fl._ pale red; peduncles many-flowered, loose, longer than the leaves. august. _l._ pubescent, lower ones five or seven-lobed, upper ones three-lobed. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. france, 1780. perennial. [illustration: fig. 69. flower and buds of althã�a officinalis.] =a. officinalis= (officinal). common marsh mallow. _fl._ of a delicate, uniform blush colour; peduncles axillary, many-flowered, much shorter than the leaves. july. _l._ clothed with soft, white tomentum on both surfaces, cordate or ovate, toothed, undivided, or somewhat five-lobed. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. marshes, britain. perennial. see fig. 69. =a. rosea= (rose).* hollyhock. _fl._ rose-coloured, large, axillary, sessile, somewhat spiked at the top. july. _l._ cordate, with five or seven angles, crenated, rough. stem straight, hairy. _h._ 8ft. china, 1573. for special culture and varieties, _see_ =hollyhock=. =a. striata= (streaked). _fl._ white, 2-1/2in. in diameter, solitary, on short pedicels; calyx striped. july. _l._ cordate, bluntly three-lobed, crenated. stem puberulous, and somewhat scabrous. _h._ 5ft. biennial. =aluminous.= pertaining to, or containing alum, or alumina; as aluminous soils. =alum-root.= _see_ =heuchera=. =alyssum= (from _a_, not, and _lyssa_, rage; in reference to a fable that the plant allayed anger). madwort. including _psilonema_, _ptilotrichum_, _schivereckia_. ord. _cruciferã¦_. annuals or dwarf, branching, shrubby perennials, often clothed with hoary, stellate hairs. flowers small, cruciform, white or yellow. leaves distant, or the radical ones tufted, usually entire. several of the species are very much alike. they are excellent plants for the rockery, or for the front of borders, growing freely in common but well-drained garden soil. they may be increased by cuttings, by division of the roots, or by seed. the cuttings should be made from young shoots, 2in. to 3in. in length, inserted in sandy loam, early in the season, in a shady place. seed may be raised outside, or in a frame in pans in sandy soil, most of them germinating in two or three weeks. =a. alpestre= (alpine).* _fl._ yellow; raceme simple. june. _l._ obovate, hoary. stem rather shrubby at the base, diffuse, greyish. _h._ 3in. south europe, 1777. perennial. a very neat little tufted species. _a. argenteum_ (silvery), _a. bertolonii_ (bertoloni's), and _a. murale_ (wall), are larger growing species allied to the above, but of less cultural merit. [illustration: fig. 70. alyssum saxatile.] =a. a. obtusifolium= (obtuse-leaved). _fl._ yellow, corymbose. june. _l._ obovate-spathulate, blunt, silvery on the under surface. _h._ 3in. tauria, 1828. a rare alpine. [illustration: fig. 71. alyssum saxatile variegatum, showing flower and habit.] =a. atlanticum= (atlantic). _fl._ yellow; raceme simple. june. _l._ lanceolate, hoary, and pilose. stems shrubby at the base, erect. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. s. europe, 1820. _a. marschallianum_ is intermediate between _a. alpestre_ and _a. a. obtusifolium_; but is seldom met with under cultivation. =a. gemonense= (german).* _fl._ yellow, in close corymbs. april to june. _l._ lanceolate, entire, greyish-velvety from stellate down. stem shrubby at the base. _h._ 1ft. italy, 1710. closely allied to _a. saxatile_, but not so hardy; it is very desirable for rockeries. =a. macrocarpum= (large-fruited). _fl._ white, racemose. june. _l._ oblong, blunt, silvery. stem shrubby, branched, somewhat spiny. _h._ 8in. south of france, 1828. _a. spinosa_ (thorny), and _a. halimifolia_ (purslane-leaved), are very like this species. _a. dasycarpum_ (thick-fruited) is an annual with yellow flowers. =a. maritimum.= _see_ =kå�niga=. =a. montanum= (mountain). _fl._ yellow, sweet-scented; raceme simple. may to july. _l._ somewhat hoary; lower ones obovate; upper ones oblong. stems rather herbaceous, diffuse, pubescent. _h._ 2in. or 3in. europe, 1713. a distinct and charming species for the rockery, forming compact tufts of slightly glaucous green. _a. cuneifolium_ (wedge-leaved), _a. diffusum_ (diffuse), and _a. wulfenianum_ (wulfenius') come close to this species, the latter being the most desirable. =a. olympicum= (olympian). _fl._ deep yellow, small, in roundish corymbose heads. summer. _l._ spathulate, sessile, very small, greyish. _h._ 2in. to 3in. northern greece. =a. orientale= (oriental).* _fl._ yellow, corymbose. may. _l._ lanceolate, repandly-toothed, waved, downy. stems suffruticose at the base. _h._ 1ft. crete, 1820. there is a variety with variegated leaves. =a. saxatile= (rock).* _fl._ yellow, in close corymbose heads. april. _l._ lanceolate, entire, clothed with hoary tomentum. stems shrubby at the base. _h._ 1ft. eastern europe, 1710. a very common and showy spring plant. see fig. 70. [illustration: fig. 72. flower spike of amaranthus caudatus.] =a. s. variegatum= (variegated).* a constant and prettily variegated form, which is even more handsome than the type. on the rockery it does well, as it requires a sunny, well drained, position. see fig. 71. =a. serpyllifolium= (thyme-leaved).* _fl._ pale yellow, in simple racemes. april to june. _l._ very small, 1/4in. to 1/2in. long, ovate, scabrous, hoary. _h._ 3in. to 4in. branches spreading, sub-woody at the base. south europe, 1822. =a. tortuosum= (twisted). _fl._ yellow; raceme corymbose. june. _l._ hoary, somewhat lanceolate. stem shrubby at the base, twisted, diffuse. _h._ 6in. hungary, 1804. =a. wiersbeckii= (wiersbeck's).* _fl._ deep yellow, in close corymbose heads, about 1-1/2in. across. summer. _l._ 2in. long, oval-oblong-pointed, sessile, attenuated at the base, roughish and hairy. stems erect, scabrous, simple, rigid. _h._ 1-1/2ft. asia minor. =amaranthaceã�.= an extensive order of herbs or (rarely) shrubs, with opposite or alternate leaves, and inconspicuous apetalous flowers, which are spicately or capitately disposed. the majority of this order are weeds; well-known exceptions being many species of _amaranthus_. =amaranth, globe.= _see_ =gomphrena=. [illustration: fig. 73. flower spike of amaranthus hypochondriacus.] =amaranthus= (from _a_, not, and _maraino_, to wither; in reference to the length of time some of the flowers retain their colour). ord. _amaranthaceã¦_. hardy or half-hardy annuals, with alternate entire leaves and small green or red flowers in large bracteate clustered spikes. flowers polygamous, furnished with three bracts at the base of a three or five-lobed glabrous perianth. stamens four or five. of very easy culture; they thrive best in rich loamy soil, and are largely employed for sub-tropical and other bedding, for vases and conservatory decorations, being very ornamental. the seed should be sown in april in a hotbed, and the plants thinned out in the same situation when about 1/2in. high. about the end of may, they can be transplanted out of doors in their permanent situations. they are also very handsome when grown in pots. the young plants should be potted off early, and freely encouraged, allowing plenty of pot-room and moisture, and be kept near the glass, to bring out their brightest colouring. to develop their full beauty, plenty of room is required. there are about twelve species (indigenous to warm and tropical countries). =a. bicolor= (two-coloured). _l._ green, variously streaked with light yellow. _h._ 2ft. india, 1802. this species is rather delicate, and must have a warm sunny situation. =a. b. ruber= (red).* _l._ brilliant glistening scarlet, merging into a dark violet red, mixed with green. hardier than the type. =a. caudatus= (caudate).* love lies bleeding. _fl._ dark purplish, collected in numerous whorls, which are disposed in handsome drooping spikes. august. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. india, 1596. a very common and vigorous growing hardy annual. there is a yellowish-flowered variety, which, though less ornamental, is an effective contrast. see fig. 72. =a. cruentus= (dark bloody). synonymous with _a. hypochondriacus_. =a. henderi= (hender's). _l._ lanceolate, undulated, intense rosy carmine, varying with orange buff, golden yellow, and olive green. _h._ 3ft. a garden hybrid, closely allied to _a. salicifolius_. pyramidal habit. =a. hypochondriacus= (hypochondriac).* prince's feather. _fl._ deep crimson, on densely packed, erect spikes. july. _l._ purplish beneath. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. asiatic, 1684. syn. _a. cruentus_. see fig. 73. =a. h. atropurpureus= (dark purple).* an improved variety of above. =a. melancholicus ruber= (melancholy-red).* _h._ about 1ft. japan. a compact growing variety, with large shaded crimson leaves. largely used for bedding purposes. =a. salicifolius= (willow-leaved).* _l._ 7in. to 15in. long, willow-shaped, linear, and wavy, which, by their drooping outline, present a very elegant and effective appearance. when fully grown, the leaves are brilliantly banded and tipped with orange, carmine, and bronze. _h._ 3ft. philippine isles, 1871. =a. s. princess of wales.=* _l._ carmine, orange green, and bright yellow, beautifully blended. _h._ 3ft. a garden hybrid. =a. sanguineus= (bloody). _fl._ purple, disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the upper leaves, and partly in slender, flexible spikes, which form a more or less branching panicle. july. _l._ blood red. _h._ 3ft. bahama, 1775. [illustration: fig. 74. amaranthus tricolor.] =a. speciosus= (showy).* _fl._ dark crimson purple, disposed in large erect spikes, forming a fine plumy panicle. july. _l._ suffused with a reddish tinge, which disappears at the time of flowering. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. nepaul, 1819. =a. s. aureus= (golden). _fl._ of a fine brownish-golden hue. very effective when grown in masses. =a. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _l._ of a fine, transparent, purplish-red or dark carmine from the base to the middle; a large spot of bright yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end of the leaf; point generally green; leafstalks yellow. _h._ 1-1/2ft. east indies, 1548. see fig. 74. there are several garden varieties of this species, requiring a somewhat warmer situation. =amaryllideã�.= a large and important order of usually bulbous plants, sometimes with a stem. flowers solitary, umbellate, or paniculate; perianth superior, six-lobed, often with a corona at the top of the tube. leaves ensiform or linear. this order contains many very beautiful genera, including _agave_, _amaryllis_, _crinum_, _hã¦manthus_, _hippeastrum_, _narcissus_, _pancratium_, and several others. =amaryllis= (from _amaryllis_, the name of a country-woman mentioned by theocritus and virgil). ord. _amaryllideã¦_. half-hardy or hardy, deciduous, bulbous plants. flowers large, sweet-scented, pedicelled; spathe two-leaved; umbels few-flowered; perianth with a very short tube, funnel-shaped, six-parted, sub-regular or irregular; segments many-nerved, broad, undulate, spreading somewhat at the apices; stamens at the summit of the tube, unequal, declined; anthers fixed by the middle, incumbent, curved into a circular arch after bursting; style declined; stigma thickened, sub-three-lobed; scape tall, solid, compressed. capsule obovate; seeds globose, fleshy. leaves appearing at a different season from the scapes, numerous, strap-shaped. the following genera are sometimes arranged hereunder, but in this work are treated separately: _brunsvigia_, _crinum_, _hippeastrum_, _nerine_, _sprekelia_, _sternbergia_, _vallota_, _zephyranthes_. warm, dry, and well-drained positions in front of hothouses, or at the base of south or south-west walls, are the most suitable sites for _a. belladonna_ and its varieties. the soil should be composed of good, fibrous loam, leaf mould, and sand, in equal parts. insert the bulbs 6in. to 8in. deep, and surround with sand, after which they may be covered with the compost, which should be pressed firmly about them; they should not be again disturbed for years, when they will ultimately establish themselves, and produce grand masses of blossom. the best time to plant a fresh stock is june or july, when they commence root-action, before the flower-stems are sent up. in their growing season, and in dry weather, an occasional soaking of clear water, or liquid manure, will be greatly beneficial. the extremely ornamental plants now largely grown, and frequently classed as _amaryllis_ in nurserymen's catalogues, belong to the genus _hippeastrum_. for pot-culture of the belladonna lily, _see_ =hippeastrum=. [illustration: fig. 75. amaryllis belladonna, showing habit at flowering season.] =a. belladonna.=* belladonna lily. this splendid species is very variable, both in the size and colour of the flowers, frequently producing variously-shaded flowers, from almost white to a reddish or purplish hue. autumn. west indies, 1712. see fig. 75. the leaves and flowers are not produced together. in fig. 76 they are both shown in the same illustration for economy of space. =a. b. pallida= (pale).* a pale-coloured variety. _h._ 2ft. =amasonia= (named in honour of thomas amason, one of the earlier american travellers). syn. _taligalea_. ord. _verbenaceã¦_. a genus comprising six species (which may be reduced to four) of stove sub-shrubs, natives of tropical america. flowers yellow or sulphur-coloured, racemose or panicled; calyx five-cleft; corolla five-cleft, sub-bilabiate. leaves alternate, toothed or rarely entire. for culture of the only species introduced, _see_ =clerodendron=. =a. punicea= (reddish-brown). _fl._ yellow, with pretty, brownish bracts; peduncles once or twice trifid, cymose or one-flowered. may and june. _l._ slender, 3in. to 2in. long, oblongor elliptic-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, unequally toothed. stem erect, simple or slightly branched. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. brazil, 1884. =amateur.= this term is usually meant to refer to one who has a taste for a particular pursuit, and who is, in a pecuniary point of view, independent of it. an amateur gardener is one who rears and grows his plants, and cultivates his garden, for his own amusement--for mere love of horticulture. [illustration: fig. 76. amaryllis belladonna, showing bulb and flower spike.] =amber, sweet.= _see_ =hypericum androsã¦mum=. =amber-tree.= _see_ =anthospermum=. =ambrosinia= (commemorative of professor giacinti ambrosini, of bologna). ord. _aroideã¦_ (_araceã¦_). a curious, half-hardy, tuberous perennial, thriving in any light soil, with protection in winter. increased by seeds, and by divisions. the former should be sown, as soon as ripe, in a cool house; and the latter should be made just previous to new growth in spring. =a. bassii= (bass's).* _fl._, spathes prolonged into a long tail, and a tongue-shaped spadix, with the male flowers on one side, and so placed as to preclude the access of pollen to the stigma on the other side of the spathe, save by insect agency. _l._ oblong, stalked. _h._ 4in. corsica, sardinia, 1879. =ambury=, or =anbury=. the name given to galls of small weevils (_ceuthorhynchus sulcicollis_) which appear on the roots of cabbages and turnips, as well as of the wild mustard, and of other weeds belonging to the genus _brassica_. the galls form swellings individually about the size of split peas, but often two or more are joined to form considerable masses. in each is a space inclosing a white grub. anbury is usually not very hurtful. it is quite distinct from clubbing. the galled roots should be collected, before the grubs emerge, and burned. =amelanchier= (savoy name of the medlar, to which this genus is closely allied). tribe _pomaceã¦_ of ord. _rosaceã¦_. hardy, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with racemes of white flowers, and simple, serrated leaves; bracteas linear-lanceolate. pome, when mature, three to five-celled. they are of easy cultivation, in a somewhat rich, loamy soil, and are propagated by layers or cuttings, in autumn, in sheltered situations; by seeds, and by grafting, in early spring, on the hawthorn or the quince, or the weaker on the stronger-growing species. =a. canadensis= (canadian).* grape pear. _fl._ white. april. pome purple. _l._ oblong-elliptic, cuspidate, when young rather villous, but at length glabrous. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. canada, 1746. a very ornamental tree, having a profusion of flowers in early spring, and rich autumnal foliage. syn. _pyrus botryapium_. =a. c. florida= (flowery).* _fl._ white, numerous, in upright racemes. may. pome purple. _l._ oblong, obtuse at both ends, coarsely serrate in the terminal portion, glabrous in every state. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. north america, 1826. =a. c. ovalis= (oval-leaved). _fl._ white; racemes pressed together. april. _l._ roundish-elliptic, acute when rather young, velvety beneath, glabrous when mature. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. north america, 1800. =a. c. parvifolia= (small-leaved). this has a dwarfer habit, and shorter leaves, than the type. =a. sanguinea=, (bloody). _fl._ white; racemes capitate. april. pome blackish-purple. _l._ oblong, rounded at both ends, sharply serrated, always naked. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. north america, 1800. this form differs principally from _a. canadensis_ in the fewer flowers, much shorter raceme, and shorter, broader, and more ovate petals. =a. vulgaris= (common).* _fl._ white. april. pome darkish-purple. _l._ roundish-oval, bluntish, pubescent beneath, at length glabrous. _h._ 3ft. to 9ft. europe, 1596. a desirable shrub, producing an abundance of flowers. syn. _mespilus amelanchier_. =amellus= (a name employed by virgil for a blue, aster-looking plant growing on the banks of the river mella). ord. _compositã¦_. pretty, branched, ascending or diffuse, perennial herbs. flowers in solitary heads. leaves hairy, lower ones opposite, upper alternate. of very easy culture, in ordinary garden soil. increased by divisions, or cuttings, inserted under glass, in spring. =a. lychnitis= (lychnitis). _fl.-heads_ violet, solitary, terminal, and lateral. june. _l._ linear, lanceolate, entire, hoary. _h._ 6in. cape of good hope. evergreen, greenhouse trailer. =amentum.= a catkin. a deciduous spike of unisexual, apetalous flowers. =american almond.= _see_ =brabejum=. =american aloe.= _see_ =agave americana=. =american blight=, or =woolly aphis= (_schizoneura lanuginosa_). the white, cottony-looking matter which is found upon the bark of the apple and other trees of a similar nature, belongs to a species of aphis, which has short legs: the females are wingless, while the males are winged; the latter appear in july and august. the insects belong to a group of aphides unprovided with honey tubes on the hinder part of the body, and in which the third vein of the front wing shows only one fork the woolly coating also distinguishes them from true aphides. the blight is said to have been imported from america in 1787, but this is uncertain. as these insects get into the cracks and under the bark of trees, they are hard to dislodge. the injury inflicted is not apparent for some time; but, in process of time, large, cankerous wounds are produced, which gradually (with the aid of the insects) destroy the branches, and render the tree useless. if young trees are attacked, they are rendered valueless in a very short time. the insects hide in crevices of the bark of the trees each autumn, and remain dormant during the winter, ascending to their old quarters as the weather becomes warm. trees which are covered with moss and lichens probably serve as places for hybernation; hence, it is desirable to remove such hiding-places, as well as all pieces of dead bark. to their being left may be frequently attributed the severe attacks of blight experienced where they exist on trees. so soon as the cottony substance makes its appearance, one of the following remedies should be applied, and, if persisted in for a few seasons, the trees will be quite cleared. _brushing and scraping._ in winter, the trees should be thoroughly cleaned; and, so long as there is a chance of the insects being in the bark, all loose pieces, moss, &c., should be brushed off, and the parts affected should be thoroughly saturated with a strong solution of soft soap or of soft soap and lime-water, applied with a stiff brush, so as to enter all the crevices. _gas liquor._ this is the ammoniacal liquor from gas works. it must be diluted with from eight to twelve times its bulk of water, or it is dangerous to the trees; in fact, after dilution, it is advisable to test it, previous to using to any great extent. as the woolly covering of the insects resists water, it is desirable that the liquor be applied with a brush, and forced amongst the blight. _infusion of tobacco leaves_ (1/2lb. to 1 gallon) kills the insects on shoots dipped into it. _paraffin or petroleum._ this is a simple and useful remedy. obtain a painter's half-worn sash-tool, free from paint, and just moisten it in the oil. then brush out each infested place as often as the blight appears, and in one season the trees will be cleared. _spent tan._ collect spent tan into a heap a month or two before it is to be used, and if it has heated well and rotted, so much the better. in winter, clear away all leaves, rubbish, grass, &c., and spread the tan at the rate of about thirty loads to the acre, taking care that it surrounds the base of each tree infested with blight. practical proof of its utility has been given. _turpentine and other spirits._ the mode of applying these is the same as for paraffin, but they frequently injure the bark, and sometimes kill young trees. to kill insects on the roots, it is well to clear away the soil as far as possible from them, and to saturate the place with soapsuds or ammoniacal solutions; soot, quicklime, or other applications to the soil would also prove useful. other remedies that have been suggested are the drainings of stables, and grafting-clay plastered over the bark. =american centaury.= _see_ =sabbatia=. =american china root.= _see_ =smilax=. =american cowslip.= _see_ =dodecatheon=. =american cranberry.= _see_ =oxycoccus macrocarpus=. =american cress.= _see_ =barbarea=. =american dewberry.= _see_ =rubus canadensis=. =american gooseberry.= _see_ =pereskia aculeata=. =american great laurel.= _see_ =rhododendron maximum=. =american high blackberry.= a common name for =rubus villosus= (which _see_). =american mandrake.= _see_ =podophyllum peltatum=. =american mountain ash.= _see_ =pyrus americana=. =american plants=. this term includes _rhododendron_, _azalea_, and several others of similar habit and constitution; indeed, any hardy, flowering shrubs requiring a moist peat border. =american spanish oak.= _see_ =quercus falcata=. =american swamp lily.= _see_ =saururus cernuus=. =american white oak.= _see_ =quercus alba=. =american wild black currant.= _see_ =ribes floridum=. =american wild red raspberry.= _see_ =rubus strigosus=. =amerimnon= (from _a_, privative, and _merinna_, care; in allusion to the little attention the plant requires; name originally applied to the house-leek). syn. _amerimnum_. ord. _leguminosã¦_. ornamental, evergreen, stove shrubs, with alternate, stalked, ovate, somewhat cordate, simple leaves. for culture, _see_ =anona=. =a. brownei= (browne's).* _fl._ white, sweet-scented; peduncles axillary, ten-flowered, glabrous or puberulous. may. _l._ ovate, somewhat cordate, acute, glabrous. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. jamaica, 1793. requires a trellis or other support. =a. strigulosum= (strigulose). _fl._ white; racemes axillary, solitary, three times longer than the petioles. may. _l._ ovate, rather cordate, obtuse, clothed with adpressed hairs on both surfaces; branches and petioles clothed with light brown, dense, short hairs. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. trinidad, 1817. =amerimnum.= a synonym of =amerimnon= (which _see_). =amherstia= (commemorative of countess amherst, a zealous promoter of natural history, particularly botany). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a stove, evergreen tree of almost unsurpassed magnificence and brilliancy, requiring a very high and moist temperature. it delights in a rich, strong loam, and may be propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a glass in bottom heat of about 80deg.; also by seeds. =a. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._ of a fine vermilion colour, diversified with yellow spots, large; racemes long, pendulous, axillary. may. _l._ large, impari-pinnate, bearing six to eight pairs of leaflets. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. india, 1837. the flowers are, unfortunately, somewhat ephemeral, lasting but a few days in perfection, during which period, however, no object in the whole range of the vegetable kingdom presents a more striking aspect than this tree. =amicia= (commemorative of j. b. amici, a celebrated french physician). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a pretty, greenhouse or half-hardy perennial, succeeding in any warm, sheltered spot. young cuttings will root in sand, under a hand glass, in heat. =a. zygomeris= (two-jointed-podded).* _fl._ yellow, splashed with purple on the keel; peduncles axillary, five or six-flowered. autumn. legumes with two joints. _l._ abruptly pinnate, with two pairs of cuneate-obcordate, mucronate leaflets, which are full of pellucid dots; branches and petioles pubescent. _h._ 8ft. mexico, 1826. =ammobium= (from _ammos_, sand, and _bio_, to live; in reference to the sandy soil in which it is found). ord. _compositã¦_. this well-known everlasting is closely allied to _gnaphalium_, from which it differs principally in habit. receptacle with oblong, pointed, toothed, chaffy scales; involucre of imbricated leaflets. it may be treated as a half-hardy annual, or as a biennial, if seeds are sown in september and kept in a cool greenhouse during the winter, and this is the best way to grow it. any moderately good soil suits it. =a. alatum= (winged). _fl.-heads_ about 1in. across, of a silvery whiteness, with the exception of the yellow disk florets, very numerous, in loose, corymbose panicles. may to september. _l._ oblong-lanceolate; radical ones in a tufted rosette. stems winged--hence the specific name. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. new holland, 1822. see fig. 77. =a. a. grandiflorum= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ purer white, nearly twice the size of those in the type. this variety, which comes true from seed, is a great acquisition. =ammocharis.= _see_ =brunsvigia=. =ammodendron= (from _ammos_, sand, and _dendron_, a tree; in reference to its natural habitat). syn. _sophora_. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a small, neat, hardy evergreen, silky shrub, having the petioles hardening into spines; an excellent subject for shrubberies. it thrives in an ordinary soil, with good drainage, and is propagated by layers and seeds. =a. sieversii= (sievers').* _fl._ purple, disposed in racemes. june. _l._ bifoliolate; leaflets lanceolate, silky-white on both surfaces. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. siberia, 1837. =ammyrsine.= _see_ =leiophyllum=. =amomophyllum.= _see_ =spathiphyllum=. [illustration: fig. 77. inflorescence of ammobium alatum.] =amomum= (from _a_, not, and _momos_, impurity; in reference to the quality of counteracting poison). ord. _zingiberaceã¦_. stove, deciduous, herbaceous perennials, chiefly aromatic, formerly used in embalming. flowers produced close to the ground, in spikes or clusters, bracteate. leaves distichous, sheathing at the base, lanceolate, entire. for culture, _see_ =alpinia=. =a. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _fl._ sometimes of a uniform chrome-yellow, sometimes crimson, with the labellum of a yellow colour, more or less pale, and sometimes entirely crimson; scape naked, from 3in. to 8in. in length; spike capitate. july. _l._ linear-lanceolate. _h._ 8ft. madagascar. =a. cardamomum= (cardamom).* _fl._ brownish; lip three-lobed, spurred; scape compound, flexuous, procumbent. august. _h._ 8ft. east indies, 1823. =a. danielli= (daniel's). _fl._ 4in. across; outer sepals fine red; the spreading labellum whitish, tinged with rose and yellow; scape short, arising from the bottom of the stem. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 9in. long. _h._ 2-1/2ft. western africa. =a. grandiflorum= (large-flowered). _fl._ white, numerous, close; spike short. june. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate, pointed. _h._ 3ft. sierra leone, 1795. =a. granum paradisi.=* grains of paradise. _fl._ white, tinged with yellow and rose. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate, long-pointed. stems very red at base, and dull purplish-red above from the long, sheathing leafstalks. _h._ 3ft. west africa. =a. melegueta= (melegueta).* grains of paradise. _fl._ pale pink, solitary, with an orbicular, irregularly toothed lip. may. _l._ narrow, linear-elliptic, distichous, sessile. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. sierra leone, 1869. habit creeping. =a. sceptrum= (sceptre). _fl._ bright rose purple, large, sub-erect; the most conspicuous portion is the lip, which is 2-1/2in. in diameter; flower-scapes 6in. high. january. _l._ narrow, oblong-lanceolate. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. old calabar, 1863. =a. vitellinum= (yolk-of-egg-coloured). _fl._ yellow; lip oblong, obtuse, toothed; spike oblong, sessile, rather loose. april. _l._ oval. _h._ 2ft. east indies, 1846. plant stemless, glabrous. =amorpha= (from _a_, not, and _morphe_, form; incomplete formation of the flowers). bastard indigo. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a handsome genus of hardy deciduous shrubs with very graceful impari-pinnate leaves, and many pairs of leaflets, which are full of pellucid dots. racemes spicate, elongated, usually in fascicles at the tops of the branches; corolla without wings and keel; vexillum or standard ovate, concave. they are well adapted for small shrubberies, requiring a sheltered situation, and thrive well in common garden soil. increased by layers, or cuttings, taken off at a joint, and planted in a sheltered situation early in autumn; these should be allowed to remain undisturbed till the following autumn. amorphas produce an abundance of suckers, from which they may be readily propagated. =a. canescens= (hoary).* the lead plant. _fl._ dark blue. july. _l._, leaflets ovate-elliptic, mucronate. _h._ 3ft. missouri, 1812. whole plant clothed with hoary hairs. =a. fruticosa= (shrubby).* the false indigo. _fl._ very dark bluish purple. june. _l._, leaflets elliptic-oblong; lower ones distant from the stem. _h._ 6ft. carolina, 1724. shrub glabrous, or a little villous. there are several varieties, having mucronate, emarginate, or narrower leaflets, but all with purple flowers. a host of names, representing the merest forms of _a. fruticosa_, are to be found in nurserymen's catalogues. amongst them are: _caroliniana_, _crocea_, _crocea-lanata_, _dealbata_, _fragrans_, _glabra_, _herbacea_, _nana_, _pubescens_, &c. these differ so slightly from the type and from each other, that it is impossible to distinguish them. =amorphophallus= (from _amorphos_, deformed, and _phallos_, a mace; alluding to the inflorescence). syn. _pythion_. including _proteinophallus_. ord. _aroideã¦ (araceã¦)_. a very remarkable genus, closely allied to _arum_, but distinguished therefrom by "their spreading, not convolute, spathes; by their anthers opening by pores, not by longitudinal slits; by the numerous cells to the ovary; and by the solitary, erect ovules, those of _arum_ being horizontal." a soil consisting of two-thirds good rich loam, with the additional third of sweet manure, thoroughly rotted, suits them well. other essentials are plenty of pot room, a genial atmosphere, and a temperature ranging from 55deg. to 65deg., or even 70deg. they require to be kept dry, and warm in winter, as nothing is more fatal to them than cold or damp. beneath a shelf or stage in the stove is an excellent spot for them, or they may be stored in sand, and kept free from frost. they are difficult to increase; the corms of most of them are of great size, and rarely make offsets. efforts should consequently be made to induce the plants to seed whenever practicable. all the species are strikingly effective in sub-tropical bedding. for fertilising and growth of seedlings, _see_ =arum=. =a. campanulatus= (bell-shaped).* similar to _a. rivieri_, but the flowers are brown, red, and black, and the scape is neither so stout nor so tall. _h._ 2ft. india, 1817. syn. _arum campanulatum_. =a. grandis= (large). _fl._, spathe green, white inside; spadix purplish. _h._ 3ft. java, 1865. stove species. =a. lacourii= (lacour's).* _l._ pedatisect, the ultimate segments lanceolate, yellow-spotted; petioles transversely mottled with yellow markings. cochin china, 1879. greenhouse. the correct name of this species is _pseudodracontium lacourii_. =a. nivosus.= _see_ =dracontium asperum=. =a. rivieri= (rivier's).* _fl._, spadix, spathe, and scape, reaching 3ft. or more in height, appearing before the leaves; scape stout and strong, of a deep green colour, speckled or dotted with rose; spadix projecting, deep red; spathe of a rosy-green colour. march to may. _l._ solitary, decompound, 40in. to 50in. across, on tall marbled petioles. cochin china. perhaps the most useful species. syn. _proteinophallus rivieri_. see fig. 78. [illustration: fig. 78. amorphophallus rivieri, foliage and inflorescence.] =a. titanum= (titan's).* _fl._, spadix 5ft. high, black purple; spathe nearly 3ft. in diameter, campanulate in shape, with patent and deeply toothed edges. the deeper portion of the interior is pale greenish, but the limb is of a bright black purple hue; the outside is pale green, smooth in the lower portion, but thickly corrugated and crisp above; scape about 1-1/2ft. long, green, marked with small whitish orbicular spots. _l._ the divided blade covers an area of 45ft. in circumference. west sumatra, 1878. as will be seen from the above, this extraordinary plant is of gigantic proportions, and, in size of the flowers, eclipsing nearly all others in the vegetable kingdom. syn. _conophallus titanum_. =amorphous.= without definite form. =ampelopsis= (from _ampelos_, a vine, and _opsis_, resemblance; resembling the grape vine in habit, and to which it is closely allied). syn. _quinaria_. ord. _ampelideã¦_. a genus nearly allied to _vitis_. calyx slightly five toothed; petals concave, thick, expanding before they fall; disk none. fast growing and ornamental climbing, hardy deciduous shrubs, of very easy culture in common garden soil. cuttings, having a good eye, may be taken in september, and pricked either under handlights in sandy soil on the open border, or in pots stood on the stage or shelf in a greenhouse; they root readily, and will be fit for transplanting early in the spring. or cuttings made from the young soft wood, expressly grown for the purpose, in spring, root freely in gentle heat. this applies especially to _a. tricuspidata_. they are also easily increased by layers. most of the species will thrive with equal vigour in almost any position, however exposed. =a. aconitifolia= (aconite-leaved).* _l._ palmisect, with pinnatifid segments. china, 1868. a slender and very elegant free-growing species, with long reddish branches. there are two or more varieties. syns. _a. lucida_, _a. triloba_, _a. tripartita_, and _vitis dissecta_. see fig. 79. =a. bipinnata= (bipinnate). _fl._ green, small; raceme stalked, twice bifid. berries globose. june. _l._ bipinnate, smooth; leaflets deeply lobed. _h._ 10ft. virginia, 1700. =a. hederacea= (ivy-leaved). synonymous with _a. quinquefolia_. =a. japonica= (japanese). synonymous with _a. tricuspidata_. =a. lucida= (shining). synonymous with _a. aconitifolia_. =a. napiformis= (turnip-like).* greenish. china, 1870. see fig. 80. =a. quinquefolia= (five-leaved).* virginian creeper. _fl._ greenish-purple; raceme corymbose. june. _l._ palmate, with three and five leaflets, smooth on both surfaces; leaflets stalked, oblong-acuminated, mucronately toothed; autumnal tint red. north america, 1629. syn. _a. hederacea_. =a. q. hirsuta= (hairy). _l._ downy on both surfaces. =a. serjaniã¦folia= (serjania-leaved).* _l._ green, palmately five-parted, or the upper ones three-parted, the intermediate division being often ternate or pinnate; leaflets obovate acute, and incisely toothed or sublobate; the rachis is articulately winged. japan, 1867. syns. _a. tuberosa_, _cissus viticifolia_. roots tuberous; see fig. 81. [illustration: fig. 79. stem and leaves of ampelopsis aconitifolia.] =a. tricuspidata= (three-pointed).* _l._ very variable in shape; younger ones almost entire; older ones larger, roundish-cordate, divided to the middle into three deltoid lobes, which run into little tails, and are coarsely toothed at the margin. japan, 1868. syns. _a. veitchii_, _vitis japonica_ (of gardens). =a. triloba= (three-lobed). a synonym of _a. aconitifolia_. =a. tripartita= (three-parted). a synonym of _a. aconitifolia_. =a. tuberosa= (tuberous). a synonym of _a. serjaniã¦folia_. =a. veitchii= (veitch's). a synonym of _a. tricuspidata_. =amphiblemma cymosum.= _see_ =melastoma corymbosum=. =amphiblestra.= included under =pteris= (which _see_). =amphicarpã�a= (from _amphi_, both, and _karpos_, a fruit; in allusion to the two kinds of pods--those of the upper flowers being scimitar-shaped, three or four-seeded; those of the lower, pear-shaped, fleshy, usually ripening but one seed; these lower pods bury themselves in the ground after fertilisation). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of ornamental annuals, with herbaceous, twining stems, and sometimes apetalous flowers, allied to _wistaria_. the species are of easy culture. seeds should be sown in the open border, in spring, in a sunny situation. =a. monoica= (monå�cious). hog pea-nut. _fl._ with a pale violet vexillum, and white keel and wings; racemes axillary, pendulous. june to august. _l._ pinnately-trifoliate; leaflets ovate, glabrous. north america. 1781. [illustration: fig. 80. tubers and leaf of ampelopsis napiformis.] [illustration: fig. 81. roots of ampelopsis serjaniã�folia.] =amphicome= (from _amphi_, on both sides, and _kome_, a head of hair; in reference to the seeds being furnished with a tuft of hairs at both ends). ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. flowers axillary or terminal. leaves alternate, unequally pinnate. very ornamental greenhouse or half-hardy rock herbaceous plants. if planted outside, they must be protected during the winter from wet and severe frosts. a mixture of loam, sand, and leaf soil suits them well. increased by striking the young shoots in spring in sandy soil in gentle heat; or by seed, which should be sown in early spring, in pots of sandy soil placed in a greenhouse. =a. arguta= (finely-cut).* _fl._ red, drooping; racemes axillary, terminal; corolla tubular near the base, ventricose above. august. _l._ alternate, impari-pinnate; leaflets opposite, on short petioles, three to four pairs, lanceolate, acuminated, deeply serrated. _h._ 3ft. himalaya, 1837. =a. emodi= (emodian).* _fl._ rose and orange, erect; racemes axillary; corolla 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, bell-shaped, slightly tubular below. august to october. _l._ impari-pinnate, with numerous leaflets. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. india, at high altitudes, 1852. a very beautiful plant. =amphilophium= (from _amphilophos_, crested on all sides; limb of corolla much curled). syn. _amphilobium_. ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. a handsome stove evergreen climber. corolla somewhat coriaceous, with a short tube, and a large ventricose throat. loam and peat, well mixed, suits it best; cuttings from young shoots root readily in sand, under a hand glass, with bottom heat, during the spring months. =a. paniculatum= (panicled).* _fl._ rose-coloured; panicle terminal, composed of three-flowered peduncles. june. _l._ joined by pairs, opposite; leaflets ovate-roundish, acuminated, sub-cordate. west indies, 1738. =amplexicaulis.= embracing the stem; usually applied to leaves. =ampullaceous.= resembling a bladder or flask. =amsonia= (in honour of charles amson, a scientific traveller in america). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. very pretty hardy, herbaceous perennials, with alternate leaves, and terminal panicles of pale blue flowers; corolla with linear lobes, and a narrow funnel-shaped tube. they thrive in half shady positions in borders, or the edges of shrubberies, where they will not need to be frequently transplanted. propagated by cuttings during the summer months, or by divisions of the roots in spring. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved). synonymous with _a. tabernã¦montana_. [illustration: fig. 82. amsonia salicifolia, showing habit and flower.] =a. salicifolia= (willow-leaved).* _fl._ light blue, in terminal corymbose cymes; corolla small, funnel-shaped, with a rounded tube; throat whitish, bearded. summer. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, acute. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. north america, 1812. habit less erect than the following species. see fig. 82. =a. tabernã¦montana= (tabernã¦montanus).* _fl._ pale blue, in cymes; petals lanceolate, acute, slightly hairy on the outside; sepals also lanceolate, acute. summer. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acute, shortly stalked. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. north america, 1759. syns. _a. latifolia_, _tabernã¦montana amsonia_. =amygdalus= (from _amysso_, to lacerate; fissured channels in the stone of the fruit). almond. ord. _rosaceã¦_. tribe _drupaceã¦_. well known, ornamental, deciduous spring flowering shrubs. drupe clothed with velvety pubescence, with a fibrous dry rind, separating irregularly, having the stone of the fruit pitted or smooth. the larger-growing species are very excellent for shrubberies, or as specimen trees; being in blossom before most other trees, they make a fine appearance in early spring. the dwarfer kinds are also well fitted for small shrubberies or the fronts of large ones. for greenhouse culture they should be obtained in a small pyramidal shape; they are not, however, suited to a small house, as the plants, to bloom well and be effective, ought to be at least 2ft. or 3ft. high, and proportionately wide. plenty of root room is essential. after potting, water thoroughly, and place the trees in an orchard house for a few weeks, when they may be removed to their permanent station. a temperature of about 50deg. or 55deg. is sufficient to hasten the flowering; a higher temperature is apt to frustrate the object in view. after flowering, gradually harden off the plants until about the end of may, when they may be plunged out of doors for the season. repotting should be done as soon as the leaves fall. increased by budding upon seedling plum-stocks in summer. the almond is grown on the continent for its fruit. _see also_ =prunus=. =a. argentea= (silvery). a synonym of _a. orientalis_. =a. besseriana= (besser's). a synonym of _a. nana_. =a. cochinchinensis= (cochin china). _fl._ white; racemes small, sub-terminal. _fr._ ovate, ventricose, acute at the apex. march. _l._ oval, quite entire. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. cochin china, 1825. greenhouse. [illustration: fig. 83. flowering branch of amygdalus communis.] =a. communis= (common).* common almond. _fl._ white or rose coloured, solitary. march. _fr._ compressed, egg-shaped, tomentose. _l._ oblong lanceolate, serrulated. _h._ 10ft. to 30ft. barbary, 1548. see fig. 83. =a. c. amara= (bitter).* bitter almond. _fl._ larger, white, but rose coloured at the base. april. seeds bitter. =a. c. dulcis= (sweet). sweet almond. _fl._ red, earlier; fruit ovate, compressed, acuminated. seeds sweet. _l._ of a greyish green colour. =a. c. flore-pleno= (double-blossomed).* _fl._ flesh colour, full double, rosy in the bud. _l._ oval-elliptic, acuminate. =a. c. fragilis= (brittle). _fl._ pale rose coloured, rising with the leaves; petals broader, deeply emarginate. _l._ shorter than those of the type. =a. c. macrocarpa= (large-fruited).* _fl._ whitish rose colour, large, rising before the leaves, with broadly obcordate undulated petals. _fr._ larger than that of the type, umbilicate at the base, but acuminated at the apex. _l._ broader than the type, acuminated. there are also numerous other varieties. =a. incana= (hoary).* _fl._ red, solitary. april. drupe compressed, pubescent. _l._ obovate, serrated, clothed with white tomentum beneath. _h._ 2ft. a handsome dwarf shrub. caucasus, 1815. =a. nana= (dwarf).* _fl._ rose coloured, solitary. march. _fr._ of the same form as that of _a. communis_, but much smaller. _l._ oblong-linear, attenuated at the base, serrated, quite glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. tartary, 1683. syn. _a. besseriana_. =a. orientalis= (oriental). _fl._ rose coloured. march. _fr._ mucronate. _l._ lanceolate, quite entire, almost permanent, clothed with silvery tomentum, as well as the branches. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. levant, 1756. syn. _a. argentea_. =amylaceous.= starch-like. =amyridaceã�.= _see_ =burseraceã¦=. =amyris= (from _a_, intensive, and _myron_, balm; the whole of the trees in this genus smell strongly of balm or myrrh). ord. _burseraceã¦_. ornamental stove evergreen trees, abounding in a resinous fluid. flowers white, disposed in panicles. leaves unequally pinnate. they thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat; and cuttings root freely in sand, under a hand glass with bottom heat, during the spring months. =a. balsamifera= (balsam-bearing). synonymous with _a. toxifera_. =a. braziliensis= (brazilian).* _fl._ white; panicles axillary, shorter than the leaves. august. _l._ with one to three pairs of opposite leaflets; leaflets lanceolate, tapering to the base, rounded at the apex, mucronate, quite entire, veiny, shining above, discoloured beneath. _h._ 20ft. brazil, 1823. =a. heptaphylla= (seven-leaved). _fl._ whitish yellow; panicles branched, axillary, and terminal. _l._ with three to four pairs of alternate, simple leaflets, which are stalked, obliquely-lanceolate, acuminated, entire. _h._ 16ft. india, 1823. =a. plumieri= (plumier's).* gum elemi tree. _fl._ white; panicles branched, terminal. the fruit of this species is the shape and size of an olive, but red, having an odoriferous pulp within it. _l._ leaflets three to five, all stalked, somewhat serrated, ovate, acuminate, villous beneath. _h._ 20ft. west indies, 1820. =a. toxifera= (poison-bearing).* _fl._ white; racemes simple, about the length of the petioles. _fr._ the shape of a pear, and of a purple colour, hanging in bunches. _l._, leaflets five to seven, stalked, ovate, somewhat cordate, acuminated. _h._ 50ft. west indies, 1818. the wood, known as rhodes wood, bears a fine polish, and has a pleasant smell. syn. _a. balsamifera_. =anacampseros= (from _anakampto_, to cause return, and _eros_, love). syn. _rulingia_. ord. _portulacaceã¦_. very dwarf greenhouse succulent herbs or sub-shrubs, natives of the cape of good hope. flowers large, expanding only in the heat of the sun; petals five, very fugacious; sepals five, opposite, oblong, rather concrete at the base; pedicels one-flowered, short or elongated, disposed in racemes. leaves ovate, fleshy. they grow freely in sandy loam, mixed with some lime rubbish; but little water is needed. cuttings root freely if laid to dry a few days before planting. leaves taken off close to the plants, and also left to dry for a short time before being planted, will take root. seed, when obtainable, should be sown in the spring. =a. arachnoides= (cobwebbed).* _fl._ white; petals lanceolate; racemes simple. july. _l._ ovate, acuminated, difformed, green, shining, cobwebbed. _h._ 6in. to 9in. 1790. =a. filamentosa= (thready). _fl._ reddish, or deep rose coloured; petals oblong. august. _l._ ovate-globose, gibbous on both sides, and cobwebbed, rather rugged above. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. 1795. =a. intermedia= (intermediate). very like _a. filamentosa_, but has broader and more numerous leaves. =a. rubens= (reddish).* _fl._ red; racemes simple. july. _l._ ovate, difformed, shining, dark green, somewhat reflexed at the apex. _h._ 6in. to 9in. 1796. =a. rufescens= (rusty-coloured). _fl._ reddish, similarly disposed to _a. varians_. july. _l._ crowded, expanded and recurved, ovate, acute, thick, green, usually dark purple beneath. _h._ 6in. 1818. =a. telephiastrum= (telephium-like). synonymous with _a. varians_. =a. varians= (varying).* _fl._ reddish; racemes few-flowered, sub-panicled. july. _l._ ovate, difformed, glabrous. _h._ 3in. 1813. syn. _a. telephiastrum_. =anacamptis.= _see_ =orchis=. =anacardiaceã�.= a rather large order of trees or shrubs, with a resinous, milky juice. flowers inconspicuous. leaves generally dotless. ovary containing a single ovule. this order contains, among other genera, _anacardium_, _mangifera_, and _rhus_. =anacardium= (origin doubtful; probably from _ana_, like, and _kardia_, the heart; in reference to the form of the nut). ord. _anacardiaceã¦_. an ornamental stove evergreen tree with entire, feather-nerved leaves and terminal panicles of flowers; nut reniform, umbilicated, seated laterally on a fleshy, wide, pear-shaped peduncle. it requires a light loamy soil. ripened cuttings, with their leaves left on, root freely in sand under a hand glass, in heat. =a. occidentale= (western). cashew nut. _fl._ reddish, small, very sweet scented, succeeded by an edible pome-like fruit of a yellow or red colour. _l._ oval, cuneated, very blunt, somewhat emarginate, obovate-oblong, entire, smooth. _h._ 16ft. west indies, 1699. =anadenia.= _see_ =grevillea=. =anagallis= (from _anagelas_, to laugh; removing despondency: meaning doubtful). pimpernel. ord. _primulaceã¦_. annual or perennial trailers with angular stems, opposite or verticillate leaves, and solitary pedunculate flowers; corolla rotate or funnel-shaped, deeply five-cleft. all are very pretty and free flowering plants, of easy culture. the annuals are raised from seed sown in a sunny spot in spring; the perennials are increased by striking cuttings of the young shoots, or division, at any time, either under a hand glass or in a close frame. keep in the shade until well established, and gradually harden off. plant outside in light rich soil for summer flowering, and each year secure a stock in frames during the winter. they require, if left out of doors, a protection during the winter, except _a. tenella_. =a. fruticosa= (shrubby).* _fl._ axillary, large, vermilion, with a dark throat. may to august. _l._ verticillate, four in each whorl. _h._ 2ft. morocco, 1803. a biennial. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ very variable, but intense blue and deep vermilion red are predominant. may to autumn. _h._ 4in. habit very compact and neat, and very floriferous. there are several varieties. annual. =a. indica= (indian). _fl._ deep blue, small. july. _h._ 1ft. nepaul, 1824. annual; trailing. [illustration: fig. 84. anagallis linifolia, showing habit and flowers.] =a. linifolia= (flax-leaved).* _fl._ brilliant blue, large, about 1/2in. in diameter. july. _l._ opposite. _h._ 9in. to 12in. portugal, 1796. perennial. there are many varieties, the best of which are the following. syn. _a. monelli_. see fig. 84. =a. l. brewerii= (brewer's).* _fl._ red. june. _h._ 9in. known also as _phillipsii_. =a. l. eugenie= (eugenie's).* _fl._ blue, margined with white. =a. l. lilacina= (lilac-flowered). _fl._ lilac. may. _h._ 1ft. =a. l. napoleon iii.= (napoleon's).* _fl._ crimson maroon, distinct and pretty. =a. l. parksii= (parks'). _fl._ red, large. =a. l. phå�nicea= (phå�nician).* _fl._ scarlet. may. morocco, 1803. =a. l. sanguinea= (bloody). _fl._ bright ruby colour. =a. l. wilmoreana= (wilmore's).* _fl._ bright blue purple, with yellow eye. _h._ 6in. =a. monelli= (monell's). a synonym of _a. linifolia_. =a. tenella= (delicate).* _fl._ delicate pink, with deeper veins; corolla bell-shaped. summer. _l._ roundish, very small, opposite. a beautiful little native bog trailer, and one of the prettiest in the whole genus. requires a boggy and wet soil. =a. webbiana= (webb's). _fl._ blue; petals with their tops slightly denticulated. june to august. _l._ several, verticillate. _h._ 4in. portugal, 1828. =anagyris= (from _ana_, backwards, and _gyros_, a circle; the pods are curved backwards at their extremities). ord. _leguminosã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse or half-hardy shrub, having the two stipules placed opposite the leaves. it thrives in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat in equal proportions. young cuttings should be planted in july in a pot of sand, and placed under a hand glass. =a. få�tida= (få�tid). _fl._ yellow, hairy, like those of the laburnum; racemes short. may. _l._ trifoliate; leaflets lanceolate, acute, entire. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. south europe, 1750. this shrub is få�tid in every part when bruised. =analogy.= resembling a thing in form but not in function; or _vice versã¢_. corresponding with a thing in many points, but differing in more, or in points of more importance. =ananas= (from _nanas_, the south american name for the pine apple). syn. _ananassa_. pine apple. ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. stove herbaceous perennials, having the berries collected with the bracts into a compound fruit. leaves rigid; edges spiny. the variegated form is a useful plant for decorative purposes, and may be employed without the usual harmful consequences attending stove plants generally, but it must not be subjected to cold draughts. the soil should consist of two parts fibrous loam, one of peat, one of dung and leaf mould, and another of sand. those propagated from suckers, which should be laid by a day or two and then inserted in a strong heat, have, as a rule, longer and lighter-coloured leaves. offsets are often produced at the base of the fruit, and make stout plants, with high-coloured foliage. when the plants are potted in spring, plunge them in bottom heat, to hasten their growth; but this is not absolutely necessary. should it be desired to fruit the variegated form, the plants may be submitted to the same process of culture as detailed under =pine apple= (which _see_). =a. bracamorensis= (bracamora). brazil, 1879. =a. bracteata= (bracted). _fl._ crimson. april. _h._ 3ft. brazil, 1820. =a. lucida= (shining). _fl._ pink. april. _h._ 3ft. south america, 1820. =a. macrodonta= (large-toothed).* _fl._ reddish, tinted buff; spike elongate-ovoid, with imbricating dentate bracts. _fr._ conical, about 8in. long and 4in. wide, with conspicuous bracts, and highly perfumed. _l._ with conspicuous teeth. 1878. syn. _bromelia undulata_. =a. mordilona= (mordilona; native name). _fr._ large, with a fine aroma. _l._ distinguished in being without spines. columbia, 1869. =a. porteana= (porter's).* _l._ armed on the margins with sharp spines, deep olive green, with a broad band of pale yellow running down the centre from base to apex. this species has a somewhat erect habit of growth. philippines, 1866. =a. sativa= (cultivated). pine apple. for culture, _see_ =pine apple=. =a. s. variegata= (variegated).* _l._ rosulate, finely arched, 2ft. or 3ft. long, serrated on the edges; centre bright green, sometimes with a few lines of white, broadly margined with rich creamy-yellow, tinged with red towards the margins. a very elegant variegated plant for vases, &c. =ananassa.= _see_ =ananas=. =anantherix= (from _a_, without, and _antherix_, an awn; there are no horn-formed processes from the base of the leaflets of the corona, as in _asclepias_, to which it is closely allied). ord. _asclepiadeã¦_. a small genus of pretty, hardy herbs. _a. viridis_ is of easy culture in an open situation, and light soil. increased by division of the root; or by seeds, which ripen in abundance. =a. viridis= (green). _fl._ purplish-green, large; corolla sub-campanulate, five-cleft; umbels proceeding from the stem, sub-panicled, few-flowered. august. _l._ opposite, sessile, obovate-oblong, pointed, smoothish. _h._ 1ft. north america, 1812. =anapeltis.= included under _polypodium_. =anarrhinum= (from _a_, without, and _rhin_, a snout; the corolla being without a spur, or furnished with a very short one). ord. _scrophularineã¦_. elegant little half-hardy biennials or perennials allied to _antirrhinum_. flowers small, drooping, in long spike-formed, twiggy, and interrupted racemes. radical leaves usually in a rosette; stem and branch leaves palmate-parted, or toothed at the apex; superior ones quite entire. they are of easy culture in ordinary garden soil; seed may be sown outside in spring, or they can be increased by growing cuttings, but they require protection during severe weather. =a. bellidifolium= (daisy-leaved).* _fl._ white, or pale blue; racemes slender, elongated. june. _l._ radical ones spathulate or obovate-lanceolate, deeply toothed; branch leaves deeply three to seven-parted. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1629. =a. duriminium= (douro). a synonym of _a. hirsutum_. =a. fruticosum= (shrubby). _fl._ white, without a spur. july. _l._ lower ones mostly tridentate at the apex; superior ones oblong, quite entire. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. south europe, 1826. shrubby. =a. hirsutum= (hairy). _fl._ whitish, a little larger than those of _a. bellidifolium_, of which it is, perhaps, only a downy variety. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. portugal, 1818. syn. _a. duriminium_. [illustration: fig. 85. dry fruiting plant of anastatica hierochuntina.] =anastatica= (from _anastasis_, resurrection; plant recovering its original form, however dry it may be, on immersion in water). ord. _cruciferã¦_. a very curious and interesting little annual, the leaves of which fall off from the plant after flowering, the branches and branchlets then become dry, hard, and ligneous, and rise upwards and bend inwards at their points. this plant has the remarkable property of resuming vitality on being placed in water, after being kept in a dry state for many years. seeds should be sown in heat, in the spring, and the plants afterwards potted off and plunged again in heat to hasten their growth, which cannot otherwise be fully developed with our precarious and sunless summers. [illustration: fig. 86. anastatica hierochuntina.] =a. hierochuntina.= rose of jericho. _fl._ small, white, sessile, disposed in spikes along the branches; petals obovate. july. _fr._, or silicle, ventricose, with the valves bearing each an appendage on the outer side at the end. _l._ obovate, with stellate hairs; lower ones entire, upper ones slightly toothed. branches crowded lattice-wise into a globular form. _h._ 6in. syria, &c., 1597. supposed by some commentators to be the "_rolling thing_ before the whirlwind" mentioned by isaiah. see figs. 85 and 86. =anastomose.= branching of one vein into another. =anbury.= _see_ =ambury=. =anceps.= two-edged; as the stem of an iris. =anchietea= (named in honour of p. anchietea, a celebrated brazilian writer on plants). syns. _lucinã¦a_, _noisettia_. ord. _violarieã¦_. an ornamental, stove, evergreen climber. petals five, very unequal, two upper ones smallest, two intermediate ones longer, lowest one largest, with a spur at the base. the species thrives in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. young cuttings root freely under a bell glass if planted in sand, and placed in a moderate heat. =a. pyrifolia= (pear-leaved). _fl._ whitish, veined with red at the base, in axillary fascicles; lower petal obovate. july. _l._ alternate, stalked, stipulate, ovate, acute, crenated. brazil, 1826. =anchomanes= (name of doubtful origin). ord. _aroideã¦_. a remarkable and beautiful stove tuberous-rooted perennial aroid, allied to _amorphophallus_, and requiring somewhat similar treatment. as soon as the leaves die down, the plants should be repotted in rich sandy loam and leaf mould, with ample drainage. they will need scarce any water or attention until growth commences the following spring, when they must have an abundance of water, and a moist atmosphere. summer temperature, 60deg. to 85deg.; winter, 55deg. to 60deg. propagated by seeds and offsets. =a. hookeri= (hooker's).* _fl._, spathe pale purple, appearing before the leaf, much expanded; spadix whitish; scape prickly, shorter than the petiole. june. _l._, petiole slender, prickly, bearing on its summit the horizontal blade, about 3ft. in diameter; this is divided into three primary divisions, which are again cut up into several leaflets, the largest of these being toothed. _h._ 3ft. fernando po, 1832. there is a variety with a paler coloured spathe. syn. _caladium petiolatum_. =anchovy pear.= _see_ =grias cauliflora=. [illustration: fig. 87. anchusa capensis, showing flower and habit.] =anchusa= (from _anchousa_, paint for the skin; use of some species). ord. _boraginaceã¦_. very pretty hardy annuals, biennials, or perennials. flowers in scorpoid racemes; corolla funnel-shaped; throat closed by erect, obtuse processes; nuts four, one-celled, inversely conical, with a contraction towards the point, fixed to the bottom of the calyx, perforated and concave at the base. of easy culture, in ordinary soils, and preferring a sunny situation. propagated by seeds, which should be sown in early spring in pots of sandy soil, when most of them will germinate in three or four weeks, some less. the honey-bee is very partial to this genus. =a. agardhii= (agardh's). _fl._ purple, on short pedicels, distant, disposed in terminal racemes, which are generally conjugate. july. _l._ linear-lanceolate, tubercled, strigose. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1820. perennial. rare. =a. azurea= (blue). synonymous with _a. italica_. =a. barrelieri= (barrelier's). _fl._ blue, with a white tube and yellow throat; racemes conjugate, panicled, bracteate. may. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, denticulated, hispid. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. south europe, 1820. perennial. syns. _buglossum barrelieri_, _myosotis obtusum_. =a. capensis= (cape).* _fl._ blue; racemes terminal, panicled. july. _l._ linear lanceolate, hispid. stem simple, hairy. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1800. requires greenhouse protection in winter. biennial. see fig. 87. [illustration: fig. 88. inflorescence of anchusa italica.] =a. italica= (italian). _fl._ bright blue or purple, in panicled racemes. summer. _l._ lanceolate, entire, shining; radical ones sometimes 2ft. long. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. caucasus, &c., 1810. one of the best. syns. _a. azurea_, _a. paniculata_. see fig. 88. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved). synonymous with _nonnea rosea_. =a. myosotidiflora= (myosotideum-flowered). _fl._ fine blue; throat yellow; raceme terminal, panicled, bractless. july. _l._ large, radical ones on long petioles, reniformly cordate; those of the stem sessile, ovate, hairy. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1825. a pretty plant. syn. _myosotis macrophylla_. =a. officinalis= (officinal). _fl._ blue or purple, sessile, imbricate; spikes joined by pairs, terminal. june to october. _l._ lanceolate, hispid; radical ones tufted. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. britain, naturalised here and there. =a. o. incarnata= is a variety with flesh coloured flowers. =a. paniculata= (panicled). synonymous with _a. italica_. =a. sempervirens= (evergreen). _fl._ rich blue, in short axillary spikes, generally leafy at the base. may. _l._ broadly ovate, lower ones upon long stalks. stem erect. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. perennial; here and there naturalised in britain. see fig. 89. =a. tinctoria= (dyers'). alkanet. _fl._ deep blue; tube blood-colour; racemes usually twin, terminal, many-flowered. june. _l._ oblong, hispid. _h._ 6in. south europe, 1596. a diffuse perennial. =ancyclogyne.= a synonym of =sanchezia= (which _see_). =andersonia= (in honour of messrs. anderson, surgeons, great promoters of botany). ord. _epacridaceã¦_. elegant and delicate little greenhouse shrubs. flowers terminal, solitary, or spicate; corolla sub-campanulate, hypocrateriform, five-lobed. the undermentioned, which is the only species yet introduced, grows freely in a sandy peat with perfect drainage, which latter is most essential. cuttings from the tips of young shoots may be made in autumn, winter, or spring, and planted in sand in a gentle heat, with a bell glass placed over them. =a. sprengelioides= (sprengelia-like).* _fl._ pink, furnished with two small bracteas, spicate. march. _l._ spreading, bases curved inwards, so as to resemble a hood, ending in a flat point. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. new holland, 1803. evergreen squarrose shrub. syn. _sprengelia andersoni_. =andira= (its brazilian name). ord. _leguminosã¦_. large ornamental stove evergreen trees, nearly allied to =geoffroya= (which _see_ for cultivation). flowers in axillary or terminal panicles. pod drupaceous. leaves alternate, unequally pinnate. =a. inermis= (unarmed). _fl._ purple, on short pedicels; panicles terminal. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets thirteen to fifteen, ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous on both surfaces. _h._ 20ft. to 30ft. jamaica, 1773. known as the cabbage tree. =a. racemosa= (branchy). _fl._ purple, in panicled racemes. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets thirteen, ovate-oblong, acuminated, glabrous on both surfaces. _h._ 20ft. to 60ft. brazil, 1818. [illustration: fig. 89. anchusa sempervirens.] =androcymbium= (from _aner_, a man, and _cymbos_, a cavity; the stamens are enclosed in a hollow formed by the folding of the limb of the petals). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a peculiar greenhouse bulbous plant, requiring a light sandy soil, dry atmosphere, no shade, and a season of rest; during the latter period, scarcely any water is required. propagated by seeds and offsets. =a. punctatum= (dotted). _fl._ whitish, few, in a dense sessile umbel, surrounded by about four spreading lanceolate, acuminate leaves, which are 5in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad above the base, channelled down the centre from base to tip. south africa, 1874. =andrå�cium.= the male organ of the flower. =androgynous.= producing male and female flowers on the same spike. =androlepis= (from _aner_, a man, and _lepis_, a scale; referring to the scaly stamens). ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. stove evergreen epiphyte. for culture, _see_ =ã�chmea=. =a. skinneri= (skinner's). _fl._ white. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala, 1850. syn. _billbergia skinneri_. =andromeda= (named after the daughter of cepheus, who was rescued from the sea monster by perseus). ord. _ericaceã¦_. a dwarf, hardy shrub, found in peaty bogs in the temperate and arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. sow seeds as soon as ripe in pots or pans, very thinly, in sandy peat soil, and place in a cool frame, giving plenty of air. place the young plants out in spring. layers, pegged carefully down during september, will generally take twelve months to make sufficient roots to allow of their being separated, and thus become independent plants. for other species often included under this genus in catalogues, _see_ =cassandra=, =cassiope=, =leucothoã«=, =lyonia=, =oxydendrum=, =pieris=, and =zenobia=. =a. polifolia= (polium-leaved). wild rosemary. _fl._ pinky white, drooping, sometimes tipped with red; corolla ovate, furnished with ovate, rather leafy imbricated bracteas, terminal, umbellate. june. _l._ linear-lanceolate, mucronulate, with the margins more or less revolute, quite entire, glaucous beneath, with an elevated rib, and reticulated veins. _h._ 1ft. the numerous varieties of this very beautiful native shrub principally differ in the colouring of the flowers. =andropogon= (from _aner_, a man, and _pogon_, a beard; tufts of hair on flowers). ord. _gramineã¦_. a large genus of grasses with polygamous flowers. the majority of species are of no horticultural value; several, however, are very ornamental subjects, and thrive well in a rich, deep soil. easily propagated by seeds or by division of the roots. the south european kinds succeed in the open air if planted in a warm dry border. =a. citratum= (citrus-leaved). synonymous with _a. schå�nanthus_. =a. schå�nanthus.= lemon grass. _fl._ in threes; spikes imbricate, conjugate, panicled. a handsome species, the leaves of which emit a very fragrant odour when bruised. _h._ 2ft. india, 1786. stove species. syn. _a. citratum_. other species worth growing are _furcatus_, _halepensis_, _muricatus_, _pubescens_, _scoparius_, _squarrosus_, and _strictus_. =androsace= (from _aner_, a man, and _sakos_, buckler; in reference to the resemblance of the anther to an ancient buckler). including _aretia_. ord. _primulaceã¦_. dwarf annuals or perennials, entirely alpine, agreeing in most characters with _primula_, but having the tube of the corolla narrowed at the mouth. an airy, well-drained, and partially sunny position is essential in their culture. they thrive well between fissures of rocks or stones with a rich sandy peat soil. drought and a sour soil are alike fatal, and both will be greatly obviated if small pieces of sandstone are mixed with the soil. the woolly species are best arranged beneath a jutting ledge of the rockery, which will afford them protection from the hottest sunshine, and from excessive wet in winter; additional comfort will be provided from the latter ill if a piece of glass is placed over them during the autumn and winter months. they can also be well grown, and make charming little specimens, in pots, with rich sandy soil and thorough drainage. sprinkle sand among the small rosettes of leaves. they are increased by divisions, cuttings, or seed; the latter should be sown as early as possible, and raised in a frame. =a. alpina= (alpine). _fl._ purplish rose; throat and tube yellow, solitary; peduncles about 1/2in. long. june. _l._ crowded, small, tongue-shaped, in small rosettes. _h._ 2in. to 3in. switzerland, 1775. this species requires a rather shady aspect, and to be planted almost perpendicularly in a soil composed of leaf mould, peat, fibrous loam, and sharp sand. syn. _a. glacialis_. =a. aretia= (aretius'). synonymous with _a. helvetica_. =a. aretioides= (aretia-like). synonymous with _a. obtusifolia_. =a. argentea= (silvery).* _fl._ white, sessile, very numerous. june. _l._ densely imbricated, lanceolate, oblong, covered with short hairs, forming very pretty silvery-grey rosettes. _h._ about 2in. switzerland, 1826. this requires a well drained, sunny fissure. syn. _a. imbricata_. =a. carnea= (flesh-coloured).* _fl._ pink or rose, with a yellow eye, three to seven, on hairy stalked umbels. july. _l._ awl-shaped, smooth, acuminated, not forming rosettes. stem somewhat elongated. _h._ 3in. or 4in. switzerland, 1768. this forms charming little cushions if allowed to remain undisturbed; it is easily increased. syns. _a. lachenalii_, _a. puberula_. =a. c. eximia= (select).* larger and more robust than the typical species, and a more rapid grower. forms compact tufts of dense rosettes, bearing heads of rosy-crimson yellow-eyed flowers, on stems 2in. or 3in. high. auvergne alps, 1871. it requires moist sunny ledges and fissures of rockwork in peat, loam, and sand. =a. chamã¦jasme= (rock jasmine).* _fl._ blush, ultimately deep pink, with a yellow eye, umbellate. june. _l._ lanceolate, tapering to a point towards the base, in comparatively large, not dense, rosettes. _h._ about 2in. to 4in. austria, &c., 1768. a very free flowering species, growing freely when established, ultimately forming large tufts. it thrives best in a deep, well drained and rich loam soil. =a. ciliata= (ciliated). _fl._ deep carmine red, on stems double as long as the leaves. june. _l._ lanceolate-oblong, smooth on both surfaces, with ciliated margins, imbricated. _h._ 2in. to 3in., forming dense cushions. pyrenees. =a. coronopifolia= (buckhorn-leaved).* _fl._ pure white, on slender pedicels, umbellate on peduncles, about 6in. high. april to june. _l._ lanceolate, distantly serrated, smooth, in flattish rosettes. russia, 1755. this is a charming little biennial, well worthy of a place on the rockery. a colony of it is extremely pretty; it seeds freely, and a batch of young plants almost invariably takes the place of the old ones. syn. _a. septentrionalis_. =a. glacialis= (glacial). synonymous with _a. alpina_. =a. helvetica= (swiss).* _fl._ white, nearly sessile, with a yellow eye, larger than the little rosettes of leaves on the stalk from which they spring. may. _l._ lanceolate, obtuse, closely imbricated, small, ciliated. _h._ 1in., forming dense cushions. switzerland, 1775. a rare little gem, requiring a partially shaded position, and very sandy soil. syn. _a. aretia_. =a. imbricata= (imbricated). synonymous with _a. argentea_. =a. lachenalii= (lachenal's). synonymous with _a. carnea_. =a. lactea= (milk-white).* _fl._ pure white, with yellow throat, large, on long graceful stalks, umbellate. june. _l._ linear, or nearly so, in rosettes, sometimes scattered on the elongated branches. _h._ about 4in. austria, 1752. very floriferous and strong growing. should have an eastern or western aspect, and be propagated from seeds. syn. _a. pauciflora_. [illustration: fig. 90. androsace laggeri.] =a. laggeri= (lagger's).* _fl._ pink, sessile; when approaching maturity the stem becomes elongated, and bears a tuft of stalked flowers. march. _l._ awl-shaped, sharply pointed, in tiny rosettes. _h._ 3in. pyrenees, &c., 1879. very like _a. carnea_, but more delicate, earlier, and more abundant flowering, with deeper green foliage. it suffers from exposure to the sun, and therefore requires a partially shady position. should be propagated from seeds or cuttings, which latter strike freely. see fig. 90. =a. lanuginosa= (woolly-leaved).* _fl._ delicate rose, with a small yellow eye, umbellate. june to october. _l._ nearly 1in. long, clothed with shiny silken hairs. _h._ 6in. to 9in. himalaya, 1842. a very beautiful species, with spreading or trailing shoots, easily multiplied by cuttings or layers. it requires a warm sunny spot on the rockery, with a sandy peat soil. when planted so that its shoots drape the face of a rocky ledge, it is one of the most charming plants possible to grow. a. obtusifolia (blunt-leaved). _fl._ white or rose, with yellow eye; umbels five or six-flowered. spring. _l._ lanceolate or rather spathulate, in rather large rosettes. stems downy. _h._ 2in. to 6in. european alps. a very pretty form, closely allied to _a. chamã¦jasme_, and differing principally in its somewhat larger rosette of leaves and stronger growth. syn. _a. aretioides_. =a. pauciflora= (few-flowered). synonymous with _a. lactea_. =a. penicillata= (finely hairy). synonymous with _a. villosa_. =a. puberula= (puberulous). synonymous with _a. carnea_. =a. pubescens= (downy). _fl._ white, with a faint yellow eye, solitary, at the ends of the branchlets, very numerous. june. _l._ oblong-ovate, ciliated, in a crowded rosette. stem with a small swelling close to the flower. _h._ 2in. alps, 1869. treat like _a. chamã¦jasme_. =a. pyrenaica= (pyrenean). _fl._ white, with yellowish eyes, on a scape about 1/4in high. summer. _l._ narrow-oblong, ciliated, recurved, keeled at the back. _h._ 1in. pyrenees. an exceedingly pretty and diminutive little alpine plant, grown, according to mr. robinson, "to great perfection in fissures between large rocks, with, however, deep rifts of sandy peat and loam in them. it will also grow on a level exposed spot, but in such a position should be surrounded by half-buried stones." =a. sarmentosa= (trailing).* _fl._ bright rose, with a white eye, in umbels of ten to twenty, on an erect scape. may and june. _l._ very silvery, forming dense rosettes, whence spring a number of runners, bearing at their extremities other tufts, which should be pegged down and covered with soil, when they will root freely. himalayas, 1876. it requires rich sandy loam, a sunny position, and to be wedged between pieces of sandstone. cover the rosettes during winter with a sheet of glass. see fig. 91. =a. septentrionalis= (northern). synonymous with _a. coronopifolia_. =a. villosa= (hairy).* _fl._ rose or blush, with a deeper coloured eye, and a honey-like perfume, umbellate. may. _l._ narrow, oblong, covered with soft white down, chiefly on the under surface, in compact tufts. _h._ 2in. to 4in. pyrenees, &c., 1790. when well grown, the flowers are produced in great abundance, almost covering the green cushions. plant in a sunny fissure of the rockery, in sandy loam and leaf soil. syn. _a. penicillata_. [illustration: fig. 91. androsace sarmentosa, showing habit, and the two kinds of leaves, &c.] =a. vitaliana= (vital's).* _fl._ rich yellow, comparatively large; tube inflated at the middle, almost nestling among the leaves. may to july. _l._ linear, acute, greyish. stems numerous. _h._ 1in. to 2in. pyrenees, &c., 1787. when well grown, it produces flowers in abundance, and is the only species in cultivation having yellow flowers. a well-drained, sunny pocket is desirable, with a calcareous soil, covering the surface with nodules of sandstone. syn. _gregoria vitaliana_. =a. wulfeniana= (wulfen's).* _fl._ rosy or crimson, large. summer. _l._ oval, acuminated, in dense rosettes. _h._ 2in. styria. a very rare species in cultivation in this country. =androsã�mum.= _see_ =hypericum=. =androstephium= (from _aner_, a man, and _stephos_, a crown; some of the stamens are barren and petaloid, forming a corona). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a very pretty little hardy bulb, of dwarf habit, allied to _brodiã¦a_. it requires a rich sandy loam, in a sunny position, and may be propagated by offsets and seeds; the latter should be sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. plant 6in. deep, when it will require no protection in winter. =a. violaceum= (violet). _fl._ violet blue, about 1in. long, three to six in an umbel, on pedicels about their own length; tube infundibuliform, about as long as the spreading segments; corona half as long. spring. _l._ four to six, very narrow. _h._ 6in. texas, 1874. =andryala= (the meaning of this is unknown). ord. _compositã¦_. these are pretty half-hardy evergreen herbaceous perennials, easily grown in ordinary well-drained garden soil. increased by seeds and divisions in spring. two species only are in cultivation. =a. lanata= (woolly).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, hieracium-like. may. _l._ white, woolly, thick, oblong-ovate; radical ones stalked; upper ones sessile. stems with a leaf at each joint. _h._ about 1ft. south europe, 1732. =a. mogadorensis= (mogador). _fl.-heads_ bright yellow, as large as a half-crown; disk bright orange. april. morocco, 1871. this species is rare in cultivation. =aneilema= (from _a_, not, and _eilema_, involucre; in reference to the absence of the involucre). ord. _commelynaceã¦_. greenhouse and stove evergreen perennials, with generally a trailing habit. a genus resembling _commelyna_, from which it is distinguished by the inflorescence being sub-paniculate, and the peduncles entirely exserted from the bracts at the branching of the panicle. flowers without any involucre. they thrive in a compost of loam, peat, leaf mould, and sand, well mixed. increased by seeds and root divisions. there are a large number of species known to botanists. =a. biflora= (two-flowered).* _fl._ blue; floral stalks two-flowered. july. _l._ lanceolate. stem creeping; plant smooth. new holland, 1820. greenhouse species. =a. sinicum= (chinese). _fl._ pale blue; racemes about seven-flowered, alternate, placed in a panicle form. may. _l._ ligulate, acuminate. stems branched, diffuse. _h._ 1ft. china, 1820. greenhouse species. =anemia= (from _aneimon_, naked; in reference to the naked panicles of sporangia). including _anemidictyon_. ord. _filices_. a well-marked genus of stove and greenhouse ferns, chiefly confined to tropical america. capsules small, very abundant, forming a copiously-branched panicle, quite distinct from the leafy part of the frond. this genus of handsome dwarf-growing ferns is of easy culture, in a compost of fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand. several species are exceedingly pretty for fern cases. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =a. adiantifolia= (maidenhair-leaved).* _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, firm, naked. _fronds_, barren portion shortly-stalked, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, bi-tripinnate; pinnã¦ close, lanceolate, the lowest the largest; ultimate divisions oblong or linear-cuneate, the outer toothed, with a firm texture; panicle 3in. to 4in. long, the peduncle 1in. to 3in. long. west indies, 1793. a very handsome stove fern. =a. ciliata= (ciliated). synonymous with _a. hirsuta_. =a. collina= (hill). _sti._ 8in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, densely clothed with fine ferruginous hairs. _fronds_, barren portion sessile, 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, with about twelve sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, unequal-sided, obliquely-truncate below, blunt, sub-entire, with a sub-coriaceous texture; panicle 2in. to 3in. long, close, the peduncle 4in. to 6in. long. brazil, 1829. very rare stove species. syn. _a. hirta_. =a. deltoidea= (deltoid-like). synonymous with _a. tomentosa_. =a. dregeana= (drege's).* _sti._ 8in. to 12in. long, firm, slightly villose. _fronds_, barren portion sub-sessile, 8in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, about equal in width in the lower half, with eight to twelve pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, ovate-deltoid, unequal at the base, the upper side sub-cordate, the edge inciso-crenate; panicle 3in. to 4in. long, the lower branches elongated; peduncle same length. natal. stove species. =a. flexuosa= (wavy). synonymous with _a. tomentosa_. =a. hirsuta= (hairy). _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, slender, naked. _fronds_, barren portion 2in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, sessile, oblong-deltoid, bipinnatifid; pinnã¦ in six to eight opposite pairs, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/4in. broad, varying from oblong, obtuse, sub-entire, truncate at the base on the lower side, to deeply pinnatifid with narrow divisions; panicle 1in. to 2in. long, close; peduncle 2in. to 6in. long, slender. jamaica, 1704. very handsome stove species. syns. _a. repens_ and _a. ciliata_. =a. hirta= (hairy). synonymous with _a. collina_. =a. mandioccana= (mandioccan).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, deciduously villose. _fronds_, barren portion 1ft. or more long, 2in. to 4in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, the lower half about equal in width; pinnã¦ in twenty or more close pairs, the point narrowed, but scarcely acute; edge finely serrulate, the upper base parallel with the stem, the lower obliquely truncate; rachis and surfaces finely pilose; texture sub-coriaceous; panicle very compound, 3in. to 4in. long: peduncle longer. brazil. a very beautiful and distinct stove species. =a. phyllitidis= (phyllitis-like).* _sti._ 6in. to 18in. long, stramineous, naked, or fibrillose. _fronds_, barren portion sessile, 4in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 8in. broad, ovate-oblong, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ in four to twelve sessile pairs, the lowest the largest, ovate, 1in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 2in. broad, the apex acute, the edge crenulate, the base rounded or cuneate, or unequal, with a firm texture; panicle dense, 3in. to 9in. long, the branches short; peduncles the same length. cuba, mexico, &c. syn. _anemidictyon phyllitidis_. greenhouse species. =a. p. lineata= (lined). _fronds_ with a yellowish-green central stripe down the pinnã¦. south america, 1868. =a. p. plumbea= (leaden). synonymous with _a. p. tessellata_. =a. p. tessellata= (tessellated). pinnã¦ dark green, with bright green centre and leaden-grey border. brazil, 1875. the forms of this species are numerous: _fraxinifolia_ and _macrophylla_ are names often met with, but only show slight deviations. they all have a more hardy constitution than the other species, and grow well in the greenhouse. syn. _a. p. plumbea_. =a. repens= (creeping). synonymous with _a. hirsuta_. =a. tomentosa= (tomentose).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, clothed with ferruginous hairs. _fronds_, barren portion 6in. to 12in. long, half as broad, ovate-deltoid, bipinnatifid or bipinnate; lowest pinnã¦ the largest, the blunt lobes 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. broad, nearly entire; rachis and surfaces densely pilose, with a firm texture; panicle 4in. to 9in. long, loose; peduncle 1in. to 2in. long. tropical america. greenhouse species. syns. _a. deltoidea_, _a. flexuosa_, _a. villosa_. =a. villosa= (hairy). synonymous with _a. tomentosa_. =anemidictyon.= _see_ =anemia=. =anemone= (from _anemos_, wind; the greater part of the species grow in elevated places, much exposed to the wind). wind flower. ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. an extensive genus of very ornamental hardy perennials. the generic characters of anemone proper are: involucre of three cut leaflets, distant from the flower; calyx of five to twenty petal-like sepals; petals absent. of sub-genus hepatica: involucre of three entire leaflets, just under the flowers; calyx of six to nine petal-like sepals; petals absent. for botanical purposes, they are both now included under the one generic name of anemone; but in gardens the hepaticas are frequently regarded as a distinct genus. they delight in a rich sandy loam, but most will thrive in ordinary garden soil. some are suitable for borders, while others thrive best on the rockery, most of them preferring a damp and partially shady position. for the numerous varieties of _a. coronaria_, both double and single flowered, the soil can hardly be too rich, and the position, though open, should be a sheltered one, and well drained. the tubers may be planted early in october, about 6in. apart, and 3in. deep, various colours being intermixed, when a splendid effect is produced in the following spring. after flowering, the tubers should be taken up--say in june--and spread out thinly, in a shady, airy situation, until they are dry, when they should be thoroughly cleaned, and, if necessary, divided, and finally stored away in a cool place, in pots or boxes of dry sand until the planting season. anemones make admirable pot plants if placed in a compost of two parts turfy loam, and one of leaf mould or rotten hotbed or cow manure, with about a sixth part of sharp gritty sand; but, if so grown, they should be protected through severe weather, and brought into warmth as required. the herbaceous species are propagated by root divisions or root cuttings, or by seeds, in autumn or early spring; the seeds are better sown as soon as ripe in pans in a cold frame. some, such as _a. japonica_, are freely increased by division; while others, such as _a. narcissiflora_, are very slow; and the tuberous rooted ones, by root division and seeds. the best and most rapid means of propagating the invaluable varieties of _a. coronaria_, and also of obtaining new ones, is by seed. a careful selection of flowers, and skilful hybridising, will produce results commensurate with the trouble incurred. so soon as the seed ripen, they should be gathered and sown at once in a warm sheltered situation outside, or in pans under glass, covering lightly with sandy soil, and keeping moist. they are somewhat difficult to sow on account of a mass of cotton-like down which adheres closely to them; they should be thoroughly separated therefrom by rubbing them in dry sand. of course, if the seed are sown at different times, plants will be produced which will flower at different periods, and a succession of bloom may be had from april to november--indeed, nearly all the year. =a. alba= (white). _fl._ white; pedicel solitary; sepals five, obovate, very blunt. june. _l._ ternate or quinate; segments deeply toothed at top; those of the involucre stalked. _h._ 6in. siberia, 1820. =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ variously coloured, sometimes white, white with the back purple, cream, yellowish or yellow with their backs paler; sepals six, spreading, elliptical, rarely ovate. may. _l._ sometimes smooth, sometimes clothed with long crowded silky hairs, biternate; segments pinnate and deeply serrated; involucre of the same form. _h._ 6in. middle europe, 1658. very handsome alpine. plant on the rockery in rich deep soil, with a damp situation. syn. _pulsatilla alpina_. =a. a. sulphurea= (sulphur).* _fl._ beautiful soft yellow, 2in. to 2-1/2in. across when expanded, but they are usually cup-shaped; sepals six, covered with a silky down outside; anthers of a rich golden colour. may and june. _l._ radical, stalked, drooping, more than 1ft. long; leaflets pinnatifid, deeply toothed. a very beautiful form, thriving in ordinary garden soil, and a rather moist situation. see fig. 92. [illustration: fig. 92. anemone alpina sulphurea, showing habit and flower.] =a. americana= (american). a synonym of _a. hepatica_. =a. angulosa= (angled).* _fl._ fine sky blue, over 2in. across, with numerous black anthers surrounding a tuft of yellow styles; sepals eight to nine, elliptical, spreading. february. _l._ palmately five-lobed; lobes serrated. _h._ 8in. to 12in. east europe. a very fine species, twice the size of _a. hepatica_ in all its parts; it is well suited for the border or rockery, enjoying a deep rich soil. syn. _hepatica angulosa_. =a. apennina= (apennine).* _fl._ blue, 1-1/2in. across; sepals ten to fourteen, oblong, obtuse, erect; pedicel one-flowered. march. _l._ binately pinnate; segments lanceolate, deeply-toothed, acute. _h._ 6in. england (naturalised here and there), and southern europe. an exceedingly pretty plant, with soft-looking feathery foliage. it thrives best under the partial shade of trees, where the flowers retain their colour longer. tuberous rooted. =a. baldensis= (mount baldo).* _fl._ white, clothed with adpressed hairs on the outside, and reddish tinged with blue; sepals eight to ten, oblong-oval; pedicels one-flowered. may. _l._ biternate; segments many-parted; lobes linear; involucral leaves multifid. _h._ 6in. switzerland, 1792. _a. cå�rulea_ is probably identical with this species. shady parts of the rockery. rare. tuberous rooted. =a. blanda= (fair).* _fl._ deep blue, nearly 2in. across; sepals nine to fourteen, narrow. winter or early spring. _l._ triternate; segments deeply cut and acute; involucral leaves stalked, trifid, deeply cut. _h._ 6in. eastern europe. a very handsome early flowering plant. it requires a rich, light, and well drained sandy loam, and a warm, sheltered position. it closely resembles _a. apennina_, of which it is merely a form, with deeper blue flowers. tuberous rooted. =a. caroliniana= (carolina). _fl._ purple or whitish, pubescent on the outside, on a long one-flowered pedicel; sepals ten to twenty, oblong-linear. may. _l._ ternate, with three-parted, or cut acutely-toothed lobes; involucral leaves trifid, with cut lobes. _h._ 9in. carolina, 1824. a very slender and delicate plant. shady parts of the rockery. tuberous rooted. =a. cernua= (drooping). _fl._ somewhat drooping, dark purple; sepals six, spreading, elliptical-oblong. may. _l._ pinnate, villous underneath; segments pinnatifid; lobes cut, oblong; scapes, petioles, and peduncles clothed with downy hairs. _h._ 6in. japan, 1806. rare. =a. coronaria= (garland).* poppy anemone. _fl._ very various in colouring, solitary; sepals six, oval, approximate. april to may. _l._ ternate; segments multifid; lobules linear, mucronated; involucral leaves sessile, multifid. south europe, 1596. this is one of the species from which the majority of "florists' varieties" have originated, which can be purchased at such a cheap rate, either in named varieties, or in mixture, and are invaluable for spring flowering. it thrives best in a good loamy soil, and should be somewhat shaded from the mid-day sun. tuberous rooted. see fig. 93. [illustration: fig. 93. anemone coronaria flore-pleno.] [illustration: fig. 94. anemone fulgens.] =a. decapetala= (ten-petaled).* _fl._ cream white or pale sulphur, about 1in. to 2in. across, erect; sepals eight to twelve, oblong, spreading. may to june. _l._ tripartite, and freely divided into numerous linear-acute segments, of a deep green colour. _h._ 12in. to 18in. north-west america, &c. a pretty free-flowering species, suitable for naturalising in woods, &c. it is less ornamental than many others, but is very distinct. [illustration: fig. 95. anemone hepatica.] =a. dichotoma= (forked).* _fl._ white, with a tinge of red on the under side; sepals five, elliptical; pedicels many, usually bifid. may. _l._ three parted; lobes oblong, deeply-toothed at top; those of the involucrum sessile. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, north america, &c., 1768. border, or for naturalising in woods. syn. _a. pennsylvanica._ [illustration: fig. 96. flower and leaf of anemone japonica.] =a. fulgens= (shining).* _fl._ of a dazzling vermilion or scarlet, with a black central patch of stamens, about 2in. across; sepals obovate. may. greece, south europe, &c., 1865. a very beautiful variety, much more showy than _a. hortensis_ (of which it is generally regarded as a variety), and a universal favourite. in "hardy perennials," mr. wood says of this splendid species: "it may be grown in pots for conservatory or indoor decoration. it needs no forcing for such purposes; a cold frame will prove sufficient to bring the flowers out in winter. borders or the moist parts of rockwork are suitable for it; but perhaps it is seen to greatest advantage in irregular masses in the half shade of trees in front of a shrubbery; and, after all, it is impossible to plant this flower wrong as regards effect. to grow it well, however, it must have a moist situation and good loam." see fig. 94. =a. halleri= (haller's).* _fl._ purplish inside, large, erect; sepals six, oval-lanceolate. april. _l._ pinnate, very villous; segments three parted; lobes with lanceolate-linear, acuminated divisions. _h._ 6in. switzerland, 1816. a sunny border or the rockery. syn. _pulsatilla halleri_. =a. hepatica= (supposed remedy for liver diseases). common hepatica. _fl._ usually blue; sepals six to nine. february. _l._ cordate, three-lobed; lobes quite entire, ovate, acutish; petioles and scapes rather hairy. _h._ 4in. to 6in. there are numerous varieties of this species. england, &c. syn. _hepatica triloba_. varieties: _alba_ has large pure white flowers; _cå�rulea_ (blue), the double form of _cå�rulea_ is scarce and very showy; _rubra_ produces reddish-pink flowers, and of which there is also a double variety, very bright and lasting; _barlowi_ has large sky-blue flowers. besides these there are many others. they are all charming early spring-flowering plants, preferring rich light soil, and to remain undisturbed for years, when they form grand clumps, often producing seedlings where they stand. syn. _a. americana_. see fig. 95. =a. honorine jobert= (honorine jobert). synonymous with _a. japonica alba_. =a. hortensis= (garden). nearly approaches _a. coronaria_, the parent of a large number of garden forms. _a. fulgens_ and _a. stellata_ are by competent authorities placed as varieties. =a. hudsoniana= (hudson's). synonymous with _a. multifida_. =a. japonica= (japanese).* _fl._ rosy carmine, from 2in. to 2-1/2in. across, on footstalks which spring from a whorl of three or four leaves; anthers golden yellow. autumn. _l._ ternate, with unequally lobed, toothed segments. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. japan, 1844. see fig. 96. [illustration: fig. 97. anemone japonica alba.] =a. j. alba= (white).* this is a splendid variety, with a profusion of large pure white flowers, which are produced from august to november. this white form is one of the handsomest of border flowers. the blooms are 2in. to 3in. across, with a centre of dense lemon coloured stamens. for cutting purposes the flowers are invaluable. it thrives best in deep soil. syn. _a. honorine jobert_. see fig. 97. =a. j. elegans= (elegant).* very like _a. japonica_, with broader leaves, and pale rose-coloured flowers, which are more than 3in. across. this is also called _rosea_ and _hybrida_. japan. =a. lancifolia= (lance-leaved). _fl._ white; sepals five, ovate-acute; scapes one-flowered. may. _l._ all stalked, ternate; segments lanceolate, crenate-toothed. _h._ 3in. pennsylvania, 1823. very rare. rockery. tuberous rooted. =a. multifida= (many-cleft).* _fl._ red, whitish yellow, or citron colour, small; sepals five to ten, elliptical, obtuse; peduncles three, one-flowered, one of which is naked and earlier, the other two longer, and bearing two-leaved multifid involucels on their middle. june. _l._ radical ones ternate; segments cuneated, three parted, multifid, with linear lobes; those of the involucrum multifid, on short petioles. _h._ 6in. to 12in. north america. border or rockery. syn. _a. hudsoniana_. [illustration: fig. 98. anemone narcissiflora, showing habit and flower.] =a. narcissiflora= (narcissus-flowered).* _fl._ usually cream coloured, sometimes purplish on the outside; umbels generally many-flowered; pedicels in some instances twice or three times longer than the involucrum, and in others very short; sepals five or six, ovate or oval, blunt or acute. may. _l._ radical ones palmately three to five parted; lobes deeply toothed; lobules linear, acute; those of the involucrum three to five cleft. _h._ about 1ft. europe, north america, 1773. an extremely variable and beautiful species. rockery. see fig. 98. =a. nemorosa= (grove).* wood anemone. _fl._ generally white; sepals six, elliptical; scapes one-flowered. march. _l._ ternate; segments trifid, deeply toothed, lanceolate, acute; involucral leaves stalked. _h._ 6in. this species varies greatly in the colour of its flowers. it is a most beautiful little plant, frequent in our native woods, and suitable for planting in shaded shrubberies, &c. tuberous rooted. =a. n. cå�rulea=, (blue),* from the north-west states of america, is very near, if not identical with, the variety _robinsoniana_, of our native woods. =a. n. flore-pleno= (double-flowered).* _fl._ pure white, over 1in. across, solitary, double. this is an exceedingly pretty plant, and remains in beauty considerably longer than the type. it should be grown in large clumps, and in rich loam. =a. n. robinsoniana= (robinson's).* _fl._ bright azure blue, large, over 1-1/2in. in diameter. a charming variety for the rockery or border, and one of the prettiest in the whole genus. =a. n. rosea= (rosy).* a very pretty form, with rose-coloured flowers, of which there is a double flowered sub-variety; there is also a double form of the type, named _bracteata_ _fl.-pl._, white flowers, surrounded with a large involucrum. =a. obtusiloba= (blunt-lobed-leaved). _fl._ cream coloured; sepals five, obovate; peduncles two to three, one-flowered, villous, naked, or the lateral ones are bracteate. june. _l._ three lobed cordate, and are, as well as petioles, very villous; segments broadly cuneated, and deeply crenate; involucral leaves trifid. himalaya, 1843. this species requires a warm and sheltered position. =a. palmata= (palmate).* _fl._ golden yellow; sepals ten to twelve, oblong, obtuse; scape one, rarely two, flowered. may. _l._ cordate, sub-orbicular, bluntly three to five-lobed, toothed; involucral leaves trifid. south-west europe, 1597. a white flowered variety, though scarce, is in cultivation, and is very pretty. true alpines, which should be grown on the rockery, where the soil is both rich and deep, with a somewhat damp situation. tuberous rooted. =a. patens= (spreading).* _fl._ purplish, or rarely yellow, erect, spreading, in the involucre almost sessile; sepals five to six. june. _l._ pinnate, rising after the flowers; segments three parted; lobes toothed at the top. northern europe, &c., 1752. =a. p. nuttalliana= (nuttall's).* _fl._ purple, sometimes cream coloured, erect, villous on the outside; sepals five or six, erect, connivent. june. _l._ three parted; segments cuneate, trifid, cut; lobes linear-lanceolate, elongated; those of the involucre with linear lobes. _h._ 1ft. north america, 1826. a pretty border plant. =a. pavonina= (peacock). synonymous with _a. stellata_. =a. pennsylvanica= (pennsylvanian). synonymous with _a. dichotoma_. =a. pratensis= (meadow).* _fl._ dark purple, pendulous; sepals six, erect, reflexed at the top, acute. may. _l._ pinnate, many parted; lobes linear. _h._ 6in. to 12in. northern europe, &c., 1731. differs chiefly from the following species in having smaller flowers, sepals narrower and more acute, connivent at base, and reflexed at apex. syn. _pulsatilla pratensis_. =a. pulsatilla= (common pulsatilla).* pasque flower. _fl._ generally violet, sub-erect; sepals six, spreading, externally silky, very handsome. april. _l._ pinnate; segments many parted; lobes linear. _h._ 6in. to 12in. england, &c. a singular and beautiful species, thriving best in a dry situation and well-drained soil of a calcareous nature. it is a very pretty plant for a border or rockery; when well grown, it forms handsome tufts, and flowers very freely. see fig. 99. syn. _pulsatilla vulgaris_. there are numerous varieties, the best of which are: =a. p. dahurica= (dahurian). _fl._ erect; sepals oblong, very villous. plant dwarf. sunny border or rockery. [illustration: fig. 99. anemone pulsatilla.] =a. p. lilacina= (lilac). _fl._ lilac. =a. p. rubra= (red). _fl._ erect; sepals blunter. plant dwarfer. =a. ranunculoides= (ranunculus-like).* _fl._ usually yellow (but in the pyrenean variety purple), generally solitary, single or double; sepals five to six, elliptical. march. _l._ radical ones three to five parted; segments subtrifid, deeply toothed; those of the involucrum on short stalks three parted, deeply toothed. _h._ 3in. naturalised in english woods, but rarely. tuberous rooted. [illustration: fig. 100. anemone stellata.] =a. rivularis= (river).* _fl._ white; anthers purple; sepals five, oval, smooth; pedicels three, one of which is naked. april. _l._ villous, as well as petioles, three parted; lobes cuneated, trifid; lobules cut, acutely toothed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north india, 1840. should be grown on the banks of running water, or in a damp situation in the border. =a. sibirica= (siberian). _fl._ white; sepals six, orbicular; scapes one-flowered. june. _l._ ternate; segments deeply toothed, ciliated, those of the involucrum on short stalks, ternate; segments lanceolate. _h._ 6in. siberia, 1804. rockery; very rare. =a. stellata= (star-leaved).* _fl._ purple, or rose red, or whitish, solitary; sepals ten to twelve, oblong, bluntish. april. _l._ three parted; lobes cuneated, deeply-toothed; involucral leaves sessile, oblong. _h._ 8in. to 10in. south europe, 1599. a pretty and gay spring flowering plant. tuberous rooted. syn. _a. pavonina_. double forms of this occur in cultivation. see fig. 100. [illustration: fig. 101. anemone sylvestris.] =a. sylvestris= (wood).* snowdrop windflower. _fl._ pure satin white, slightly drooping, 1-1/2in. across when fully open, fragrant; sepals six, elliptical; pedicel solitary. april. _l._ ternate or quinate, hairy beneath; segments deeply toothed at top, those of the involucrum stalked. _h._ 6in. to 18in. europe, 1596. this distinct and showy species thrives best in a light vegetable soil in a rather shady and moist situation. the roots are creeping, and should be allowed plenty of room, so that they may ramble without check. see fig. 101. [illustration: fig. 102. anemone vernalis.] =a. trifolia= (three-leaved). _fl._ white, erect; sepals five, elliptical, obtuse. april. _l._ all stalked, ternate; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, toothed. _h._ 6in. france, 1597. this species comes close to _a. nemorosa_. =a. vernalis= (spring).* _fl._ whitish inside, violet and covered with silky down outside, erect, sub-sessile or on pedicels; sepals six, straight, elliptic-oblong. april. _l._ pinnate; segments cuneate-lanceolate, trifid; involucrum very villous. _h._ 6in. europe, 1816. a curious rather than a showy species; it makes a pretty pot plant, but must not, under any consideration, be allowed to want water. it can be plunged in sand or ashes in the open, and just as the flowers commence to expand, transfer to a cool frame. it thrives best in a peat and loam compost, to which small pieces of charcoal may be added. syn. _pulsatilla vernalis_. see fig. 102. =a. virginiana= (virginian).* _fl._ purplish green or pale purple, small; sepals five, elliptical, silky-pubescent on the outside; pedicels often rising in pairs from the involucel. may. _l._ ternate; segments trifid, acuminated, deeply toothed; those of the involucre and involucels stalked; peduncles three to four, much elongated, middle one naked, sometimes 1ft. high; lateral ones bearing two-leaved involucels. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1722. border or woodlands, and damp places. =a. vitifolia= (vine-leaved). _fl._ white, villous on the outside; anthers copper colour; sepals eight, oval, oblong; pedicels one-flowered. july. _l._ large, cordate, five-lobed, beneath as well as the stems clothed with white wool; lobes broadly ovate, cut, and crenate; those of the involucrum stalked, woolly underneath, smooth above, bluntly cordate, five-lobed. _h._ 2ft. upper nepaul, 1829. this requires a warm sheltered position to stand the winter. very near _a. japonica alba_, and probably the progenitor of it. =anemonopsis= (from _anemone_, and _opsis_, resemblance; flowers like those of the anemone). ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. a handsome and remarkable hardy herbaceous perennial, not unlike _anemone japonica_, but smaller. it thrives in any light soil. propagated by seeds and divisions of the root-stock in spring. =a. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _fl._ in loose racemes; sepals about nine, concave, the outer three purple, internally pale lilac; petals twelve, in many rows, one-third the length of the sepals, linear-oblong. july. _l._ large, biternate, coarsely toothed, glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. japan, 1869. =anemopã�gma= (from _anemos_, the wind, and _paigma_, sport). ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. a handsome stove climbing shrub. for culture, _see_ =bignonia=. =a. racemosum= (racemose).* _fl._ delicate buff coloured, in axillary racemes, large. september. brazil, 1879. this beautiful and vigorous climber is, as yet, very rare in cultivation. =anethum= (from _ano_, upwards, and _theo_, to run; in reference to its quick growth). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. a genus of erect glabrous annuals. flowers yellow; involucre and involucels wanting. leaves decompound, with linear-setaceous lobes. this genus is of no ornamental value, its most important species being the garden dill (_a. graveolens_), which _see_ for culture. =angelica= (in reference to the supposed angelic medicinal virtues of some species). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. perennial or biennial herbs. flowers white; umbels terminal; involucra wanting or of few leaves; involucels of many leaves. leaves bipinnate. the common angelica (_a. archangelica_) is the only species that calls for mention. it is a native biennial, and was at one time in much request for confectionery, and as a herb of supposed great medicinal value. seed should be sown in september or march in ordinary soil, and the young plants thinned out to about 18in. apart. =angelica tree.= _see_ =aralia spinosa=. =angelonia= (from _angelon_, the local name of _a. salicariã¦folia_ in south america). syn. _schelveria_. ord. _scrophulariaceã¦_. very pretty stove herbaceous perennials. flowers axillary, racemose; corolla irregular, bilabiate; lower lip saccate at the base, trifid; upper one smaller, bifid. leaves opposite. stem and branches quadrangular. a mixture of light turfy loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, is a good compost. cuttings of young shoots in spring strike readily under a hand glass, or plunged in the propagating bed, giving plenty of air daily. =a. salicariã¦folia= (willow-leaved).* _fl._ blue, hairy, axillary, solitary, pedicellate, disposed in terminal racemes. august. _l._ sessile, lanceolate, acute, serrated towards the apex, finely pubescent on both surfaces. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. south america, 1818. =angiopteris= (from _aggeion_, a vessel, and _pteris_, a wing). including _psilodochea_. ord. _filices_. a genus of gigantic greenhouse ferns. capsules eight to fifteen, opening by a slit down the side, sessile, very close but not concrete, arranged in linear-oblong or boat-shaped sori near the edge of the frond. these ferns require a very liberal supply of water, and plenty of room to fully expand. the most suitable compost is a mixture of strong loam and peat, with some sharp sand. thorough drainage must be afforded. =a. evecta= (evectic). _cau._ erect, 2ft. to 6ft. high, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. thick, very fleshy. _sti._ swollen and articulated at the base, furnished with two large leathery persistent auricles. _fronds_ 6ft. to 15ft. long, bior tripinnate; pinnã¦ 1ft. to 3ft. long, spreading, the lowest the largest; rachis swollen at the base; pinnules 4in. to 12in. long, 1/2in. to 1-1/2in. broad, linear-oblong, sessile or shortly stalked, acuminate; edge entire or finely toothed. tropics of old world. this is the only clearly defined species; the others usually known as distinct species are but varieties of it, and its culture should not be attempted if plenty of room cannot be afforded it. =angophora= (from _aggos_, a vessel, and _phero_, to bear; in reference to the shape of the fruit). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. australian evergreen greenhouse ornamental trees or shrubs. flowers corymbose; calyx five or six-cleft. leaves large, opposite. a mixture of leaf soil, peat, and sand suits them well. ripened cuttings will root in sandy soil under a hand glass in a cool house, in a few weeks. =a. cordifolia= (heart-leaved).* _fl._ yellowish, corymbose, large. may. _l._ sessile, ovate, cordate at the base, glabrous. _h._ 7ft. to 10ft. new holland, 1789. =a. lanceolata= (lanceolate-leaved).* _fl._ white, corymbose. may. _l._ petiolate, lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. new holland, 1816. =angrã�cum= (deduced from _angurek_, a malayan name for air plants). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. tribe _vandeã¦_. these are among the most beautiful of epiphytal orchids. one characteristic, both remarkable and peculiar, is the long, hollow, tail-like spur depending from the base of the lip. the flowers are produced on spikes from the axils of the leaves. the leaves are evergreen, and arranged in two rows, the one opposite to the other, and, in many kinds, being curved, give the plant a very graceful appearance. the fact of these plants producing their blooms during the winter--a period when flowers are generally scarce--considerably enhances their value. they usually continue six or eight weeks in perfection, or even more. the following table of night temperatures should be almost universally adhered to for all the species enumerated, except _a. falcatum_, which thrives best in a cool house. from november to february, 58deg. to 63deg.; march to may, september and october, 65deg.; june to august, 70deg. the day temperature should be 7deg. or 8deg. higher than that of the night. a compost of crocks, charcoal, and sphagnum is best. a layer of a few large crocks at the bottom of the pot or pan will be required; over these spread another layer of charcoal and smaller crocks, just enough to allow the roots to support the plant; so that the first pair of leaves will be, in large plants, about 4in. above the rim of the pot, or proportionately less in the case of small plants. when the plant is carefully adjusted in its proper position, and held there with one hand, the other hand should work in among the roots more crocks and charcoal, ceasing so to do when within 2in. of the rim; the remaining space must be occupied with fresh sphagnum, pressed firm (this is most essential) in a cone shape, which may be built up to within 1/2in. of the lower pair of leaves. prior to potting, which ought to be done between february and april, water should be withheld for a short time; but give a good soaking immediately after the operation. in the process of repotting, clear the roots of the old moss, all rotten stems, and particles of decayed roots. if plants are potted as we have recommended, a thorough soaking once a week only, or if grown on blocks of wood, or in suspended baskets or pans, about twice weekly will be found sufficient. excessive fumigation, drought, whether atmospherical or at the roots, will cause the leaves to drop, and prevent any growth being made, in which case the plant ought to be lowered. if the stems have emitted but few roots, a ring of moss fastened round the stems, and kept constantly wet, will induce the plant to throw out additional roots, when the lowering may be proceeded with. to keep the plants free from insect pests, frequently sponge the foliage. thrips generally prove very troublesome, and a moderate fumigation is needful, dislodging the insects that may be secreted low down in the centre of the plant, shortly before the operation, by dropping a little weak tobacco water or sulphur among them. =a. arcuatum= (curved).* _fl._ white; racemes from the axils of the two-year-old leaves, two or three being produced from a single growth, about 6in. long, arching. _l._ about 4in. long, and 3/4in. broad. natal. syns. _listrostachys arcuata_. _a. (listrostachys) sedeni_ comes close to the above species, but is excessively rare in cultivation. =a. bilobum= (two-lobed).* _fl._ white, with a tinge of rose, about 1-1/2in. in diameter; spur 2in. long, produced from the side of the stem, just above the two-year-old leaves; racemes pendulous, 6in. or more long, bearing about a dozen flowers, which possess a slight fragrance. october to december. _l._ 4in. long by 2in. broad, two-lobed at the apex, about eight on a plant. stem erect, about 6in. high. cape coast, 1841. should be grown in a basket. =a. caudatum= (tailed). _fl._ greenish yellow, mixed with brown; labellum pure white; spur thick, pale green, about 9in. long, two-lobed at the lowest portion; racemes arching, 1ft. or more long, produced from the base of the two-year-old leaves. autumn. _l._ pale green, drooping, about 10in. long by 1in. broad. _h._ 1-1/2ft. stem erect, or nearly so. sierra leone, 1834. =a. cephalotes= (capitate).* _fl._ white. tropical africa, 1873. =a. chailluanum= (chaillu's).* _fl._ white; sepals and petals narrow, acute; spur yellowish green, 4in. or more long; racemes pendulous, 8in. or 10in. long, about twelve medium sized flowers produced from the side of the stem, just above the axils of two-year-old leaves. _l._ 6in. long, 1-1/2in. broad, slightly wavy, two-lobed at the apex, arranged in an imbricate manner. west africa, 1866. a rare species. =a. christyanum= (christy's). a curious species, with yellow or greenish-white flowers, having a much developed three-lobed lip. the plant has the aspect of _a. arcuatum_. 1880. =a. citratum= (citron-like).* _fl._ creamy white, or pale yellow, nearly 1in. in diameter; spurs about 1-1/2in. long; racemes three, on strong plants, produced from the axils of two-year-old leaves, arched, about 1ft. long, bearing sometimes twenty flowers. _l._ 4in. to 6in. long and 2in. broad, six or eight on a plant, occupying about 1-1/2in. of stem. madagascar, 1868. habit compact; stem nearly erect. =a. distichum= (two-rowed-leaved). _fl._ whitish, 1/4in. across, on one-flowered pedicels, which are produced from the axils of the leaves. _l._ very short, closely imbricated, deep bright green. _h._ 6in. sierra leone, 1834. a very neat growing little species, and quite distinct. =a. eburneum= (ivory-lipped).* _fl._ sepals and petals greenish white; lip uppermost, white, very large; racemes about 18in. long, from the axils of two-year-old leaves; footstalks erect, but gradually becoming pendulous from the commencement of the flowers. _l._ 20in. long by 2in. broad, light green, stiff. madagascar, 1826. syn. _ã�robion eburneum_. _a. virens_ is an inferior variety, but _a. e. superbum_ surpasses the type in beauty; it is, however, at present extremely rare. =a. ellisii= (ellis's).* _fl._ pure white, fragrant, about 2in. across, with narrow reflexed sepals and petals, the column standing very prominent; spur pale brownish, 6in. to 8in.; racemes frequently 2ft. long, on the side of the stem just above the axils of the two-year-old leaves, bearing about twenty blossoms. _l._ dark green, 9in. or 10in. long, and 2in. broad, divided at the apex into two unequal lobes. madagascar, 1879. =a. falcatum= (sickle-shaped).* _fl._ pure white, very fragrant; spur upcurved, 2in. long; racemes from the axils of the two-year-old leaves, short, bearing from two to five blooms. _l._ 2in. to 4in. long, very narrow and fleshy, dark green. 1815. an elegant little cool house species, and one of the smallest belonging to this genus. it should be grown in peat, in a basket or small pot suspended about 2ft. from the glass, but rather shaded. =a. kotschyi= (kotschy's).* _fl._ yellowish white, perfume similar to the common white pink, 1in. to 1-1/2in. across; spur reddish-tinted, 6in. or 7in. long, distinguished by the two spiral twistings; racemes from the axils of the lower leaves, 18in. long, bearing about twelve blossoms. _l._ 6in. long by 3in. broad, of which there are generally six or more on a good plant. zanzibar, 1880. should be grown in a basket, or on a cylindrical block of teak wood. =a. modestum= (modest).* _fl._ pure white, 1in. to 1-1/2in. across. _l._ distichous, 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, elliptic or linear-oblong, acute, tip entire, pale bright green, leathery, nerveless. stem short. madagascar, about 1880. =a. pellucidum= (transparent).* _fl._ white, of a delicate semi-transparent texture, and with a finely fringed labellum; racemes from the axils of the lowest leaves, hanging perpendicularly from the stems, about 1ft. long, bearing thirty to forty blossoms. _l._ 12in. long by 2in. or 3in. broad. sierra leone, 1842. must be grown in a suspended basket. =a. pertusum= (broken).* _fl._ pure white; spur comparatively short, with a well-marked yellow tinge; racemes from the axils of two-year-old leaves, horizontal, or slightly nodding, 6in. to 7in. long, with from forty to sixty densely packed, small blossoms. _l._ dark green, arching, 10in. long by 1in. broad. _h._ 1ft. sierra leone, 1836. very distinct and attractive. =a. scottianum= (scott's).* _fl._ pure white, very delicate in texture, the lip is uppermost, 1in. or more across; spur narrow, yellowish, 3in. to 4in. long; peduncle slender, a little longer than the spur, usually but one-flowered. _l._ narrow, terete--thus differing from most of its congeners--tapering or awl-shaped, about 4in. long, 1/8in. to 1/4in. in diameter, channelled in the upper surface and ridged below. comoro islands, 1878. =a. sedeni= (seden's). a rare form of _a. arcuatum_. =a. sesquipedale= (foot-and-a-half).* _fl._ beautiful ivory white, on stout, solitary, axillary peduncles, with sepals and petals spreading out like rays, from 6in. to 8in. across; the whip-like spur or nectary hangs down from the labellum, often from 10in. to 18in. long. november, december, and january, and lasts about three weeks in beauty. _l._ dark green, distichous, about 10in. long. _h._ 1ft. madagascar, 1823. it is one of the grandest of winter flowering orchids. =a. virens= (green). an inferior variety of _a. eburneum_. =angular.= having angles, or forming angles. =anguloa= (commemorative of angulo, a spanish naturalist). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. a small genus containing about six species. the flowers, which are large and beautiful, are borne singly on scapes from 12in. to 16in. high, several of which are produced from the ripened pseudo-bulbs of the preceding year's growth. pseudo-bulbs from 5in. to 8in. high, as thick as a man's wrist, bearing two to three erect, broad, lanceolate leaves, 2ft. to 4ft. long. temperature, summer, day (maximum), 70deg.; night (minimum), 60deg. winter, day (maximum), 60deg.; night (minimum), 45deg. these are bold growing cool-house plants, best grown in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage. they delight in an abundant supply of water both to the roots and foliage when growing, and require to be kept in a somewhat dark or heavily-shaded place. during the season of rest, and until young shoots commence growth, they should be kept rather dry. they are propagated by dividing the pseudo-bulbs, just before they commence to grow. the flowering season is summer. =a. clowesii= (clowes's).* _fl._ fragrant; sepals and petals concave, clear golden yellow; lip pure white; whole conformation globular, or tulip-like. columbia (at 5000ft. to 6000ft. elevation), 1842. this is the largest growing species, of which there are one or two rare varieties. =a. eburnea= (ivory-flowered).* _fl._, sepals and petals of the purest white; lip spotted with pink. new grenada. in other respects similar to above, but is very rare. =a. ruckeri= (rucker's).* _fl._, sepals and petals yellow, with crimson spots; lip deep crimson. columbia, 1845. not so large a grower as either of the foregoing, but with same sized flowers. =a. r. sanguinea= (bloody).* this variety has flowers of a deep blood red colour, but is rare. =a. superba= (superb).* synonymous with _acineta humboldtii_. =a. uniflora= (one-flowered).* _fl._ sub-globose, pure white, sometimes freckled with brown, spotted profusely with pink inside. columbia, 1844. one of the best in cultivation. =anguria= (one of the greek names for the cucumber). ord. _cucurbitaceã¦_. a stove genus of evergreen climbers allied to _momordica_. flowers monå�cious; corolla joined to the calyx, ventricose, red, with a five-parted spreading border. fruit somewhat tetragonal. several species have been introduced from time to time, but they are rarely seen in our gardens. some of them are handsome plants, and well worthy of cultivation. =anhalonium.= _see_ =mammillaria=. =anigozanthus= (from _anoigo_, to expand, and _anthos_, a flower; in reference to the branching expansion of the flower stalks). syn. _schwã¦grichenia_. ord. _hã¦modoraceã¦_. greenhouse or half-hardy perennial herbs. flowers large, racemose or corymbose; perianth tubular, elongated, woolly. leaves linear ensiform. the species thrive in a turfy compost of peat and loam, three parts of the former to one of the latter; the whole intermixed with sand to make it porous. in the growing season they must be kept well watered, and somewhat dry during their period of rest in winter. they are very easily propagated by dividing the roots in spring. =a. coccineus= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet; perianth swelling towards the summit, hairy, segments a little reflexed; disposed in dichotomously-forked panicles; pedicels rather long. june. _l._ lanceolate, deep green. stem ciliated. _h._ 5ft. swan river, 1837. [illustration: fig. 103. inflorescence and leaf of anigozanthus flavidus.] =a. flavidus= (yellowish-green-flowered).* _fl._ yellowish green, panicled; scapes long. may. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, as is also the stem; down of branches deciduous. _h._ 3ft. new holland, 1808. there is a scarlet and green-flowered variety of this species. see fig. 103. =a. manglesii= (mangle's). _fl._ green; stigma capitate, projecting beyond the tube, in a short terminal spiked raceme. may. stem erect, clothed with short thick crimson persistent velvety down. _h._ 3ft. swan river, 1833. =a. pulcherrimus= (beautiful).* _fl._ yellow; panicles much branched, clothed with rufous bristles. may. _l._ equitant, linear falcate, covered with stellate tomentum. _h._ 3ft. swan river, 1844. =a. tyrianthinus= (purple).* _fl._ purple and white; panicle clothed with purple tomentum. may. _l._ linear, stiff, straight, glabrous. stem tall, ternate, panicled, clothed with hoary tomentum below. _h._ 3ft. swan river, 1844. =anil.= _see_ =indigofera anil=. =anime resin.= _see_ =hymenã¦a courbaril=. =animated oat.= _see_ =avena sterilis=. =anisanthus.= _see_ =antholyza=. =anise= (_pimpinella anisum_). a hardy annual, occasionally used for garnishing or seasoning. sow seed, in ordinary garden soil, on a warm sunny border, in may, where it is intended for the plants to remain. =aniseed tree.= _see_ =illicium=. =anisochilus= (from _anisos_, unequal, and _cheilos_, a lip; in reference to the inequality of both lips of calyx and corolla). ord. _labiatã¦_. a very ornamental genus of stove perennials or biennials. whorls of flowers densely imbricate into oblong cylindrical spikes; corolla with an exserted, defracted tube, inflated throat, and bilabiate limb. they thrive in any light rich soil. cuttings will root in a sandy soil under a bell glass, in heat; seeds may be sown in february in heat. =a. carnosum= (fleshy). _fl._ lilac; whorls densely imbricate into oblong cylindrical pedunculate spikes. june to september. _l._ petiolate, ovate-roundish, obtuse, crenated, cordate at the base, thick, fleshy, tomentose on both surfaces. stem erect. _h._ 2ft. east indies, 1788. =anisomeles= (from _anisos_, unequal, and _melos_, a member; in reference to the anthers of the longer stamens being halved). ord. _labiatã¦_. ornamental greenhouse or evergreen stove shrubs, herbaceous perennials, or annuals. whorls sometimes densely many-flowered, at others few, and loose; corolla with upper lip erect, oblong, entire; lower lip larger, spreading, and lateral lobes ovate, obtuse. they are of very easy culture in light rich soil; young cuttings strike freely in spring, in heat, under a bell glass. _a. furcata_ requires little or no artificial heat, but the protection of a bell glass is beneficial. seeds of _a. ovata_ may be sown in spring, in heat, and, after due hardening off, the seedlings may be planted outside in may. =a. furcata= (forked).* _fl._ small, elegantly variegated with white, red, and purple, in loose many-flowered racemose cymes. july. _l._ petiolate, ovate, acuminated, crenated, cordate at the base, hispid on both surfaces. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. nepaul, 1824. =a. malabarica= (malabar). _fl._ purplish; whorls distant, many-flowered, dense. july. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 2in. to 4in. in length, obtuse, serrately crenated in the upper part, quite entire at the base. _h._ 2ft. to 5ft. tropical asia, in humid places, 1817. shrub. =a. ovata= (ovate-leaved).* _fl._ purple; lower lip of a deeper colour; whorls many-flowered, lower ones distant, upper ones interruptedly spicate. august. _l._ ovate, obtuse, broadly crenated. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. nepaul, 1823. an annual. habitat similar to last. =anisomerous.= unequally-parted; unsymmetrical. =anisopetalum.= _see_ =bulbophyllum=. [illustration: thread-leaved pine, agaves, and yucca, in a guernsey garden.] =annuals.= all plants which spring from the seed, flower, and die within the course of a year. a number of things, however, which are not strictly of annual duration, but which are sown every year in preference to housing the roots before they are killed by late autumn or winter frosts, are generally classed, for the sake of convenience, under the head of annuals. hardy annuals are those which require no artificial aid to enable them to develop, but grow and flower freely in the open air. these are best sown in the spots where they are intended to remain during march and april, and care must subsequently be taken to keep the ground clear of weeds, and also to thin out the seedlings, allowing each sufficient room to develop and exhibit its true character. if allowed to remain too crowded, the plants, as a matter of course, suffer, and the size and number of the flowers and the general effect are considerably decreased. successional sowings of a good many of the showy species will be found to prolong their flowering season. in well-kept establishments, where annuals are duly appreciated, several sowings are made in pots at intervals of a few weeks. as the previously-sown clumps begin to get shabby, they are removed, and replaced by others which have still to flower. by this means a continual sheet of blossom can be maintained for a long time. it is much better to trust to plants grown in pots in order to carry out the plan just sketched, as these receive no check when placed in their new quarters; whilst transplanted clumps frequently fail, and many species do not transplant at all readily from an open border. in order to secure, in early spring, a fine show of such plants as several of the _silenes_, _myosotis_, _saponaria_, and a number of others, it is best to sow the seeds in an open, sheltered border, about the end of july or beginning of august, taking care to keep a small reserve stock in a cold frame, in case very severe weather kills the unprotected plants. half-hardy annuals are those for which our climate is not sufficiently warm, or, rather, our summer is not, as a rule, either hot enough or long enough, to allow them to grow, flower well, and ripen seeds, if sown in the open air. many of these are amongst the showiest of garden plants, so it is worth while to give them the shelter of a warm frame during their earlier stages, and gradually harden them off, planting out at the end of may or beginning of june, when danger resulting from severe weather is passed. after germination, the seedlings should have plenty of light and air, or a weak, spindly growth, and, as a consequence, poor flowers, will result. the most satisfactory method of watering very tiny seeds is to place a piece of fine muslin over the seed-pot, through which the water will be easily conveyed to the seeds, and thus prevent disturbance. tender annuals require the same treatment as the half-hardy ones, except that they need throughout their existence the protection of a glass structure. all, or nearly all, garden annuals delight in full sunlight and plenty of air. in the open, these requirements, as a rule, obtain, but sometimes mistakes are made under glass by keeping the plants too close and over much shaded, as well as too great a distance from the glass. =annular.= having a ring-like form. =annulate.= with the appearance of rings. =anå�ctochilus= (from _anoiktos_, open, and _cheilos_, a lip; in reference to the spreading apex of the lip). syns. _anecochilus_, _chrysobaphus_. ord. _orchideã¦_. stove terrestrial orchids, the radical leaves of which are the chief attraction, being amongst the most beautiful and delicate objects in the vegetable kingdom. the flowers, which should be pinched off so soon as they appear, are, as a rule, small and unattractive. few of the species exceed 6in. in height, with leaves from 2in. to 6in. long, including the fleshy petioles. they require a good deal of attention. to one part of silver sand, thoroughly washed twice or three times, add two of sphagnum, which should also be well washed and picked over, when it should be chopped into minute particles, in order that it may freely amalgamate with the sand; mix a little loam and peat with the whole. in the pots, when well drained by first placing a large piece of potsherd over the bottom and nearly half filling up with pieces broken small and of uniform size, place a thin layer of crude sphagnum, afterwards filling firmly with the mixture above mentioned, and bringing it up more or less in the form of a cone above the rim of the pot, into which the plants should be firmly fixed. plants which have been propagated by division should be carefully transferred to 32-sized pots. about five separate pieces might be placed evenly over the surface. make holes with a neat dibble, and into these drop the roots their entire length, pressing the soil firmly with the dibble. fix them so that they may grow inwardly, and not out over the rim of the pots, pegging each creeping root needing such attention firmly down upon the surface of the soil afterwards; after a good soaking, they may be replaced in any warm, shady situation. for propagating, a strong plant is necessary; it may be cut into pieces just below the first joint, each piece having a root. the bottom piece should have two eyes--one to root from, and the other to push into a shoot. the "bottom," or plant which has been cut, should be replaced in its pot, and then put under a bell glass. it will soon throw up a young shoot; this ought to be left on until well rooted, when it may be separated and treated similarly to the portion first removed, still leaving the old part in the pot. these plants must be grown in glass cases, or under bell glasses, but they should always have a little air, for, as mr. williams says, when too much confined, they grow up spindly, and damp off in the stem; the latter, being fleshy, requires more substance and sturdiness. air should be admitted through a space of about 1in. or 2in. the following ranges of temperature are advised: winter, night, 55deg. to 60deg.; day, 65deg. to 70deg. during march, april, and may; night, 60deg. to 70deg.; and, afterwards, a few degrees higher, with a maximum day temperature of 80deg. bottom heat should not be given, as it induces a weak, fast growth. great care will be needed to prevent ravages of insects. the most suitable month for repotting is march, just before growth commences, when the plants will need plenty of water up to october, excepting when it is desirous to utilise them as drawing-room ornaments, in which case they should be kept rather dry for a short time previous. _see also_ =dossinia=, =goodyera=, =hã¦meria=, =macodes=, =physurus=, and =zeuxine=. [illustration: fig. 104. anå�ctochilus friderici-augusti.] =a. argenteus pictus= (silvery-painted). a synonym of _physurus pictus_. =a. argyroneurus= (silvery-veined).* _l._ light green, dark mottled; veins forming a beautiful silvery network. java. =a. boylei= (boyle's).* _l._ ovate, acuminate, 2in. long and broad, olive-green, netted and pencilled with gold. india. =a. bullenii= (bullen's).* _l._ 2-1/2 in. long, ground colour bronzy green, with three broad distinct lines of coppery-red, or golden stripes running the entire length. borneo, 1861. =a. concinnus= (neat). _l._ ovate, acuminate, rounded at base, dark olive-green, netted and striped with shining coppery-red. assam. =a. dawsonianus= (dawson's).* _l._ ovate, of a dark velvety, rich olive-green, traversed by about seven longitudinal copper-coloured veins; the space on each side of the midrib being filled with fine reticulations of the same colour. malay archipelago, 1868. the proper name of this plant is _hã¦meria discolor dawsoniana_. =a. dayi= (day's). a synonym of _dossinia marmorata dayi_. =a. dominii= (dominy's). _l._ dark olive-green, streaked down the centre with pale coppery-yellow, the main ribs marked by pale lines. hybrid between _goodyera discolor_ and _a. friderici augusti_. =a. eldorado= (eldorado). _l._ dark green, with small tracery of a lighter colour, deciduous. central america. =a. friderici-augusti= (frederick augustus').* _l._ 2-1/2in. long, and 1-1/2in. broad, dark velvety green, with broad orange and green stripes down the centre, covered with a beautiful golden network. _h._ 5in. very distinct. see fig. 104. syn. _a. xanthophyllus_. =a. heriotii= (heriot's). _l._ 3-1/2in. long, 2-1/2in. broad, dark mahogany-colour, golden-reticulated, and with shadowy network. india. =a. hieroglyphicus= (hieroglyphic-marked). _l._ small, dark green, with hieroglyphic-like, silvery-grey blotches. assam. =a. intermedius= (intermediate).* _l._ 2-1/2in. long, and 1-1/2in. broad, with a silky surface, dark olive, striped and veined with gold. _h._ 3in. will succeed with a glass covering, in a stove, if shaded. =a. javanicus= (java). _fl._ pink, small, spicate; scape 9in. high. _l._ 2in. long, 1-1/2in. broad, dark olive-green, with lighter blotches and faint golden reticulation, pinkish beneath. java. =a. latimaculatus= (broad-spotted).* _l._ dark green, with silvery markings. borneo. a distinct and free-growing kind. =a. lowii= (low's).* _l._ 4in. to 5in. long, 3in. broad, dark velvety-green, shading to orange-brown, lined from base to apex with deep golden veins, crossed by lines of the same hue. _h._ 6in. borneo. the correct name of this plant is _dossinia marmorata_. =a. l. virescens= (greenish).* _l._ brighter green, with brighter markings over the whole surface. =a. ordianus= (ordi's).* _l._ shape and habit of _a. dawsonianus_, but the colour is a vivid green, and lined with golden veins. java, 1869. the proper name of this plant is _hã¦meria discolor ordiana_. =a. pictus= (painted). a synonym of _physurus pictus_. =a. querceticola= (forest-dwelling). a synonym of _physurus querceticolus_. =a. regalis= (royal).* king plant. _l._ 2in. long, 1-1/2in. broad; surface a beautiful velvety green, veined in regular lines, and covered with a network of gold. _h._ 4in. java, 1836. if examined with a lens in sunshine, the beauty of the network will be plainly seen. syn. _a. setaceus_ (of gardens). there are several varieties, the best of which are: =a. r. cordatus= (heart-shaped). _l._ rounder, and gold markings broader. very rare. =a. r. grandifolius= (large-leaved).* _l._ light green, beautifully laced and banded with a network of gold. also rare. =a. r. inornatus= (unadorned). _l._ dark rich velvety, with a few slight markings, destitute of the golden reticulation. java. =a. reinwardtii= (reinwardt's).* _l._ rich, deep velvety-bronze, intersected with bright golden lines. java. =a. roxburghii= (roxburgh's).* _l._ 2-1/2in. long, 1-1/2in. broad, dark velvety-green, striated with well-defined lines of silver. _h._ 3in. india. the true species is very rare; several are sold as such. =a. ruckerii= (rucker's).* _l._ broadly ovate-bronzy-green, with six rows of distinct spots running from base to apex. borneo, 1861. =a. setaceus= (bristly). a garden synonym of _a. regalis_. =a. striatus= (striated). a synonym of _zeuxine regia_. =a. turneri= (turner's).* _l._ large, rich bronze, freely golden-reticulated. one of the handsomest; a very free grower. =a. veitchii= (veitch's). a synonym of _macodes petola_. =a. xanthophyllus= (yellow-leaved). a synonym of _a. friderici-augusti_. =a. zebrinus= (striped).* _l._ ovate-lanceolate, deep olive green, with copper-coloured veins. india, 1863. dwarf and elegant. =anomatheca= (from _anomos_, singular, and _theca_, a capsule, or seed-pod). ord. _irideã¦_. very pretty little bulbous perennials. perianth hypocrateriform; tube triquetrous, constricted at the throat. the species are hardy when planted in warm sunny situations in the open border. their dwarf stature, brilliance, profusion of flowers, and habit of blossoming continuously over a long period, render them very popular subjects amongst growers of hardy perennials. although generally credited with being hardy, when cultivated out of doors they should be lifted and stored in frost-proof quarters before winter commences, until the following march. they are excellent as window garden plants, and also for pot culture. if grown in pots, they should be shaken out, and repotted in february or march. they multiply very rapidly, and may be divided in patches, not by single bulbs, once yearly. light sandy loam, mixed with a little leaf mould, is the best compost. anomathecas are sometimes increased by seed, which may be sown so soon as ripe, very thinly, in seed pans. thin out the seedlings if growing very close together; the next season they may be put out four or five in a pot. when they become crowded, shift into a much larger pot, but do not disturb the ball. the young seedlings will probably produce flowers the second season. =a. cruenta= (bloody).* _fl._ rich carmine-crimson; perianth segments elliptical, three lower ones broader than the others, with a dark blotch at the base; tube long, whitish; scapes secund, bearing about five or six flowers. summer and autumn. _l._ two-ranked, about 1/2in. broad, sword-shape, somewhat tapering. bulb ovate, rather large. _h._ 6in. to 12in. cape of good hope, 1830. =a. juncea= (rushy). _fl._ very bright pink, with a dark spot at the base, produced in profusion. the leaves are narrower than those of the foregoing. cape of good hope, 1791. a rare species. =anona= (_anona_ is the name applied to these plants in st. domingo). custard apple. ord. _anonaceã¦_. stove evergreen shrubs, with fragrant leaves. petals six, in two rows. carpels indefinite, joined into one fleshy, many-celled, edible, roundish fruit, with a muricated, scaly, or reticulated skin. anonas thrive best in rich loamy soil, mixed with a little peat. ripened cuttings, with leaves intact, will root if inserted in sand and placed under a hand glass, in a moist heat. when seeds are procurable, they should be sown in pots, and plunged into a hotbed. =a. cherimolia= (the cherimoyer). _fl._ outer petals somewhat concave, linear-oblong, brown on the outside, each marked with a dark spot at the base; peduncles opposite the leaves, solitary. july. _fr._ somewhat globose and scaly, dark purple; esteemed by the peruvians as one of their most delicate, and as being not inferior to any fruit in the world. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, not dotted; under surface silky tomentose, strong scented. _h._ 20ft. peru, 1739. =a. glabra= (smooth-fruited).* _fl._ outer petals ovate, obtuse, brown; calyx leathery, large; peduncles opposite the leaves, two-flowered. july. _fr._ greenish-yellow, conoid, blunt, smooth. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, smooth. _h._ 10ft. west indies, 1774. =a. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._ purplish; outer petals concave, thick, all acute, large, axillary, solitary, stalked. may. _fr._ ovate-globose, dotted, and reticulated, flesh-coloured. _l._ oblong, acuminated, mucronate, smooth. _h._ 20ft. guiana, 1820. =a. muricata= (muricated-fruited).* the sour sop. _fl._ outer petals cordate, concave, thick, acuminated, green on the outside, yellow inside, and spotted; peduncles solitary, one-flowered, sweet-scented. _fr._ muricated, with fleshy points, green. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, smooth, shining. _h._ 15ft. west indies, 1656. =a. palustris= (marsh). alligator apple; cork-wood. _fl._ yellow; petals all acute. _fr._ rather areolate, large, heart-shaped, sweet-scented. _l._ ovate-oblong, leathery, quite smooth. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. south america, 1788. =a. reticulata= (netted). the custard apple, or bullock's heart. _fl._ outer petals oblong-lanceolate, acute, somewhat concave at the base, brownish on the outside, whitish-yellow on the inside, marked with dark purple spots. _fr._ ovate-globose, reticulate, as large as a tennis ball, with yellowish soft flesh; it is much esteemed by some people. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute, smooth, somewhat dotted. _h._ 15ft. to 25ft. brazil, 1690. =a. squamosa= (scaly). sweet sop. _fl._, outer petals linear-oblong, somewhat concave at the base, nearly closing, greenish-yellow. _fr._ egg-shaped, scaly. _l._ oblong, bluntish, smooth, full of pellucid dots, rather glaucous beneath. _h._ 20ft. south america, 1739. =anonaceã�.= an order of trees or shrubs, mostly tropical, with axillary peduncles, lateral or opposite the leaves, and with alternate, simple, entire or hardly toothed leaves, without stipules. _anona_ is the typical genus. =anonymo.= a synonym of =saururus= (which _see_). =anonymos bracteata.= _see_ =zornia tetraphylla=. =anoplanthus= (in part). a synonym of =phelipã¦a= (which _see_). =anoplophytum.= _see_ =schlumbergeria= and =tillandsia=. =anopterus= (from _ano_, upwards, and _pteron_, a wing; in reference to the seeds, which are winged at the apex). ord. _saxifrageã¦_. a very handsome greenhouse evergreen shrub, having a free branching habit, large dark shining green leaves, and long panicles of salver-shaped flowers. it would probably prove quite hardy in the south and west of england, and parts of scotland, provided it had a slight winter protection. it grows well in sandy loam and peat. when grown in pots, it requires plenty of room and water. half-ripened cuttings root freely under a bell glass in a cool house or frame in summer. =a. glandulosa= (glandular).* _fl._ white, rose tinted, large; racemes erect, simple, terminal. april, may. _l._ alternate, rarely nearly opposite, ovate-oblong, attenuated at both ends, nearly sessile, leathery, toothed. _h._ 3ft. van diemen's land, 1823. =ansellia= (named after mr. ansell, the botanical collector who accompanied the ill-fated niger expedition). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. strong growing, free flowering stove epiphytal orchids. best grown in large pots, as they produce a quantity of roots. they require a compost of turfy peat, with moderate drainage. an ample supply of water during the growing season is needed; but care must be taken not to let any remain in the heart of the plants, as they are very likely to rot. during the season of rest, little or no water, but a damp atmosphere, are the chief requirements. propagated by divisions of the bulbs just after flowering. =a. africana= (african).* _fl._, sepals and petals nearly 2in. long, greenish yellow, spotted with brownish red; lip small, yellow; spikes large, drooping, branched, each sometimes bearing nearly a hundred blooms. stems 3ft. to 4ft. high, with light evergreen foliage. fernando po, 1844. lasts two months in perfection. =a. a. gigantea= (gigantic).* _fl._ on upright spikes from the top of the pseudo-bulbs, but smaller, of a light yellow tint, with very few narrow, transverse, brown bars, and a deep yellow lip, without warts of any kind on its middle lobe, and with more or less crenulated keels. natal, 1847. the perfume is very peculiar. very rare. =a. a. lutea= (yellow). not so strong a grower; producing clusters of light yellow flowers from the top of the pseudo-bulbs. natal. =a. a. nilotica= (nile district).* as a garden plant this is much superior to the type. the habit is dwarfer, the colours of the flowers brighter and more distinctly defined. the sepals and petals, too, are more spreading. eastern africa. =anserina.= _see_ =potentilla anserina=. =antennã�.= two movable, articulated organs attached to the heads of insects and crustacea, commonly called "horns" or "feelers." they are variable in form and length. antennã¦ seem to serve for touch, and, perhaps, for smell and hearing. [illustration: fig. 105. antennaria margaritacea, showing habit and inflorescence.] =antennaria= (from _antennã¦_; in reference to the similarity which exists between the seed down of the plant and the antennã¦, or feelers, of an insect). ord. _compositã¦_. hardy herbaceous perennials, distinguished by the dry, coloured, chaffy scales encircling each head of flowers, of which the stamens and pistils are on different plants. these are charming little alpine plants, admirably adapted for rockwork, pots, edgings, or borders, in any light soil. propagated by divisions of the roots in spring, and seeds; the latter should be sown in spring in a cold frame. grown chiefly for their leaves. =a. dioica= (diå�cious).* _fl.-heads_ pink, in crowded corymbs, 3in. to 4in. high. june. _l._ radical ones spathulate, woolly chiefly beneath; upper ones lanceolate. stems simple; shoots procumbent. britain. the two or three varieties of this pretty species exceed the type in beauty. syn. _gnaphalium dioicum_. =a. d. hyperborea= (northern). _l._ woolly on both surfaces. =a. d. minima= (smallest).* a very small growing variety. =a. margaritacea= (pearly).* _fl.-heads_ white, corymbose. august. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acute, alternate, cottony, especially beneath. stems branched above. _h._ 2ft. naturalised in england and on the continent. said to have been introduced from america about the sixteenth century. the prettier but much rarer _a. triplinervis_, from nepaul, comes close to this species. see fig. 105. =a. tomentosa= (downy).* _fl.-heads_ corymbose. summer. one of the dwarfest and best of silvery-leaved plants, either as an edging for small beds or for covering the higher portions of rockwork; it is much used in carpet bedding. it scarcely grows more than 1in. high, and forms a dense carpet in a short space of time. it should be grown separate from other plants. it is frequently known under the name of _a. candida_. =anterior.= placed in front, or outwards. =anthemis= (from _anthemon_, a flower; referring to their general floriferous character). camomile. ord. _compositã¦_. receptacle convex, chaffy. involucre hemispherical or nearly flat; scales imbricated, membranaceous at the margin. pappus none; ray florets ligulate; disk tubular. this is a large genus, principally of medicinal value, and contains very few species worth the cultivator's trouble. of easy culture in any ordinary soil. propagated by divisions. =a. aizoon= (aizoon).* _fl.-heads_ resembling a white daisy; florets of the ray fourteen to eighteen, trifid, twice as long as the breadth of the disk. summer. _l._ lanceolate, or broadly so, acutely and deeply serrated, narrowed towards the base, covered with white down; lower ones crowded; stem-leaves rather acute, gradually lessening in size. _h._ 2in. to 4in. northern greece. free grower, dwarf, and compact. =a. biebersteinii= (bieberstein's).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. summer. _l._ pinnately divided into linear three-lobed segments, which are covered with white silky pubescence. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. caucasus. =a. chamomilla fl. pl.= _see_ =matricaria=. =a. nobilis= (noble). common chamomile. _fl.-heads_ solitary; disk yellow; ray white; scales of the receptacle membranaceous, scarcely longer than the disk. _l._ bipinnate, segments linear-subulate, a little downy. stem procumbent, and much branched. england. a very strong smelling plant, of great medicinal value. for culture, _see_ =chamomile=. =a. tinctoria= (dyer's). _fl._ bright yellow, in large heads. july and august. _l._ bipinnatifid, serrate, downy beneath. stem angular. _h._ 1-1/2ft. england. a very pretty plant. =anther.= the male part of a flower containing the pollen. =anthericum= (from _anthos_, a flower and _kerkos_, a hedge; in reference to the tall flower stems). syn. _phalangium_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. a large genus, belonging to the capsular group of the order, and inhabiting, for the most part, the cape of good hope. flowers white, racemose or panicled, scapose; perianth segments either spreading from near the base or campanulately united; stamens short, with naked or bearded filaments. leaves radical, filiform or linear. the hardy varieties are now extensively grown, and are among the most ornamental of border plants. they thrive best in rich light soil, and are excellent subjects for pot culture; for which purpose use a compost of fibrous loam, leaf mould, or well-decayed manure, and coarse sand. the pots should be about 12in. across, well drained, and the plants potted just previous to, or so soon as, growth commences. during activity, plenty of water is needed, until the plants have finished flowering, when the quantity may be lessened; but never allow them to get dry. propagated by division of the roots or seeds, sowing the latter, as early as possible after they are ripe, in a cold frame. =a. graminifolium= (grass-leaved). a garden name of _a. ramosum_. =a. hookeri= (hooker's). _see_ =chrysobactron hookeri=. =a. liliago= (liliago).* st. bernard's lily. _fl._ pure white, 1in. to 1-1/2in. across; perianth segments spreading; style curved. may to august. _l._ tufted, narrow, channelled, 12in. to 18in. high. south europe, 1596. a very free flowering species, of which there is a _major_ variety in gardens. syns. _phalangium_ and _watsonia liliago_. =a. liliastrum= (liliaster).* st. bruno's lily. _fl._ much larger than the last, 2in. long, and as much across, fragrant, of a transparent whiteness, with a delicate green spot on the point of each segment, campanulate, arranged in loose spikes. early summer. _l._ long, narrow, six or eight to each plant, about 1ft. to 2ft. long, _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. south europe, 1629. syns. _czackia liliastrum_ and _paradisia liliastrum_ (this is the correct name). see fig. 106. [illustration: fig. 106. anthericum liliastrum, showing habit and flower.] =a. l. major= (greater). _fl._ about 1in. larger than the type. _h._ about 6ft. a very desirable border plant. =a. ramosum= (branched).* _fl._ white, rather smaller than those of _a. liliago_; perianth segments narrow and spreading; style straight; flower stems much branched. june. _l._ long, narrow, channelled, grass-like. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1570. a rapid grower. syn. _a. graminifolium_ (of gardens). =a. serotinum= (late-flowering). _see_ =lloydia=. =a. variegatum= (variegated). _l._ keeled, grass-like, striped and margined with white. south africa, 1875. half hardy. the proper name of this plant is _chlorophytum elatum variegatum_. syns. _a. williamsii_ and _phalangium argenteo-lineare_. =a. williamsii= (williams'). synonymous with _a. variegatum_. =antheridia.= the reproductive organs in cryptogamic plants, analogous to anthers in flowering plants. =antheriferous.= bearing anthers. =anthesis.= the opening period of flowers. =anthocarpous.= bearing a fruit resulting from many flowers. =anthocercis= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _kerkis_, a ray; in reference to the radiated corolla). ord. _solanaceã¦_. handsome greenhouse evergreen shrubs, with alternate leaves, attenuated into the petioles or base, thick, sometimes glandularly dotted. flowers axillary, generally solitary; corolla campanulate. cuttings strike freely in sand under a bell glass, with a mild bottom heat. so soon as they have well rooted, pot off into very small pots in two-thirds good loam and one of peat. after having made a little headway, the leading shoots should be pinched off, to induce a lateral growth; they may be transferred to pots a size larger when the roots have filled the first pot. continue growing throughout the summer in frames or in the greenhouse, near the glass, allowing plenty of air. vigorous growth should be checked; thus encouraging bushy plants. =a. albicans= (whitish-leaved).* _fl._ white, streaked with bluish-purple inside the tube, fragrant; petals longer than the tube. april. _l._ oblong, obtuse, densely tomentose on both surfaces, as well as the branches. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. new south wales, 1824. =a. floribunda= (many-flowered). _fl._ white. _h._ 3ft. new south wales. =a. ilicifolia= (holly-leaved). _fl._ yellowish green. june. _h._ 6ft. swan river, 1843. =a. littorea= (shore). _fl._ white. june. _h._ 3ft. new holland, 1803. =a. viscosa= (clammy).* _fl._ large, white. may. _l._ obovate, glandularly dotted with scabrous margins; young leaves and branches clothed with fine down. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. new holland, 1822. =antholoma= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _loma_, a fringe; in allusion to the fringed or crenulated limb of the corolla). ord. _tiliaceã¦_. a very fine greenhouse evergreen tree; it thrives best in a light loamy soil, mixed with a little peat. cuttings of ripened wood will strike root in sand, under a hand glass. =a. montana= (mountain).* _fl._ white; corolla ovately cylindrical, with a crenate, rather toothed margin; racemes axillary, somewhat umbellate, reflexed. may. _l._ elliptical-oblong, leathery, stalked, scattered at the top of the branchlets. _h._ 20ft. new caledonia, 1810. =antholyza= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _lyssa_, rage; in reference to the opening of the flowers, which resemble the mouth of an enraged animal). syn. _petamenes_. including _anisanthus_. ord. _irideã¦_. a very pretty genus of bulbous plants from the cape of good hope, having narrow, erect, iris-like leaves, and flower-spikes that over-top the foliage, bearing numerous bright-coloured flowers. perianth tubular, six-cleft, unequal, the upper segments longest; stamens three. the species may be grown in a greenhouse, or planted out in a frame. they also thrive excellently out of doors, and should be planted 8in. or 9in. deep for fear of frost, or have a winter protection of several inches of cocoa-nut fibre refuse or litter. the safer plan is to raise the roots, winter them in some dry part of the greenhouse; but, previous to storing, divide the clumps, clean them, and re-plant or pot in february, or early in march. a mixture of equal parts peat, sandy loam, and leaf soil is most suitable for their culture. just previous to flowering, if in pots, frequent doses of weak manure water will be found beneficial. they may be propagated by offsets, which are produced in abundance, at almost any time. seeds are sometimes procured, which should be sown so soon as ripe, in light soil, in a cool house, where they will germinate the following spring, and will be fit to plant out in the summer of the same year. with the exception of _a. cunonia_, they all much resemble each other. only four or five species of this genus are worth cultivating. =a. ã¦thiopica= (ã�thiopian).* _fl._ scarlet and green. june. _h._ 3ft. 1759. syns. _a. floribunda_, _a. prã¦alta_. =a. ã¦. ringens= (gaping). _fl._ red and yellow, rather smaller than those of the type. syn. _a. vittigera_. =a. bicolor= (two-coloured). synonymous with _a. cunonia_. =a. caffra= (caffrarian).* _fl._ rich scarlet; spike distichous, many-flowered. june. _l._ long, linear, or linear-ensiform. _h._ 2ft. 1828. a very showy and pretty species, but rarely seen in our gardens. syn. _anisanthus splendens_. =a. cunonia= (cunon's).* _fl._ scarlet and black, a combination of colours uncommon among bulbous plants; spikes secund. june. _h._ 2ft. 1756. syn. _anisanthus cunonia_. =a. floribunda= (much-flowered). a synonym of _a. ã¦thiopica_. =a. prã¦alta= (very tall). synonymous with _a. ã¦thiopica_. =a. vittigera= (glandular). synonymous with _a. ã¦. ringens_. =anthomyia.= _see_ =beet fly=, =cabbage fly=, and =onion fly=. =anthonomus.= _see_ =grubs=. =anthospermum= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _sperma_, a seed). amber tree. ord. _rubiaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub from the cape of good hope. it thrives in peat, loam, and sand, with a summer temperature of 50deg. to 65deg., and winter, 40deg. to 45deg. increased by cuttings, in sand, under a bell glass. there are above twenty other species belonging to this genus. =a. ã¦thiopicum= (ã�thiopian).* _fl._ diå�cious, male brownish, and the female ones green, disposed in verticillate spikes. june. _l._ linear-lanceolate, three in a whorl, shining above, glabrous beneath, about 1/4in. long. stem much branched, downy above. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. 1692. =anthotaxis.= the arrangement of flowers on an inflorescence. =anthoxanthum= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _xanthus_, yellow). spring grass. calyx of two valves, glumaceous, one-flowered; corolla double, each of two valves: the exterior awned; the interior small, awnless; stamens two, not three, as is usually the case with grasses. ord. _gramineã¦_. a pretty native hardy perennial, of easy culture in common garden soil. [illustration: fig. 107. anthoxanthum odoratum.] =a. odoratum= (sweet). _fl._ panicle spiked, oblong, dense, becoming dullish yellow. _l._ short, pale green. _h._ 1ft. the pleasant smell of new-made hay is chiefly owing to this plant, which in drying emits an odour similar to that of _asperula odorata_. see fig. 107. =anthurium= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _oura_, a tail; referring to the inflorescence). ord. _aroideã¦_. flowers densely disposed on a cylindrical spadix, at the base of which is a large bract-like spathe, that ultimately bends backwards. leaves of various shapes. this very large genus of handsome stove and greenhouse plants is remarkable both for the peculiar inflorescence and often noble leaves, and is distinguished in structure from all the european members of the order in the flowers being hermaphrodite. fibry peat, loam, sphagnum, broken crocks, or charcoal, and silver sand, form the most suitable compost. in preparing the peat, it should be broken up into small lumps, and then have most of the earthy matter knocked out of it by giving it a few raps with a stick, or by shaking it about in a sieve. to this, after so treated, add about one-fourth its bulk of sphagnum, and about half its bulk of fibrous loam, and just a sprinkling of fresh broken crocks, or small pieces of charcoal and sharp silver sand. in placing them in the pots--â�which must be well drained--â�carefully spread out the roots and work the mixture among them, keeping the plant well up, so that when finished it stands clear above the rim of the pot at least 2in. or 3in., and forms a kind of mound or hillock. they must then be kept freely syringed or watered, and placed in a moist atmosphere, where they can enjoy a temperature ranging between 60deg. and 70deg., or a few degrees lower for the less tender species. raising plants from seed requires patience. about a year elapses from the time the flowers are fertilised--â�which should be done artificially--before the seed ripens, and often another to get up plants. sow as soon as ripe in shallow, well-drained pans or pots, filled with the potting mixture, and cover slightly, and place in a close, moist propagating case, where a temperature of from 75deg. to 85deg. is maintained, or they may be covered with bell glasses. the principal thing is to keep the air about them constantly humid, and the material in which they are sown in a uniformly moist condition; if this is done, the young seedlings will make their appearance in due course. when these are of sufficient size to handle, they should be pricked off in the same sort of compost, and be kept close and moist till they get a start, after which gradually inure them to more air. january is the best month of the year wherein to propagate these plants by divisions. this is done by carefully turning them out of their pots and shaking out what soil they have amongst their roots, which must be tenderly dealt with, so as not to bruise or injure them. this done, they may then be pulled apart, and as many plants made as there are separate crowns, or the mass may be simply halved or quartered, according to the stock required. treat now as recommended above for potting. they are all moisture-loving plants, and must have a copious supply of water at all times, although, of course, much less during the winter than spring and summer months. there is no season of the year when they can be handled for any purpose with less risk or check than january. a moderate moist stove heat is advisable for them generally. the species enumerated are selected from nearly 150, and will be found to be a very representative collection. _see also_ =spathiphyllum=. =a. acaule= (stemless).* _fl._, spadix blue in a young state, borne on long footstalks, sweetly scented. spring. _l._ broad, oblong, acuminate, 1ft. to 3ft. in length, erect, arranged in a rosulate manner, dark shining green on the upper surface, somewhat paler beneath. west indies, 1853. a noble species. [illustration: fig. 108. anthurium andreanum.] =a. andreanum= (andrã©'s).* _fl._, spadix about 3in. long, yellowish, with a broad central band of white; spathe open, cordate-ovate, orange red, leathery, 3in. to 4in. across, and 6in. to 9in. long; surface irregularly corrugated. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, deeply cordate, green. columbia, 1876. a very beautiful species. see fig. 108. =a. bakeri= (baker's).* _fl._, spathe small, green, reflexed; the spadix, wherein lies the plant's principal beauty, exhibits a lovely combination of pink and bright scarlet; the fleshy rachis being pink, and the pea-sized fruits bright scarlet. july. _l._ linear, leathery, green, with stout midribs. costa rica, 1872. =a. cordifolium= (cordate-leaved).* _l._ 3ft. long and 20in. broad, heart-shaped, deep shining green on the upper surface, and paler below. _h._ 4ft. new grenada. one of the best, and may be grown in a greenhouse or even in a sheltered spot of the sub-tropical garden during july and august. _a. browni_, although quite distinct, comes close to this species. =a. coriaceum= (leathery).* _l._ very thick, leathery, ovate, about 2ft. long; petioles stout, about the same length. brazil. an admirable sub-tropical species. [illustration: fig. 109. anthurium crystallinum.] =a. crystallinum= (crystalline).* _l._ large, ovate-cordate, acuminate, bright rich velvety green, principal veins elegantly banded with pure crystal white; when young, the leaves are violet colour; petioles terete. _h._ 2ft. columbia. see fig. 109. =a. cuspidatum= (cuspidate). _fl._, spathe crimson, reflexed, shorter than the purplish spadix. _l._ ovate-oblong, acuminate, 10in. to 20in. long, green. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. columbia. _a. ferrierense_ (ferriã¨res).* _fl._, spathe cordate, about 5in. long, and 4in. wide, bright red; spadix erect, about 4in. long, ivory white. _l._ large, cordate. a handsome hybrid between _a. ornatum_ and _a. andreanum_. =a. fissum= (cut-leaved). _fl._, spathe green, erect, narrowly lanceolate-acuminate. _l._ cut into four to seven elliptic oblong-acuminate segments, green; petioles longish, terete. _h._ 2ft. columbia, 1868. =a. harrisii pulchrum= (beautiful).* _fl._, spathe linear-lanceolate, creamy white, deflexed, and pinkish at top; spadix erect, deep crimson; scape about 1ft. long, pale green. _l._ lanceolate, rounded at the base, pale green, with confluent white markings intermixed with dark green. stem short. brazil, 1882. a beautiful variegated plant. the typical _a. harrisii_ is extremely rare. =a. hookeri= (hooker's). _fl._, spathe green; spadix green or violet. _l._ obovate-spathulate, narrowed to a wedge-shaped base, and shortly stalked, shining, about 30in. long and 8in. broad. _h._ 3ft. tropical america, 1840. syns. _a. huegelii_, _pothos acaulis_. =a. huegelii= (huegel's). a synonym of _a. hookeri_. =a. insigne= (showy).* _l._ three-lobed, middle lobe lanceolate, the two lateral ones are nearly ovate, and have from three to five longitudinal ribs; when young, the leaves have a bronzy tinge; petioles terete, slightly sheathing at the base. columbia, 1881. a very handsome species. =a. kalbreyeri= (kalbreyer's).* _l._ palmate, about 2-1/2ft. across; leaflets nine, obovate-oblong, acuminate, sinuate, thick, glabrous, rich deep green, those furthest from the stem are much larger than those next the axis; petiole cylindrical, thickened at the top. new grenada, 1881. a very handsome climbing species. =a. lanceolatum= (lanceolate). _fl._, spathe lanceolate, deflexed, yellowish green; spadix dark brown. _l._ lanceolate, stalked, green, 1ft. long, narrowed to the base. there appears to be much confusion as regards this and many varieties of _a. harrisii_; and the specific designation is indiscriminately applied to lanceolate-leaved forms generally. the true species was introduced to kew from the west indies. syn. _a. wildenowii_. =a. leuconeurum= (white-nerved). green. mexico, 1862. =a. lindenianum= (linden's).* _fl._ fragrant, spathe very pretty, white, not reflexed, but the pointed apex slightly arches over and shelters the white or purplish spadix. october. _l._ deeply cordate, of a roundish outline; petioles long. _h._ 3ft. columbia, 1866. syn. _a. lindigi_ (of gardens). =a. lindigi= (lindig's). a garden synonym of _a. lindenianum_. =a. macrolobum= (large-lobed).* _l._ large, deflexed, cordate, acuminate, with an open sinus at the base, and about three acute marginal lobes, dark green, marked with about five pale green ribs; petioles green, terete. stem erect, short. a fine hybrid. =a. nymphã¦ifolium= (nymphã¦a-leaved). _fl._, spathe white; spadix purplish. venezuela, 1854. =a. ornatum= (adorned).* _fl._, spathe linear-oblong, white, 5in. to 6in. long, on terete green scapes, enclosing cylindrical purplish spadices of about the same length as the spathes, and studded with white points arranged spirally. spring. _l._ ovate or oblong-cordate, on slender terete petioles. _h._ 2-1/2ft. venezuela, 1869. =a. regale= (royal).* _l._ large, cordate-acuminate, 1ft. to 3ft. long, dull metallic green, with white veins; young leaves tinged with rose, on long smooth footstalks. east peru, 1866. an excellent species for conservatory or window decoration during summer. [illustration: fig. 110. anthurium scherzerianum.] =a. scherzerianum= (scherzer's).* _fl._ on bright red peduncles, which spring from among the base of the leafstalks; spathe ovate-oblong, 3in. long and nearly 2in. broad, intense and brilliant scarlet; spadix orange coloured. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, and 2in. or more broad, deep rich green, leathery. costa rica. a very compact dwarf-growing evergreen about 1ft. high. it continues in beauty about four months. see fig. 110. =a. s. album= (white). a synonym of _a. scherzerianum williamsii_. [illustration: fig. 111. anthurium scherzerianum maximum.] =a. s. maximum= (greater).* a very fine variety, with "gigantic flower spathes, which measure about 9in. in length by 4in. in breadth, and are of the most brilliant scarlet colour." see fig. 111. =a. s. pygmã¦um= (small).* altogether smaller than the type, with narrow leaves, which are from 4in. to 6in. long, and about 1/2in. broad. it is one of the best varieties, and produces flowers very freely. 1880. =a. s. rothschildianum= (rothschild's). _fl._, spathe creamy white, spotted with crimson; spadix yellow. 1880. exactly intermediate between its parent plants--the typical species and the following variety. =a. s. wardii= (ward's).* _fl._, spathe 6in. long, 4in. broad, very brilliant. _l._ broader and more robust than those of the typical species. a splendid variety. =a. s. williamsii= (williams's).* _fl._, spathe white; spadix yellowish. may. _l._ lanceolate-acuminate. costa rica, 1874. syn. _a. scherzerianum album_. =a. signatum= (well-marked). _l._ apparently three-lobed; front lobe about 1ft. long and 4in. wide; the two side ones 4in. long, and about 6in. from the midrib to the extremity, dark green; petioles about 1ft. long. venezuela, 1858. =a. spathiphyllum= (spathiphyllum). _fl._, spathe about 1-3/4in. long, and nearly as much broad, erect, boat-shaped, broadly ovate, white; spadix nearly 1in. long, very obtuse, pale yellow. _l._ narrow lanceolate, 16in. to 24in. long, and about 2in. wide, bright green above, pale greyish green beneath; midrib prominent; petiole 3in. to 6in. long, trigonous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. tropical america, 1875. =a. splendidum= (splendid).* _l._ cordate, with an open sinus, the lobes meeting behind; "the course of the nerves is marked by a broadish band of deep lustrous velvety green, the intervening spaces of about equal width being in striking contrast, of a pale yellowish green; the leaf surface is scabrous, and the portions between the ribs strongly bullate, as if raised in papillose blisters; the veins on the under surface are angular, with tooth-like projections at intervals, while the whole under surface is punctuated with small pallid dots" (w. bull). stem short, thick. south america, 1882. a very beautiful species, quite distinct from any others of the genus. see fig. 112. [illustration: fig. 112. anthurium splendidum.] =a. subsignatum= (nearly allied to signatum).* _l._ thick and fleshy, hastate, with blunt points, 12in. to 18in. long, and as much in breadth at the widest part; dark shining green above, paler beneath; petioles about 1ft. long. _h._ 1-1/2ft. costa rica, 1861. an excellent species. =a. tetragonum= (four-angled). _l._ erect, commences very narrow, 1ft. wide at its broadest part; margins undulate, deep shining green on the upper surface, paler below; petioles short, quadrangular. tropical america, 1860. an excellent sub-tropical species. =a. triumphans= (superior). _fl._, spathe narrow, green; spadix stout, greenish-white; peduncle quadrangular. _l._ alternate, elongately cordate, bright green; ribs prominent, and of a paler hue. stem erect. brazil, 1882. a handsome plant. =a. veitchii= (veitch's).* _l._ ovate-oblong, greatly elongated, 2ft. to 3ft. long, with a breadth of less than one-third of these dimensions, leathery, deep green, with a glossy metallic surface when first expanded that becomes paler with age; the principal nerves are arched and deeply sunk, imparting a curiously waved appearance to the surface. _h._ 2-1/2ft. columbia, 1877. rare but very handsome. =a. waluiewi= (walujew's).* _l._ broadly cordate, 12in. to 14in. long, 8in. to 10in. broad, olive metallic green, when young, bright reddish crimson; petioles four to five-angled. _h._ 2ft. venezuela, 1880. a very distinct and noble species. =a. waroqueanum= (waroque's).* _l._ elongated, from 24in. to sometimes 36in. long, and 8in. to 11in. broad, very rich deep green, of a velvety lustre; midribs and veins light, forming a very pleasing contrast. columbia, 1878. a very free grower. =a. wildenowii= (wildenow's). a synonym of _a. lanceolatum_. it may be here remarked that by far the majority of species enumerated in the _supplement_ of johnson's dictionary are chiefly of botanical interest, and will, therefore, never become extensively cultivated. =anthyllis= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _ioulos_, down; flowers usually downy). kidney vetch. ord. _leguminosã¦_. herbaceous or sub-shrubby plants, of variable habit. flowers in spikes or heads; calyx tubular, five toothed, permanent after flowering, more or less inflated. petals nearly equal. although not extensively grown, all the species are very beautiful when in flower, the hardy sorts being admirably adapted for rockwork. the herbaceous perennials may be easily propagated by seed or division. the seeds of the annual kinds should be sown in a rather dry, warm situation in the open ground. the shrubby evergreens will need the protection of a frame or cool greenhouse in cold northern climates, and are best grown in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. young cuttings of most species will root in a pot of sandy soil, with a bell glass placed over them, in a cool house or frame. =a. barba-jovis= (jupiter's beard).* _fl._ pale yellow, numerous, in globose, bracteate heads. march. _l._ pinnate, and are as well as the branches, clothed with silky tomentum; leaflets nine to thirteen, oblong-linear. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. spain, 1640. shrub. =a. erinacea= (prickly).* _fl._ bluish-purple; heads few flowered, on short peduncles, bracteate. april. _l._ very few, oval, or oblong. _h._ 6in. to 12in. spain, 1759. a much branched, spiny, almost leafless, and slow-growing species; hardy in a dry sunny position on the rockery. syn. _erinacea hispanica_. =a. hermanniã¦= (hermann's). _fl._ yellow; heads few flowered, nearly sessile in the axils of the upper leaves. april. _l._ almost sessile, simple, or trifoliate; leaflets oblong-cuneated, glabrous or clothed with adpressed pubescence. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. corsica, 1739. shrubby, much branched. =a. montana= (mountain).* _fl._ pink or purplish, in dense heads, on peduncles, with a leafy involucre. june. _l._ pinnate, and are as well as the branches, silky and hoary; leaflets numerous, oval-oblong, acute, small, entire. _h._ 3in. to 6in. alps of europe, 1769. a very handsome little rock plant, with a dwarf and tufted habit. =a. tetraphylla= (four-leaved). _fl._ white; heads axillary, sessile, few flowered. july. _l._ pinnate, the terminal leaflets ovate and large, the other three small and acute. south europe, 1640. a procumbent annual. =a. vulneraria= (common woundwort).* _fl._ generally yellow, sometimes white, red, or pinkish, in crowded twin heads. summer. _l._ pinnate, with five or more unequal leaflets; the lower ones smallest. an elegant native herbaceous, perennial, admirably adapted for rockwork. it is plentiful in most dry pastures. there are several varieties, the best of which is _alba_. =antiaris toxicaria.= this is the famous upas tree of java, from which is obtained poison of a most deadly nature. it belongs to the nat. ord. _urticaceã¦_. =antigonon= (from _anti_, against, or opposite, and _gonia_, an angle). ord. _polygonaceã¦_. elegant stove climbers. flowers racemose, cirrhose at the apex of the rachides; petals five, three outer ones broadly cordate, two inner oblong. leaves alternate, cordate. although extremely handsome plants, they are difficult to flower. they seem to succeed best when planted out in a very thoroughly drained border over hot-water pipes or flues, the long climbing stems being trained near the glass in full light. =a. amabile= (lovely).* _fl._ bright rose, profusely borne in axillary and terminal racemes. _l._ 3in. to 5in. long, ovate-cordate, and deeply lobed at the base. it is of free slender growth, the young shoots are pubescent, and having a slight reddish tinge. an exceedingly attractive and effective species. =a. guatemalensis= (guatemala). probably the same as _a. insigne_. =a. insigne= (remarkable).* _fl._ very numerous, borne in tufts along the sides of long racemes or panicles, which terminate in branched tendrils; the calyx, which is the showy part of the flower, has five membranous sepals, the three outer are of a beautiful rosy pink colour, about 1in. in length by rather less in breadth, cordate at the base, oblong, rounded towards the apex; the two inner sepals about the same length as the outer ones, but much narrower, falcate, lanceolate; pedicels 3/4in. long. _l._ broadly ovate oblong, deeply cordate at the base, with two rounded lobes; 4in. by 3in., the upper ones smaller, supported on short terete downy stalks. stems slender, angular, pubescent. columbia, 1876. _a. leptopus_ (slender-stemmed). _fl._ numerous; the outer three sepals of a beautiful rose colour, the centre of a much deeper tint; racemes secund, bearing several coloured bracts as well as flowers, and end in a branched tendril. _l._ alternate, cordate, petiolate. stem slender, sub-pubescent. mexico, 1868. =antigramme.= _see_ =scolopendrium=. [illustration: fig. 113. antirrhinum capsule, with persistent style.] [illustration: fig. 114. antirrhinum asarina, showing habit and flower.] =antirrhinum= (from _anti_, like, and _rhin_, a nose or snout; alluding to the shape of the corolla). snapdragon. ord. _scrophulariaceã¦_. hardy herbaceous plants. flowers in terminal racemes, or solitary and axillary; corolla personate; tube ample, saccate at the base; lobes of the upper lip erect; lower lip spreading, having the middle lobes smaller than the lateral ones, with an ample bearded palate, which closes the throat. seed pod or capsule two-celled, upper cell bursting by one pore, lower by two many-toothed pores. see fig. 113. leaves entire, rarely lobed. the genus contains several very handsome species, suitable for borders and the rockery, while innumerable varieties have originated from _a. majus_, which are very popular, and extremely useful for bedding purposes; these may be increased by cuttings or seeds; if it is desired to increase certain colours or varieties, the former is the only sure method to adopt. they should be taken in september, when they will readily root in a cold frame, or under a hand glass, or they may be rapidly propagated in gentle heat in spring. seeds should be sown in july or august, when they will produce good plants by the following season; or if sown in march in warmth, the plants will bloom late in the same year. the "tom thumb" strain is especially desirable for bedding, being very dwarf and free. all the other species may be increased by cuttings and seeds treated in the same way. light soil, well enriched with manure, is most suitable for all of them, especially for the varieties of _a. majus_. [illustration: fig. 115. flower-spike of antirrhinum majus.] =a. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved). synonymous with _a. siculum_. =a. asarina= (asarina).* _fl._ axillary, solitary; corolla 1-1/2in. long, white, sometimes tinged with red; palate yellow; tube glabrous, compressed on the back, marked by purple spots, and bearded by yellow hairs inside. june. _l._ opposite, on long petioles, five-nerved, five-lobed, cordate, and crenated. south france, &c., 1699. a greyish clammy procumbent plant, requiring a warm position on the rockery. see fig. 114. =a. hispanicum= (spanish). _fl._ in loose spikes; corolla hardly an inch long, purple, with a golden yellow palate; tube villous. summer. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, contracted at the base, bluntish; lower ones opposite; superior ones alternate, narrower. _h._ 1ft. spain, 1878. syn. _a. latifolium_. =a. latifolium= (broad-leaved). synonymous with _a. hispanicum_. =a. majus= (large).* greater, or common snapdragon. _fl._ racemose, approximate; corolla 1in. to 2in. long, shades infinite; palate yellow at top, very prominent; tube downy outside. spring, summer, and autumn. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 1in. to 3in. long; upper ones narrower, attenuated at both ends, glabrous. branches erect, usually branched again. _h._ 2ft. europe (naturalised in britain). the named varieties are numerous, but it is unnecessary to enumerate any, as an equal amount of variation can be obtained from seed. see fig. 115. =a. molle= (soft).* _fl._ few, at the tops of the branchlets; corolla 1in. long, whitish, with a yellow palate; upper lip striped with purple. july. _l._ opposite, petiolate, clothed with glandular and clammy hairs, about 1/2in. long, and little more than 1/4in. broad; branches procumbent, slender, clothed with woolly hairs. pyrenees, 1752. a very pretty plant, which should have a warm position on the rockery. _a. sempervirens_ comes close to this species. =a. orontium= (orontium). _fl._ axillary, distant; corolla rose-coloured or white, striped with purple; tube furnished with a few glandular hairs; palate veined with purple; sepals linear-lanceolate, large. june. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acutish, attenuated at both ends, glabrous, 2in. long. _h._ 6in. to 12in. europe (british cornfields). annual. see fig. 116. [illustration: fig. 116. antirrhinum orontium.] =a. o. grandiflorum= (large-flowered). a variety with larger, paler, and more approximate flowers, and with broader leaves, than the type. europe (british cornfields). =a. siculum= (sicilian). _fl._ in loose racemes; corolla hardly 1in. long, white or yellowish, rarely purple; tube rather hairy; lobes of the upper lip and the middle lobe of the lower lip emarginate. july. _l._ 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, linear-lanceolate, opposite, alternate or three in a whorl, narrowed into petioles at the base. branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. sicily, 1804. syn. _a. angustifolium_. =a. tortuosum= (twisted).* _fl._ disposed in spiked racemes, approximating by threes and fours; corolla (the largest of the genus) purple; tube short; upper lip large. june. _l._ linear, acute, opposite or three in a whorl, 2in. long, attenuated at both ends; upper ones very narrow. branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. italy. =antonia.= a synonym of =rhynchoglossum= (which _see_). =antrophyum= (from _antron_, a cavern, and _phuo_, to grow; referring to its place of growth). including _polytã¦nium_. ord. _filices_. a small genus of stove ferns, very rarely seen in cultivation, all with simple fronds, of firm but fleshy texture, and copious, uniform, hexagonal areolã¦. sori carried along the veins, imperfectly reticulated. for culture, &c., _see_ =ferns=. =a. cayennense= (cayenne). _sti._ 1in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, narrowed at both ends; edge thickened, entire; areolã¦ half as broad as long. _sori_ sub-superficial, often forked. guiana, &c. =a. coriaceum= (leathery). _fronds_ 6in. to 8in. long, about 1/2in. broad, narrowed very gradually from the centre to the base, very acute at the apex, very thick; areolã¦ very long and narrow, distinctly raised on the upper surface. _sori_ quite immersed, sometimes confluent. himalayas, &c. =a. lanceolatum= (lance-leaved).* _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, point acute, edge entire, the lower half narrowed very gradually to the base; areolã¦ two or three times as long as broad, about three rows between the midrib and the edge. _sori_ slender, superficial, often joining. west indies, southwards to new grenada, 1793. =ants= (_formicidã¦_). well-known pests, easily distinguished from all other insects. there are a great number of species, differing more or less in habits; but, as a rule, they dwell underground in communities, and construct extensive ant-cities, which are occupied by three classes--the neuters or workers (by far the most numerous), the males, and the females. there are often, in addition to these, larger and stronger neuters, known as the "soldiers," or defenders of the community. ants have a long, slender body, supported on long and slender legs. the head bears a pair of elbowed horns or antennã¦, constantly waving about and touching everything the insect comes across. they have powerful mandibles for cutting, sawing, and biting, and it is with these instruments that ants do mischief in gardens. the winged males and females become mature in summer, and on a warm day they ascend in a body into the air; after a short time, they fall to the ground, the females at once free themselves from the henceforth useless wings, and begin to form new colonies. vast numbers of eggs are laid, from which issue larvã¦, and these soon become pupã¦, and then perfect ants. some kinds are injurious from their habit (in some species) of collecting aphides together, and farming them for the sake of the honey secreted by the aphides, and that passes out from their honey-tubes (thus helping to perpetuate the stock of these most injurious insects); and also from the mechanical damage they do in pots, and other receptacles for plants. they likewise cause unsightly hills on lawns and paths, and the large black species that live in decayed wood often injure the framing of greenhouses, &c., when the woodwork has become somewhat decayed. where fruit, such as peaches or wall pears, are grown, ants will at times inflict damage, and, therefore, they should be kept away; but this is a comparatively easy matter, as the placing of an obnoxious substance along the base of the walls and around the stems of the trees will deter them. for the extirpation of ants from indoors, the arsenical solution described below is most efficacious, but it is extremely dangerous. * * * * * _lime._ air-slaked lime plentifully dusted, in warm, dry, weather, over and around the hills and other places infested, will cause the ants to vacate them in a short time. a thick chalk line drawn round a smooth tree, or across an upright board or post, will render it impassable. _arsenic._ this must be used with the utmost caution, as it is a poison most fatal to animal life. recipe: 1oz. of ordinary arsenic is placed in an old iron pot with a quart of water, and then boiled until reduced to a pint or a little more of liquid, to which is added 1/2lb. of coarse sugar. this mixture can either be dropped about the runs and around the nests, or placed in saucers in the ants' haunts. _ferrocyanide of potassium._ this is also very dangerous: ferrocyanide of potassium, 1dr.; raspings of quassia, 1dr.; and enough sugar to form a syrup. use in the same way as the preceding. _calomel and sugar._ mix together one part of calomel and ten parts of finely-powdered loaf sugar, and lay it in little heaps about their nests and runs; the ants will eat it and die. spring is the best season for this method. _guano_, when fresh, if sprinkled on and around their quarters, is said to be efficacious in driving them away. _camphor._ if a piece of camphor, about the size of a filbert, be placed in two quarts of hot water, and this, when cool enough, applied to pot or other plants infested with ants, the insects will be driven off without injury to the plants. _bones._ lay a quantity of partially-picked boiled bones in the haunts, and they will be quickly covered with insects. as soon as this occurs, throw the bones into hot water. before laying them down again, let all superfluous moisture drain off. this is a cheap remedy, and, if persisted in, is very effectual. _carbolic acid._ this, if of good strength, diluted with about ten or twelve times its bulk of water, and well sprinkled over paths or other places where there is no vegetation, will keep the ants away. it has, however, an objectionable smell. _paraffin oil._ paraffin, mixed with six times its bulk of water, and sprinkled over the nests every few days, will kill and drive away ants; but the smell is disagreeable. _quassia._ 4oz. of quassia chips, boiled in a gallon of water for about ten minutes, and 4oz. of soap added to the liquor as it cools, if used like the preceding, is fairly effectual; but this, like the other remedies, must be persisted in for some time. fly pans or saucers, nearly filled with thin honey or sweet oil, attract ants, and they are drowned in them. ants are very hard to clear effectually out of a place, and therefore it is very desirable, in all attempts to be rid of them, to persist in the above remedies. when not living close to the roots or stems of plants, the best and surest remedy of all is to flood them out or scald them in with boiling water. the specifics are endless, but the best are mentioned above. =antwerp hollyhock.= _see_ =althã¦a ficifolia=. =aotus= (from _a_, without, and _ous_, an ear; in allusion to the absence of appendages in the calyx, which distinguishes it from its allied genus, _pultenã¦a_). ord. _leguminosã¦_. elegant little greenhouse evergreen shrubs, with yellow flowers, and simple, linear-subulate leaves, revolute at the margins, alternate or nearly opposite, or three in a whorl. they should be grown in a compost of equal parts loam, sand, and peat, with a little charcoal, and the pots should be well drained. cuttings of half-ripened wood, made in april, root freely in sand, under a bell glass. =a. gracillima= (most slender).* _fl._ yellow and crimson, small, on long, dense, graceful spikes, which are often over a foot long; pedicels short. may. _h._ 3ft. new holland, 1844. a very pretty slender growing shrub. =a. villosa= (soft-haired). _fl._ axillary, disposed in racemose spikes along the branches; calyx silky. april. _l._ smoothish on the upper surface. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new holland, 1790. =apeiba= (the native name in guiana.) ord. _tiliaceã¦_. very handsome stove evergreen trees or shrubs, clothed with starry down. flowers large, golden yellow, pedunculate, bracteate. capsule spherical, depressed, rough from rigid bristles. leaves broad, alternate, entire or serrate. they thrive in a mixture of loam and peat. the best way to induce them to flower in this country is by cutting a ring round the bark of a large branch; by this means the growth is stopped. well ripened cuttings should be planted in sand in heat, under a bell glass, which should be tilted occasionally, so as to give a little air to the cuttings, otherwise they are apt to damp off. =a. aspera= (rough).* _fl._ golden yellow; peduncles opposite the leaves, branched, many flowered. may. _l._ ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate, quite entire, smooth. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. guiana, 1792. =a. petoumo= (petoumo). _fl._ yellow, similarly disposed to _a. aspera_. august. _fr._ densely clothed with bristles. _l._ ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate at the base, entire, hoary beneath. _h._ 40ft. guiana, 1817. =a. tibourbou= (tibourbou).* _fl._ dark yellow. august. _fr._ densely clothed with bristles. _l._ cordate, ovate-oblong, serrated, hairy beneath. _h._ 10ft. guiana, 1756. =apetalous.= without petals. =apex.= the summit or point of anything. =aphelandra= (from _apheles_, simple, and _aner_, a male; the anthers being one-celled). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. very handsome stove evergreen shrubs, mostly of an erect habit of growth, and having handsome shining leaves, which in some instances are variegated. flowers produced in terminal four-sided spikes-â�the preponderating colours being brilliant shades of orange or scarletâ�-conspicuously situated above the foliage; they are exceedingly attractive; corolla ringent, two-lipped, upper lip three-lobed; central lobe large. they bloom generally during the autumn months, and if the plants are removed to a warm dry atmosphere so soon as the flowers begin to open, they will continue much longer in perfection than if left in the moisture-laden atmosphere of the stove. from the time the flower spikes are at first seen till they bloom, the plants will derive much benefit from frequent applications of clear manure water. when the plants have finished flowering, they should be allowed to rest, by reducing the supply of water, but never allow them to shrivel. during this time they may be kept in a house or pit, where the atmosphere is rather dry, with a night temperature of 50deg. to 55deg. here they may remain till march, when they should be pruned. this operation is commenced by thinning out the weakest shoots altogether, and cutting the others back to one or two of the strongest joints or buds above the old wood in order to keep the plants dwarf and bushy. when pruned, the plants should be placed in the stove, giving moderate supplies of water at the roots, and occasionally sprinkling the stems overhead till growth commences. when the young shoots have attained an inch or so in length, the plants should be turned out of the pots, removing the crocks and as much of the old soil as can be got away easily, at the same time shortening-in any of the straggling roots. they should then be placed into smaller-sized pots, keeping them rather close, and watering them carefully for a time till growth has commenced. when fairly started, they may be transferred into larger-sized pots, in which they are to flower. during the summer, these plants require a moist atmosphere, with a temperature of 65deg. by night, allowing it to rise 15deg. or 20deg. by day, and whilst active growth is taking place they should be frequently supplied with moisture at the roots, keeping them well exposed on all sides to the light. after growth has commenced, it is not advisable to stop the shoots, for the stouter and stronger they grow up the finer will be the flower spikes when they appear. the compost should consist of equal parts fibry loam, leaf soil, and peat, with a good proportion of sand added. in preparing it, it should be rather lumpy, and, before using, should be warmed to about the temperature of the house in which the plants are grown. clean pots and perfect drainage are most essential. cuttings are best prepared from half ripened wood, or taken off when young with a heel. the base of each cutting should invariably be cut clean across. these may be inserted an inch apart, in pots of sandy soil, and plunged in a brisk bottom heat. to obtain young shoots for cuttings, if the old plants break freely after pruning, and very large specimens are not required, when the shoots are 2in. long they should be thinned out, leaving the requisite number of the strongest to form the plant. if the surplus pieces are removed with a slight heel of the older wood, they make good cuttings, and should be treated the same as the others. these cuttings strike root quickest, and when rooted, if potted into 5in. or 6in. pots, and allowed to grow up without stopping or pinching out the tops, they will flower the first season. although aphelandras can be grown into large sized specimens, it will be found to be more generally satisfactory to have specimens of neat and moderate dimensions. the mealy bug and scale insects are very troublesome, and must be kept down, otherwise they will prove most prejudicial to the plants. =a. acutifolia= (acute-leaved). _fl._ large, deep vermilion red; the upper lip of corolla concave, and projected forward, the lower one consists of three oblong-obtuse spreading lobes. october. _l._ broad, oblong-ovate, acuminate. columbia, 1868. =a. aurantiaca= (orange-coloured).* _fl._ deep orange scarlet; upper lip of corolla erect, bidentate, concave; lower one spreading horizontally, three lobed. december. _l._ broad, ovate, opposite, dark green, somewhat wavy at the edge. _h._ 3ft. mexico, 1844. =a. a. roezlii= (roezl's).* differs chiefly from the type in the curiously twisted leaves, which are dark green, shaded with a silvery hue between the primary veins; in the brighter scarlet of the flowers; and a few other, but purely technical, points. it is one of the best. mexico, 1867. syn. _a. roezlii_. =a. cristata= (crested).* _fl._ brilliant orange scarlet, 2in. or 3in. long, in large terminal branching spikes. august to november. _l._ large, broadly ovate, and tapering to a point. _h._ 3ft. west indies, 1733. a handsome and continuous bloomer. syn. _justicia pulcherrima_. =a. fascinator= (fascinating).* _fl._ bright vermilion, in very large spikes. autumn. _l._ ovate acuminate, olive green, beautifully banded with silvery white, whilst the under side is of a uniform purplish violet. _h._ 1-1/2ft. new grenada, 1874. =a. leopoldi= (leopold's).* _fl._ citron-yellow. _l._ opposite, ovate-oblong, acuminate; ground colour on the upper surface dark green, the midrib and primary veins pure white; under surface uniformly pale green. brazil, 1854. =a. medio-aurata= (golden-centred). _fl._ unknown. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, sinuate, bright green, with yellow central brand. brazil, 1871. syn. _graptophyllum medio-auratum_. =a. nitens= (shining).* _fl._ glowing vermilion-scarlet, very large, in erect, simple, terminal spikes, which, after the flowers have fallen, are clothed with the imbricating, lanceolate, appressed bracts. _l._ ovate, sub-acute, leathery, brilliant glossy on the upper surface, dark vinous purple underneath. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. columbia, 1867. =a. porteana= (porte's).* _fl._ in fine terminal heads; corolla and bracts bright orange. _l._ rich green, with metallic silvery-white veins. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1854. =a. pumila= (dwarfish).* _fl._ orange-coloured; upper lip erect, concave, entire; bracts large, purplish. _l._ large, cordate, ovate-oblong, acute. _h._ 8in. brazil, 1878. very distinct from all others. =a. punctata= (dotted).* _fl._ bright yellow, in large and rather dense spikes; the spiny-edged long pointed bracts are also yellow, with the exception of the tip, which is green, and forms a pleasing contrast. november. _l._ opposite, elliptic, acuminate; the green midrib is conspicuous in the middle of a white central band, which also extends beside the green veins, this silvery band breaking up on its margin into numerous small white dots, producing a pretty and distinct form of variegation. south america, 1881. =a. roezlii.= a synonym of _a. aurantiaca roezlii_. =a. variegata= (variegated). _fl._ yellow; spike, 6in. long, with bright orange-red bracts. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, dark green with white veins. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil. =aphelexis= (from _apheles_, simple, and _exis_, habit). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of elegant dwarf evergreen greenhouse shrubs. flower-heads large, solitary, or small and two or more together. leaves small. these plants are valuable for exhibition purposes, on account of their bright colours, and the length of time they last in perfection; they are included among what are familiarly known as "everlastings." the most suitable soil is a compost of two parts of good fibrous peat and one of leaf mould, with a liberal supply of silver sand, and a few pieces of charcoal added to it. repot the plants firmly in february, and allow thorough drainage. cuttings can be made in spring or summer; small half-ripened side shoots are best; and these will root in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool greenhouse. =a. ericoides= (heath-like).* _fl.-heads_ white. april. _l._ very small, three-cornered, imbricated, appressed; branches numerous, very fine, filiform. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1796. =a. fasciculata= (fascicled). _fl.-heads_ purplish, solitary, terminal; peduncles scaly. march. _l._ acerose linear, roundish, downy above; lower spreading; upper appressed. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1779. there are two or three forms of this species, varying in the colour of the flowers. =a. humilis= (humble, or dwarf).* _fl.-heads_ pink, solitary, terminal, opening only in sunshine; peduncles scaly. april. _l._ subulate, erect, imbricate. branches numerous, slender, covered with white tomentum. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1810. a handsome greenhouse plant, with much-branched stems, terminated by the flower-head. syns. _a. macrantha_ and _helipterum humile_. =a. h. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ rosy-purple, produced in great abundance. habit rather dwarf, and free branching. very highly esteemed. =a. h. purpurea= (purple).* _fl._ dark purple, very abundant. _l._ silvery white and shining. a vigorous grower, and perhaps the best for exhibition purposes. it is known in gardens as _a. macrantha purpurea_; also under the name of _a. spectabilis_. =a. h. rosea= (rose-coloured).* _fl.-heads_ delicate rose, very profuse. habit very compact and free-branching. a very showy and desirable variety, known in gardens as _a. macrantha rosea_. =a. macrantha= (large-flowered). synonymous with _a. humilis_. =a. sesamoides= (sesamum-like). _fl.-heads_ purple and white, sessile, solitary, terminal. april. _l._ acerose linear, keeled, smooth, appressed. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1739. =aphides=, or =plant lice=. these belong to the order _homoptera_, meaning "same winged," and the name has reference to the fact that the fore wings are uniform in their structure from base to apex, not divided into a leathery base and a membranous tip. aphides are all minute in size, soft bodied, and generally long legged; the mouth is furnished with a curiously-constructed beak, or rostrum, for sucking the juice of plants; the antennã¦, or feelers, are long and slender; the legs have usually two joints in the tarsi, one of which is generally very ill-developed; and near the tip of the abdomen, on the back of a ring, in many kinds, stand two prominent tubes, called honey-tubes, from which a sweet secretion, much sought after by ants, is emitted. they are very destructive, and nearly every plant has its own peculiar aphis; but among the worst are the cherry fly and bean fly. all these insects are very destructive to the young shoots and foliage of plants, on which they cluster in large numbers, sometimes completely hiding the stems, increasing with marvellous rapidity. they produce eggs in autumn, which lie dormant through the winter, and upon the approach of warm weather in spring, hatch and produce individuals which, during the summer, are viviparous, budding off young insects at a surprising rate, which quickly in turn become possessed of the same marvellous power; hence the enormous number which are produced in so surprisingly short a time. it has been computed that in a few weeks many millions of young might be produced directly or descended from a single female. _see also_ =black fly= and =bean fly=. the following remedies may be successfully employed: _tobacco._ this is applied, as a rule, in three forms, each of which is useful for particular purposes. tobacco powder is useful as a dry application to plants where, from any cause, the other modes of employing it are not desirable. it causes no smell, and is useful in conservatories, &c., for that reason. the mode of applying it is to dredge or dust it over the foliage of the plants affected, and to syringe off in from three to thirty hours, according to the nature of the plants. fumigation with tobacco, if done in a proper way, is very effective, but it leaves an unpleasant smell. the foliage of the plants should be quite dry, and a still day must be chosen for the work; the house should be filled with smoke, but no flame must arise in the burning. the plants should be well syringed the next morning, and full ventilation allowed; if the fumigation is repeated twice or thrice, it will prove very effectual. tobacco water is made by soaking a pound of coarse shag in 6gals. of hot water, to which 1/2lb. of size or soft soap has been added. the plants should be dipped into or syringed with this mixture, and well syringed with clean tepid water about twelve hours after. it should not be employed for plants having woolly or hairy foliage. tobacco paper and cloth are used for fumigating in the same manner as tobacco; but as they vary in strength, more care is necessary, as they sometimes cause the leaves to become spotted. judiciously employed, they are cheaper than tobacco. _quassia._ boil 1lb. quassia chips in 4gals. of soft water, for about ten minutes, and after straining off the chips, add 1lb. of soft soap. apply in the same way as tobacco water, and syringe the plants with clean water after ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. _soft soap._ this, in proportion of 8lb. to 12gals. of rain water, and 1gal. of tobacco water added after it is cold, is a cheap and good remedy out of doors, and requires the same mode of application as tobacco water. _soap suds._ where bleaching powder, or much soda, is not mixed with these, they make a good insect killer for hard-foliaged plants, but should be washed off with clean water in twelve hours. no mixture containing chloride of lime should be used. _various._ fir-tree oil, gishurst's compound, and fowler's insecticide, are all serviceable, if used as directed on the labels. hardeman's beetle powder, applied with the little french powder-bellows which is sold with it, is very efficacious. for outdoor work, nothing surpasses clean cold water, applied often and forcibly with a syringe. the best mode of clearing aphis off beaus, currants, &c., is to remove the tops of the infested shoots, and to wash the plants with soapy water, or a solution of gishurst's compound. in some cases, a good dusting with soot and wood ashes, while the plants are wet, will keep them in check. the "golden eyes" or "lacewing" fly, and also ladybirds, are to be encouraged, as the larvã¦ of each of these wage incessant war against aphides, especially the green varieties, and thin them out considerably. =aphrophora.= _see_ =frog hopper=. =aphyllanthes= (from _aphyllos_, leafless, and _anthos_, a flower; the flowers are on rush-like branches). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a very pretty rush-like hardy perennial, forming dense, erect tufts. it thrives best in sandy peat, requires a warm sunny situation, and slight protection in winter. increased by division of the roots, and seeds; the latter should be sown in pots in a cool greenhouse as soon as ripe. =a. monspeliensis= (montpelier).* _fl._, perianth six-cleft, spreading at the apex, deep blue, nearly an inch across, disposed in a small head, on slender scapes. june. _l._ absent; the very slender scapes are leaflike, with membranous sheaths at the base. south of france, 1791. =aphyllous.= without leaves. =apicra= (from _apicros_, not bitter). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a group of succulents allied to _aloe_, and having the following among other characters:--flowers small, loosely sub-spicate; perianth regular, cylindrical, with short spreading segments; peduncles simple or forked. plants small; rosette leaves always elongated. leaves thick, diffuse, never spinosely dentated. they require treatment similar to aloes, under which genus they are included by some authors. =a. aspera= (rough).* _fl._, perianth 1/2in. long; raceme loose, 3in. to 4in.; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncle slender, simple, nearly 1ft. _l._ dense, in many rows, spreading, rounded, deltoid, six to seven lines long and broad; face rather flat; middle three to four lines thick; back convex hemispherical, wrinkled. cape of good hope, 1795. =a. bicarinata= (double-keeled).* _fl._ unknown. _l._ dense, in many rows, ascending, deltoid-lanceolate, nine to twelve lines long, six lines broad, dirty green; face flat; middle two lines thick; margin scabrous; back copiously tubercled. cape of good hope, 1824. =a. congesta= (congested). _fl._, perianth six to seven lines, whitish; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels short; peduncles 6in. long, simple. _l._ dense, spreading, in many rows, deltoid-lanceolate, eighteen to twenty-one lines long, three to four lines thick; back convex; top unevenly keeled towards the margins. 1843. =a. deltoidea= (deltoid). _fl._, perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme about 1ft. long, sub-spicate; pedicels short; peduncles 6in., simple or branched. _l._ in five regular rows, spreading, nine to twelve lines long, deltoid, shining green; when mature, upper surface rather flat, apex pungent; middle two to three lines thick; back distinctly keeled upwards; margins and keels minutely serrated. south africa, 1873. =a. foliolosa= (small-leafy).* _fl._, perianth greenish, five to six lines long; raceme loose, sub-spicate, about 1ft.; pedicels two to three lines long; peduncle 6in., simple. _l._ dense, spreading, in many rows, rounded deltoid, cuspidate, six to eight lines long and broad, without spots or tubercles; face rather flat; middle one and a half to two lines thick; back obliquely keeled upwards towards the margins. cape of good hope, 1795. =a. imbricata= (imbricated). synonymous with _a. spiralis_. =a. pentagona= (five-angled).* _fl._, perianth whitish, 1/2in. long; raceme about 1ft., loose; lower pedicels two to three lines long; peduncles 1ft., often branched. _l._ dense, regular, lower ones spreading, upper ones ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, fifteen to eighteen lines long; bottom six to eight lines broad, shining green; face flat; middle three to four lines thick; apex pungent; margin scabrous; back irregularly one to two keeled at top. cape of good hope, 1731. =a. p. bullulata= (little-blistered). _l._ irregularly spiral, five rowed; back with spreading close wrinkled tubercles. =a. p. spirella= (small spiral). _l._ smaller and more deltoid, 1in. long, six to eight lines broad at the bottom, irregularly five rowed, or as if in many rows. =a. spiralis= (spiral).* _fl._, perianth reddish-white, 1/2in. long; raceme loose, nearly 1ft.; pedicels ascending, two to three lines long; peduncles 6in., simple or branched. _l._ dense, in many rows, strong, ascending, lanceolate-deltoid, twelve to fifteen lines long, six to eight lines broad; face almost flat, without tubercles; apex pungent; back swollen, scarcely keeled; margins obscurely crenulated. cape of good hope, 1790. syn. _a. imbricata_. =apiculate=, =apiculated=. terminated in a little point. =apios= (from _apion_, a pear; in reference to the form of the tubers of the root). ord. _leguminosã¦_. an elegant little hardy twining perennial, easily trained into almost any shape. it must have a well-exposed, sunny position, and the soil should be of a warm or light sandy nature. propagated by division of the tubers. [illustration: fig. 117. apios tuberosa, showing habit and flower.] =a. tuberosa= (tuberous).* ground nut. _fl._ brownish-purple, sweet-scented, in axillary racemes. summer and early autumn. _l._ pinnate. tubers edible, farinaceous. habit very light and graceful. pennsylvania, 1640. syn. _glycine apios_. see fig. 117. =apiospermum.= a synonym of =pistia= (which _see_). =apium= (from _apon_, celtic for water; in reference to the habitat). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. this genus contains no species worth growing for ornament, and nearly all are more or less acrid and poisonous. a. _graveolens_ is the celery of gardens, for culture of which, _see_ =celery=. =aplectrum= (from _a_, without, and _plectron_, a spur; flower spurless). ord. _orchideã¦_. a monotypic genus from north america. a curious, hardy, terrestrial orchid, requiring a shady spot in light loam and leaf mould, moderately damp. very difficult to cultivate. =a. hyemale= (wintry).* _fl._ greenish-brown, large, racemose, borne on a naked scape after the leaves have died down; labellum as long as the sepals; column sessile, rather long, wingless. april. stem pseudo-bulbous, with one large, broad, ribbed leaf. _h._ 1ft. 1827. =aplotaxis.= included under =saussurea= (which _see_). =apocarpous.= having the carpels or fruit separate, or disunited. =apocynaceã�.= a large order of trees, shrubs, or rarely herbs, usually with a poisonous, milky sap. flowers regular, solitary or corymbose; corolla salver-shaped or campanulate. leaves simple, opposite, sometimes alternate or whorled. well known genera belonging to this order are: _allamanda_, _nerium_, _tabernã¦montana_ and _vinca_. =apocynum= (from _apo_, away, and _kyon_, a dog; adopted by dioscorides, because the plant was supposed to be poisonous to dogs). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. dog's bane. perennial erect herbs, with cymose flowers and membranous, opposite leaves. there are several species belonging to this genus, but only the one described below is worthy of being cultivated. they are of extremely easy culture, thriving in any ordinary soil; and may be propagated by suckers, divisions, or seeds. the best time to divide is just as they are starting into fresh growth in spring. =a. androsã¦mifolium= (tutsan-leaved).* _fl._ pale red, with darker stripes; corolla campanulate; cymes terminal and lateral. july. _l._ ovate, glabrous, petiolate, pale beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. virginia, and canada, 1683. a very old garden favourite, thriving best in peaty soil, with azaleas, &c. see fig. 118. [illustration: fig. 118. inflorescence of apocynum androsã�mifolium.] =aponogeton= (from _apon_, celtic for water, and _geiton_, neighbour; alluding to the habitat of these plants). ord. _naiadaceã¦_. very ornamental aquatic perennials. there are several species, but _a. distachyon_ is superior to the others. this species may be cultivated in small tanks or aquaria; it delights in an abundance of light and air, and is perfectly hardy, having become naturalised in many parts of the country. pot the plants in rich sandy loam and rotten cow manure, using, of course, small pots, if the vessel in which it is to be grown is restricted. when introducing it to large tanks or lakes, commence with strong, previously well-established plants, in large pots, breaking the latter when the plants are immersed. place them in positions where the water is about 1ft. 6in. to 2ft. deep; they will then rapidly increase by offsets and seeds, and, when established, will flower nearly all the year round. the other kinds will thrive with the same treatment; but they are neither so hardy nor so vigorous, and should only be grown in small tanks or aquaria. [illustration: fig. 119. aponogeton distachyon, showing habit and flower-spikes.] =a. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved). _fl._ white. july. cape of good hope, 1788. half hardy. [illustration: fig. 120. aponogeton distachyon, showing flower-spikes, leaf, and root.] =a. distachyon= (two-spiked).* cape pond weed; winter hawthorn. _fl._ with a delicious hawthorn-like perfume; petals none; bracts, or showy portion oval, entire, white; anthers purple-brown; scape two-spiked, each spike being from 2in. to 4in. long. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, entire, bright green, on long stalks, floating. cape of good hope, 1788. see figs. 119 and 120. =a. monostachyon= (simple-spiked). _fl._ pink. september. _h._ 1ft. east indies, 1803. stove species. rare. =a. spathaceum junceum= (rush-like).* a very pretty, but rare, half-hardy aquatic plant, with the forked inflorescence having both bracts and flowers suffused with a delicate blush colour. _l._ rush-like, standing clear up out of the water. south africa, 1879. =aporetica.= a synonym of =schmidelia= (which _see_). =appendiculate, appendiculated.= having appendages. =applanate.= flattened out. [illustration: fig. 121. apple blossom.] =apple= (_pyrus malus_). the apple is one of the most useful, and probably most largely cultivated, of our hardy fruits. it is known as the crab in its wild state, and is indigenous to britain and to all the temperate and warmer parts of europe. it is supposed that the progenitors of the varieties now grown were introduced to this country at various times from the continent, and not obtained here as direct improvements on the native crab. those now cultivated are extremely numerous, and include good varieties that can be made to prolong the season all the year round. apart from its great value as a fruit, the apple is a strikingly handsome tree when in flower (see fig. 121). a fruiting branch is shown at fig. 122. [illustration: fig. 122. fruiting branch of apple.] _propagation._ seeds are sown extensively, chiefly for raising stocks to graft approved sorts on; also with a view to raising new varieties. the seeds do not retain their germinative properties very long, consequently they must be sown soon after being taken from the fruit. as grown in this country, they are generally sown in the autumn, transplanted the following year, and so on until they are of sufficient size for grafting purposes. the standard of excellence being at present so high, improved forms raised from seed are comparatively scarce. _grafting._ this method of propagation is the one generally adopted for most purposes, the stocks being previously prepared for size or height of tree required. cordon and other dwarf-trained trees should be worked near but not below the ground, while standards are best worked on stocks of the desired height. the practice of working standard trees low, and growing the scion to form the stem of the future tree, is not recommended, as many of the tenderer sorts will not grow straight or strong enough for the purpose. whip-grafting is the most preferable mode adopted. the scions should be selected from healthy trees not later than january, and laid in singly in the ground until the stocks have slightly advanced in growth, which is generally about the middle of april. several other methods of grafting may be adopted with success, but the one above recommended is considered the best. _budding._ apples may be successfully propagated by budding, and this method is practised much more now than formerly. it has many advantages, as it requires to be performed at a season when there is not so much work in hand. it should be done in damp, dull weather, if possible, as the weather if dry soon destroys the buds. july and august is the proper time for the purpose. the stocks and woods from which the buds are taken should be as much as possible in the same condition. _propagation by cuttings, layers, &c._ this system may be made use of in the case of new varieties or where it is desired to increase any one variety with a limited number of scions, but the results are uncertain--at least in the case of cuttings; consequently, it is much better to resort to the safer method of grafting. _pruning._ _see_ =pruning=. _training._ _see_ =training=. _planting._ the best time to plant is as soon as most of the leaves have fallen, which is generally about the end of october. the roots being then in an active state, and the ground still retaining a certain amount of heat, they will form new roots before winter, which is a material advantage. where it is impossible to plant at this time, it may be done in suitable weather any time during the winter, but it is best not deferred till spring. it is important in planting that the soil should be moderately dry and free from frost; this condition cannot always be obtained during winter. the effects of soil and situation have a very important bearing on the apple, specimens of the same sort from different places being often hardly recognisable. although not over fastidious in the matter of soil as far as growing is concerned, the best results are obtained where it is of a rich loamy character and well drained. dry, sandy soils invariably produce canker, while the trees are often overgrown with lichens in undrained land. the addition of heavier loam, or sometimes trenching and mixing the sub-soil with that at the top, will convert light soils into those suitable for apple culture; while, on the other hand, heavy soils may be improved by drainage, the addition of lime, vegetable refuse, burnt earth, and other matters. rank manure should on no account be used anywhere near the roots, but a little well-decayed manure, mixed with the soil or used as a mulching, is beneficial. the site best suited is an open, though not exposed one, with a south, south-east, or south-west aspect. shelter from north-east winds in spring, which destroys the bloom, and from west and south-west winds in autumn, which blow down the fruit, should be the aim of cultivators. planting in a valley should be avoided on account of spring frosts. in planting, care must be taken to make the bottom of the hole tolerably firm, and slightly raised under the base or bole of the tree. the roots should then be carefully spread out all round, and if any have been ruptured in transplanting, cut them clean off on the upper side, thus inducing new roots to be formed near the surface. the soil should be trodden firmly after a quantity has been filled in, if it is in a dry, suitable condition, as previously recommended. secure with stakes in proportion to the size of tree, or injury will be caused by the wind. the distance at which apple trees are planted varies considerably. standards in orchards may be planted in good soil, from 20ft. to 40ft. apart, especially if they are strong-growing culinary sorts. pyramids may be planted from 5ft. to 15ft., according to size; and similar distances will suit bush trees. the oblique cordon system of training admits of a large number of varieties being cultivated in a small space, as they may be planted as close as 18in. or 2ft. apart. horizontal cordons should be planted about 5ft. asunder, and one branch trained each way. watering will be necessary after planting in most cases, especially should the winter and following season be at all dry. thinning the fruit is sometimes advisable for obtaining good specimens, but it is not generally necessary, at least with many of the shy-setting sorts. if, however, the crop should be exceptionally heavy, it is best to thin the fruit, or the tree may be unable to make and ripen its wood for the crop of the succeeding year. _gathering._ the three following tests are sure indications of the gathering period: (1) the apples will begin to fall of their own accord; (2) their seeds will be plump and brown in colour; and (3) the fruit will separate with a mere touch from the trees; the second test may be said to be infallible. all apples should be gathered before the end of october, for none will bear frost with impunity. they must be gathered in dry weather, and handled with the greatest care, laid gently in baskets and trays, in single file only, and conveyed to the store room. _storing._ the simplest and best method is in choosing or forming some room or place free from extremes of heat and cold, dryness or damp, where a temperature of about 45deg. is maintained. a current of air is not necessary. the shelves should be made of poplar, sycamore, lime, or other white wood. deal, oak, ash, elm, and almost all other woods, give a bad taste to the fruit. one sheet of paper--and paper only--should be placed under the fruit. they ripen best, and are of the highest flavour when left fully exposed to the free atmosphere of the fruit room, and in order to preserve a more even temperature the light should be shut out. early and late ripening varieties must be stored in separate places, as well as all inferior or injured fruit. the plan of isolating each fruit by packing in tissue paper, sand, burnt earth, or other substances, often destroys the flavour of the fruit, and possesses no material benefit otherwise. _diseases._ apple mussel scale, apple or codlin grub, canker, mildew, american blight, scale, and insect pests, such as caterpillars, maggots, and weevils, _see_ under their separate headings. the following are some of the best varieties in cultivation:- =adams' pearmain.= dessert. fruit medium, very handsome; flavour juicy and sugary. december to march. =alexander.= kitchen. very large, showy, and good. september to december. =alfriston.= kitchen. very fine, large, white flesh. november to april. =ashmead's kernel=, or =cockle pippin=. dessert. fruit below medium; flavour very rich and sugary. this variety is, according to mr. rivers, much esteemed in gloucestershire. november to january. =bedfordshire foundling.= kitchen. fruit large. one of the finest and most useful sorts, a great bearer. february to may. =bess pool.= kitchen. fruit large. good late cooking apple. december to may. =betty geeson.= kitchen. fruit large, produced in great abundance. february to may. a valuable sort. =blenheim pippin.= one of the best kitchen sorts. november to february. =boston russet.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour very sugary and rich, similar to the ribston pippin. an excellent american variety. january to may. =brabant bellefleur.= kitchen. fruit large, round, pale yellow, red-streaked. a most useful cooking variety, also useful for dessert. november to april. [illustration: fig. 123. apple, calville blanche.] =calville blanche.= dessert. fruit large; flavour first-class. october to december. see fig. 123. =cellini.= kitchen. fruit perfect in form, size, colour, and quality. october to january. =claygate pearmain.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour rich, aromatic, excellent, same as ribston pippin. january to may. =coe's golden drop.= dessert. fruit small, with a crisp and juicy flavour. november to january. a delicious variety. =cornish aromatic.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour rich, juicy, and aromatic. october to december. =cornish gillyflower.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour very rich, quite aromatic. october, november to january. an excellent variety, thriving best in a warm situation. =court of wick.= dessert. fruit medium, very handsome; flavour somewhat similar to golden pippin. december to march. [illustration: fig. 124. apple, court pendu plat.] =court pendu plat.= dessert or kitchen. fruit medium, rich russet brown, of first-rate quality, and the tree is a good cropper. november to april. see fig. 124. =cox's orange pippin.= dessert. fruit medium, very handsome; flavour rich aromatic. october to december. one of the best apples grown. =cox's pomona.= kitchen. fruit very large, of superior quality. october. =devonshire quarrenden.= dessert. fruit medium, excellent quality, and handsome. july to september. a very prolific sort. =d. t. fish.= kitchen. fruit large, roundish, of a clear straw-colour, with small specks of russet, slightly flushed with crimson on the side where the sun strikes it; flavour sub-acid. november to january. a fine and handsome variety. =duchess of oldenburgh.= kitchen. fruit large, red-striped. august to october. a very desirable and handsome russian variety. =duke of devonshire.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour crisp, juicy, rich and sugary. december to march. =dumelow's seedling=, or =wellington=, or =normanton wonder=. kitchen. fruit firm, large, and somewhat acid. november to march. =early harvest.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour juicy, excellent, with a pleasant sharpness. july to september. according to mr. rivers this variety is equally good for cooking or dessert, and is a very fertile tree on the paradise stock. =french crab.= kitchen. fruit large, pale green, firm, acid. an excellent sort, and the longest keeper. =golden pippin.= dessert. fruit small, very excellent flavour. november to january. a well-known and highly-esteemed sort. =golden reinette.= dessert. fruit rather small, yellowish red, streaked with red; flavour excellent, sweet and rich. one of the best and most useful of dessert apples. october to december. =gravenstein.= kitchen. fruit large, handsome, sweet and crisp. november to january. a very prolific sort. =greenup's pippin.= kitchen. fruit very large. february to may. a vigorous grower and abundant bearer. =irish peach.= dessert. fruit medium, yellowish-green, very early; flavour juicy, excellent. july and august. a very good variety, often known as early crofton. =jolly beggar.= kitchen. fruit large, pale yellow, tender and juicy. november to january. a very desirable sort and an extraordinary cropper. =keddlestone pippin.= dessert. fruit small, yellow or golden colour, specked with russet; flavour delicious, highly aromatic. december to march. an excellent variety. =kerry pippin.= dessert. fruit medium, firm, yellow, and red; flavour sugary and rich. september to october. =keswick codlin.= kitchen. fruit large and early. august to october. an admirable sort for market purposes. =king of the pippins.= dessert. fruit medium, yellow and red; flavour juicy and rich. october to january. =lady henniker.= kitchen. fruit yellow, with crimson streaks near the sun, highly flavoured, and with a pleasant perfume. february to may. an excellent sort, suitable for dessert or kitchen. =lodgemore nonpareil.= dessert. fruit small; flavour rich, sugary, and aromatic. january to may. an excellent sort. =lord suffield.= kitchen. fruit very large, white, soft, excellent for sauce and tarts. august to september. =manx's codlin.= kitchen. fruit large. september and october. one of the finest and most useful of kitchen sorts. =mã¨re de mã©nage.= kitchen. large and good. october to march. =mr. gladstone.= dessert. fruit large and handsome, very early, scarlet cheek, striped and shaded; of excellent quality. july and august. new. =new= or =winter hawthornden=. kitchen. fruit very large, excellent. november to january. an extraordinary bearer, one of the best for sauce and cooking. =nonsuch.= kitchen. fruit large, juicy. august to october. an admirable sort, unequalled for sauce and cooking. =norfolk beefing.= kitchen. large and good flavour, excellent keeper, most useful for baking whole and preserving. november to july. =norfolk greening.= kitchen. fruit medium; rather acid. keeps till april or may. =northern spy.= dessert. fruit large, tender; flavour highly aromatic. december to may. =old nonpareil.= dessert. fruit medium, tender, and juicy. november to january. a prolific variety. =pitmaston pineapple.= dessert. fruit small; flavour very rich. july to september. according to mr. rivers this variety is a very abundant bearer on the paradise stock; it is not a vigorous grower. =red astrachan.= dessert. fruit good size, bright; flavour delicate and rich. august to september. =red ingestrie.= dessert. fruit very pretty bright red next the sun, on a yellow ground, flesh pale yellow; flavour brisk and sparkling, like the golden pippin in quality. august and september. an excellent sort. =red juneating=, or =margaret=. dessert. fruit medium, early, very good quality. july and august. a well-known sort, with numerous synonyms. =red quarrenden.= dessert. fruit under medium, bright scarlet; flavour crisp and sweet. august. one of the best summer sorts. =reinette du canada.= dessert. fruit greenish-yellow and brown, large; flavour juicy, brisk, sub-acid. november to may. see fig 125. =reinette grise.= dessert. flesh yellowish-white, sugary, pleasant; flavour sub-acid. november to april. it does best on the paradise stock, and is an abundant cropper. see fig. 126. =ribston pippin.= dessert. fruit greenish-yellow and red, medium; flavour rich, aromatic, excellent. october to december. =sam young.= dessert. fruit small, yellowish with russet spots; flavour delicious, tender, and juicy. october to december. an excellent irish sort. =scarlet crofton.= dessert. fruit medium, yellow and red; flavour crisp, juicy, and sweet. october to december. =scarlet nonpareil.= dessert. fruit well coloured, large; flavour crisp and juicy. january to march. =small's admirable.= kitchen. fruit large, green, crisp, sweet, and juicy. november to january. a prolific cropper. =stamford pippin.= dessert. fruit large, with a brisk flavour and an agreeable aroma. november to january. a very desirable sort. [illustration: fig. 125. apple, reinette du canada.] =sturmer pippin.= dessert. fruit medium; flavour brisk and rich. february to june. =syke house russet.= dessert. fruit small; flavour very rich. january to may. an excellent sort. =tower of glammis.= kitchen. fruit yellow, very large, square-shaped, crisp, and excellent. february to may. a very excellent sort. =van mons reinette.= dessert. fruit small, with a rich, aromatic, and excellent flavour. november to january. =waltham abbey seedling.= kitchen. fruit large. november and december. an admirable sort. =warner's king.= kitchen. fruit large, handsome, and good. november to march. =worcestershire pearmain.= kitchen. fruit large, conical, of a very brilliant colour; flavour crisp and juicy. august to october. a splendid variety, said to be as prolific as lord suffield. [illustration: fig. 126. apple, reinette grise.] =white juneating.= dessert. fruit small, very early, and good quality, but a bad keeper. july and august. a prolific sort. =white nonpareil.= dessert. fruit medium, very delicious. march to june. a very desirable sort. =winter quoining=, or =queening=. dessert. fruit very bright, almost red; flavour excellent. november to may. an excellent sort, useful for dessert or culinary purposes. =winter strawberry.= dessert. fruit yellow, medium, striped with red; flavour brisk aromatic. november to march. a very useful sort. =wormsley pippin.= kitchen or dessert. fruit of an excellent quality, large, pale green; excellent for kitchen or dessert. september to october. =yorkshire greening.= kitchen. fruit large, juicy, tender. november to january. =for cordons= the following are the best:--betty geeson, coe's golden drop, cox's orange pippin, duke of devonshire, king of the pippins, lodgemore nonpareil, northern spy, reinette du canada, ribston pippin, scarlet nonpareil. =for pyramidal, bush, and espalier trees=, the best are:-â�adams' pearmain, ashmead's kernel, boston russet, claygate pearmain, cornish gillyflower, court of wick, court pendu plat, cox's orange pippin, early harvest, golden pippin, golden reinette, irish peach, keddlestone pippin, kerry pippin, red ingestrie, red quarrenden, reinette du canada, ribston pippin, sam young, scarlet crofton, scarlet nonpareil, sturmer pippin, syke house russet, wormsley pippin. the following kitchen sorts are well adapted to this method:-â�alfriston, bed-fordshire foundling, brabant bellefleur, calville blanche, cellini, cox's pomona, d. t. fish, duchess of oldenburgh, dumelow's seedling, jolly beggar, keswick codlin, lord suffield, manx's codlin, new hawthornden, nonsuch, waltham abbey seedling, warner's king. =for cold and exposed situations=, the following are the best:--bess pool, claygate pearmain, french crab, greenup's pippin, keswick codlin, nonsuch, sturmer pippin, tower of glammis, winter strawberry, wormsley pippin. =for cottage gardens=: alexander, bedfordshire foundling, blenheim pippin, king of the pippins, manx's codlin, new hawthornden, reinette du canada, ribston pippin, sturmer pippin, waltham abbey seedling, warner's king, wormsley pippin. =apple berry.= _see_ =billardiera=. =apple-blossom weevil= (_anthonomus pomorum_). this is a small beetle of a reddish-brown colour, with three inconspicuous stripes of a paler colour behind the head; the wing cases show a large pitchy-coloured blotch, with oblique striã¦ and yellowish spots thereon. the female busily engages herself in piercing the flower buds; while the male may be usually seen flying about the trees during the breeding season, which, of course, varies according to the earlier or later expansion of the buds. the female, by means of strong jaws at the end of the long proboscis, bores a hole in the bud, in which she lays a single egg, finally closing the opening, then passing on to other buds. the laying season lasts for two or three weeks, or, indeed, as long as the buds remain unexpanded; eggs are never laid in open blossoms. in warm weather, the eggs are hatched in six or seven days, usually about the end of april, into small, white, legless maggots, which feed upon the stamens and pistil; hence, although the petals are normally coloured, and expand, the flowers ultimately wither, and in some seasons very serious consequences have arisen from these injurious little pests. the maggot is fleshy, whitish, with a few hairs and a black, hard head; in a few days, it turns into a brown chrysalis or pupa, which, in turn, is changed into the weevil, only about a month having elapsed from the deposition of the egg till the weevil is developed. it feeds upon the foliage during summer, and hybernates in crannies of the bark, or under the soil at the base of the trees, during winter, waking up in the following spring to go through the same performances as its parents. _remedies._ some of the methods advised for the extirpation of the american blight will prove very useful for the destruction of this pest. clear away all useless portions of the bark and rubbish round about the tree during the winter, and many will be destroyed. place bandages of tarred cloth around the stem in spring; this will prevent the females crawling up, as they seldom fly. if a white cloth is placed beneath the tree affected when in bud, and the tree is severely shaken, a large number will be caught, as the weevil falls to the ground when alarmed. timely thinning of the trees, allowing the free admission of light and air, is also a very effectual preventive, as it has been proved that the greatest ravages are committed where neglect of this has been the rule; and that, on the other hand, in proportion to its being done, the pest has been lessened in numbers. =apple mussel scale= (_aspidiotus conchiformis_). this insect attacks the bark of apple and pear-trees. it is in outward appearance like the half of a mussel shell. under the scale is the insect. it is closely allied to the true scale insects, and has similar habits. the scales are about 1/8in. long, brown, and wider at one end than at the other. the female is like a fat, green, fleshy maggot, without jointed limbs. the eggs of this curious insect are not laid, but simply remain in the body of the mother until she dies, thus leaving a protecting shield or case from which the hatched larvã¦ emerge. to get rid of this insect, therefore, the females containing eggs should be destroyed. it differs from most other species in the absence of the long tail filaments. if numerous, this scale causes the trees to become sickly and unfruitful. it is difficult to extirpate. _soft-soap lather._ when the leaves fall, in autumn, the trees should be treated with a stiff sash-tool, and all the scale rubbed off, keeping the brush just moist, and not rubbing the buds. applied for two seasons, this should clear the trees. all loose bark should be removed. _seal oil_ is sometimes recommended as a good remedy: but oils are rather unsafe applications to the bark of trees, especially of the young branches. [illustration: fig. 127. codlin moth and grub (carpocapsa pomonana).] =apple or codlin grub= (_carpocapsa pomonana_). during the month of may, the well-known codlin moth (see fig. 127) lays its eggs in the calyces, usually one in each, of the young, quickly-growing apple. the moth itself is a small insect; the fore-wings are grey, prettily speckled with delicate, darker streaks, and with a curved golden mark on the hinder part, inclosing one of a reddish-brown colour. the hind wings are usually dark, as is also the body. the caterpillar, when hatched, is white, with black head and neck, and with four rows of black marks along the whole body. the colours soon, however, become less decided, taking an indistinct brownish or grey hue. after being hatched, the caterpillar gnaws its way down the fruit, keeping clear of the core, and gradually forces its gallery towards the rind of the fruit, which it finally pierces, the opening serving as the outlet for the dirt. when nearly full grown, it pierces the core and feeds upon the pips, which injury speedily causes the fruit to drop. the insect then emerges therefrom, and finds a suitable shelter in a cranny of the bark, where it spins a cocoon; and, according to british authorities, it remains in the larval state for some weeks, finally assuming the chrysalis form, and thus passing the winter; the moth emerges the following season. shortly after development, the moths pair, the female depositing eggs in the fruit in june or july, according to the season. practically, there is no preventive; but the following hints will serve to greatly reduce the numbers. all apples that fall ere they are ripe should be picked up as promptly as possible, and be given to the pigs; or pigs should be turned into the orchard to clear off the fallen fruit. the following is the only serviceable remedy: _hayband trap._ this is simply a loosely made hayband twisted around the stems of the trees, about 1ft. from the ground. the grubs, in searching for a suitable place in which to make a cocoon, will generally choose the bands. at the end of the season, all the haybands should be collected and burnt, and the stems of the trees from which they were removed should be cleared of any cocoons which may adhere to them. all loose bark and other rubbish should be removed from the tree trunks, and also from the ground below. =apple or codlin grub trap.= an exceedingly ingenious and effective method of alluring that obnoxious pest, the apple grub. the trap (fig. 128) consists of two, three, or more thin pieces of board, 12in. to 20in. in length, and 2in. to 4in. wide, with a screw (_a_) through their centre. the screw must be long enough to be firmly driven into the trunk of the tree, so as to hold the boards in position. small slips of wood (_b_) are inserted between the boards, to keep them sufficiently open to allow of the entry of the grubs, as shown at _d_. the boards are cut on each side of the screw, as at _c_, to facilitate their separation when fastened together by the silken threads of the grubs, and to better expose the latter when the trap is opened. this handy trap, which is of american origin, is very cheap. a great number of them may be collected with little trouble, submitted to a killing heat, and replaced again; and they can be used either on the ground or on the trees. as regards killing the grubs when caught, mr weir, the inventor, says: "the quickest and best way is to have a large tin pan, bent in on one side, so as to fit closely to the trunk of the tree. when you reach the tree, drop upon your knees, place the depression in the pan against the trunk of the tree, hold it there by pressing your body against it, and you have both hands free to open the trap. when opening it, many of the pupã¦ or chrysalids will fall into the pan. the trap must be turned clear around, as many will be found between it and the bark. a person will open and kill the worms in from four hundred to eight hundred traps in a day." [illustration: fig. 128. apple or codlin grub trap. b, open. a, shut.] =apposite.= placed side by side. =approximate=, =approximated=, =approximating=. near together. =apricot= (_armeniaca vulgaris_). the apricot, or, as it was formerly written, "abricock," is a much esteemed and luscious fruit. it is said to have been introduced into this country during the reign of henry viii. the apricot is one of the earliest flowering of fruit-trees (see fig. 129), and is generally in bloom during february. this fact is a great drawback, as it is a difficult matter to save the flowers from destruction by the spring winds and frosts. the fruit (see fig. 130) contains less acid than most stone fruits, and in appearance it is perhaps the handsomest of all. success with its culture in many gardens is by no means certain, but with careful preparation of borders and protection of the flowers in spring, satisfactory results are often obtained. large quantities of fruit are annually imported to this country from france; but their quality and flavour cannot be compared with that of good home-grown produce. [illustration: fig. 129. blossom of apricot.] _propagation_ is effected by seeds or budding. the stones, selected from the best varieties, may be sown as soon as the fruit is ripe, in august or september, in light rich soil, and covered with about 2in. of earth, over which a little litter should be spread during winter. after one season's growth, the plants should be lifted, and the tap roots slightly cut back if the trees are intended for walls. they should then be planted in nursery lines, allowing about a yard between the rows, and 2ft. from plant to plant. [illustration: fig. 130. fruiting branch of apricot.] budding is the most general mode of propagating apricots. they are frequently budded from the beginning to the middle of june on seedling, and also on plum stocks, of which latter the mussell, saint julien, brussels, and black damson are the best. for dwarf trees, the stock should be budded about 1ft. from the ground. there are many disadvantages in having a great length of stem. "rider" trees require a stem from 3-1/2ft. to 6ft.; half-riders, 2-1/2ft. to 3ft. grafting by the whip method is sometimes employed, but, for many reasons, it is much inferior to budding. _planting, &c._ south-west and western aspects suit the apricot best, but the fruit has been ripened in warm localities on walls facing several points north. large areas of garden wall (see figs. 131 and 132), the walls of stables, barns, outbuildings, and two sides of at least hundreds of cottages, might thus be utilised for the cultivation of this tree. if well drained, almost any garden soil will bring these fruits to perfection; light, fibrous, rather sandy loam will, however, prove most satisfactory. there should be a considerable depth of soil; a yard is not too much, provided it be on a dry base, which is most important. heavy soils may be improved for apricot culture by the addition of an equal portion of light loam, mortar rubbish, or charred refuse. in furnishing walls, the distance apart may vary from 2ft. between cordons, to 12ft., 15ft., or even 20ft. between fan-shaped trees. the roots should be carefully arranged, interlayered at all points with fine soil, and the whole covered to a depth of 3in. or 4in. not only should the roots have a good covering of suitable earth, but a secondary one of litter, or other light material, should be added, to render them frost proof in winter, and drought and heat proof in summer. newly planted trees should, on no account, be allowed to get dry at the root. a thorough soaking of soft rain, or manure water, will often save a crop, and restore the trees, when all other surface remedies or appliances fail. surface sprinklings overhead with the garden engine, in the afternoons of bright days, are beneficial, and help to keep the foliage clean and healthy. so soon as the trees are cleared of their fruit, attention should be directed to the maturation of the wood. all superfluous shoots should be removed, any excess of growth left on the shoots cut back, and every effort made to perfect the wood already made, rather than force the tree to make more. unless the weather be very dry, water should not be applied after this stage. [illustration: fig. 131. apricot tree, showing method of wall training.] _protection._ it is almost hopeless to expect a crop unless the blossoms are protected, by mats or other means, from spring frosts. temporary wooden copings, from 1ft. to 2ft. wide, laid on iron brackets, are indispensable for warding off storms, and keeping other coverings away from the flowers. these should not be put up till the trees are just bursting into bloom, and may safely be removed about the end of may. a few fish or other nets, spread over the trees, afford considerable resistance to the radiation of heat. this is assuredly one of the easiest, if not one of the most efficient, modes of protection. frigi-domo and other thick shadings are sometimes used, but they require to be removed from the trees in the day time. the thinner nets mentioned are generally not in use for other purposes at this time of year, and may remain over the trees altogether. glass copings are the best, but, being rather expensive, they cannot be used by the majority of cultivators. they have, however, been applied with good results to trees that had previously failed. [illustration: fig. 132. apricot tree, showing method of training suitable for gable ends of cottages.] _cropping, &c._ thinning of the fruit needs early and careful attention. the average of 3in. apart may be chosen for a maximum yield. as the fruit approach maturity, overhanging leaves, or branches of young wood, must be removed, to admit sun and light to properly ripen and colour them. apricots for preserving should be gathered quite dry, and with the sun upon them. for dessert, they should be plucked in the morning, and placed in a cool room till wanted. _under glass._ the apricot will hardly bear forcing. it is more sensitive to heat than almost any other of our semi-hardy fruits. practically, it is found that a confined atmosphere, or the slightest excess of heat, brings its blooms off in showers, and this, of course, mars all prospect of fruit. but in cold climates and northern latitudes under glass is the best and only means of growing them. should red-spider appear, it is proof that the roots or the atmosphere, probably both, have been too dry; more moisture, and syringing over the leaves, are the surest remedies. the borders need to be about 2ft. or 2ft. 6in. deep, of any light rich soil. fresh planted trees should be frequently syringed overhead before and after the flowering period. after they have become fully established, less overhead sprinkling is needed. during all the earlier stages of growth, and until the fruit are stoned, an artificial temperature of 45deg. should not be exceeded. after that stage, the fruit will bear a heat of 50deg. or 55deg. it is hardly safe or desirable to exceed the latter under glass, and unless abundance of air is given, 55deg. may bring off the fruit, even at an advanced stage. a thorough soaking, at intervals of fourteen days during the height of the growing season, may be applied; and, should the trees be heavily cropped, manure water may be given at every alternate watering. it is also a good practice to mulch the surface of heavily cropped trees with 3in. or 4in. of good dung. the fruit should, however, be freely thinned to distances of from 4in. to 6in. apart at the most. there are three general methods of growing them under glass: the trees may be trained on trellises or walls; grown as natural standards, tall or dwarf; and as bushes, either planted out or in pots. _varieties._ the varieties of apricot, unlike most other fruit, are not numerous; and the following will be found in every way representative and satisfactory: =blanche=, or =white masculine=. a small and delicate fruited sort. fruit pale whitish-yellow, tinged with brownish-red next the sun, covered with a fine white down; rich, delicate, and sugary. =blenheim=, or =shipley's=.* very early and prolific. colour deep yellow; flesh medium, rich, and juicy. ripe in july. =breda.=* a small sort, of excellent quality. colour deep orange; flesh firm, juicy, and rich. hardiest sort grown. =kaisha.=* fruit round, much smaller than moorpark. colour pale citron; flesh tender, rich, juicy; flavour delicate and delicious; kernel very sweet. =large red.= the deepest coloured of all. fruit very large; colour deep reddish-orange; flesh rich and juicy; kernel bitter. =moorpark.=* the sort most generally grown; large, handsome, and of excellent quality. colour brownish-orange; flesh rich, juicy, and sweet. it is one of the best and most useful sorts in cultivation. =peach=, or =grosse peche=. distinct and very desirable. fruit very large; flesh rich, firm, and juicy. one of the very best. =royal.=* not unlike moorpark, but with a more robust constitution, and less given to limb dying. fruit large, dull, yellow, rich, and juicy. =turkey.=* a good variety. colour pale yellow; flavour rich and juicy; flesh firm. for modes of training and budding, diseases, insect pests, &c., full information will be found under each individual title. =apteranthes.= _see_ =boucerosia=. =apterous.= without wings. =aquatic plants.= the culture of aquatic plants, both indoors and in the open air, has been greatly neglected of late years; they are, therefore, rarely seen to perfection in places other than where their culture is made a speciality. generally speaking, they are most easily grown. the following stove and greenhouse genera are well worth attention: _aponogeton_, _cyperus_, _damasonium_, _herpestis_, _limnocharis_, _nelumbium_, _nymphå�a_, _ouvirandra_, _pistia_, _pontederia_, _salvinia_, _thalia_, _trianea_, _victoria_. many species belonging to some of the foregoing genera are hardy, as are also the following: _alisma_, _butomus_, _calla_, _hottonia_, _menyanthes_, _nuphar_, _polygonum_, _sagittaria_, _trapa_, _typha_, _villarsia_. =aquaticus.= living in water. =aquatilis.= living under water. =aquifoliaceã�.= _see_ =ilicineã¦=. =aquilegia= (from _aquila_, an eagle; in reference to the form of the petals). columbine. ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. erect hardy perennial herbs with fibrous roots. flowers solitary or panicled, drooping; sepals five, petaloid, deciduous; petals five, concave, spurred; spurs very large, produced downwards into hollow tubes, and frequently curved at the extremity; carpels five, sessile, free. radical leaves on long stalks, twice or thrice ternate, with trifid-toothed, usually blunt segments. too much praise can scarcely be lavished upon this elegant genus of plants. they prefer a moist and sheltered situation, with exposure to the sun. the more robust species will thrive in ordinary garden soil, but the rarer and more delicate kinds require a good friable sandy loam and leaf soil, with good drainage. seed is produced in abundance, and must be sown very thinly, as soon as practicable after being ripe, in a shady place or in pans in a cold frame. when up, and strong enough to remove, the seedlings may be planted out where they are to bloom, allowing every plant at least 9in. each way. the strong-growing kinds may be placed in the border, the dwarf ones on the rockery. when in bloom, the inferior sorts should be weeded out, retaining only the best varieties. to obtain seed true of any species, it is absolutely necessary to plant the separate kinds far apart, and cover them with fine muslin, to prevent the access of insects to the flowers, as none are more easily cross-fertilised. division of the root is the only way to perpetuate any particular variety with certainty, unless seed is saved in the way mentioned, or imported from the native habitats of particular species. there are many beautiful hybrids, as well as species, in cultivation. =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ from 2in. to 3in. in diameter when expanded, deep blue or blue and white, on leafy, two to three-flowered stems; spurs straight, but somewhat incurved at the apex, one-half shorter than the petal limb. may. _l._ with segments deeply divided into linear lobes. _h._ 1ft. alps of switzerland, in shady humid places, 1731. plant this on the rockery. =a. arctica= (arctic). a form of _a. formosa_. =a. atropurpurea= (dark purple). _fl._ dark purple or bluish violet, about 1in. or 1-1/2in. in diameter when expanded, two or three in a head; spurs straight, equal in length with the petals' limb; sepals about as long as the petals. may. _l._ petioled, biternate. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia. border plant. =a. aurea= (golden).* a synonym of _a. chrysantha flavescens_. =a. bertoloni= (bertoloni's).* _fl._ about 1in. across, blue-violet throughout; sepals about 3/4in. long, rounded; petals about the same length; spurs very short, knobbed; stems two to four flowered. june and july. _l._ small, dark green, and glaucous. a very pretty little alpine, growing about 1ft. high. syn. _a. reuteri_. [illustration: fig. 133. aquilegia cã�rulea.] =a. cã¦rulea= (sky-blue).* _fl._ several on a stem, blue and white, sometimes more or less tinted with lilac or claret, rarely pure white, when expanded 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; spur very slender, nearly straight, green tipped, about 2in. long. april to july. _l._ large, biternate. _h._ 9in. to 15in. rocky mountains, 1864. a very lovely species for the border or base of the rockery. syns. _a. leptoceras_, _a. macrantha_. see fig. 133. =a. c. alba= (white).* _fl._ the same size and form as the type, white throughout. rocky mountains. a very rare and lovely variety; sometimes met with under the name of _a. grandiflora_. =a. c. hybrida= (hybrid).* _fl._ blue and white, not so wide across as the type, but more numerous, and the plant has a much more vigorous habit. of garden origin. =a. californica= (californian).* a form of _a. formosa_. [illustration: fig. 134. aquilegia canadensis, showing habit and flower.] =a. canadensis= (canadian).* _fl._ scarlet, mixed with yellow, less than 1in. in diameter; spur straight, longer than the limb; styles and stamens protruding; sepals acutish, a little longer than the petals' limb. april to june. _l._, segments three-parted, bluntish, and deeply toothed at the apex. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america, 1640. border or rockery; very pretty. see fig. 134. =a. chrysantha= (yellow-flowered).* _fl._, sepals primrose yellow, spreading horizontally in full expansion, nearly or quite 1in. long, tinted claret at the tip; limb of petals deeper yellow, not quite so long; spur straight, very slender, divergent, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; stems many-flowered. may to august. _l._ biternate. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. california, 1873. one of the finest of all hardy perennials for the border. =a. c. flavescens= (yellow). _fl._ of a uniform bright canary yellow, tinged with red; spur somewhat shorter than in _a. canadensis_, and slightly incurved. california, 1872. syn. _a. aurea_. [illustration: fig. 135. aquilegia glandulosa.] =a. eximia= (choice). synonymous with _a. formosa_. =a. formosa= (handsome).* _fl._, sepals bright red, usually less than 1in. long, with an obtuse green tip; limb of petals yellow, about half as long as the sepals; spurs 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, slender in the lower half, nearly straight, distinctly knobbed at the tip; stems many-flowered. may to september. _l._ biternate. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. north america. border. the following are synonyms and varieties: _a. arctica_, _a. californica_, _a. eximia_, and _a. f. truncata_, revealing only trivial differences. there is a very beautiful hybrid known in gardens as _a. californica hybrida_, with the sepals and petals yellowish, or tinged with orange, while the long slender spurs are orange red; it is one of the handsomest of all. all the forms are very showy, and well worth growing. =a. fragrans= (fragrant).* _fl._ white or pale claret purple, finely pubescent, very fragrant; sepals about 1-1/2in. long, not reflexing, twice longer than the broad petals' limb; spur slender, slightly curved, knobbed at the top, same length as the petals; stems few-flowered. may to july. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. himalayas, 1839. this requires a warm position. =a. glandulosa= (glandular).* _fl._, sepals bright lilac blue, about 1-1/2in. long, more than twice the length of the petals' limb; petals white; spur 1/4in. long, or but little more, stout, much incurved; stems one to three-flowered. spring. _l._ biternate. _h._ 8in. to 12in. siberia, 1822. extremely pretty. see fig. 135. =a. g. jucunda= (pleasant). _fl._ rather smaller. very handsome little plants, freely hybridised, and it is necessary to keep raising fresh batches, as they are scarcely more than biennial. =a. glauca= (glaucous). _fl._ white, tinted claret, fragrant; sepals 1in. long, not reflexing; limb of petals 3/4in. long; spur straight, or a little curved, about 1/3in. long; stem three to four-flowered. june. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. himalayas, 1839. rather tender; plant in a warm dry position. =a. leptoceras= (slender-horned). a synonym of _a. cã¦rulea_. =a. macrantha= (large-flowered). a synonym of _a. cã¦rulea_. =a. olympica= (olympic).* _fl._ large, delicate mauve blue; petals white, rather shorter than the sepals; spur stout, short, obtuse. _l._ bior triternate, glaucous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1880. mount olympus. see fig. 136. =a. pyrenaica= (pyrenean).* _fl._, sepals bright lilac blue, about 1in. long, but not quite as much broad; limb of petals about 1/2in. long, and half as broad; spur slender, nearly straight, or rather incurved, nearly or quite 3/4in. long, scarcely knobbed at the end; stem one to three-flowered, with small and little compound deep green leaves. summer. _h._ 9in. to 12in. pyrenees, 1818. plant on the rockery. =a. reuteri= (reuter's). synonymous with _a. bertoloni_. =a. sibirica= (siberian).* _fl._ bright lilac; sepals very blunt, 1in. or a little more in length, spreading or slightly reflexing when fully expanded; limb of petals sometimes white, about 1/2in. long; spur stout, much incurved, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long; stems many-flowered, glabrous. summer. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1806. rockery species. here are referred, by mr. baker, _a. bicolor_, _a. garnieriana_, and _a. speciosa_. see fig. 137. =a. thalictrifolia= (thalictrum-leaved). _fl._, sepals oblong, acute, lilac blue, about 1/2in. long; limb of petals about as long, and rounded at the top; spurs slender, not quite as long as the sepals; stems about three-flowered. summer. _l._ with three-stalked segments cut into deep oblong lobes. _h._ 2ft. tyrol, 1879. entire plant clothed with fine pubescence. =a. viridiflora= (green-flowered). _fl._, sepals oval-oblong, shorter than the petals; spurs straight and longer than the petals; stems two to three-flowered. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. siberia, 1780. border. rather a pleasing and sweet-scented green-flowered species, but not very ornamental. =a. vulgaris= (common). common columbine. _fl._ variously coloured; sepals ovate acute, about 1in. long, and half as broad; limb of the petal rarely exceeding 3/4in. long, and half as much broad, rounded at the apex; spur much incurved, stout, knobbed at the end, as long as the petals; stems many-flowered. spring and early summer. _l._ biternate. england, &c. there are numerous varieties of this very handsome species, both double and single-flowered. =a. v. alba= (white). _fl._ pure white. =a. v. a. fl.-pl.= double white flowers. =a. v. cã¦rulea nana fl.-pl.= very dwarf, with double deep blue flowers. =a. v. hybrida= (hybrid). _fl._, sepals lilac purple, oblong-lanceolate, less than 1in. long; limb of the petals white, about 1/2in. long; spur scarcely incurved. =a. v. vervã¦neana.= this variety has pretty yellow mottled foliage. [illustration: fig. 136. aquilegia olympica, showing habit and flower.] [illustration: fig. 137. aquilegia sibirica flore-pleno, showing habit and flower.] =a. v. wittmanniana= (wittmann's). _fl._ large, bright lilac purple; sepals ovate-acute, 1in. to 1-1/4in. long, more than half as much broad; limb of petals white, about half the length of sepals; spur curved. a very fine variety. the following names are also met with in gardens, some of which represent specific forms, but none are effective as garden ornaments: _advena_, _burgeriana_, _haylodgensis_ (hybrid), _grata_, _longissima_, _nevadensis_, _oxysepala_, &c. =aquosus.= watery. =arabis= (origin of the word not clear). wall cress; rock cress. ord. _cruciferã¦_. hardy perennial trailers, except where otherwise stated. flowers mostly white; racemes terminal; pedicels bractless. radical leaves usually stalked; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire or toothed, rarely lobed. most members of this genus are peculiarly well adapted for rockwork and the alpine garden, both from their natural hardihood as well as their early and profuse flowering habits. they are of the easiest possible culture in any dry soil. the perennial species may either be increased by divisions of the root, by cuttings, placed in a shady border during the summer, or by seed. the latter may be sown outside, or in pans, in spring, when most of them will germinate in two or three weeks. the annuals and biennials are for the most part devoid of any cultural beauty. =a. albida= (whitish).* _fl._ white; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx. january to may. _l._ few-toothed, hoary, or downy with branched hairs; radical ones obovate-oblong; cauline ones cordately sagittate, clasping the stem. _h._ 6in. to 9in. tauria and caucasus, 1798. syn. _a. caucasica_. =a. a. variegata= (variegated).* a very pretty variegated form for edgings. [illustration: fig. 138. arabis alpina, showing habit and flowers.] =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ white, smaller than those of _a. albida_; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx, which is smoothish. march to may. _l._ many-toothed, lanceolate, acute, villous with branched hairs; radical ones somewhat stalked; cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem. _h._ 6in. european rocks, in sunny places, 1596. there are one or two varieties, including a variegated-leaved form, in cultivation. see fig. 138. [illustration: fig. 139. arabis arenosa, showing habit and flowers.] =a. arenosa= (sand-loving).* _fl._ rose coloured, very rarely white or bluish; petals obovate; pedicels spreading. april to july. _l._ villous, with forked hairs; radical ones pinnatifid, with the upper lobes much larger than the lower; cauline ones deeply toothed. stem branched, hispid, with simple hairs. _h._ 6in. middle europe, 1798. see fig. 139. =a. blepharophylla= (fringed-leaved).* _fl._ rosy purple; petals roundish, narrowing to the base, with slender claws. spring. _l._ naked, except the margins, which are fringed with very stiff hairs; radical ones spathulate; cauline ones oblong, sessile. _h._ 3in. to 4in. california, 1874. this succeeds best in a cool frame, where it will flower in january. =a. caucasica= (caucasus). a synonym of _a. albida_. =a. lucida= (shining).* _fl._ white; petals entire, narrowed at the base, twice as long as the calyx. summer. _l._ obovate, thickish, shining, clasping the stem. _h._ 4in. to 6in. hungary, 1790. a very pretty species, with a dwarf habit; it is especially adapted for edgings, borders, or rockwork. =a. l. variegata= (variegated).* a great improvement upon the type, being broadly edged with yellow, and the green somewhat lighter. when grown in tufts or as edging, it is very effective, and should be prevented from flowering. this exceedingly desirable variety is a gem for the rockwork, and when seen in crevices, or in bold tufts, it is very striking. it must be increased by slips or rootlets, which should be taken in early summer. =a. mollis= (soft). _fl._ white, in terminal racemes. may to july. _l._ grossly toothed, somewhat pubescent, with small stellate hairs; lower ones on long petioles, cordate-roundish; cauline ones ovate-cordate, clasping the stem. _h._ 2ft. caucasus, 1823. =a. petrã¦a= (rock).* _fl._ white; petals ovate, with stalks. june. _l._ smooth, ciliated or scabrous, with simple or bifid radical ones on longish stalks, entire, toothed; cauline ones oblong-linear, entire, or toothed. _h._ 3in. or 4in. britain. =a. prã¦cox= (early). _fl._ white; petals obovately cuneated, double the length of the calyx. april to june. _l._ oblong, acute, sessile, quite entire, smooth. stem covered with close pressed rigid hairs. _h._ 6in. to 9in. hungary. =a. procurrens= (procurrent). _fl._ white; petals obovate, double the length of the calyx. may and june. _l._ ovate, quite entire, smooth, ciliated with two-parted hairs; radical ones narrowed into a petiole; cauline ones sessile, pointed. stolons creeping. _h._ 9in. servia, 1819. there is a brilliantly variegated form of this pretty species well worth growing. =a. rosea= (rosy).* _fl._ rosy purple; petals oblong, somewhat wedge-shaped, double the length of the calyx; pedicels longer than the calyx. may to july. _l._, cauline ones oblong, somewhat cordate, and rather stem-clasping, scabrous with branched hairs. _h._ 1ft. calabria, 1832. =a. verna= (spring). _fl._ small, purple, with a white claw; pedicels shorter than the calyx. may to june. _l._, cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem, toothed, scabrous with three-parted hairs. _h._ 3in. to 6in. south europe, 1710. the best annual species. =araceã�= or =aroideã�=. an extensive order of herbaceous plants, with tuberous rhizomes. flowers on a spadix, unisexual or hermaphrodite, protected by a spathe. leaves large, radical. well known genera belonging to this order are: _alocasia_, _arum_, _caladium_, _colocasia_, and _dieffenbachia_. =arachis= (from _a_, without, and _rachis_, a branch; plant branchless). ground or earth nut. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a stove annual, of economical value. corolla resupinate; calyx a long tube, with a bilabiate limb; ovary stipitate, inclosed in the tube of the calyx; the stipe at first short, but afterwards becoming elongated. sandy loam is the soil most suitable for their cultivation. seeds should be sown in heat; and, when the plants have grown to a sufficient size, they should be potted off singly, and placed among other stove annuals. after the plant has finished flowering, and the pods begin to lengthen, the pedicels force them into the earth, where they ripen their seeds. =a. hypogã¦a= (underground). monkey nut. _fl._ yellow, five to seven together in the axils of the leaves. may. _l._ abruptly-pinnate, bearing two pairs of leaflets, without any tendril; stipulas elongated, adnate to the petioles. _h._ 1ft., or procumbent. south america, 1812. see fig. 140. =arachnimorpha.= a synonym of =rondeletia= (which _see_). =arachnoid.= resembling a cobweb in appearance; seeming to be covered with cobweb, in consequence of the entanglement of long, white hairs. [illustration: fig. 140. arachis hypogã�a, showing leaf, flower, &c., and cluster of short wrinkled pods.] =aralia= (meaning unknown). ord. _araliaceã¦_. this widely-grown genus includes stove, greenhouse, and hardy, herbaceous and shrubby plants. flowers inconspicuous, umbellate, the umbels usually disposed in panicles; petals five, inserted on the margin of the disk; stamens five (see fig. 142). leaves usually compound. these plants are of moderately free growth, and the majority are easy to manage. those requiring indoor treatment thrive well under the ordinary routine of management. one most important requirement, however, is that they must be kept well supplied with water at the roots. the finer, or stove varieties, should be potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with the addition of a little fibrous leaf soil, and sufficient sand to keep the whole porous. the stronger growing kinds thrive in a richer compost. propagation by cuttings of the roots is a common and very successful method. to obtain the roots, one of the strongest plants should be turned out of the pot, and the roots should be cleared of soil by shaking or washing it out; the requisite number of pieces should then be selected. as each piece is removed, it should have the end nearest the stem cut horizontally, to distinguish it from the other or furthermost end. in planting cuttings of the roots, it is best to place the end nearest the stem uppermost. the pieces may be left about 2in. long, and should be inserted in pots, well drained, and filled with sandy soil, leaving the tops of the cuttings about level with the surface of the soil. a square of glass must be placed over the top of each pot, plunging them in moderate bottom heat. the stems of the plants from which the roots have been taken may be cut into pieces 1in. or 1-1/2in. long, leaving an eye or bud near the top; a slice of half the shoot may be taken off opposite the bud. when prepared, these pieces should be pressed into pots of sand or sandy soil, and plunged into bottom heat. the stems may be cut down without disturbing the roots; in that case, if the pots are plunged in bottom heat, and kept moderately supplied with water, they will probably throw up several suckers or shoots from the roots. these, if taken off with a portion of root to each, and placed in small sized pots, will, with a little care, soon make useful plants. all the hardy species and most of the greenhouse ones are propagated readily by cuttings or pieces of roots. some of the stove species, however, are very difficult to increase, except by grafting. among these are _a. leptophylla_, _a. veitchii_, &c. these should be worked on stocks of _a. guilfoylei_ or _a. reticulata_, the latter being the better of the two. cuttings of either of these strike readily, and stocks fit for grafting are easily procured. in sheltered and warm positions, the greenhouse species are admirably suited for sub-tropical gardening, either planted singly or in groups. _see_ also =dimorphanthus=, =fatsia=, =hedera=, =heptapleurum=, =monopanax=, =oreopanax=, and =panax=. =a. canescens= (greyish). a garden synonym of _a. chinensis_. =a. chabrierii= (chabrier's).* _l._ alternate, pinnate, about a foot long; pinnã¦ opposite, 6in. to 9in. long, linear-lanceolate, deep green, with a heavy crimson midrib. 1882. suitable for table decoration. a charming stove species. [illustration: fig. 141. aralia chinensis.] =a. chinensis= (chinese).* _fl._ white; panicles terminal; peduncles umbelliferous. _l._ petiolate, coriaceous, woolly on both surfaces when young (only); pinnã¦ seven, ovate, serrated at the apex, erect and distinct. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. 1838. this species, if planted in a soil with a dry porous bottom, will prove to be hardy. syn. _a. canescens_, of gardens. see fig. 141. =a. concinna= (neat). _l._ unequally pinnate; pinnã¦ lobed and serrate. stem spotted. new caledonia, 1879. a handsome stove species, but very rare. syns. _a. spectabilis_, _delarbrea spectabilis_. =a. crassifolia= (thick-leaved). a synonym of _pseudopanax crassifolium_. =a. edulis= (edible).* _fl._ numerous, white; umbels globose, axillary and terminal, united into simple or compound racemes. summer. _l._, lower ones pinnate, with five leaflets, or three pinnate, with divisions of three to five leaflets; upper ones generally simple, with stalked leaflets, having a cordate base, ovate, acute, finely toothed, downy. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. japan, 1843. hardy, herbaceous, perennial, hairy, and spineless. =a. elegantissima= (most elegant).* _l._ digitate, on long dark green footstalks, which are mottled with white; leaflets seven to ten, filiform, and, being pendulous, impart a very graceful character to the plant. stem straight, erect. south sea islands, 1873. stove species, excellent for table decoration. =a. filicifolia= (fern-leaved).* _l._, leafstalks sheathing at the base, and terete in the upper part, expanding into a broad leafy limb which is impari-pinnately divided; pinnã¦ opposite, deeply pinnatifid, bright green, with a purplish midrib. stem and leafstalks purplish, thickly marked with oblong white spots. polynesia, 1876. =a. gracillima= (most graceful). synonymous with _a. veitchii gracillima_. =a. guilfoylei= (guilfoyle's).* _l._ pinnate, on long smooth terete petioles; leaflets oblong-elliptic, bluntish, from three to seven, they are sometimes obscurely lobed, and irregularly spinose, serrate, varying in size from 2in. to 3in. long, neatly and evenly margined with creamy white, the surface being in addition occasionally splashed with grey. stem erect, copiously dotted with lenticular markings. south sea islands, 1876. stove species. =a. heteromorpha= (many-formed).* _l._ sometimes ovate-lanceolate and serrated, and at others bifid or even trifid at the apex, about 6in. to 8in. or 9in. long, bright shining green. a very desirable species, of robust and compact habit. =a. japonica= (japanese). another name for _fatsia japonica_. =a. kerchoveana= (count kerchove's). _l._ digitate, almost circular in outline; leaflets nine to eleven, spreading, elliptic-lanceolate, conspicuously serrated or undulated margins, of a deep glossy green relieved by a pale midrib. 1883. a very elegant slender-stemmed plant from the south sea islands, and likely to prove valuable for decorative purposes. stove species. =a. leptophylla= (slender-leaved).* _l._ compound, bearing often seven or more petiolate leaflets of a somewhat pendent character, and dark green in colour. 1862. an elegant stove or greenhouse slender growing species. =a. longipes= (long-stalked). _l._ digitate, long stalked, and rather distant; leaflets oblanceolate acuminate, slightly undulated at the edge; petioles elongated. stems simple. north australia, 1882. a very distinct erect-growing evergreen stove species. =a. maculata= (spotted). _l._ of a light green colour; leaflets oblong-acuminate, in about four pairs. stem erect, which, as well as the stalks of the leaves, is of a blackish-purple hue, thickly spotted with green dots. this peculiar colouring is very distinct and conspicuous. south pacific islands. stove species. =a. maximowiczii= (maximowicz's).* _l._ on long stalks, palmately five to seven-lobed; lobes lanceolate, 3-1/2in. long, serrate. japan, 1874. an elegant and distinct hardy shrub, with erect spiny stem. syn. _acanthopanax ricinifolium_. =a. monstrosa= (monstrous).* _l._ pendent, pinnate; leaflets three to seven, oblong elliptic, deeply and irregularly serrated (this serration sometimes takes most fantastic forms), broadly margined with creamy white, the surface blotched with grey. south sea islands, 1880. stove species. =a. nudicaulis= (naked-stemmed).* _fl._ greenish; scape trifid at the apex, shorter than the leaf, each division bearing a many-flowered umbel. june. _l._ radical, the divisions pinnately five foliate; leaflets oblong-oval, with a long tapering point, serrate. root horizontal, very long. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. north america, 1731. quite hardy, herbaceous perennial. =a. osyana= (osyan).* resembling _a. leptophylla_, but with leaflets deeply bifid at the ends; surface colour bright green; primary veins and tips of the leaflets chocolate brown. south sea islands, 1870. very elegant stove species. =a. pentaphylla= (five-leaved).* _l._ digitate, or sometimes only three leaflets are produced, each varying from 6in. to 10in. in length, and from 1in. to 2in. in breadth, deeply lobed or pinnatifid, bright shining green. stem arboreous, prickly. _h._ 20ft. japan. syn. _panax spinosa_. =a. p. variegata= (variegated). _l._ broadly edged with creamy white. japan, 1874. =a. quercifolia= (oak-leaved).* _l._ opposite, trifoliate; leaflets deeply sinuate; lower petioles about 3in. long, light shining green. new britain, 1880. very pretty stove species. [illustration: fig. 142. flower of aralia racemosa, enlarged.] =a. racemosa= (raceme-flowering).* _fl._ greenish-white, petals spreading; peduncles axillary, disposed in a terminal raceme, umbelliferous. june. _l._ petioles tripartite, the partitions bearing each three to five ovate or cordate, acuminated, serrated, smoothish leaflets. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. north america, 1658. hardy herbaceous species, highly ornamental. see fig. 142. =a. reticulata= (netted). _l._ alternate, strap-shaped when young, becoming larger with age, dark green, reticulated with a lighter shade of the same colour. a very handsome species, requiring stove heat during winter. in spring and summer it is admirably suited for conservatory or indoor decoration, having a light and graceful aspect. =a. rotunda= (round). _l._ sometimes of a single leaflet only, which is spreading, orbicular, cordate at the base, margined with distinct white tipped teeth; at other times, especially when approaching maturity, the leaves are trifoliate, the leaflets being rounded and toothed, and the terminal one being about double the size of the lateral ones. stems erect, brownish-green, spotted when young with pale elongate blotches. polynesia, 1882. =a. scheffleri= (scheffler's). _l._ on long petioles, digitate; leaflets five, petiolulate, lanceolate, attenuated at the base, serrulated, glabrous on both surfaces. stem shrubby, smooth. new zealand. greenhouse species. =a. spectabilis= (showy). a synonym of _a. concinna_. =a. spinosa= (thorny).* angelica tree. _l._ doubly and triply pinnate; leaflets ovate, acuminated, deeply serrated. stem simple, prickly (as are also the petioles), forming into an umbrella-like head, deciduous. _h._ 8ft. to 12ft. north america, 1688. a very fine hardy species for sheltered spots. =a. spinulosa= (small-spined). _l._ alternate, pinnate; pinnã¦ ovate acuminate, dark green, margined with little reddish-crimson spines or prickles. stems and petioles spotted and suffused with crimson. 1880. a bold and robust stove plant. =a. ternata= (three-leafleted).* _l._ opposite, ternate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate; margins in some cases deeply serrate, in others sinuate, light green. new britain, 1879. a slender growing species. =a. trifolia= (three-leaved). a synonym of _pseudopanax lessonii_. [illustration: fig. 143. aralia veitchii.] =a. veitchii= (veitch's).* _l._ digitate, with about eleven filiform undulated leaflets, glossy green above, dark red beneath; petioles long and slender. new caledonia, 1867. a very handsome (said to be the best) species, with slender, erect growing stem. see fig. 143, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons. =a. v. gracillima= (most graceful).* _l._ alternate, spreading; leaflets nearly linear, but slightly narrowed at both ends, having a prominent ivory-white central rib. south sea islands, 1876. an erect growing species, with an elegantly graceful habit. it is allied to _a. reticulata_, but is more handsome. this charming variety is undoubtedly the finest for table decoration, and is frequently grafted upon stocks of the typical form. it enjoys plenty of heat. syn. _a. gracillima_. =araliaceã�.= an order of trees, shrubs, or (rarely) herbaceous plants, often pubescent, and sometimes spiny. flowers variously disposed, hermaphrodite or unisexual, regular; petals usually five, and valvate. leaves alternate, or (rarely) opposite. this order is closely allied to _umbelliferã¦_; and the best known genera are _aralia_ and _hedera_. =arar-tree.= a common name for =callitris quadrivalvis= (which _see_). =araucaria= (from _araucanos_, its name in chili). syn. _eutacta_. ord. _coniferã¦_. a noble genus of diå�cious or sub-diå�cious evergreen trees, with usually imbricated persistent flat sessile scale-like leaves. male cones large, cylindrical, terminal; female ones very large, globular, terminal, with dense ligneous deciduous scales, each bearing a solitary seed. the majority of the species are not, unfortunately, sufficiently hardy to withstand our winters out of doors. few trees can compete with them in symmetry and elegant proportion for conservatory decoration, where they may be grown in large tubs, or planted out. small plants grown in pots are most serviceable for table and other decorative purposes. they thrive in a good fibrous loam, mixed with leaf soil and sand. propagation by means of seed is the surest and most satisfactory method; the seed should be sown in pans or boxes, or if in large quantities, in a bed, with but gentle heat; they usually take some time to germinate. cuttings are procured by taking off the leading shoots, and fixing them firmly in a pot of sand; they first require a cool place, but may afterwards be subjected to slight warmth. when rooted, they should be potted off into the soil above mentioned. the young growths which afterwards shoot from the plant, whence the cutting, may be taken off and treated in much the same manner. these are the only methods of propagation worth pursuing. =a. balansã¦= (balansa's). _male cones_ cylindrical-conical, 2in. _female cones_ elliptic globose, 4in.; scales obovate, cuneate. _l._ arcuately-uncinate, ovate triangular, imbricated round the distichous, simple branchlets. _h._ 130ft. to 160ft. new caledonia, 1875. a fine greenhouse plumosely branched tree. =a. bidwillii= (bidwill's).* bunya-bunya pine; moreton bay pine. _cones_ sub-globose, longest diameter 10in. to 12in., shortest 9in. to 10in. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, in two nearly horizontal rows, acuminated, slightly convex above, concave beneath, leathery, deep shining green. _h._ 150ft. moreton bay. habit very regular and symmetrical. greenhouse species. =a. brasiliensis= (brazilian). _l._ oblong-lanceolate, much attenuated at the point, loosely imbricated, deep green; lower part of the trunk usually free from branches, terminating in a rounded head. _h._ 70ft. to 100ft. brazil, 1819. _a. b. gracilis_, and _a. b. ridolfiana_ are two forms of this species. =a. columnaris= (columnar). a synonym of _a. cookii_. =a. cookii= (cook's).* _l._ awl-shaped, short, densely imbricated around the frondose branches. described by mr. abbay as having "a somewhat curious habit, even when growing alone, of shedding their branches for five-sixths or more of their height, and then replacing them by a smaller and more bushy growth, so that the tree at a distance presents a very columnar appearance, the resemblance being increased by the summit being crowned with a mass of foliage somewhat like a capital." _h._ 200ft. new caledonia, 1851. syn. _a. columnaris_. [illustration: fig. 144. araucaria excelsa.] =a. cunninghami= (cunningham's).* _l._ on the sterile branches needle-shaped, obscurely quadrangular, rigid, acute; on the fertile branches shorter, stouter, closely appressed, bright green; upper branches ascending, lower ones horizontal. _h._ 100ft. moreton bay. this fine species we have found to be quite hardy on the south-west coast of england. =a. c. glauca= (milky-green). a very handsome variety, with silvery glaucous leaves. =a. excelsa= (lofty).* the norfolk island pine. _l._ awl-shaped, curved, sharply acuminated, bright green, densely packed on the frondose, deltoid, horizontal, or pendulous branches. when well grown, this is a beautifully symmetrical greenhouse or conservatory species, attaining to a height of 150ft., and a circumference of 20ft. or more. norfolk island. this is especially desirable in a small state. there are several varieties known, the best being: _a. e. glauca_, having lighter green, and very glaucous foliage; and _a. e. robusta_, which is larger in all its parts. see fig. 144. =a. goldieana= (goldie's).* allied to _a. rulei_. _l._ produced in whorls, pendulous, dark green, varying in size. new caledonia. most distinct and elegant for conservatory decoration. =a. imbricata= (imbricated).* the monkey puzzle. _fl._, male and female catkins on separate trees; the males are six or seven in a cluster, pedunculate, yellow, and oval with numerous scales, imbricated, long, and recurved at the points; the female catkins are oval, with numerous wedge-shaped scales, with narrow oblong brittle points; they are produced at the ends of the branches. _cones_, when fully ripe globular, from 3in. to 4in. in diameter, dark brown. the branches are horizontal, inflexed, and ascending at the extremities, and are produced in whorls. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, sessile, thickened at the base, stiff, leathery, straight, somewhat keeled-shaped below, and strongly mucronate at the apex; verticillate, with seven or eight in a whorl, imbricate, and closely encircling the branches, concave, glabrous, shining, marked with longitudinal lines, dotted on both sides. _h._ 50ft. to 100ft. chili, 1796. a well known hardy tree, of striking aspect, and indispensable to arboreta and shrubberies. see fig. 145. =a. rulei= (rule's).* _male cones_ oblong obtuse; _female cones_ oval. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, with a prominent dorsal nerve, more closely appressed, and less sharply pointed than in the foregoing species; imbricated in four rows. branches horizontal; branchlets often quite pendulous. _h._ 50ft. papuan archipelago. =a. r. elegans= (elegant).* _l._ smaller; whorls of branches closer together; branchlets more slender. an elegant form; and, from its comparative dwarf and graceful habit, should be very generally grown. =arbor.= a tree. a perennial plant, having a distinct bole or trunk, from which the main branches grow. =arborescent.= having a tendency to become a tree. =arboretum.= a collection of hardy trees formed for pleasure or instruction, and which, when well managed, is a source of much interesting study. they afford shelter, improve the local climate, renovate bad soils, &c., and also, by concealing or hiding disagreeable objects, heighten the effect of agreeable ones, create beauty, and add value. a properly arranged arboretum should be constructed with a view to picturesque beauty, and not systematically, as is usually the case in botanic gardens, although scientific purposes are best served by a systematic arrangement. =arbor-vitã�.= _see_ =thuja=. =arbour.= a seat surrounded by lattice work, covered by vines, wistarias, or other climbing plants. =arbutus= (from _arboise_, celtic for austere bush; in allusion to the austere quality of the fruit). strawberry tree. ord. _ericaceã¦_. trees and shrubs, with evergreen alternate laurel-like leaves. corolla globose, or ovately campanulate; petals five, reflexed. very ornamental subjects for lawns and shrubberies, thriving well in a light sandy or peaty soil. they may be propagated by seeds, which should be sown in sand during march; by budding, and by inarching; the first mentioned method is the one most generally employed, with good results. the various sorts may be grafted, budded, or inarched upon _a. unedo_. the greenhouse species are rare in cultivation, but their management does not materially differ from other plants requiring a similar temperature. =a. andrachne= (andrachne).* _fl._ greenish-white; panicles terminal, erect, clothed with viscid down. march and april. _l._ oblong, bluntish, entire in some, a little serrated in others, glabrous. _h._ 10ft. to 14ft. greece, 1724. a fine ornamental tree. =a. a. serratifolia= (saw-edge-leaved). _fl._ yellowish, disposed in rather large terminal clusters. _l._ serrated, and narrower than those of the species. syn. _a. serratifolia_. [illustration: fig. 145. araucaria imbricata.] =a. andrachnoides= (andrachne-like). a synonym of _a. hybrida_. =a. canariensis= (canary). _fl._ greenish-white; panicles erect, hispid. may. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, serrated, glaucous beneath. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. canary islands, 1796. greenhouse. =a. densiflora= (thickly-flowered).* _fl._ white; corolla oval; pedicels furnished with three bracteas at the base; panicle terminal, composed of closely packed racemes. _l._ 4in. to 5in. long, on long petioles, oblong, acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, glabrous above and shining, but downy beneath, the middle nerve with rusty villi; branches angular, hairy. _h._ 20ft. mexico, 1826. greenhouse. =a. hybrida= (hybrid).* _fl._ white; panicle terminal, pendulous, downy. september to december. _l._ oblong, acute, serrated, glabrous; branches pilose. _h._ 10ft. to 0ft. a half-hardy garden hybrid; it originated about 1800. syn. _a. andrachnoides_. =a. menziesi= (menzies').* _fl._ white; racemes axillary and terminal, panicled, dense-flowered. september. _l._ broad-oval, quite entire, glabrous, on long petioles. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. north-west america, 1827. a noble hardy tree. _a. laurifolia_ comes close to this species. syn. _a. procera_. =a. mollis= (soft). _fl._ rosy, drooping; panicle terminal, crowded, racemose. june. _l._ oblong-acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, clothed with soft pubescence above, and white tomentum beneath. _h._ 6ft. mexico. greenhouse shrub. =a. mucronata= (mucronate). a synonym of _pernettya mucronata_. =a. pilosa= (pilose). a synonym of _pernettya pilosa_. =a. procera= (tall).* a synonym of _a. menziesi_. =a. serratifolia= (saw-edge-leaved). a synonym of _a. andrachne serratifolia_. =a. unedo= (unedo).* the strawberry tree. _fl._ white, deep red in some of the varieties, nodding, in terminal racemose, bracteate panicles. september. _fr._ large, scarlet, nearly globose, granular, edible. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, serrulated; branchlets clothed with glandular hairs. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. west of ireland, and south europe. there are several varieties of this plant in cultivation. it is one of the greatest ornaments in the months of october and november--the season when it is in flower, and when, also, the fruit of the former year is ripe. =a. xalapensis= (xalapan). _fl._ reddish white; corolla ovate; panicle terminal, composed of many racemes. april. _l._ petiolate, oblong, acute, quite entire, about 2in. long, glabrous above, but clothed with brownish tomentum beneath; epidermis separating, brownish purple. young branches glabrous, but beset with ramentã¦. _h._ 6ft. to 9ft. mexico. greenhouse species. =archegonium.= the female organ in ferns, &c., analogous with the ovary in flowering plants. =arctostaphylos= (from _arktos_, a bear, and _staphyle_, a grape; bears eat the fruit of some species). ord. _ericaceã¦_. handsome hardy or half-hardy shrubs or sub-shrubs, agreeing in generic characters with _arbutus_, except that the fruit is five-celled and the cells one-seeded, and not granular on the outside. for culture, &c., _see_ =arbutus=. =a. alpina= (alpine).* black bearberry. _fl._ white or flesh-coloured, in terminal, reflexed racemes; pedicels rather hairy. april. _l._ obovate, acute, wrinkled, serrated, deciduous. stems procumbent, trailing. scotland (but rare), &c. syn. _arbutus alpina_. =a. nitida= (shining).* _fl._ white; racemes terminal. may. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute, smooth on both sides and shining above. _h._ 4ft. mexico, 1839. an erect half-hardy evergreen. =a. pungens= (stinging).* _fl._ white; pedicels close; racemes short, at first terminal, but at length lateral. february. _l._ ovate-oblong, acute, mucronate, rather pungent, quite entire, coriaceous, clothed with fine down on both surfaces; branchlets angular, downy. _h._ 1ft. mexico, 1839. a dwarf, much branched, half-hardy evergreen shrub. =a. tomentosa= (tomentose).* _fl._ pure white, campanulately urceolate, bracteate; peduncles axillary, shorter than the leaves, somewhat capitately racemose. december. _l._ oval, acute, sub-cordate at the base, clothed with white tomentum beneath, on short petioles; branches hispid. _h._ 4ft. north-west america, 1826. shrubby species; hardy. =a. uva-ursi.=* bearberry. _fl._ flesh-coloured, with a red mouth, growing in small clusters at the extremities of the branches. april. _l._ obovate, quite entire, coriaceous, shining. highlands of scotland and wales. a hardy evergreen procumbent trailer. syn. _arbutus uva-ursi_. =arctotheca= (from _arktos_, a bear, and _theke_, a capsule; so named from the roughness of the fruit). ord. _compositã¦_. greenhouse herbaceous perennial, allied to _arctotis_. heads radiate; involucral scales imbricate in many rows, the outer linear, herbaceous, inner larger, scariose, very obtuse; receptacle honeycombed, bearing many little fringes; achenes ovate, somewhat four-sided, without wings or pappus. it thrives in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. propagated by divisions of the plant, or cuttings, in spring. several species formerly classed in this genus are now included under _arctotis_. =a. repens= (creeping). _fl.-heads_ yellow. july. _l._ petioled, lyrate-pinnatifid, green and mostly smooth above, white-woolly beneath. cape of good hope, 1793. a stemless, creeping or decumbent herb. =arctotis= (from _arktos_, a bear, and _ous_, an ear; in reference to the shaggy fruit). ord. _compositã¦_. mostly half-hardy herbaceous perennials. involucral bracts numerous, imbricated, scariose on the margin; receptacle pitted, studded with bristles between the florets; achenes grooved, crowned with a pappus of membranous scales. the species of this genus are of easy culture in a compost of loam and leaf soil. propagated by cuttings at any time of the year; these should be pricked in pots of very sandy soil, and placed in gentle warmth; they must be kept uncovered and moderately dry, or they will rot. the arctotis are very handsome plants in sunny, dry positions outside during the summer months, but they must be protected during winter. a. acaulis (stemless).* _fl.-heads_ yellow and red. summer. _l._ hoary on each side, ternate, lyrate. stem very short, decumbent. _h._ 4in. cape of good hope, 1759. very rarely met with. =a. arborescens= (tree-like).* _fl.-heads_, ray-florets white above, pink beneath; disk-florets yellow; disposed in large circular daisy-like heads. summer. _l._ linear-oblong, pinnate; upper ones amplexicaul; lower ones stalked. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1815. =a. argentea= (silvery). _fl.-heads_ orange. august. _l._ lanceolate-linear, entire, downy. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1774. =a. aureola= (golden). synonymous with _a. grandiflora_. =a. breviscapa= (short-stalked). synonymous with _a. speciosa_. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ orange; outer scales of involucre reflexed, cuneate, oblong, with a broad short point, somewhat cobwebbed. july. _l._ pinnatifid, serrulate, three-nerved. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1710. syns. _a. aureola_ and _a. undulata_. =a. reptans= (creeping). _fl.-heads_ white, orange. july. _l._ hairy beneath; lower lyrate toothed; upper lanceolate toothed. stem ascending. _h._ 8in. cape of good hope, 1795. =a. rosea= (rosy). _fl.-heads_ pink. autumn. _l._ spathulate-lanceolate, repand-toothed, hoary. stem procumbent. cape of good hope, 1793. =a. speciosa= (showy).* _fl.-heads_ yellow; outer scales of involucre linear recurved. july. _l._ lyrate, pinnatifid, hoary beneath, three-nerved. plant stemless. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1812. closely allied to _a. acaulis_. syn. _a. breviscapa_. =a. undulata= (wavy). synonymous with _a. grandiflora_. =arcuate, arcuated.= curved or bent like a bow; forming an arch. =ardisia.= (from _ardis_, a point; in reference to the acute, spear-pointed anthers). syn. _pyrgus_. ord. _myrsineã¦_. an extensive genus of greenhouse or stove, mostly ornamental, evergreen trees and shrubs. flowers white or rose-coloured, more or less panicled; panicles sometimes many-flowered at the extremities of the branches, and longer than the leaves, sometimes few-flowered and in the axils of the leaves. leaves alternate, rarely almost opposite, or three in a whorl, dotted. propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood taken from the side shoots of the plant any time from march to september; but, as the points of these side shoots bear the blossoms and fruit, they are not well adapted for making good plants. to obtain the best plants, the largest, ripest, and best-coloured berries should be sown early in spring, as soon as gathered, in a wide-mouthed pot or seed pan, well drained and filled with loam and peat in equal parts, with the addition of some sand, and plunged in bottom heat, the soil being kept moderately moist. the seeds will germinate in a few weeks after sowing, and when about 2in. high, the strongest seedlings should be selected and placed in 3in. pots, the same mixture of soil being used, with the addition of a fourth part well decomposed manure. after potting, the plants must be moistened overhead twice a day with a fine rose or syringe, and be kept in a close atmosphere until the roots have taken to the fresh soil. when the plants begin to grow again, they should be removed to a light situation in the house; and when the pots are well filled with roots, a shift into 6in. pots may be effected, water being given judiciously until well established, and here they may remain to fruit. until the berries are coloured, clear manure water, given once or twice a week, will be found beneficial. the plants arrive at their best when about 18in. or 2ft. high; after that, they begin to get naked at the bottom. it will then be wise to cut the worst plants down to within 2in. of the pots, in early spring, allowing them to become dry at the roots before this operation is performed. by giving moisture to the roots when the cut has become dry, the plants will soon break into growth again, when some of the worst placed shoots should be rubbed off, leaving only one or two of the strongest and best placed, calculated to develop into a well formed plant. when the shoots have grown 2in. or 3in., the plants should be turned out of their pots, the soil shaken out from the roots, and the long ends of the roots trimmed in a little with a knife; they must then be placed in a pot sufficiently large to hold the roots without squeezing. the plants should now occupy the warmest end of the house in which they are grown, care being taken in watering until new roots are formed, when they may have more air and somewhat liberal supplies of water. as soon as they are sufficiently advanced in growth, they should be transferred to a larger-sized pot. with proper treatment, they will flower and fruit the same season as they are cut down, and form handsome plants. although most species of this genus are classed as stove plants, they will succeed very well in a temperature that does not fall below 45deg. in winter; and, when so grown, they are not so liable to become infested with large brown scale and other insect pests. this is particularly the case with _a. crenulata_, and cool treatment is also favourable to the ripe berries hanging on the plants for a much longer time than when grown in a stove. moreover, they do not suffer so much when removed for decorative purposes. =a. acuminata= (taper-pointed). _fl._ nearly white; petals small, acute, dotted; panicles terminal and axillary, many-flowered. july. _l._ entire, glabrous, oblong, acuminated, attenuated at the base. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. guiana, 1803. [illustration: fig. 146. flowering branch of ardisia crenulata.] =a. crenulata= (round-notched-leaved).* _fl._ reddish violet; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. june. berries numerous, bright coral-like. _l._ lanceolate-ovate, tapering at both ends, repandly crenulated, pilose. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. mexico, 1809. when grown in a cool atmosphere, as previously alluded to, it is quite common for one crop of berries to hang on the plants until another crop is ripe. this is a splendid plant, superior even to the red-berried solanums for decorative purposes, for which it is largely grown. see fig. 146. =a. crispa= (curled). _fl._ small, drooping, red; cymes terminal, usually solitary, often compound; pedicels smooth, finely veined, umbellate, drooping. july. berries red, size of peas. _l._ bluntish, oblong-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, with repandly crenulated glandular edges, glabrous. _h._ 4ft. india, 1809. =a. humilis= (humble). _fl._ rose-coloured; peduncles solitary, bearing each a simple racemose umbel of many pretty, large, drooping flowers; petals lanceolate, first recurved, afterwards revolute. june. berries size of peas, shining, black, juicy. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, glabrous, veined, shining. _h._ 4ft. india, 1820. =a. japonica= (japanese).* _fl._ white; pedicels red, sub-umbellate, secund, drooping; racemes simple, axillary. june. _l._ nearly opposite, or three to five in a whorl, on short petioles, cuneate-oblong, acute, glabrous, serrated; 4in. long. _h._ 1ft. japan. perhaps the hardiest of all the species. =a. macrocarpa= (large-fruited).* _fl._ flesh-coloured, dotted; petals ovate, obtuse; racemes terminal, corymbose, almost sessile, slightly hairy. berries vermilion coloured, as large as gooseberries. _l._ oblong, acute, tapering downwards, glandularly crenated, dotted, close together, leathery, 6in. to 8in. long, paler beneath, veinless. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. nepaul, 1824. a beautiful shrub. =a. oliveri= (oliver's).* _fl._ rose pink, white eye: corolla rotate, 1/2in. across; lobes obtuse; heads terminal, consisting of a number of stalked, many-flowered corymbs; pedicels about twice as long as the flower. july. _l._ nearly sessile, entire, glabrous, 6in. to 8in. long, by 2in. in the broadest portion; oblanceolate, acuminate, tapering towards the base. costa rica, 1876. =a. paniculata= (panicled).* _fl._ rose-coloured; panicles terminal, composed of many alternate compound branches, large and elegant; petals and sepals ovate. july. berries red, smooth, size of a pea, juicy. _l._ glabrous, cuneate-oblong, almost sessile, reflexed, 6in. to 20in. long, and from 3in. to 5in. broad, crowded at the ends of the branches. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. india, 1818. =a. punctata= (dotted). _fl._ greyish white, sub-campanulate, secund, beset with dark dots, and the pedicels with dark lines; peduncles umbellate, terminal, and axillary; umbels involucrated by deciduous bracts. june. _l._ glabrous, lanceolate, leathery, repandly crenated, tapering to the base. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. china, 1822. =a. serrulata= (finely serrated).* _fl._ deep red; petals ciliated; calyces and pedicels coloured; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. july. _l._ glabrous, lanceolate, acuminated, wrinkled, serrulated, beset with rusty dots beneath; branches downy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. china, 1820. =a. villosa= (hairy). _fl._ whitish, umbels axillary and terminal, very villous. october. berries villous. _l._ lanceolate, acuminated, villous beneath, crenulated, 5in. to 7in. long, tapering to the base, copiously dotted. china. all the upper parts of the plant are densely beset with hairs. =a. v. mollis= (soft).* this variety has very fine red berries, and is superior to the type. =a. wallichii= (wallich's). _fl._ red, in loose racemes; peduncles axillary, one-half shorter than the leaves, and are, as well as the pedicels, pilose. july. _l._ obovate, acute, or obtuse, narrowed into the marginate petioles, repandly crenulated, 4in. to 5in. long, and 2in. broad, thickish. _h._ 2ft. india. =arduina= (in honour of p. arduini, curator of the economical garden of padua, in the time of linnã¦us). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. a singular and pretty greenhouse evergreen shrub, of easy culture in carefully drained pots of peat and loam, mixed in equal proportions. propagated by cuttings in sand, under a glass. the winter temperature should not be allowed to fall below 40deg. =a. bispinosa= (two-spined). _fl._ small, white, sweet-scented, terminal, corymbose. march to august. berry red. _l._ cordate-ovate, mucronate, nearly sessile, dark green, larger than those of box. spines twin, simple, but usually bifid; in this last case, one of the clefts points downwards, and the other upwards. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. cape of good hope, 1760. syn. _carissa arduina_. =areca= (_areec_ is its name in malabar, when an old tree). the cabbage palm. ord. _palmeã¦_. this genus is now broken up into several, and many species formerly here arranged are now found under _acanthophå�nix_, _euterpe_, _hyophorbe_, _kentia_, _oncosperma_, _phã¦nicophorum_. very ornamental and graceful stove palms, with a branching spadix, and double spathe, which incloses the flowers. flowers unisexual, borne upon the same spike; female flowers having six rudimentary stamens, and male flowers a six-cleft perianth. fruit one-seeded. they thrive in a compost of loam, peat, and leaf soil, in equal parts, with a liberal addition of sand; but when they are fully grown, loam should preponderate to the extent of about two-thirds, and some rotten cow-manure may be added. propagated from seeds, which should be sown in a compost similar to above, and placed in a moist gentle heat. they are employed, when young, with much success for the decoration of drawing rooms and dinner tables. =a. aliciã¦= (princess alice's). _l._ pinnatisect; segments sessile. north australia. a very handsome species, with a comparatively dwarf habit; it is a valuable decorative plant. =a. catechu= (catechu). _l._ pinnate, from 3ft. to 6ft. long; leaflets 12in. to 24in. in length, and about 2in. broad, light green; petioles broadly sheathed at the base. _h._ 30ft. india, 1690. one of the best and oldest species in cultivation, very effective, in a young state, for dinner table decoration. it produces the betel nut, of which enormous quantities are used in india. =a. concinna= (neat). _l._ pinnatisect, sub-glabrous; segments sickle-shaped, much acuminated. stem green, 8ft. to 12ft. high, 1in. to 2in. in diameter. ceylon. the cingalese chew the albumen of the seeds with their betel. =a. gigantea= (gigantic). a synonym of _pinanga ternatensis_. =a. glandiformis= (gland-formed). _l._ pinnatisect, 9ft. to 12ft. long when fully grown. _h._ 30ft. moluccas. a handsome stove palm, of bold aspect, and very suitable, when young, for decorative purposes. =a. normanbyi= (normanby's). a synonym of _ptychosperma normanbyi_. =a. triandra= (three-stamened). _l._ pinnate, like those of _a. catechu_ in size, &c. _h._ 20ft. india, introduced to britain about 1810. =arenaria= (from _arena_, sand; in which most of the species are found). sandwort. ord. _caryophyllaceã¦_. tribe _alsineã¦_. a very large genus of hardy herbaceous plants, consisting of about 150 species. it is distinguished by having generally three styles. the perennials only are worth growing; these are extremely pretty little alpine plants, and will thrive in any ordinary soil in exposed places; the rarer species may be grown in small pots, well drained, in a mixture of sand, loam, and leaf soil, or in well-drained crannies of the rockery. they may be increased by either division, seeds, or cuttings; the latter, placed under a hand-glass, will root freely. the best time to divide the plants is early spring, or july and august. seeds should be sown in spring in a cold frame. =a. balearica= (balearic).* _fl._ white, sepals erect; peduncles elongated, one-flowered. march to august. _l._ very small, ovate, shining, rather fleshy, ciliated. _h._ 3in. corsica, 1787. a pretty little creeper, one of the best plants for covering damp borders of the rockwork. =a. cã¦spitosa= (tufted). synonymous with _a. verna cã¦spitosa_. =a. ciliata= (ciliated). _fl._ white, usually solitary; sepals ovate, acute, five to seven ribbed; petals obovate, twice as long as the sepals. july. _l._ ovate, or obovate, roughish, with a few hairs, one-nerved, and ciliated. ireland. _h._ 6in. a thick, tufted, spreading, procumbent plant. =a. graminifolia= (grass-leaved).* _fl._ white; panicle three-forked, hairy, loose; sepals very blunt, much shorter than the obovate petals. june. _l._ long, awl-shaped, filiform, scabrous on the margins from serratures. stem erect, simple. _h._ 6in. to 9in. caucasus, 1817. =a. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ white, usually solitary; peduncles very long, pubescent; sepals ovate, awned, three-nerved, smaller than the petals. june. _l._ awl-shaped, broadish, flat, three-nerved, ciliated, radical ones crowded. _h._ 3in. to 6in. france, 1783. _a. g. biflora_ is a two-flowered, and _a. g. triflora_ a three-flowered, variety. =a. laricifolia= (larch-leaved).* _fl._ white; sepals bluntish, triple nerved, hairy; petals twice as long as the sepals; stems ascending, one, three, or six flowered, somewhat scabrous; calyx cylindrical. june. _l._ awl-shaped, denticulately ciliated. _h._ 6in. switzerland, 1816. =a. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._ white; sepals ovate, obtuse, not half the length of the obovate petals; panicle three-forked, glabrous, crowded. june. _l._ awl-shaped, filiform, serrulated. stem erect, simple. _h._ 6in. to 9in. siberia, 1823. =a. montana= (mountain). _fl._ large, white; peduncles terminal, very long, one-flowered; sepals lanceolate, acuminated, much shorter than the corolla. april. _l._ lanceolate-linear; sterile stems very long, procumbent. _h._ 3in. france and spain, 1800. =a. peploides= (peplis-like). _fl._ white; sepals ovate, shorter than the oblong petals. may to july. _l._ ovate, light green, rather fleshy; branches procumbent, fleshy, deciduous. _h._ 3in. to 4in. sea shores of britain. syn. _honckenya peploides_. =a. purpurascens= (purplish).* _fl._ purplish; pedicels tomentose, scarcely exceeding the leaves; sepals lanceolate, smooth, with shrivelled margins, longer than the corolla; branches two to three-flowered. may. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous. plant tufted, decumbent. _h._ 6in. higher pyrenees. =a. rotundifolia= (round-leaved).* _fl._ white, solitary; petals roundish-ovate, longer than the sepals. july and august. _l._ about 1/4in. across, roundish, ciliated, on spreading tufted branches. _h._ 4in. to 6in. siberia. =a. tetraquetra= (four-angled). _fl._ white, somewhat capitate; sepals stiff, acute, keeled, ciliated, almost equal in length to the corolla. august. _l._ ovate, keeled, recurved, edged, imbricated in four rows. stem straight, pubescent. _h._ 3in. to 6in. france, 1731. =a. verna= (spring-flowering). _fl._ small, white; sepals ovate, lanceolate, acuminated, with three remote equal ribs, longer than the obovate petals. may. _l._ awl-shaped, bluntish. stems panicled, elongated. _h._ about 3in. =a. v. cã¦spitosa= (turfy). a variety having very leafy stems. calyces and peduncles smoothish. europe. syn. _a. cã¦spitosa_. =arenga= (name of doubtful origin). syn. _saguerus_. ord. _palmã¦_. an extremely useful and interesting palm. the medulla of the trunk is used as sago, and the saccharine juice forms excellent sugar. it requires a strong heat and rich mould. propagated by seeds only. =a. saccharifera= (sugar-bearing). _fl._ striped. june. _h._ 40ft. moluccas, 1829. =areolate.= divided into distinct angular spaces, or areolã¦. =arethusa= (mythological: named after a nymph of diana's, who was changed into a fountain; in allusion to the habit of the plants). ord. _orchideã¦_. a small genus of very pretty, but rare, terrestrial orchids. they require a moist shady spot with a northern aspect, and thrive best in a compost of well-rotted manure and sphagnum. a mulching in winter, by way of protection, is needed. =a. bulbosa= (bulbous).* _fl._ large, bright rose purple, solitary, sweet-scented, terminal; lip dilated, recurved, spreading towards the summit, bearded-crested down the face; scape one-leaved. may. _l._ linear, nerved. _h._ 8in. carolina. =aretia.= _see_ =androsace=. =argania= (from _argam_, its aboriginal name). ord. _sapotaceã¦_. a very fine greenhouse evergreen tree, said by don to flourish against a south wall, out of doors, with the protection of a mat in severe weather. it will thrive in ordinary garden soil. increased by layers and cuttings in autumn and spring, the latter requiring a bell glass covering; both operations must be performed in a moderately heated greenhouse. =a. sideroxylon= (iron-wood). _fl._, corolla greenish yellow, cup-shaped, five-parted, with ovate-lanceolate, sub-emarginate segments; lateral and axillary, scattered, crowded, sessile. _fr._ dotted with white, size of a plum, full of white, milky juice. july. _l._ lanceolate, entire, bluntish, glabrous, paler beneath; branches terminated by strong spines. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. morocco, 1711. as the specific name implies, the wood is excessively close and hard, so much so that it sinks in water. syns. _elã¦odendron argan_, _sideroxylon spinosum_. =argemone= (from _argema_, cataract of the eye; in allusion to some real or fancied medicinal properties). ord. _papaveraceã¦_. very handsome annuals and perennials, abounding with yellow juice, and covered with stiff prickles. sepals two to three, concave, mucronate; petals four to eight; peduncles axillary, always erect. leaves sessile, repand-sinuated, usually spotted with white; recesses spiny-toothed. the species will thrive in almost any garden soil in the open border. seed may be sown out of doors about the end of march; those of the rarer species on a hotbed, and planted out about the end of june. =a. albiflora= (white-flowered).* _fl._ white; petals usually three. july and august. _l._ sessile, feather-nerved. _h._ 1ft. georgia, 1820. hardy annual. =a. grandiflora= (great-flowered).* _fl._ large, panicled, white with yellow anthers. july. _l._ sinuated, smooth, glaucous, spiny-toothed; nerves unarmed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. mexico, 1827. this species, when raised from seed, does not flower until october; but when the roots have existed through the winter, the plants produce flowers early in the summer. hardy perennial. see fig. 147. =a. hirsuta= (hairy).* _fl._ pure white, 3in. to 5in. in diameter. september. _l._ pinnatifid, bristly. _h._ 2ft. california, 1879. a very beautiful hardy annual. [illustration: fig. 147. inflorescence of argemone grandiflora.] =a. mexicana= (mexican). devil's fig. _fl._ solitary, yellow; petals four to six. june. _l._ profoundly repand-sinuated, spiny, blotched with white. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1592. hardy annual. =a. ochroleuca= (yellowish-white).* _fl._ pale yellow, solitary; petals six. august. _l._ profoundly sinuated or pinnatifid, glaucescent nerves with prickly bristles, blotched with white. stem prickly. mexico, 1827. hardy annual. =argenteus.= silvery. a pale colour resembling silver. =argolasia.= _see_ =lanaria=. =argiyreia= (from _argyreios_, silvery; in reference to the silvery undersides of the leaves). silver-weed. ord. _convolvulaceã¦_. an elegant genus of greenhouse and stove climbers. sepals five; corolla campanulate. shrubs for the most part silvery, but sometimes silky and tomentose. the greater number of the species are robust, extensive twiners or climbers, usually requiring plenty of room to run, before they will flower. _a. cuneata_, and one or two others, are of dwarf habit, and produce their splendid blossoms in abundance. all the species grow well in light rich soil, or a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. cuttings root readily if planted in sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in a little bottom heat. =a. capitata= (headed). _fl._, corolla 1in. to 2in. long, rose coloured or purple, hairy outside; peduncles exceeding the petioles. july. _l._ cordate-ovate, acuminated, 2in. to 5in, long, and 1in. to 3in. broad, hairy on both surfaces; hairs glandular at the base. plant clothed with strigose hairs. silhet, 1823. =a. cuneata= (wedge-leaved).* _fl._, corolla large, of a beautiful deep bright purple; peduncles downy, shorter than the leaves, three to six-flowered. july. _l._ obovate-cuneate, emarginate, glabrous above, but beset with short, crowded hairs beneath, hardly petiolate. stem clothed with powdery down at top. _h._ 2ft. to 5ft. india, 1822. =a. cymosa= (cyme-flowered).* _fl._, corolla pale pink, tubularly funnel-shaped, villous outside; peduncles as long or longer than the leaves, leafy at top, and cymosely many-flowered. _l._ roundish-cordate, or reniformly-cordate, obtuse, terminated by a very short prickle, glabrous on both surfaces, or clothed with pruinose down. malabar (mountains), 1823. =a. malabarica= (malabar). _fl._ rather small; bottom of the bell deep purple; throat pink, with the edges paler, almost white, and slightly ten-lobed; peduncles as long or longer than the leaves, many-flowered at the apex. june. _l._ roundish-cordate, acute, glabrous, or furnished with a few scattered hairs on both surfaces. coromandel, 1823. =a. pomacea= (apple-fruited). _fl._ large, rose coloured; peduncles villous, exceeding the petioles a little, cymose, many-flowered. berry size of a cherry, yellow. _l._ ovate-elliptic, obtuse, clothed with cinerous, velvety down on both surfaces, but especially beneath, sometimes sub-emarginate at apex. mysore, 1818. =a. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._, corolla nearly 2in. long, of a deep rose colour; peduncles about equal in length to the petioles, umbellately capitate. july. _l._ 3in. to 12in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad, cordate, acute, glabrous above, or rarely villous, thickly nerved beneath, and clothed with silky, silvery down. india, 1818. =a. splendens= (splendid).* _fl._, corolla tubularly campanulate, 1-1/2in. long, rather villous outside, pale red; peduncles exceeding the (hoary) petioles, corymbosely many-flowered. november. _l._ ovate-oblong or ovate-elliptic, entire or pandurately sinuated, sometimes somewhat three-lobed, smooth above, but clothed with silvery, silky down beneath, 6in. long, acuminated. india, 1820. =argyrochã�ta.= a synonym of =parthenium= (which _see_). =argyroxyphium= (from _argyros_, silver, and _xyphion_, a corn-flag; in allusion to the leaves). ord. _compositã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse perennial herb. involucre campanulate; receptacle conical; heads pedunculate, racemose, or in thyrsoid panicles. leaves alternate; lower ones close, elongated, thick, on both sides silver-lined. stems simple or slightly branched. it thrives well in rich sandy loam and leaf mould. propagated by seed-heads. =c. sandwicense= (sandwich islands). _fl.-heads_ purplish. _l._ linear lanceolate, imbricate, clothed, like the stems, with silvery hairs. _h._ 3ft. sandwich islands, 1872. syn. _argyrophyton douglasii_. =aria.= _see_ =pyrus aria=. =arisã�ma= (from _aron_, arum, and _sana_, a standard; in reference to the close alliance to _arum_). ord. _aroideã¦_. small tuberous rooted greenhouse (except where stated otherwise) herbaceous plants. spathe rolled round the spadix at the base; spadix bearing unisexual flowers below. and rudimentary flowers in the upper part. leaves peltate, pedate, palmate, or simple. for culture, &c., _see_ =arum=. =a. concinna= (neat).* _fl._, spathe convolute, tubular at the base; upper portion bent over at the mouth, and gradually narrowed into a tail-like appendage about 3in. long; spathe of the female plant longitudinally barred with white and green, the latter colour being replaced with blue-purple in the male. june. _l._ solitary, sheathing at the base, and made up of ten or twelve lanceolate, entire, light green leaflets, which radiate from the top of the petiole, the latter being 1ft. to 2ft. high. sikkim, 1871. =a. curvatum= (curved).* _fl._ crowning a scape which overtops the foliage; tube of spathe cylindrical, green, obscurely striped with white; the elliptic blade arches forward, green on the inner surface, and brownish-red on the outer; spadix produced into a purplish-red tail, about 1ft. long. april. _l._ pedate. the large bracts, which sheath the base of the stem, are beautifully marbled with dark olive green, red, and light green. _h._ 4ft. himalayas, 1871. syn. _a. helleborifolium_. =a. galeata= (helmeted).* _fl._, spathe about 4in long; tube and cylindrical side of spathe green, tinted purplish at base, with many longitudinal white lines; inside of the tube purple. july. _l._ solitary, trifoliate; middle leaflet 6in. long by 3-3/4in. broad; lateral ones 7in. long and nearly 4in. broad. _h._ 1ft. himalayas, sikkim, 1879. =a. griffithi= (griffith's).* _fl._, spathe large, hood-like, brown-violet, with green veins; spadix brown-violet, and the barren end at the base above the flowers has a disk-like projection, while its free extremity is prolonged into a long thread-like appendage. spring. _l._ with bold roundish leaflets. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. sikkim, 1879. hardy; very handsome. syn. _a. hookerianum_. =a. helleborifolium= (hellebore-leaved). a synonym of _a. curvatum_. =a. hookerianum= (hooker's). a synonym of _a. griffithi_. =a. nepenthoides= (nepenthes-like).* _fl._, spathe above the tubular portion extended into two decided auricles, which serve to distinguish it from other species, ochre, brown, green; spadix yellowish spring. _l._ pedate, of five lanceolate or oblanceolate leaflets; central one 6in. long, the others shorter. _h._ 2ft. himalayas, 1879. =a. prã¦cox= (early). a synonym of _a. ringens_. =a. ringens= (gaping).* _fl._, spathe striped green and white, erect and cylindrical below, then arching suddenly over, and again contracting into a rather small deep purple orifice, with broad, reflexed margins; spadix erect, pale yellow-green. spring. _l._, leaflets three, ovate-oblong, acuminate, and produced into a filiform point; peduncle short. japan. hardy. syns. _a. prã¦cox_ and _a. sieboldi_. =a. sieboldi= (siebold's). a. synonym of _a. ringens_. =a. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._, spadix deep glossy purple, greenish and white, with a long flexuous prolongation, sometimes nearly 20in. in length; spathe also terminating with a filiform elongation. march. _l._ solitary, trifoliate; leaflets petioled, dark green, conspicuously edged with blood red; petioles long, mottled with white. _h._ 2ft. temperate himalayas, 1872. [illustration: fig. 148. arisã�ma triphylla.] =a. triphylla= (three-leaved).* _fl._, spathe 4in. to 6in. long, striped with broad lines of purplish-brown, with about 1in. of green in the middle; spadix 3in. long, spotted with brown. june to july. _l._ on long stout petioles, trifoliate; leaflets entire, equal, acuminated. _h._ 9in. to 1ft. north america, 1664. this is quite hardy. syns. _a. zebrina_ and _arum triphyllum_. see fig. 148. =a. zebrina= (zebra). a synonym of _a. triphylla_. =arisarum= (name of greek origin). ord. _aroideã¦_. a small genus of half-hardy herbaceous plants, possessing but little horticultural interest, and allied to _arisã¦ma_. flowers unisexual, spadix having no rudimentary flowers. leaves on long stalks, heart-shaped or spear-shaped. the only species in cultivation thrives in a sand, loam, and peat compost. propagated by seeds or divisions of the root in spring. =a. vulgate= (common). _fl._, spathe livid purple. may. _h._ 1ft. south europe, 1596. =aristate.= having a beard or awn, as the glumes of barley. =aristea= (from _arista_, a point or beard; in reference to the rigid points of the leaves). ord. _iridaceã¦_. a genus of greenhouse herbaceous perennials from the cape of good hope. flowers blue; perianth rotate, six-parted, twisted after flowering; scape two-edged, rigid, often branched. leaves narrow, sword-shaped. the species are more interesting than ornamental, and may be grown in a compost of three parts turfy peat, and one of loam. easily propagated by divisions and seeds. they vary in height from 3in. to 3ft., and flower generally in summer. =a. capitata= (headed). _fl._ blue. july. _h._ 3ft. cape of good hope, 1790. =a. cyanea= (bright blue). _fl._ blue. june. _h._ 6in. cape of good hope, 1759. =aristolochia= (from _aristos_, best, and _locheia_, parturition; in reference to its supposed medicinal character). birthwort. ord. _aristolochiaceã¦_. a very large genus of stove, greenhouse, or hardy, evergreen or deciduous, climbing or erect shrubs. flowers axillary, clustered, or solitary, pendulous, of most extraordinary forms; perianth tubular, curved, or straight, with an oblique, cordate limb; stamens six, rarely four, or numerous, adhering to the stigma; capsule six-valved. leaves cordate entire or lobed. good loam, with a small proportion of decayed manure and a slight addition of sharp sand to secure efficient drainage, is a good compost for the whole. they will thrive when planted out in the conservatory more satisfactorily than elsewhere; for as they usually grow a considerable height before flowering, they require very long trellises in pots, and have to be trained up and down; or, better still, round a pillar of uniform circumference, a pyramid form being useless. the best way is to train them round, close down to the pot, and keep on about 2in. from one turn to the next. some of the larger sorts will require more room. cuttings root freely in sand under a bell glass with bottom heat. =a. anguicida= (snake-killing). _fl._ white, spotted brown; tube of perianth inflated at base, dilated and oblique at the mouth; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. december. _l._ on short petioles, cordate acuminate; stipules cordate-roundish. _h._ 10ft. new grenada, 1845. an evergreen stove twiner. =a. barbata= (bearded). _fl._ purple, axillary, 2-1/2in. long; perianth straight; limb spreading; lip spathulate, bearded at the end. july. _l._ cordate, oblong. _h._ 10ft. caraccas, 1796. stove evergreen. =a. caudata= (tailed).* _fl._ lurid; perianth cylindrical ventricose, and six-spurred at the base; lip cordate, cuspidate; the cusp twisted, filiform. june. _l._, lower ones reniform, lobed; upper ones three partite. _h._ 5ft. brazil, 1828. deciduous stove twiner. =a. ciliosa= (fringed).* _fl._ purple-yellow; tube of perianth obliquely ventricose at base, stretched out, from the middle to the apex cylindrical, fringed; peduncles one-flowered. september. _l._ cordate reniform. plant glabrous. _h._ 6ft. brazil, 1829. =a. clematitis= (clematis-like). _fl._ pale yellow, upright; lip oblong, shortly acuminate. july. _l._ cordate. stem erect. _h._ 2ft. a hardy herbaceous perennial, naturalised here and there in britain. =a. clypeata= (shielded). _fl._ axillary; tube yellowish, cylindrical; limb elliptic, white, blotched with purple, long and large, funnel-shaped. _l._ subcordate-ovate, acuminate. columbia, 1871. =a. cordiflora= (cordate-flowered). _fl._ axillary, very large, with broad cordiform limb, creamy yellow, with blotchy purple veining. may. _l._ cordate acuminate. _h._ 30ft. mexico, 1860. =a. deltoidea variegata= (deltoid variegated variety). _l._ variegated with white. _h._ 6ft. columbia, 1870. =a. duchartrei= (duchartre's).* _fl._ racemose; tube brown; limb cream colour, with purple blotches. january. _l._ reniform-cordate, acuminate. upper amazons, 1868. _h._ 5ft. this stove species flowers from the old wood. syn. _a. ruiziana_. =a. floribunda= (free-flowering).* _fl._ numerous; limb purplish-red, with yellow veins, centre yellow. july. _l._ cordate ovate, acuminate. _h._ 10ft. brazil, 1868. stove species. =a. galeata= (helmeted). _fl._ creamy, with reticulated veins. august. _l._ cordate, with broad open sinus. _h._ 20ft. new grenada, 1873. =a. gigas= (giant). _fl._ purple; perianth large, cordate ribbed outside, reticulated, downy; tube inflated, contracted in the middle; limb large, cordate ovate, with a long tail. june. _l._ downy, cordate, acuminate; peduncles solitary, bracteate. _h._ 10ft. guatemala, 1841. =a. goldieana= (goldie's).* _fl._ greenish outside, deep yellow with chocolate veins inside, bent into two unequal portions, the lower portion surmounting the ovary about 8in. in length, somewhat cylindrical, terminating in a club-shaped curved knob; the upper portion, commencing from this knob, is about a foot long, funnel-shaped, ribbed, dilated above into a somewhat three-lobed limb. stamens twenty-four--a very unusual number in the whole family. the enormous flowers are 26in. long by 11in. in diameter. july. _l._ ovate, or triangular-cordate, acuminated. old calabar river, 1867. this noble climber should be repotted in fresh soil in february or march. but little water will be necessary until the young shoots have made about 6in. of growth; the quantity should then be increased with moderation until early in september, when the old stem dies down within a few inches of the surface of the pot--at this period, and during winter, water must be entirely withheld. this species blooms freely in a temperature of 65deg. to 70deg. =a. indica= (indian). _fl._ purple; perianth erect; peduncle many-flowered. july. _l._ elliptical, blunt, somewhat emarginate, slightly cordate. _h._ 10ft. india, 1780. stove evergreen. =a. labiosa= (great-lipped).* _fl._ greenish; perianth incurved at base, saccate, two-lipped in the middle. july. _l._ reniform, roundish cordate, amplexicaul. _h._ 20ft. brazil, 1821. stove evergreen. =a. leuconeura= (white-veined). _fl._ purple brown. september. _l._ cordate, acuminate. _h._ 12ft. magdalena, 1858. stove species. =a. odoratissima= (sweetest-scented).* _fl._ purple, sweet-scented; peduncles one-flowered, longer than the leaf; lip cordate lanceolate, longer than the perianth. july. _l._ cordate, ovate, evergreen. stem twining. _h._ 10ft. jamaica, 1737. stove evergreen. =a. ornithocephala= (bird's-head).* _fl._ purple, very large, and extremely singular. to render any description at all lucid, this species may be said to have the head of a hawk and the beak of a heron, with the wattles of a spanish fowl, which, however, are grey, netted with brown; head of the same colour, veined; and the beak grey. _l._ between cordate and reniform, obtuse. october. _h._ 20ft. brazil, 1838. stove species. =a. ringens= (gaping).* _fl._ extremely grotesque, 7in. to 10in. long, pale green, marbled and reticulated with black purple. the perianth has an obovoid ventricose sac, or cup, 2-1/2in. long, which is woolly inside; tube ascending obliquely from the sac, terete, dividing into two very long lips, the upper of which (lower as the flower hangs) is oblong-lanceolate, recurved, and hairy inside below the middle, while the lower one is shorter, with recurved margins, and expanding into an orbicular or almost reniform limb. unlike many other species, the flowers are produced on the young shoots. july. _l._ bright green, glabrous, roundish-reniform. _h._ 20ft. brazil, 1820. stove evergreen. =a. ruiziana= (ruiz's). a synonym of _a. duchartrei_. =a. saccata= (pouch-flowered). _fl._ purplish-red, forming a large pouch; throat circular, vertical. september. _l._ 12in. to 15in. long, and 4in. broad, scattered, ovate-cordate, narrowed at apex, slightly waved and sinuated, entire, more silky beneath than above. _h._ 20ft. sylhet, 1829. stove evergreen. =a. sempervirens= (evergreen). _fl._ purple; perianth incurved. may. _l._ cordate, oblong, acuminate. stem prostrate, flexuous, somewhat climbing. _h._ 4ft. candia, 1727. greenhouse species. [illustration: fig. 149. flowering branch of aristolochia sipho.] =a. sipho= (tube-bearing).* _fl._ yellowish-brown; corolla ascending; limb in three equal portions, not expanding, flat, brown; bracts of the peduncle large, ovate. may and june. _l._ cordate, acute. stem twining. _h._ 15ft. to 30ft. north america, 1763. this hardy, climbing, deciduous shrub grows freely in a deep, free, rather dry soil. see fig. 149. =a. thwaitesii= (thwaites'). _fl._ yellow. march. _h._ 3ft. old calabar, 1854. stove species. =a. tomentosa= (tomentose).* _fl._ purple; perianth with its tube twisted back, and much more deeply divided than in _a. sipho_, expanding, flat, and yellow, with the mouth of the tube of a deep purple; peduncle solitary, without a bract. july. _l._ cordate, downy beneath. _h._ 20ft. north america, 1799. hardy. =a. tricandata= (three-tailed).* _fl._ dark purple-brown, solitary, split into three subulate tails. august. _l._ oblong acuminate, rugose, 5in. to 8in. long. mexico, 1866. a curious, but pretty, stove shrub. =a. trilobata= (three-lobed). _fl._ purple; perianth cylindrical, broken saccate at base; lip cordate cuspidate. june. _l._ three-lobed. stem twining. _h._ 8ft. south america, 1775. stove evergreen. =a. ungulifolia= (claw-leaved). _fl._ racemose; perianth brownish-purple, stipitate at base, above which it is swollen out in a globose or oblong form, with two thickened projections near the end; upper end of tube contracted, somewhat curved, terminating in a two-lipped limb, one lip large, ovate, the other minute. june. _l._ 6in. to 7in. long, cordate, and pedately five-nerved at the base, three-lobed below the middle, with broad sinuses, the two lateral lobes arcuate, and blunt at the apex. labuan, 1880. stove species. =aristolochiaceã�.= an order of very curious plants, with singularly inflated flowers, consisting of a calyx only, of a dull, dingy colour. it is popularly known as the birthwort family, and has an english representative in _aristolochia clematitis_. =aristotelia= (said to be named in honour of aristotle, the greek philosopher). ord. _tiliaceã¦_. a hardy evergreen shrub. calyx campanulate; petals five, inserted in the base of the calyx, and alternating with its lobes. easily grown, in ordinary garden soil, in the shrubbery. propagated by ripened cuttings, which root freely if placed under a hand glass; or by layers. =a. macqui= (macqui's).* _fl._ small, greenish, axillary. may. _l._ nearly opposite, stalked, oblong, acute, smooth, shining, dentate, permanent. _h._ 6ft. chili, 1733. a shrub esteemed for its handsome foliage. the berries are about the size of a pea, very dark purple, at length becoming black. the variegated form is not so hardy as the type, but much more ornamental. =armeniaca= (from armenia, the native country of the apricot). apricot. ord. _rosaceã¦_. tribe _drupaceã¦_. small, hardy, deciduous trees. flowers appearing before the leaves from scaly buds, solitary, or few together, almost sessile. leaves, when young, convolute. drupe ovate-globose, fleshy, covered with velvety skin, containing a nut, or stone, which is acute at one end and blunt at the other, with a furrow on both sides; the rest smooth, not wrinkled. for culture, &c., _see_ =apricot= and =prunus=. =a. brigantiaca= (brigancon).* _fl._ white or pink, glomerate, almost sessile. march. _l._ somewhat cordate, acuminated, sharply toothed; the teeth numerous, and lapping over each other. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. south europe, 1819. =a. dasycarpa= (thick-fruited).* _fl._ white, pedicellate; pedicels filiform. march. _l._ ovate, acuminate, serrated; petioles glandular. _h._ 10ft. to 15ft. china, 1800. =a. sibirica= (siberian). _fl._ rose-coloured. april. _l._ ovate, acuminate; petioles glandless. _h._ 8ft. to 20ft. dahuria, 1788. =a. vulgaris= (common).* common apricot. _fl._ pinkish-white, sessile. february. _l._ ovate, or cordate, glabrous, glandularly serrated. _h._ 15ft. levant, 1548. of this species numerous varieties, differing in the foliar outline, &c., are sometimes met with. _see_ =apricot=. =armeria.= (from _flos armeriã¦_, latin name for the flowers of a species of pink). thrift; sea pink. ord. _plumbagineã¦_. a very interesting and pretty group of hardy alpine tufted perennials. flowers pedicellate, collected in dense solitary heads; involucre scarious, sheathing the scape and turned downwards; petals cohering at the base, persistent; flower scapes leafless. leaves linear, radical. as the majority of the species differ in mere technical details, we have given a representative group only. they are easily cultivated in a sandy loam and leaf soil, and are increased by seeds and division, separate pieces being planted as cuttings under hand glasses; or the rarer kinds should be potted and placed in a frame. the seed should be sown in spring, in pots of sandy soil, and placed in a cold frame. although best grown as rock plants, most of them do well in pots and borders. _a. vulgaris_ makes one of the best of edging plants. =a. cephalotes= (round-headed).* _fl._ deep rose or crimson, in a large roundish head on erect stalk. autumn. _l._ broadly lanceolate, glabrous, acute; petioles channelled, sheathing at the base. _h._ 12in. to 18in. south europe, 1800. this is perhaps the finest species, and is best raised from an annual sowing of seed, as it is somewhat difficult to increase by divisions. syns. _a. formosa_, _a. latifolia_, _a. mauritanica_, and _a. pseudo-armeria_. =a. dianthoides= (pink-like).* _fl._ light pink, in close heads about 6in. high. may and june. _l._ spreading, flattened, nerved, slightly downy. south europe, 1810. =a. formosa= (handsome). synonymous with _a. cephalotes_. =a. juncea= (rush-like).* _fl._ rose pink, in small heads about 3in. high. june. _l._ small, erect, roundish, pointed, deep green. south europe. a very pretty little alpine species. =a. juniperifolia= (juniper-leaved).* _fl._ deep rose, in small densely packed heads. may and june. _l._ short, stiff, erect, juniper-like. _h._ 6in., with a dense tufted habit. spain, 1818. plant in a warm well-drained portion of the rockery in very sandy soil, with some nodules of sandstone intermixed. =a. latifolia= (broad-leaved). synonymous with _a. cephalotes_. =a. leucantha= (white-flowered). a white-flowered variety of _a. plantaginea_. =a. maritima= (sea). synonymous with _a. vulgaris_. =a. mauritanica= (mediterranean). synonymous with _a. cephalotes_. =a. plantaginea= (plantain-leaved).* _fl._ bright rose; scapes taller than in _a. vulgaris_. _l._ broader, three to five-nerved, and with a stouter growing habit than the common species. _h._ 1ft. south europe, 1818. a very pretty species. syns. _a. leucantha_, which is frequently called _a. p. alba_, and _a. scorzonerã¦folia_. =a. pseudo-armeria= (false-armeria). synonymous with _a. cephalotes_. =a. scorzonerã¦folia= (scorzonera-leaved). synonymous with _a. plantaginea_. =a. setacea= (bristly).* _fl._ light rose, in small heads about 2in. high, very freely produced from the axils of the leaves. april to june. _l._ in dense rosettes, erect, or nearly so, narrow, acute, the tufts having a bristly appearance. _h._ 3in. south europe. plant in a semi-perpendicular cranny of the rockery, with a sunny position. =a. vulgaris= (common).* common thrift; sea pink. _fl._ pink, rosy red, lilac, or white (the latter known as _a. v. alba_), collected into a rounded head on the top of the simple scape. june to august. _l._ all radical, numerous, linear, usually one-nerved, more or less pubescent. _h._ 6in. to 12in. britain, on the sea coasts. _a. v. alpina_ is a dwarf alpine form of this species. the white-flowered variety is very handsome. _a. v. laucheana_ is also a pretty form, with deep pink flowers in dense heads about 6in. high, and a very tufted habit. _crimson gem_, of garden origin, is stronger growing, with stems about 9in. high, carrying heads of bright crimson pink flowers, also of tufted habit. syns. _a. maritima_, _statice armeria_. =arnebia= (its arabian name). ord. _boraginaceã¦_. handsome hardy herbaceous perennials or annuals, allied to _lithospermum_. cuttings should be removed with a heel in autumn, dibbled in sandy soil in small pots, and placed in a cool house, where they will ultimately, though slowly, root; they should then be gradually hardened off, and finally planted out. _a. echioides_ is also easily increased by making cuttings of the strong roots, which should be dibbled in pots of sandy soil, and placed in gentle heat; it is also raised from seed. =a. echioides= (echium-like).* _fl._ bright primrose yellow, with a purplish spot in the sinuses between the lobes of the corolla, which gradually disappears in a few days; spikes terminal, large, solitary, secund. may. _l._ sessile, alternate; margins-â�as well as the stems-â�ciliated. _h._ 9in. to 12in. armenia. one of the showiest of hardy perennials for the border or rockery. =a. griffithii= (griffith's). this differs from above in having narrower leaves, rather smaller flowers, which are of a more decided yellow, a differently shaped calyx, and a longer corolla. _h._ 9in. north-west india. equally desirable, were it a perennial; but, being an annual, it must be constantly raised from seed. =arnica= (from _arnakis_, lambskin; in reference to the texture of the leaves). ord. _compositã¦_. hardy, dwarf, herbaceous perennials, allied to _senecio_. they thrive best in loam, peat, and sand; the plants are best divided in spring. seeds should be procured when possible, and sown in a cold frame, in spring. the only species worth growing are described below. =a. aronicum.= synonymous of _a. scorpioides_. =a. chamissonis= (chamisso's).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, 1-1/2in. to 2in. across, arranged in a corymb. july to september. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminate or acute, tomentose, tapering to the base. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america. a rather scarce, showy species. =a. clusii= (clusius's). _fl.-heads_ yellow, solitary, terminal; stalks long, thickened towards the top, and covered with long hairs. summer. _l._ soft, radical ones entire, or nearly so, oblong, obtuse, attenuated into the petiole; cauline ones sessile, half stem-clasping, lanceolate, toothed in the lower part. _h._ 1ft. switzerland, 1819. syn. _doronicum clusii_. =a. foliosa= (leafy).* _fl.-heads_ pale yellow, about 1in. across, from three to seven in a corymb. august. _l._ lanceolate, stalked, acute, denticulate, smooth. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. stems springing from slender rhizome-like shoots. united states. closely allied to _a. montana_. it requires a damp situation. =a. montana= (mountain).* mountain tobacco. _fl.-heads_ yellow, three or four together, about 2in. in diameter; ray florets numerous. july. _l._ radical, except a few on the scape, oblong-lanceo-late, entire, smooth. habit tufted. _h._ 1ft. europe. 1731. a very handsome but rare plant; excellent for a rockery. it is slowly increased. see fig. 150. [illustration: fig. 150. arnica montana, showing habit and flower-head.] =a. scorpioides= (scorpion-like).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, large, solitary; scape one to three-flowered. summer. _l._ pale green, denticulated; radical ones on long petioles, broadly ovate; the lower stem leaves shortly stalked, amplexicaul; the upper ones sessile. _h._ 6in. to 12in. south europe, 1710. border. syns. _a. aronicum_, _aronicum scorpioides_. =arnopogon.= _see_ =urospermum=. =aroideã�.= _see_ =araceã¦=. =aronia.= _see_ =cratã¦gus aronia= and =pyrus=. =aronicum.= _see_ =arnica scorpioides= and =doronicum=. =arpophyllum= (from _arpe_, a scimitar, and _phyllon_, a leaf; the leaf is sword-shaped). ord. _orchideã¦_. distinct evergreen epiphytes. there are about six species known, and the genus belongs to the _epidendreã¦_ division of orchidaceous plants; their general characters are: flowers small, numerous, in closely packed cylindrical spikes; anther-bed broad, shorter than the broad extension of the upper edge of the stigma; pollinia eight. stems rather long, with white sheaths. they thrive well in fibrous peat, one-third turfy loam, freely interspersed with lumps of fresh charcoal and an abundance of crocks. when growing, a liberal supply of water at the roots is essential, as is also a situation near the light, where they will blossom much more profusely than if in any way shaded. the flowers last in perfection about four weeks. =a. cardinale= (cardinal). _fl._, sepals and petals light rose; lip deep red, on upright spikes about 1ft. high. summer. new grenada. =a. giganteum= (gigantic).* _fl._ dark purple and rose, densely and symmetrically arranged on the cylindrical spikes, which are from 12in. to 14in. long. april and may. _l._ dark green, about 2ft. long, borne on slender pseudo-bulbs. mexico. =a. spicatum= (spike-flowered).* _fl._ dark red, on an upright spike about 1ft. long. during winter. guatemala, 1839. =arracacha= (its spanish name in south america). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. a half-hardy tuberous perennial, highly esteemed as an esculent in south america, where it yields a food, which is prepared in the same manner as potatoes, and is said to be grateful to the palate and extremely easy of digestion. it thrives best in rich loam, and is increased by divisions of the roots. =a. esculenta= (edible). _fl._ white; umbels opposite the leaves or terminal; involucre wanting. july. _l._ pinnate; leaflets broadly ovate, acuminated, deeply pinnatifid, profoundly serrated; the two lower leaflets petiolate, sub-ternate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. mountainous districts of northern south america, 1823. syn. _conium arracacha_. =arrhostoxylum.= included under =ruellia= (which _see_). =arrow arum.= _see_ =peltandra virginica=. =arrowgrass.= _see_ =triglochin=. =arrow-head.= _see_ =sagittaria=. =arrowroot.= _see_ =maranta=. =artabotrys= (from _artao_, to suspend or support, and _botrys_, grapes; in reference to the way the fruit is supported by the curious tendril). ord. _anonaceã¦_. a handsome stove evergreen shrub, thriving in a good sandy loam and peat, to which a little rotten dung may be added. propagated by cuttings made of ripened wood, insert in sand under a bell glass, with bottom heat, in early spring. seed, when procurable, should be sown as soon after receipt as possible. =a. odoratissimus= (sweetest-scented).* _fl._ reddish brown, extremely fragrant; peduncles opposite the leaves, hooked beneath the middle. june and july. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, smooth, shining. _h._ 6ft. malayan islands, 1758. in java, the leaves are held to be invaluable as a preventive of cholera. =artanema= (from _artao_, to support, and _nema_, a filament; in reference to a tooth-like process growing on the longer filaments). ord. _scrophularineã¦_. an interesting and handsome greenhouse evergreen shrub, allied to _torenia_. flowers disposed in terminal racemes, and on short pedicels. leaves opposite, sub-serrated. it may be treated as hardy during summer, for which purpose seeds should be sown in spring; but it requires the protection of a greenhouse during winter. artanema grows freely in light rich soil, and is readily increased by cuttings and seeds. =a. fimbriatum= (fringed). _fl._, corolla blue, large, tubularly funnel-shaped, clothed with minute glandular pubescence outside; lobes unequally serrated; racemes terminal, four to sixteen-flowered. june, november. _l._ lanceolate, acute, serrated, rough to the touch from numerous elevated dots. stem smooth, glossy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. new holland (on the banks of the brisbane river at moreton bay), 1830. =artanthe.= _see_ =piper=. =artemisia= (from artemis, one of the names of diana). mugwort; southernwood; wormwood. ord. _compositã¦_. a very large genus of mostly hardy herbaceous perennials, few of which, comparatively speaking, are worth growing. flower-heads disposed in spikes, or racemes, and these are usually arranged in panicles; pappus none; involucre few-flowered, ovate or rounded, imbricated; florets of the disk all tubular; of the ray, if any, slender, awl-shaped. leaves alternate, variously lobed. all the species are of the easiest possible culture in any dry soil. the shrubby kinds are best propagated by cuttings; the herbaceous ones, by dividing at the root; and the annuals, by seeds. =a. abrotanum= (aromatic herb).* southernwood. _fl.-heads_ yellowish. august to october. _l._, lower ones bipinnate; upper ones pinnate, with the segments hair-like. stem straight. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. europe, 1548. a deciduous shrub; well known for its fragrance. =a. a. humile= (low). a low spreading variety. _h._ 1-1/2ft. =a. a. tobolskianum= (tobolskian). a much more vigorous growing variety than the last, and larger in all its parts than the type. =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, solitary, on long slender stalks; scales of involucre lanceolate. summer. _l._ pinnate, covered with whitish silky hairs; lobes linear, entire. _h._ 6in. to 10in. caucasus, 1804. dwarf, with a very tufted habit. =a. anethifolia= (anethum-leaved). _fl.-heads_ yellowish-green, small; panicle very large, densely packed, nearly 2ft. long. autumn. _l._ chiefly cauline, much divided into thread-like segments, greyish-green. stem shrubby at the base, nearly glabrous, branching at the top. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. siberia, 1816. =a. argentea= (silvery).* _fl.-heads_ pale yellow, roundish, closely packed. july. _l._ ovate-oblong, very freely divided, densely clothed with soft silvery hairs. _h._ 1-1/2ft. madeira, 1777. a very pretty species, requiring a warm sunny position on the rockery. =a. cana= (hoary).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, small, uninteresting, ovate, in a close spiky panicle. august. _l._ silky, hoary; lower ones wedge-shaped, sharply three-cleft; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, three-nerved. stem ascending; branches erect. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north america, 1800. this is a very distinct species, and its silvery leaves and stems render it well worthy of cultivation. =a. cå�rulescens= (bluish).* _fl.-heads_ bluish, erect, cylindrical. august. _l._ hoary, most of them lanceolate, entire, tapering at the base; lower ones variously divided. _h._ 2ft. south europe. an ornamental evergreen shrub. =a. dracunculus.=* tarragon. _fl.-heads_ whitish green; racemes panicled; heads sub-globose. july. _l._, radical ones three-fid; cauline ones sessile, linear or linear-oblong, acute, entire, toothed. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1548. _see_ =tarragon=. =a. frigida= (frigid). _fl.-heads_ yellow, uninteresting, small, roundish, racemosely panicled. august. _l._ pinnate; segments narrow, silvery. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1826. a pretty creeping, herbaceous plant. =a. maritima= (maritime). _fl.-heads_ brown; racemes oblong, erect or drooping. august and september. _l._ downy, bipinnatifid, oblong; segments linear. britain. a much branched, erect, or decumbent plant, excellent for rough rockwork or very dry banks, etc. =a. mutellina= (mutellina).* _fl.-heads_ yellowish-green; lower ones stalked, upper ones sessile. july. _l._ all palmate, multifid, white. stem quite simple. _h._ 6in. european alps, 1815. =a. pontica= (pontine). _fl.-heads_ yellow, roundish, stalked, nodding. september. _l._ downy beneath; cauline ones bipinnate; leaflets linear. _h._ 3ft. austria, 1570. =a. rupestris= (rock). _fl.-heads_ brown, globose, stalked, nodding. august. _l._ sub-pubescent; cauline ones pinnatifid; leaflets linear, acute. _h._ 6in. norway, &c., 1748. =a. scoparia= (twiggy-branched). _fl.-heads_ small, whitish; panicle broad, densely packed, about 1-1/2ft. long. autumn. _l._ much divided; segments hair-like; lower branches very slender. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. east europe. =a. spicata= (spicate). _fl.-heads_ brown, spicate. june and july. _l._ hoary; radical ones palmate multifid; cauline ones pinnatifid; upper linear, entire, blunt. stem quite simple. _h._ 1ft. switzerland, 1790. =a. stelleriana= (steller's).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, uninteresting, round, somewhat erect. summer. _l._, lower ones spathulate-incised; upper ones obtusely lobed; end lobes often confluent, about 2in. long, silvery white. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. siberia. =a. tanacetifolia= (tanacetum-leaved). _fl.-heads_ brownish; racemes simple, terminal. summer. _l._ bipinnate; lobes linear sub-lanceolate, entire, acuminated, rather downy. stem sometimes branching at the base, herbaceous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, 1768. =a. vulgaris= (common).* mugwort. _fl.-heads_ yellow, somewhat racemed, ovate. august. _l._ pinnatifid; segments white, and downy beneath. stems 3ft. to 4ft. high, furrowed. britain. the variegated form of this species exhibits a very pleasing contrast. there is also a pretty variety with golden leaves. =arthrophyllum madagascariense.= _see_ =phyllarthron bojeriana=. =arthropodium= (from _arthron_, a joint, and _pous_, a foot; the footstalks of the flowers being jointed). ord. _liliaceã¦_. very pretty greenhouse herbaceous perennials, allied to _anthericum_. flowers purplish or white, in loose racemes. leaves grass-like, radical. they thrive well in a compost of sandy loam and peat, and may be increased freely by divisions or seeds. =a. cirratum= (curled). _fl._ white; racemes divided; bracteas leafy. may. _l._ lanceolate, ensiform, spreading, 1ft. long. _h._ 3ft. new zealand, 1821. =a. fimbriatum= (fringed). _fl._ white. july. _h._ 1-1/2ft. new holland, 1822. =a. neo-caledonicum= (new caledonian).* _fl._ small, white, on a much-branched, many-flowered panicle. may. _l._ tufted, linear-lanceolate, barred with black linear markings near the base. _h._ 1-1/2ft. new caledonia, 1877. =a. paniculatum= (panicled).* _fl._ white; racemes divided; pedicels clustered; inner sepals crenulate. may. _l._ narrowly lanceolate. _h._ 3ft. new south wales, 1800. _a. minus_ is a small form of this species. =a. pendulum= (pendulous).* _fl._ white, clustered in threes, pendulous. june to august. _l._ linear, keeled, shorter than the branched scape. _h._ 1-1/2ft. new holland, 1822. =arthropteris.= _see_ =nephrodium= and =nephrolepis=. =arthrostemma= (from _arthron_, a joint, and _stemon_, a stamen; in reference to the stamens or connectives being jointed). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. beautiful stove or greenhouse evergreen shrubs. tube of calyx turbinate or campanulate, usually clothed with bristles, pili, or scales; lobes four, lanceolate, permanent, without any appendages between them; petals four. a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, suits them best; and cuttings of small firm side shoots will root, in april or august, under a hand glass in sandy soil. only three or four out of the half-dozen species belonging to this genus have been as yet introduced. =a. fragile= (brittle). _fl._ rosy; cymes loose, terminal, few-flowered; calyx glandular. july. _l._ ovate-cordate, acute, five-nerved, serrated; branches tetragonal, beset with glandular hairs. _h._ 3ft. mexico, 1846. stove species. =a. nitida= (glossy-leaved). _fl._ lilac; peduncles axillary towards the top of the branches, three-flowered, longer than the petioles. june. _l._ ovate, acute, serrulated, glabrous on both surfaces, shining above, but glandularly hispid on the nerves beneath. stems shrubby, erect, and are, as well as the branches, tetragonally winged, beset with coloured hairs. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. buenos ayres, 1829 greenhouse species. =a. versicolor= (changeable-flowered). _fl._, petals obovate, ciliated, at first white, but at length becoming reddish, terminal, solitary. september. _l._ petiolate, ovate, serrulated, five-nerved, discoloured beneath. plant shrubby; hairy. _h._ 1ft. brazil (on the sea shore), 1825. stove species. =arthrotaxis.= _see_ =athrotaxis=. =artichoke, globe.= (_cynara scolymus_, a cultivated form of _c. cardunculus_). as a vegetable, the globe artichoke is cultivated for the use of the immature flower-heads, and is highly esteemed. a good open position, free from overhanging trees, is best suited for its culture generally, but, by planting successional suckers in different aspects, the season may be considerably prolonged. the soil must be of good depth, rich, and not too heavy. it may be greatly improved for artichoke culture by the addition of sea-weeds or salt applied as manure. [illustration: fig. 151. globe artichoke.] _preparation of soil._ trench the ground two spits deep if possible, mixing a liberal dressing of well-rotted manure in autumn, and ridge up for the winter, to sweeten. crude manure full of straw, leaves, and sticks, often induce fungoid growths, and are most injurious to the crowns of the plants. clay or stiff loam is about the worst soil on which to attempt the culture of this vegetable; this drawback may, however, to some extent be alleviated by the addition and thorough amalgamation of a light free soil or liberal dressings of sandy road drifts, or similar materials. an ill-drained soil is also fatal to good results. during hot, dry weather, the plants are greatly benefited by copious applications of clear water and dilute liquid manure; and this must be especially attended to on such soils as are liable to burn or dry up in summer. _cultivation._ when the beds have been properly prepared, the plants should be put in them in april or may. place three together in rows between 3ft. and 4ft. apart, and about 3ft. from plant to plant. water-in carefully to settle the soil around the roots, and apply a mulching of half-decayed manure, to prevent an undue evaporation of moisture. during hot, dry weather, give liberal supplies of water, and the plants will become established as fine stools the first season. a few heads will probably be produced the first year; but there will not be much of a crop until the second season, when five or six good heads will be got from each plant, and for three or four years the produce will be large if the beds are properly attended to; after which time it will become desirable to make up new plantations. in october or november, it will be necessary to apply a good mulching of straw or fern to the beds, to protect the plants from frost. in april, all this litter should be cleaned off, a dressing of rotten manure applied, and the beds forked over and kept clean for the rest of the season, treating as before described. great care must be taken to remove the heads as soon as they are in a fit state; and, when the whole of them are removed from the stems, cut the latter out as low as possible. globe artichokes will keep for some considerable time if laid in a cool place, although they will deteriorate in quality. these plants may be used in the background of flower borders in the kitchen garden, their handsome foliage being peculiarly well adapted for such purposes, whilst their economical value is also secured. see fig. 151. where there is plenty of room in light, warm sheds, orchard houses, or other places where frost can be kept out, some stools can be taken up with the root intact in the early part of november, placed in boxes of soil, and well watered-in. when drained, the boxes may be put in any of those positions for their winter quarters, and, if kept moist, will develop much earlier than the outdoor crops, provided they are planted out early in april on a warm border, and protected with mats when the weather is cold. propagation may be effected by seeds, or by suckers from the old stools, the latter being the better plan. in the former case, sow the seeds in march, on a gentle hotbed, and prick the seedlings off singly, when large enough, into small pots. harden off by the last week in may, and plant out in threes as previously recommended, protecting the plants from late frosts. during the growing season, give an abundance of water and liquid manure mulching, to prevent undue evaporation. in november, well cover with dry litter which will not heat; and, in hard frosts, or heavy snow, throw a few mats over the beds, uncovering at the same time as recommended above for the older plants. to propagate by rooted offsets or suckers, take up and divide the stools, when they have made a fair amount of growth in april or early in may, separating the suckers with as many roots and as much soil adhering to them as possible. the old woody portions are of little use, but they may be replanted to give off a fresh supply of suckers for the next year, if required. propagation by suckers, if they are to be obtained, has many advantages; but care must be taken, in removing them from old plants, that some roots are attached, or growth will be uncertain. seeds generally produce a large percentage of plants that are useless, and this is not found out until the flower-heads appear. on the other hand, suckers reproduce the parent plant, and if these are previously selected, the superior stock is thereby perpetuated. _sorts._ the green and purple are the best for ordinary purposes; and of these preference should be given to the former. _see also_ =cynara=. =artichoke, jerusalem= (_helianthus tuberosus_). a hardy tuberous-rooted herbaceous perennial, native of brazil. the roots are used as a vegetable principally during the winter, sometimes as a dish, but more generally for flavouring purposes. plants will grow in almost any position, but the best results and largest tubers are obtained where they receive plenty of room and liberal treatment. their culture has been recommended as a substitute for the potato, but they are not likely to take the place of this vegetable, the flavour being disliked by many persons. a few are, however, generally acceptable. _cultivation._ to ensure the most successful results, trench over a piece of ground in autumn, and give a light dressing of manure. fork over in march; at the same time plant good-shaped tubers (see fig. 152) in rows about 3ft. apart, and allow from 18in. to 2ft. between the tubers in the rows. keep clear of weeds; and, as soon as the foliage is yellow, in the latter part of the autumn, the roots will be fit for use. the best plan with this crop is to leave it in the ground till wanted, or till the end of february, and then to take up every tuber, replanting those which are wanted for stock, and storing the others away in a cold dry place. when they commence growth, they turn black, and are of little use for cooking, save for flavouring soups. this vegetable has of late years grown into favour as a marketable crop, and the demand seems to be increasing. considering its very easy culture, it is fairly remunerative. _see also_ =helianthus=. [illustration: fig. 152. tubers of jerusalem artichoke.] =articulate, articulated.= jointed; having joints. =artillery plant.= _see_ =pilea microphylla=. =artocarpeã�.= a tribe of the large order _urticaceã¦_. =artocarpus= (from _artos_, bread, and _carpos_, fruit; the fruit, when baked, resembling bread). bread fruit. syns. _polyphema_, _rademachia_, _rima_. ord. _urticaceã¦_. tribe _artocarpeã¦_. included in this most remarkable tribe, in addition to the bread fruit tree, is the virulent poisonous _antiaris toxicaria_, and the economic cow tree (_brosimum galactodendron_), of caraccas. a genus of stove evergreen trees, requiring a high and very moist atmosphere, a copious supply of water, perfect drainage, and a compost of two parts rich loam and one of leaf mould, with the addition of a little silver sand. under all conditions, this genus is difficult to propagate; the young and slender lateral growths are adapted for cuttings; and suckers may be utilised when procurable, which is very rare. =a. cannoni= (cannon's).* _l._ alternate, petiolate; petiole and midrib bright red; upper surface glossy, of a rich, full bronzy crimson hue, beautifully tinted with purple; under surface bright vinous red. the leaves vary much in form; some are simple and cordate at the base, with the apex irregularly lobate; some have the apex regularly three-lobed, with short, entire lobes; and others, again, are deep three-lobed, being divided nearly to the base, the segments, of which the centre one is largest, being slightly sinuate-lobed. _h._ 7ft. society islands, 1877. this is a most distinct and handsome ornamental-leaved plant. =a. incisa= (incised).* true bread fruit. _l._ from 2ft. to 3ft. long, deeply lobed or incised, deep green on the upper side, paler below. _h._ 50ft. south sea islands, 1793. this is a noble tree when full grown, and forms a most distinct and beautiful stove plant. the extraordinary fruit is produced from the axils of the leaves in large globular heads, and is highly valued as an article of food in its native country. =a. integrifolia= (entire-leaved). _l._ oblong, undivided, sinuated, scabrous, downy beneath. _h._ 30ft. india, 1778. =a. laciniata metallica= (laciniate, metallic). _l._ bronzy above, reddish purple beneath. polynesia. [illustration: fig. 153. arum maculatum.] =arum= (formerly _aron_, and probably of egyptian extraction). ord. _aroideã¦_. a large genus of ornamental or curious, hardy, greenhouse or stove perennials, with thick rhizomes and pedate or hastate leaves. spathe large, convolute; spadix naked and club-shaped at the top. they are all of easy culture, and the indoor species will thrive with such treatment as is given to _alocasias_, _caladiums_, &c. rich soil is one of the first conditions of success. like most plants grown for the beauty of their foliage, rapid and free growth is necessary. a compost of good rich loam, with a third of sweet manure, thoroughly rotted, or leaf mould, with some sharp sand, is very suitable. plenty of moisture is necessary during the growing season, after which the tender kinds should be kept moderately dry, warm, and at rest during the winter. the hardy kinds may be left in the ground. propagated by seeds or division of the roots--usually the latter. the best time to divide them is just as they commence their new growth, securing as many roots as possible to each division. any rootless pieces should be placed in heat shortly after removal; this hastens the formation of roots and excites top growth. arums are useful in sub-tropical gardening, and are otherwise interesting plants both for indoors and outside cultivation; and the hardy kinds are very suitable for naturalising in woodlands, &c. there are many other species besides those here described, but the following list comprises the best. sub-sections of the genus will be found treated separately, such as =amorphophallus= (which _see_), &c. [illustration: fig. 154. arum dracunculus.] =a. bulbosum= (bulbous). synonymous with _a. ternatum_. =a. dracontium= (green dragon). _fl._, spadix subulate, longer than the oblong convolute green spathe. june. _l._ pedate, entire. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1759. hardy. =a. dracunculus= (common dragon).* _fl._, spadix lanceolate, shorter than the ovate, flat, smooth, brown spathe. july. _l._ pedate, entire. _h._ 3ft. south europe, 1548. hardy. syn. _dracunculus vulgaris_. see fig. 154. =a. indicum= (indian). _see_ =colocasia indica=. =a. italicum= (italian).* _fl._, spathe ventricose below, opening nearly flat and very broad above; apex often falling over very shortly after expansion, sometimes greenish yellow, at others nearly white; spadix yellowish or creamy white, club-shaped, about one-third as long as the spathe. spring. _l._ appearing before winter, radical, triangular-hastate. _h._ 9in. to 2ft. channel islands and cornwall, &c. hardy. =a. i. marmorata= (marbled).* _l._ marbled with yellow. a very pretty and effective hardy border plant. =a. maculatum= (spotted). lords and ladies; cuckoo pint. _fl._, spathe ventricose below and above, constricted in the middle, with inflexed edges when open, spotted with dull purple; spadix usually purple, shorter than the spathe. spring. _l._ vernal radical, hastate-sagittate, with deflexed lobes. _h._ 9in. britain, &c. this species is admirably adapted for a corner in the wild garden. see fig. 153. =a. malyi= (maly's). _fl._ whitish. montenegro, 1860. =a. nickelli= (nickel's). levant, 1859. a form of _a. italicum_. =a. orientale= (eastern). _fl._ resembling those of _a. maculatum_. june. _l._ brownish, simple, ovate, slightly sagittate. _h._ 1ft. tauria, 1820. hardy. =a. palã¦stinum= (palestine).* _fl._, spathe 7in. to 11in. long, purplish blotched or spotted outside, rich velvety black inside and yellowish white at the base of the tube; spadix much shorter than the spathe; petiole usually rising 8in. or 9in. above the leaves. may. _l._ four or five, triangular-hastate, acute, from 6in. to 14in. long, and from 3-1/2in. to 7-1/2in. broad; petioles 12in. to 18in. long. jerusalem, 1864. tender. =a. pictum= (painted). _h._ 2ft. corsica, 1801. hardy. =a. proboscideum= (proboscis-like).* _fl._, spathe greenish purple, navicular, horizontal, terminated by a straight tail; scapes arising from among the petioles. may. _l._ radical, about four, cordate-elliptic, entire. _h._ 6in. south europe, 1823. hardy. =a. spectabile= (showy). _fl._, spathe ovate-oblong, acuminate, dark purplish inside, longer than the purplish spadix. _l._ broadly hastate-sagittate. _h._ 1ft. asia minor. half-hardy. =a. spirale= (spiral). _fl._, spadix lanceolate, shorter than the oblong-lanceolate spirally twisted brown spathe. may. _l._ linear-lanceolate. plant stemless. _h._ 1ft. china, 1816. tender. =a. tenuifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _fl._, spadix subulate, longer than the white lanceolate spathe. april. _l._ linear-lanceolate. plant stemless. _h._ 1ft. south europe, 1570. hardy. =a. ternatum= (three-leafleted). a synonym of _pinellia tuberifera_. =a. variolatum= (variegated). dalmatia, 1859. hardy. =a. venosum= (veined). a synonym of _sauromatum guttatum_. =a. zelebori= (zelebor's). a form of _a. maculatum_. =arum lily.= _see_ =richardia ã¦thiopica=. =arundinaria= (altered from _arundo_, a reed). ord. _gramineã¦_. a small genus of hardy or nearly hardy shrubby grasses, having strong jointed stems, and frequently included under _bambusa_. for sub-tropical gardening purposes more particularly it is exceedingly ornamental as an isolated tuft. it thrives best in a deep, rich soil, and requires plenty of water when in a growing state. increased by division of the roots. [illustration: fig. 155. arundinaria falcata.] =a. falcata= (sickle-shaped).* _l._ linear-lanceolate, very acute, shortly stalked, very light green. stems freely branched, deep green, and very slender. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. india. an extremely handsome species for greenhouse decoration; also for outdoor work, particularly in the south of england, &c. syn. _bambusa gracilis_, of gardens. =a. maximowiczii= (maximowicz's). this japanese species is believed to be allied to, if not identical with, _bambusa simonii_. quite hardy. =a. metake= (metake). _l._ lanceolate, with very sharp points, dark green, persistent, narrowed into a short leafstalk, 6in. to 12in. long; sheath ample. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. japan. a handsome, hardy, dwarf, much-branched species, forming grand specimens, and producing flowers very freely. syn. _bambusa japonica_. =arundo= (origin of word doubtful; stated by some authorities to be from _arundo_, a reed; and others as from the celtic _arn_, signifying water). reed. ord. _gramineã¦_. a very ornamental group of half or quite hardy plants, of very easy culture in ordinary garden soil, preferring damp situations. panicle loose; calyx two-valved, unequal, many-flowered; corolla of two very unequal valves; all, except the lower and imperfect one, surrounded by a tuft of hairs. fruit free, covered by the corolla. arundos are very valuable either for conservatory decoration, sub*-tropical gardening, or cultivation in clumps on the turf of the flower-garden or pleasure ground, and the margins of lakes. although well worth growing, all are inferior to their ally, the pampas grass. propagated by seeds or divisions, the spring being the best time to adopt either method of increase. =a. conspicua= (conspicuous).* _fl._ silky-white, on large drooping racemes, and lasting in beauty for several months. _h._ 3ft. to 8ft., but in a good deep and sandy loam it sometimes attains the height of 12ft. new zealand, 1843. this fine species grows in dense tufts, from which arise numerous leathery, narrow, smooth (or slightly rough), long curving leaves, and erect, slender culms. the plant is not sufficiently hardy to withstand a severe winter, and should, therefore, be protected with mats, or be grown in tubs, so that it can be removed under shelter before the approach of winter. these precautions are unnecessary in the more southern counties of england. =a. donax= (donax).* great reed. _fl._ reddish, ultimately whitish, in numerous spikelets, forming a large compact panicle 12in. to 16in. long. autumn. _l._ alternate, lanceolate-acute, large, and ornamental, glaucous green, arching. _h._ about 12ft. south europe, 1648. this also requires protection during winter in the colder counties. see fig. 156. =a. d. versicolor= (various-coloured).* _h._ 3ft. south europe. although much smaller, this variety is far superior to the type for gardening purposes, and has its leaves ribboned with white. it requires a deep, well drained, sandy loam to thrive well, and a thorough winter protection of cocoa-fibre refuse or coal ashes. for isolated tufts or groups, few plants can equal it. it is propagated by placing a stem in water, which induces little rooted plants to start from the joints; these should be separated, potted off, and kept in frames until thoroughly established. =a. mauritanica= (mediterranean reed). this is a rare greenhouse species, closely allied to _a. donax_, but inferior to it. [illustration: fig. 156. arundo donax.] =arytera.= a synonym of =ratonia= (which _see_). =asafå�tida.= _see_ =narthex asafå�tida=. =asarabacca.= _see_ =asarum europã¦um=. =asarum= (from _a_, not, and _saron_, feminine; derivation doubtful). ord. _aristolochiaceã¦_. curious hardy herbaceous perennials, with bell-shaped, three-cleft perianths. they should be planted at the foot of the rockery, or in borders or woodlands, as they are not very showy, but are, nevertheless, worth growing, and easily propagated by divisions, in spring. =a. canadense= (canadian).* _fl._ brown, campanulate, on a short peduncle, sometimes nearly buried. may and june. _l._ in pairs, broadly reniform. _h._ 1ft. canada, &c., 1713. [illustration: fig. 157. asarum caudatum.] =a. caudatum= (tailed).* _fl._ brownish-red, with attenuated or caudate calyx lobes. july. _l_. cordate-reniform, hooded, sub-acute, or bluntish, slightly pubescent. california, 1880. a rare and pretty species. see fig. 157. =a. europã¦um= (european). a sarabacca. _fl._ dull brown, solitary, rather large, drooping; segments of perianth incurved. may. _l._ two on each stem, roundish-reniform, stalked, slightly waved. _h._ 1ft. england. =ascending.= directed upwards; as the stem, which is the ascending axis. =asclepiadeã�.= a large order of, for the most part, lactescent, climbing shrubs. flowers sub-umbellate, fascicled or racemose, interpetiolar; pollen collected in the form of waxy masses, coalescing to the cells of the anthers; follicles two, one of which is abortive. leaves entire, usually opposite. =asclepias= (the greek name of ã�sculapius of the latins). swallow-wort. ord. _asclepiadeã¦_. erect, hardy, herbaceous or sub-shrubby perennials, except where otherwise specified. corolla five-parted, reflexed; umbels interpetiolar; corona seated on the upper part of the tube of the filaments, five-leaved. leaves opposite, verticillate, sometimes alternate. most of the hardy species are very handsome border plants, thriving in peaty, or light rich soil, and are increased by dividing the roots in spring, and sometimes also by seeds. the doubtfully hardy or rarer species should always be grown in a peat soil, and have a little protection during severe frost, by mulching the roots. the most important of the greenhouse and stove species is _a. curassavica_. in order to obtain good bushy specimens of this, it will be necessary to cut the plants back annually, after keeping them slightly dry, and resting for a month or two in midwinter. when growth has sufficiently advanced, they should be shaken out and repotted. at this stage, a close, moist atmosphere will be needful to produce the usually very free growth. the points of the shoots must be nipped out, in order to promote a bushy habit. when the pots have become filled with roots, liquid manure may be applied; but it must be quite clear and not over strong. all the indoor species grow best in good fibry loam and leaf mould, and require to be potted firmly. cuttings should be secured in spring, struck in gentle heat, under a bell glass, and as soon as they are well rooted, potted into 60-size pots. a shift must be given as often as the pots become filled with roots, up to the time when the plant commences flowering. seeds may be sown in pots in spring, pricked out singly when large enough, and then treated similarly to cuttings. =a. acuminata= (taper-pointed).* _fl._ red and white; umbels lateral, solitary, erect. july. _l._ ovate, sub-cordate, acuminated, on short petioles; superior ones sessile, glabrous, but rough on the edges. stems erect, glabrous, simple. _h._ 2ft. new jersey, 1826. hardy, herbaceous. =a. amå�na= (pleasing).* _fl._ beautiful purple; umbels terminal, erect; appendages of corona exserted, red. july. _l._ opposite, almost sessile, oblong-oval, downy beneath, with a large purple middle nerve. stem simple, with two rows of down. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. new england, 1732. hardy, herbaceous. =a. cornuti= (cornuti's).* synonymous with _a. syriaca_. =a. curassavica= (curassavian). redhead. _fl._ reddish orange-scarlet; umbels erect, solitary, lateral. july to september. _l._ opposite, oblong-lanceolate, tapering at both ends. stem rather downy, simple, seldom a little branched. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. tropical america, 1692. the white-flowered variety is a very pretty contrast. stove herbaceous. =a. douglasii= (douglas's).* _fl._ large, waxy, purplish-lilac, sweet-scented, in many-flowered umbels. summer. _l._ opposite, ovate-cordate, acuminated, 6-1/2in. long by 5in. or more wide, glabrous above, downy beneath. stem thick, woolly, simple. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. west america, 1846. =a. hybrida= (hybrid). a synonym of _a. purpurascens_. =a. incarnata= (flesh-coloured).* _fl._ red or purplish; umbels numerous, usually twin. july. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, rather woolly on both surfaces. stem erect, branched and tomentose at the top. _h._ 2ft. canada (on the banks of rivers), 1710. hardy, herbaceous. =a. mexicana= (mexican). _fl._ white; umbels many-flowered. july. _l._ verticillate, linear-lanceolate, with revolute edges; lower ones four to six in a whorl; upper ones three in a whorl, or opposite. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. mexico, 1821. greenhouse evergreen. =a. phytolaccoides= (phytolacca-like). _fl._ purple; corona white, with truncate leaflets; umbels lateral and terminal, solitary, on long peduncles, drooping. july. _l._ broad, ovate-oblong, acute, glabrous, paler beneath. stem erect, simple, spotted with purple. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. virginia and carolina (on the mountains), 1812. =a. purpurascens= (purplish). _fl._ purple; umbels erect. july. _l._ opposite, large, ovate, with a purplish middle nerve, villous beneath. stem simple, rather hairy at top, brownish green at bottom. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. virginia (in shady swamps), 1732. hardy. syn. _a. hybrida_. =a. quadrifolia= (four-leaved).* _fl._ white, small, sweet-scented, with red nectaries; umbels twin, terminal, loose-flowered; pedicels filiform. july. _l._ ovate, acuminated, petiolate; those in the middle of the stem larger, and four in a whorl; the rest opposite. stems erect, simple, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. new york, 1820. hardy species. =a. rubra= (red), _fl._ red; umbels compound, july, august. _l._ alternate, ovate, acuminated. stem erect, simple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. virginia, 1825. =a. sullivanti= (sullivant's). similar to _a. syriaca_, but having larger and deeper coloured flowers. =a. syriaca= (syrian).* _fl._ pale purple, sweet scented, in large, loose, drooping umbels. july. _l._ opposite, lanceolate-oblong, or oval, gradually acute, tomentose beneath. stems simple. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. north america, 1629. syn. _a. cornuti_. [illustration: fig. 158. flowering branch of asclepias tuberosa.] =a. tuberosa= (tuberous).* _fl._ bright orange, very showy; umbels disposed in a terminal sub-corymb. july to september. _l._ scattered, oblong-lanceolate, hairy. stems erectish, divaricately branched at top, very hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america (in stony, sandy fields and woods), 1690. a desirable hardy herbaceous border plant. see fig. 158. =a. variegata= (variegated). _fl._, petals and foliola of corona white, fructification red, in dense umbels, very handsome; umbels almost sessile; pedicels hairy. july. _l._ opposite, ovate, petiolate, wrinkled, naked. stems simple. erect, variegated with purple. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. new york to carolina (on dry, sandy hills), 1597. =a. verticillata= (whorled). _fl._, corolla with yellowish green petals and white nectaries; umbels many-flowered. july and august. _l._ very narrow, linear, thick, quite glabrous, usually verticillate, but sometimes scattered. stems erect, often branched, having a downy line on one side. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new jersey, 1759. =ascyron.= _see_ =hypericum ascyron=. =ascyrum= (from _a_, without, and _skyros_, hard; that is to say, a plant which is soft to the touch). ord. _hypericinã¦_. a genus of elegant little herbs and sub-shrubs, with sessile, entire leaves, destitute of pellucid dots, but usually furnished with black dots beneath. flowers resembling _hypericum_. they require to be protected during winter by a frame; for this purpose they should be grown in pots, as they never exist long in the open border. a compost of peat, pure leaf soil, and sand, in equal portions, suits them well; young cuttings of the shrubby kinds will root in sand under a hand bell glass. propagated by careful divisions of the roots in spring. all may be raised from seeds. =a. amplexicaule= (stem-clasping). _fl._ yellow, few, axillary, and terminal; corymbs naked. july. _l._ stem-clasping, ovate, cordate, sinuately-curled. stem dichotomously panicled. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1823. the flowers and leaves are longer in this than in any other of the species. =a. crux andreã¦.=* st. andrew's cross. _fl._, petals narrow-pale, yellow, nearly sessile, in terminal corymbs. july. _l._ ovate-linear, obtuse, usually in bundles in the axils. stem shrubby, round. _h._ 1ft. north america (in sandy fields), 1759. this proves to be quite hardy in many situations. =a. hypericoides= (hypericum-like). _fl._ yellow. august. _l._ linear-oblong, obtuse. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1759. =a. stans= (standing). st. peter's wort. _fl._ yellow. august. _l._ oval or oblong, somewhat clasping. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1816. =ashes.= the earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances, remaining after combustion. ashes are amongst the most economical manures. _vegetable ashes_ are generally the best application for manuring boggy, cold, and, consequently, sour and unprofitable land, in quantities of about forty bushels per acre, thinly and evenly distributed. the annual exhaustion of salts from large crops of grain, roots, and grass, is from 180lb. to more than 250lb. per acre; and the aggregate of a few years will so far impoverish the soil in one or more of the principles necessary to sustain a luxuriant vegetation, that it will cease to yield remunerating returns. the ashes of vegetables consist of such elements as are always required for their perfect maturity, and it is evident they must furnish one of the best saline manures which can be supplied for their growth; they contain, in fact, every element, and generally in the right proportions, for insuring a full and rapid growth. both gardener and farmer will therefore perceive the great value of ashes to their crops. _coal ashes._ the bituminous and anthracite coals afford ashes, and, although inferior in quality to those made from wood and vegetables, are, like them, a valuable manure, and they should be applied to the land in a similar manner. if they contain many cinders, from not having been thoroughly burned, they are more suited to heavy than to light soils. coal ashes, if very fine, may be sprinkled half an inch deep on the surface, over peas and beans, &c., to preserve them from mice; they may also be used for garden and greenhouse walks, where bricks or tiles are absent, being tidy in appearance, and an excellent substitute for other and more expensive material. _peat ashes._ peat approaching to purity, when thrown out of its bed and thoroughly dried, may be burned to an imperfect ash, and when it does not reach this point, it will become thoroughly charred, and reduced to cinders. the process of burning should be as slow as possible. in either form, it is a valuable dressing for the soil. =ash-tree.= _see_ =fraxinus=. =asiatic poison bulb.= _see_ =crinum asiaticum=. =asimina= (meaning unknown). ord. _anonaceã¦_. hardy shrubs, with oblong, cuneated, usually deciduous leaves. flowers sometimes rising before the leaves, usually solitary and axillary. they thrive freely in a mixture of sand and peat. propagated by layers put down in the autumn, or by seed, procured from their native country. seedlings should be raised in pots, and sheltered in winter, until they have acquired a considerable size. [illustration: fig. 159. flowering branch of asimina triloba.] =a. triloba= (three-lobed).* _fl._ campanulate, the three outer petals pale purplish, and the three inner ones smaller, purplish on the outside as well as the inside at the base and apex, with the middle yellow, about 2in. diameter, produced between the upper leaves. may. _l._ oblong-cuneated, often acuminated, and, as well as the branches, smoothish. _h._ 10ft. pennsylvania, 1736. a small tree or shrub. see fig. 159. =askallon= (the eschallot). _see_ =allium ascalonicum=. =aspalathus= (from _a_, not, and _spao_, to extract; in reference to the difficulty of extracting its thorns from a wound). including _sarcophyllus_. ord. _leguminosã¦_. shrubs or sub-shrubs, natives, with one exception, of the cape of good hope. flowers usually yellow, furnished with three bracteoles, or a leaf comprised of three leaflets. leaves of three to five leaflets, disposed palmately, rarely pinnately, having scarcely any or very short petioles. all the species are pretty when in flower, and thrive in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. young cuttings of half-ripened wood will strike in april, in sand, under bell glasses, which must be wiped dry occasionally. but little water is needed. over a hundred species are known; those introduced are very rarely seen in cultivation. =asparagus= (from _a_, intensive, and _sparasso_, to tear; in reference to the strong prickles of some species). ord. _liliaceã¦_. erect or climbing herbs or shrubs, with very small scale-like leaves, and a profusion of numerous slender fascicled-needle, rather spiny branchlets. flowers axillary, inconspicuous. fruit baccate. the indoor species will all thrive well in a warm greenhouse temperature, provided they have partial shade, a good supply of moisture at the roots, and are not kept too close, in a moderately rich sandy compost. the hardy species are propagated chiefly by seeds and divisions of the roots. rich sandy loam is necessary, and otherwise they may be treated as ordinary perennials. some of the species belonging to this genus are among the most elegant of foliage plants for cutting purposes. _a. decumbens_ and _a. scandens_ make excellent plants for wardian cases, and may be cut in freely if they exceed their limits. asparagus (_a. officinalis_) as a vegetable. the value and importance of this plant as a vegetable cannot be over-estimated; it is extensively grown, and, when properly managed, produces a fairly lucrative crop. _soil and bed._ the first thing to be done in the preparation of an asparagus bed to stand for any length of time, is to secure an efficient drainage; and on wet soils this is best effected by placing a layer of brick rubbish over the whole of the bottom, and connecting this with a drain. on gravelly or other soils which are drained naturally, of course, this is not needed; but if really good crops are a _desideratum_, water should not stand within 3ft. of the surface. in all cases, the ground must be dug to a depth of 18in., and, if stiff, a goodly amount of road sweepings, or other gritty materials, should be well mixed with the staple soil. asparagus requires a good soil, neither too heavy nor too light. _manuring._ after the soil has been well trenched, and has lain long enough to settle down, a good dressing of manure--thoroughly rotted, and not too rank, at the rate of from twenty to thirty tons to the acre, dug into the surface of the beds-â�will be found very beneficial. if possible, this should be introduced in january; and then, if the weather permits, the beds should be forked two or three times by the end of march, so as to render the soil as friable as possible. a very good manure, and one that is easily obtained, is common garden salt. this may be given annually to established beds. a moderate dressing should be applied just before growth commences in spring, but a little will do no harm at other times during the summer. it is best scattered on with the hand, and a showery day should be selected, as it will then soon disappear. salt, besides acting as a manure, has also the properties of keeping the beds cool and moist in hot weather, and of preventing the growth of weeds. _planting._ asparagus can be planted during march and april, the latter month being the best time for the work. the soil having been thoroughly prepared, the next point is to decide on the size of the beds; this depends on the size of garden, and the class of "grass" desired. when very large and fine stocks are the object in view, the best results will accrue if the plants are fully a yard apart each way; but this means a comparatively small crop. a good plan is to make the beds 3ft. wide, planting two rows, at a distance of 1ft. from each other, and allowing 18in. between each plant, placing them in alternate order. an 18in. alley should be allowed between the beds. the roots used for making the beds should be one year old, and fresh from the ground. in planting, pull out a wide drill with a hoe, or other tool, to the depth of about 3in. or 4in., and spread out the roots all round. carefully shake the soil in amongst the roots, and, if dry, apply some water through a coarse-rosed watering pot, to settle the earth around them. at intervals, as necessary, give other waterings till september, when they should be discontinued. at all times, keep the beds free from weeds, removing them by the hand to prevent injury to the crowns of the plants. if the ground is good, no liquid manure will be needed the first year. as soon as the foliage turns yellow, cut it off, cleanly rake over the beds, and leave till about january, when a top-dressing of from 1in. to 3in. of thoroughly rotted manure may be applied with advantage. at the end of february, rake off the bed all loose straw or other _debris_, and throw on them a little of the soil from the alleys, raking down, and finishing off the edges squarely and neatly. during this and succeeding years, apply liquid manure and clear water, from time to time, as required; and, provided the manure is not of too great strength, there is scarcely any limit to its application; but, in many instances, beds which have only received an annual dressing have given a good return. each year they must be cut over and dressed as before described, but care must be taken to keep them flat on the surface, otherwise the plants will die out for want of moisture. when the produce appears, the beds should be kept cut over until the 20th of june, after which, cutting should cease, or they will be rendered comparatively unproductive. cutting can commence the second or third year, or as soon as there is any "grass" worth taking. several methods of growing these plants could be cited, but that which we have recommended will be found most satisfactory. [illustration: fig. 160. asparagus, crown for lifting.] _seeds._ plants are raised by sowing seeds in rows across the kitchen garden, or selected quarter, about the month of april. the seedlings make a growth, and form good plants during the first season. in march or april of the following year, or the year after, they may be removed, and planted out permanently, as already alluded to. many cultivators prefer growing their own plants from seed; because during the transit of the roots from any distance to where they are to be grown, a frequent and injurious exhaustion takes place, and particularly so when they are carelessly packed. _forcing._ asparagus can, if properly treated, be obtained from december onwards; and at christmas time the produce is very valuable; but, in order to obtain it at this season, it will be necessary to resort to forcing. prepare some beds to secure a lasting heat, and on these place about 3in. of ordinary garden soil, not very stiff. then take the roots, and place them crown upwards, and moderately close together, shaking the soil well amongst the roots, and covering about a couple of inches deep. water well, to settle the whole, and put on the lights, allowing a little ventilation, to let out any steam which may arise. unless the weather be very cold indeed, give a little air at all times, and only cover the lights in actual frost. from time to time, apply fresh linings of hot manure, and in cold rains, or wind, cover the outsides of the frames with old sacks, or other things which will keep in the heat. a regular and steady temperature of 60deg. will force this plant with better results than a higher one. houses that are fitted with hot-water pipes to give bottom heat can be used equally as well as manure beds, and so long as the soil is kept moist, the heat thus obtained is as good as any for the purpose, and much less trouble than fermenting materials. to keep up a regular supply, a succession of beds will be necessary. asparagus can be forced, or rather forwarded, in pots or boxes, in a warm greenhouse or vinery, and, of course, when the plants are done with, they can be cast away. we give an illustration (fig. 160) of a bearing crown fit for gentle forcing; but, of course, it must not be left so bare of earth as appears here, which is done for the purpose of clearness. _varieties._ connover's colossal, and giant, are the most esteemed. strains are frequently largely advertised as improvements on the sorts above-mentioned, and the charges are higher accordingly. the difference may be generally attributed to the culture the plants receive more than to an improved variety. when saving seed for home sowing, they should be taken from the strongest growths, or deterioration will ensue. =a. ã¦thiopicus ternifolius= (ternate). _fl._ white, in shortly-stalked racemes, very profuse. august. _l._, false ones in threes, flattened, narrow, linear; prickles solitary, reversed; branches angular. _h._ 30ft. south africa, 1872. a greenhouse evergreen. =a. broussoneti= (broussonet's).* _fl._ very small, succeeded by small red berries. may. _l._, lower ones solitary, the others ternate, 1in. long, needle-shaped, persistent, distant, glaucescent; stipules with reflected spines at the base. summer. stem tapering, streaked, shrubby. _h._ 10ft. canary islands, 1822. a very pretty hardy climber. =a. cooperi= (cooper's). _fl._ axillary, one to three, from the same nodes as the false leaves; perianth cream-coloured, one line long. april and may. _l._ minute, deltoid, scariose, reddish-brown; false leaves six to fifteen to a node, subulate, moderately firm, 1/4in. to 3/8in. long, spreading or ascending. _h._ 10ft. to 12ft. africa, 1862. a greenhouse climber, with a shrubby terete main stem, 1-1/2in. to 2in. thick at the base, sending out crowds of spreading branches, which bear abundant slender, firm, alternate branchlets; nodes of branches and branchlets, furnished with distinct red-brown, subulate prickles, those of the main stems 1/4in. long, deflexed, but not curved. =a. decumbens= (decumbent).* stem unarmed, decumbent, much branched; branches wavy; leaves setaceous, in threes. cape of good hope, 1792. a greenhouse evergreen herbaceous perennial. =a. falcatus= (hooked-leaved). _l._ fascicled, linear, falcate; branches round; prickles solitary, recurved; peduncles one-flowered, clustered. _h._ 3ft. india, 1792. a greenhouse evergreen perennial. =a. officinalis= (officinal). common asparagus. _fl._ greenish-white, drooping. august. _l._ setaceous, fasciculate, flexible, unarmed. stem herbaceous, mostly erect, rounded, very much branched. _h._ 1ft. said to grow on "asparagus island," kynance cove, lizard, but we have never found it there, and it has probably long since been exterminated. =a. plumosus= (plumed).* _fl._ white, small, produced from the tips of the branchlets. spring. _l._, true ones in the form of minute deltoid scales, with an acute ultimately reflexed point; the false ones are grouped in tufts, each being 1/8in. to 1/4in. long, bristle-shaped, and finely pointed. south africa, 1876. an elegant evergreen climber, with smooth stems and numerous spreading branches. it forms an excellent plant when trained in pots, and is invaluable for cutting. =a. p. nanus= (dwarf).* a very elegant dwarf variety of above. stems tufted, slender, and gracefully arching. south africa, 1880. for bouquets, the cut sprays of both type and variety have the advantage of much greater persistency than any fern, retaining their freshness in water from three to four weeks. see fig. 161, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons. =a. racemosus= (racemose). _fl._ greenish-white, in many-flowered axillary racemes. may. _l._ bundled, linear-subulate, falcate; branches striated; prickles solitary. _h._ 3ft. india, 1808. greenhouse evergreen shrub. [illustration: fig. 161. asparagus plumosus nanus.] =a. ramosissimus= (very branching). _fl._ solitary, at the tips of the branchlets; pedicels hardly perpendicular, one and a-half to two lines long; cream coloured. june. _l._ obscurely spurred at the base; false leaves three to eight-nate, flattened; linear-falcate acute, 1/4in. to 3/8in. long, spreading. south africa, 1862. a wide climbing, copiously branched, slender greenhouse shrub, with very numerous spreading or ascending branches and branchlets. =a. scandens= (climbing).* _fl._ whitish, axillary on the ultimate branchlets, succeeded by round orange-coloured berries. the annual, much-branched, unarmed stems bear, usually in threes, numerous small linear-pointed leaves, which on the ultimate branches spread nearly in one plane. cape of good hope, 1795. an elegant climbing greenhouse perennial. =a. virgatus= (twiggy).* a remarkably elegant feathery looking plant, of shrubby habit. the stems, which issue from the crown of the stout fleshy roots, are of a dark green colour, and bear at the upper end a corymbose head of erect branches, of which the lowest is the youngest or most recently developed. these branches are again twice branched, the ultimate branchlets being furnished with needle-shaped false leaves, 1/2in. long, which usually grow in threes. south africa, 1862. =asparagus beetle= (_crioceris asparagi_), or "cross-bearer." this beautiful little insect is blue-black or greenish; the thorax is red with two black spots, and the wing-cases are yellow, with a black cross on them; the legs and antennã¦ are black. the short grey larva is flat underneath, arched on the back, and covered with hairs. the sides are of an olive hue, and the little legs and head are black. it ejects a drop of blackish fluid from the mouth when touched. when full grown, which takes about a fortnight, the larva measures about two lines in length; the average length of the perfect beetle is about three lines. although this insect does not actually destroy the plants, it inflicts much damage on the foliage, and checks the growth of the stems after they have attained some size, in consequence of which the foliage becomes much less in the next season. the eggs are fixed to the shoots, and are small, dark, pointed bodies. the larvã¦ do the harm, as they feed on the bark and tender portions of the plants. the mature beetles should be picked off by hand, and, by commencing early enough in the season, their numbers will be greatly reduced. syringing the plants with water, heated to a temperature that will not injure the plants, is found a useful method for removing the grubs. _white hellebore._ freshly-ground white hellebore, sprinkled over the foliage while it is damp, and repeating the operation at intervals of about eight days for a season, will generally effect a riddance; but the following will usually be found better in such cases. neither must be applied until after cutting ceases, as they are very poisonous. _paris green._ this, mixed and used as for cherry fly (_see_ =black fly=), will generally got rid of the beetle, if applied about thrice each season for two years. it should, however, only be used in severe cases. _soot_, applied in the same manner as white hellebore, and in liberal quantities, will, in a season or two, clear the beds. if a bushel of salt be mixed with each twenty bushels of soot, it will enhance the effect. =asparagus knife.= the asparagus knife consists of a strong blade fixed in a handle. there are, or were, three kinds employed: in one form, the blade was blunt on both sides, straight, with a sharp tip, and not unlike a small chisel. another had its blade slightly hooked, and serrated at one end. but the best is that now almost universally employed, and which is illustrated by fig. 162. [illustration: fig. 162. asparagus knife.] =aspasia= (from _aspazomai_, i embrace; the column embraced by the labellum). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. a genus of elegant stove epidendrum-like epiphytal orchids, with the lip united to the column, and broad, thin pseudo-bulbs. the name aspasia is now and then met with attached to a totally different genus. salisbury gave it to a liliaceous plant which is now referred to _ornithogalum_. for culture and propagation, _see_ =stanhopea=. =a. epidendroides= (epidendrum-like).* _fl._ whitish yellow; sepals linear oblong, acute; petals obtuse, concave, lateral lobes of lip roundish, entire, middle lobe crenated emarginate. february. pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged. _h._ 1ft. panama, 1833. =a. lunata= (crescent-marked).* _fl._ green, white, and brown, solitary; sepals and petals linear obtuse, spreading; lip three-lobed, lateral lobes short, middle one flat, nearly square, wavy. february. pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged. _h._ 1ft. rio janeiro, 1843. =a. papilionacea= (butterfly-like).* _fl._, sepals and petals yellowish, mottled with brown lines on their internal inferior halves; lip fiddle-shape, its back very great, elliptic, apiculate; an orange-coloured area stands at its base, a wide violet disc before and around it. _h._ 9in. costa rica, 1876. distinguished from _a. lunata_ in having thirteen keels at the base of the lip, which is higher inserted, and in the echinulate anther. it is a beautiful but rare novelty. =a. psittacina= (parrot-like).* _fl._, sepals and petals light green, with brown transverse bars, which sometimes consist of separate stripes, at other times of confluent ones; the fiddle-shaped lip shows two keels and a few purplish dots over its top; the column is brown at its top, then violet, and white at the base. ecuador, 1878. it has a raceme of several flowers, usually one-sided, bent over. =a. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._ green, spotted with yellowish red; sepals linear oblong; petals somewhat rhomboid, acute; lateral lobes of lip recurved, middle one fleshy, serrated. february. _h._ 9in. panama, 1836. deliciously sweet-scented in the morning. =aspen.= _see_ =populus tremula=. =aspera.= rough, with hairs or points. =asperula= (from _asper_, rough; in allusion to the leaves). woodruff. ord. _rubiaceã¦_. hardy herbs, rarely small shrubs. flowers terminal and axillary, in fascicles. leaves opposite, with one, two, or three stipulas on each side; they are therefore called four to eight in a whorl, but between the uppermost leaves there are no stipulas. stems and branches usually tetragonal. most of the species are very pretty when in flower, and are, therefore, well adapted for borders, rockwork, and shady places, in almost any garden soil. propagated by divisions of the roots during spring and early summer. herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated. =a. azurea-setosa= (blue-bristly). a synonym of _a. orientalis_. =a. calabrica= (calabrian). a synonym of _putoria calabrica_. =a. cynanchica= (cynanche-like). _fl._ on erect branches, forming a fastigiate corymb, white or bluish-coloured, elegantly marked with red lines, or sometimes pure white. summer. _l._ four in a whorl; floral ones lanceolate-linear, acuminately awned; lower ones small, oblong, upper ones opposite. plant glabrous, erectish. _h._ 9in. to 12in. england. =a. hirta= (hairy). _fl._ white at first, changing to pink, with oblong divisions. july and august. _l._ usually six in a whorl, four towards the upper part, linear, hairy, deep green. _h._ 3in. pyrenees, 1817. a charming but rare little alpine, thriving best in a rather damp position on the rockery. =a. longiflora= (long-flowered).* _fl._ whitish, yellowish inside, and reddish outside; tube of corolla elongated; fascicles terminal, pedunculate; bracteas small, subulate. summer. _l._ four in a whorl, linear; lower ones small, obovate; upper ones opposite. stems weak, numerous, from the same neck, erectish, glabrous. _h._ 6in. hungary, 1821. =a. montana= (mountain).* _fl._, corollas pink, four-cleft, scabrous externally; in fascicles. june, july. _l._ linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; upper ones opposite; floral leaves linear. stem weak, glabrous. _h._ 6in. to 8in. hungary, 1801. =a. odorata= (sweet-scented).* sweet woodruff. _fl._ snowy white; corymbs terminal, pedunculate, usually trifid, each division bearing about four flowers. may, june. _l._ eight in a whorl, lanceolate, smooth, with serrulately scabrous edges. stems tetragonal, simple, erect, or ascending. _h._ 6in. to 12in. britain. this very pretty little plant is scentless when fresh, but, when dried, it diffuses an odour like that of spring grass; and when kept among clothes, it not only imparts an agreeable perfume to them, but preserves them from insects. =a. orientalis= (oriental).* _fl._ sky blue, in terminal heads; bracts of involucre shorter than the flowers. summer. _l._ lanceolate, bristly, about eight in a whorl. _h._ 1ft. caucasus, 1867. a charming little, profuse blooming, hardy annual, bearing clusters of fragrant flowers, admirably adapted for bouquet making. syn. _a. azurea-setosa_. see fig. 163. [illustration: fig. 163. asperula orientalis, showing habit and portion of inflorescence.] =a. taurina= (bull). _fl._, corollas white, elongated; corymbs pedunculate, axillary, fasciculately umbellate, involucrated; bracteas ciliated. april to june. _l._ four in a whorl, ovate-lanceolate, three-nerved, with finely ciliated margins. plant smoothish, erect. _h._ 1ft. south europe, 1739. =a. tinctoria= (dyers'). _fl._ white, reddish on the outside; usually trifid. june. _l._ linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; and the uppermost ones opposite; floral leaves ovate. plant procumbent, unless supported. stem 1ft. to 2ft. long, purplish. europe, 1764. =asphalt.= artificial asphalt is now generally used in england for footpaths, &c. the recipes are various, one of the best being the following: lime rubbish two parts, coal ashes one part (both must be very dry), sifted very fine; mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap, wherein pour boiling hot coal tar; mix well together. when as stiff as mortar, lay it down, 3in. thick, on a dry and previously well-levelled surface. a boy should follow with dry, finely-sifted sand, distributing just enough to prevent his boots sticking to the tar. two men should be employed for the tarring, whilst another should attend to the boiling operation. only just enough tar to last ten minutes must be taken from the furnace at one time, as, if it be not boiling, the walks will become soft under the action of very hot sun. this may be repeated every three years. it is imperative that the surface, lime, coal ashes and sand be perfectly dry, and that the days selected for the operation be very fine, the hotter the better. another excellent plan is that of using gas lime and coal ashes. there must be a firm foundation and smooth surface. spread the gas lime to about 1-1/2in. deep, and level with the back of a spade. over this place a thin layer of coal dust, and well roll. the work is then complete. =asphodel.= _see_ =asphodelus=. =asphodeline.= ord. _liliaceã¦_. a genus of plants allied to _asphodelus_, but distinguished from it by having erect leafy stems. they thrive in any ordinary garden soil. propagated by division. =a. brevicaulis= (short-stemmed). _fl._ in lax, often panicled racemes, yellow, veined with green. _l._ subulate, ascending, lower ones 4in. to 6in. long. stem slender, often flexuose. orient. =a. damascena= (damascene). _fl._ white, in dense generally simple racemes, 6in. to 12in. long. _l._ in dense rosette, 6in. to 9in. long, subulate. stem simple, erect. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. asia minor. =a. liburnica= (liburnian). _fl._ yellow, striped with green, in generally simple lax racemes, 6in. to 9in. long. stem simple, erect, strict, 1ft. to 2ft. high, upper half naked. south europe. =a. lutea= (yellow). _fl._ yellow, fragrant, in a dense, very long, straight, simple raceme, in the axils of buff-coloured bracts, which are nearly as long as the flowers. summer. _l._ numerous, awl-shaped, triangular, furrowed, smooth, dark green, marked with lines of a paler tint; root leaves tufted. stem 3ft. or 4ft. high. sicily, 1596. the best known and handsomest species. syn. _asphodelus luteus_. =a. l. fl.-pl.= this resembles the species, but the flowers are double, and last much longer than those of the typical form; it is a very pretty plant. =a. taurica= (taurian). _fl._ white, striped with green, in generally simple dense racemes, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. wide. stem simple, erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, densely leafy at base of raceme. asia minor, &c. syn. _asphodelus tauricus_. =a. tenuior= (slenderer). _fl._ yellow, in simple lax-flowered racemes, 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. wide. stem simple lower half leaf, upper naked, 1ft. orient. syn. _asphodelus tenuior_. =asphodelus= (from _a_, not, and _sphallo_, to supplant; in allusion to the beauty of the flowers). asphodel. ord. _liliaceã¦_. very pretty hardy herbaceous perennials, with fleshy fasciculated roots. perianth white or yellow, of six equal spreading segments; stamens six, hypogynous, alternately long and short. leaves usually radical, tufted, narrow, or triquetrous. all the species enumerated thrive in good deep sandy loam, and are very suitable for borders and shrubberies. propagated by division of the root, which is best done in early spring. =a. ã¦stivus= (summer). _fl._ white. summer. _h._ 2ft. spain, 1820. =a. albus= (white).* _fl._ white; peduncles clustered the length of the bracts. may. _l._ linear, keeled, smooth. stem naked, simple. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1596. =a. creticus= (cretan).* _fl._ yellow. july. _l._ filiform, striated, toothed, ciliated. stem leafy, naked above, branched. _h._ 2ft. crete, 1821. =a. fistulosus= (pipe-stalked). _fl._ white. july, august. _l._ upright, striated, subulate, fistular. stem naked. _h._ 18in. south europe, 1596. =a. luteus= (yellow). a synonym of _asphodeline lutea_. =a. ramosus= (branchy). _fl._ large, white, with a reddish-brown line in the middle of each segment, springing from the axils of ovate-lanceolate bracts, and in very long dense racemes. summer. _l._ sword-shaped, stiff, sharply keeled below, channelled above. stem much branched. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. south europe, 1829. [illustration: fig. 164. asphodelus villarsii, showing habit and flower.] =a. villarsii= (villars'). _fl._ white; raceme dense, elongated; bracts dark brown. stem simple or rarely branched. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. eastern france. see fig. 164. =aspidistra= (from _aspidiseon_, a little round shield; in reference to the form of the flower). syn. _porpax_ (of salisbury). including _plectogyne_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. hardy, or nearly hardy, evergreen, foliage plants. flowers insignificant, produced close to the ground, remarkable for the curious mushroom-like stigma, by which this genus is characterised. they thrive in almost any ordinary garden soil, but are best grown in rich loam, leaf soil, and sand; plenty of moisture being allowed. propagated by suckers. =a. elatior= (taller).* _l._ oblong, large, on long petioles, leathery; plant stemless. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. japan, 1835. this very easily cultivated and quite hardy foliage plant is much grown for window gardening and other decorative purposes, for which it is well suited. =a. e. variegata= (variegated).* a fine variety with alternately-striped green and white leaves. [illustration: fig. 165. aspidistra lurida.] =a. lurida= (lurid). _fl._ purple. july. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, on long petioles. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. china, 1822. a very graceful species, with long evergreen leaves. it is an effective plant for the outdoor garden during summer, and is nearly, if not quite, hardy. see fig. 165. =a. punctata= (dotted). _l._ lanceolate, on long stalks. _h._ 1ft. china. this is very closely allied to _a. elatior_, but of inferior value. =aspidium= (from _aspidion_, a little buckler; in allusion to the form of the involucre). shield fern. ord. _filices_. including _cyclodium_, _cyclopeltis_, _cyrtomium_, _phanerophlebia_, and _polystichum_. stove, greenhouse, or hardy ferns. sori sub-globose, dorsal or terminal on the veinlets; involucre orbicular, fixed by the centre. they thrive in a compost of sandy peat with a little loam. several species are admirably adapted for the indoor fernery. the hardy species are best grown in the shade; a little sandstone should be incorporated with the soil. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. [illustration: fig. 166. aspidium aculeatum.] =a. acrostichoides= (acrostichum-like).* _sti._ 6in. to 8in. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 6in. broad; pinnã¦ of the lower half barren, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. broad, spinoso-serrated throughout, auricled at the base above; the pinnã¦ of the upper half fertile, much smaller. _sori_ occupying the whole under side. north america. syn. _polystichum acrostichoides_. hardy. =a. a. grandiceps= (large-crested).* a very handsome fern, having the apices of the fronds and pinnã¦ heavily crested; equally desirable for the hardy or temperate fernery. of garden origin. =a. a. incisum= (incised).* a variety with the pinnules deeply cut and acutely pointed. =a. aculeatum= (sharp-pointed).* the hard shield fern. _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, more or less scaly. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; lower pinnã¦ close, lanceolate, 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal sided, auricled on the upper base; teeth aristate. sori nearer the midrib than the edge. a variable and hardy species, common throughout the world. syn. _polystichum aculeatum_. _a. a. proliferum_ is a proliferous australian form. _a. a. vestitum_ has the rachis densely clothed to the point, both with reddish-brown fibrillose and large lanceolate dark brown scales. see fig. 166. =a. amabile= (lovely). _sti._ scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, slightly scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a lanceolate terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, the lowest sometimes divided at the base; segments sub-rhomboidal, with at least half the lower side cut away, the upper side and part of the lower lobed and sharply spinuloso-serrated. sori sub-marginal. ceylon. stove species. syn. _polystichum amabile_. =a. angulare= (angular). the soft shield fern. botanically this is only a variety of _a. aculeatum_; but, to the cultivator, it is abundantly distinct. the fronds are not so tapered at the base, the pinnules are more equal in size, and the lower ones distinctly stalked, while the texture is much less rigid than in _a. aculeatum_, the caudex has a tendency to elongate. almost cosmopolitan in its distribution. syn. _polystichum angulare_. there are an enormous number of varieties, many of which are not under cultivation. amongst the best found in gardens are _alatum_, _bayliã¦_, _concinnum_, _corymbiferum_, _cristatum_, _curtum_, _dissimile_, _grandiceps_, _imbricatum_, _kitsoniã¦_, _lineare_, _parvissimum_, _plumosum_, _polydactylon_, _proliferum_, _rotundatum_, _wakeleyanum_, _woollastoni_. [illustration: fig. 167. aspidium angulare grandiceps.] =a. a. grandiceps= (large-crested). this is a narrow fronded variety, having the apices of the fronds branched and crested, ultimately producing a broad tasselled head. a very handsome fern. see fig. 167. =a. anomalum= (anomalous). _sti._ tufted, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down in the lower part into oblong segments; teeth blunt or slightly mucronate. _sori_ placed near the sinuses of the pinnules. ceylon. stove species. syn. _polystichum anomalum_. =a. aristatum= (awned).* _rhiz._ creeping. _sti._ scattered, 9in. to 18in. long, very scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, trior quadripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ largest, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; lowest pinnules much the largest, lanceolate-deltoid; teeth copious aristate. _sori_ small, principally in two rows near the midrib. japan, himalayas, new south wales, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum aristatum_. =a. a. coniifolium= (conium-leaved).* _fronds_ more finely divided; segments copiously toothed, with lower lobes distinct. =a. a. variegatum= (variegated).* a handsome variety, with a broad band of green running through the bases of the pinnules along the course of the rachis. =a. auriculatum= (eared).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly below or throughout. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, sub-sessile, usually close, 1in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, falcate, acute, spinoso-serrated, the upper base auricled, the lower one truncate. _sori_ in two rows. india, widely distributed. stove species. syns. _a. ocellatum_, _polystichum auriculatum_. =a. a. lentum= (pliant). pinnã¦ cut into oblong mucronate lobes about half-way down to the rachis, the auricle sometimes quite free. =a. a. marginatum= (margined).* a variety with more coriaceous texture; upper edge of the pinnã¦ slightly lobed. =a. capense= (cape).* _sti._ scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, sub-deltoid; lowest pinnã¦ the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules and segments lanceolate, the latter bluntly lobed. _sori_ very large and copious. south america, new zealand, cape colony, natal, &c. greenhouse species. syns. _a. coriaceum_, _polystichum capense_. =a. confertum= (compressed). synonymous with _a. meniscioides_. =a. coriaceum= (leathery). synonymous with _a. capense_. =a. falcatum= (hooked).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ numerous, the lower stalked, ovate-acuminate, falcate, 3in. to 5in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; edge entire or slightly undulated, the upper side narrowed suddenly, sometimes auricled, the lower rounded or obliquely truncate at the base. _sori_ small, copious, scattered. japan, china, himalayas, &c. syn. _cyrtomium falcatum_. =a. f. caryotideum= (caryota-like) has pinnã¦ sometimes larger, sharply toothed, slightly lobed, sometimes auricled on both sides. syn. _cyrtomium caryotideum_. =a. f. fortunei= (fortune's).* this differs from the type in having pinnã¦ narrower and more opaque. all are most useful house ferns, and quite hardy in many parts of the country. syn. _cyrtomium fortunei_. =a. falcinellum= (finely-hooked).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long, densely scaly. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad; central pinnã¦ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. broad; point acute; edge finely serrated; the upper side bluntly auricled, the lower obliquely truncate at the base. _sori_ in two long rows. madeira. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum falcinellum_. =a. flexum= (bending). _rhiz._ stout, wide-creeping. _sti._ scattered, 1ft. long, scaly. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnã¦ lanceolate-deltoid, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, cut down to the rachis below into oblong bluntly-lobed segments. _sori_ large, in two rows, copious. juan fernandez. stove species. syn. _polystichum flexum_. =a. få�niculaceum= (fennel-leaved).* _rhiz._ creeping. _sti._ scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, and 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid, four to five pinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 8in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; ultimate divisions linear, awned, with a firm texture. _sori_ solitary. greenhouse species. sikkim, 7,000ft. to 10,000ft. syn. _polystichum få�niculaceum_. =a. frondosum= (leafy). _sti._ scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below. _fronds_ 18in. to 24in. long, 1ft. or more broad, sub-deltoid; lower pinnã¦ much the largest, long stalked; pinnules lanceolate; segments very unequal sided, pinnatifid, with rounded mucronate lobes, obliquely truncate at the base below. _sori_ large, copious. madeira. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum frondosum_. =a. hookeri= (hooker's). _sti._ 1ft. or more long, naked. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long; pinnã¦ 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into nearly close, spreading, entire, linear-oblong lobes 1/8in. broad. _sori_ nearer the edge than the midrib. malay archipelago. stove species. syns. _a. nephrodioides_ and _cyclodium hookeri_. =a. laserpitiifolium= (laserpitium-leaved).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, stramineous, scaly at base. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnã¦ the largest, with pinnules on the lower side prolonged, lanceolate, imbricated with small, distinct, bluntly-lobed segments. _sori_ in two rows, very copious. japan. a very desirable greenhouse species. syns. _lastrea standishii_ (of gardens) and _polystichum laserpitiifolium_. =a. lepidocaulon= (scaly-stemmed). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long, densely clothed with large cordate scales. _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, sometimes elongated and rooting at the point: pinnã¦ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, lanceolate-falcate, the two sides unequal, the upper one auricled at the base. _sori_ principally in two rows, near the midrib. japan. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum lepidocaulon_. =a. lonchitis= (spar-like).* the holly fern. _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly at base. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnã¦ 1/2in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, sub-falcate, the two sides unequal, point mucronate, edge spinuloso-serrated, the upper side sharply auricled at the base, the lower obliquely truncate. britain, &c. a very widely-spread hardy species. syn. _polystichum lonchitis_. =a. meniscioides= (meniscium-like). _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long, scaly below. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, pinnate; barren pinnã¦ sessile, 6in. to 9in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, oblong-acuminate, nearly entire; fertile pinnã¦ much smaller. _sori_ in two close rows between the primary veins. west indies, &c. stove species. syns. _a. confertum_ and _cyclodium meniscioides_. =a. mohrioides= (mohria-like). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, more or less densely scaly. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnã¦ numerous, frequently imbricated, lanceolate, cut down below into slightly toothed, oblong-rhomboidal pinnules. _sori_ copious. patagonia and the cordilleras of chili. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum mohrioides_. =a. mucronatum= (mucronated).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long, densely scaly. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnã¦ very numerous, often imbricated, 3/4in. to 1in. long, 1/4in. to broad, sub-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, mucronate, sub-entire, distinctly auricled at the upper base. _sori_ in a long row on each side the midrib. west indies. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum mucronatum_. =a. munitum= (armed).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 9in. long, densely scaly. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnã¦ close, 2in. to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, acuminate, finely spinulose and serrated throughout, the upper side auricled, and the lower obliquely truncate at the base. _sori_ in two rows near the edge. california, &c. hardy; very fine. syn. _polystichum munitum_. =a. nephrodioides= (nephrodium-like). synonymous with _a. hookeri_. =a. ocellatum= (spotted). synonymous with _a. auriculatum_. =a. pungens= (stinging). _rhiz._ stout. _sti._ scattered, 1ft. long, scaly below only. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnã¦ 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, often deeply pinnatifid. _sori_ principally in two rows near the midrib. cape colony. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum pungens_. =a. repandum= (wavy-leaved). _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long, naked. _fronds_ 2ft. or more long, 12in. to 18in. broad, apex deeply pinnatifid, with linear-oblong, slightly sinuated lobes; lower pinnã¦ four to eight on each side, 6in. to 8in. long, 1-1/4in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acuminate; edge bluntly sinuated, the lowest stalked and forked. _sori_ in two distinct rows near the main vein. philippines. stove species. =a. rhizophyllum= (frond-rooting). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, slender. _fronds_ 2in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. broad, with the long, narrow upper half of the frond lengthened out and rooting, the lower half cut down to a flattened fibrillose rachis into oblong-rhomboidal sub-entire lobes about 1/2in. broad, 1/4in. deep. _sori_ scattered. jamaica, 1820. stove or cool house species. syn. _polystichum rhizophyllum_. =a. semicordatum= (half-cordate). _sti._ scattered, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, nearly entire, acuminate, cordate or truncate at the base. _sori_ in one to three rows on each side, the inner one close to the midrib. tropical america, &c. syn. _polystichum semicordatum_. =a. trapezioides= (trapezium-like). synonymous with _a. viviparum_. =a. triangulum= (triangular).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, base scaly. _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, sessile, lower ones distant, central ones 3/4in. to 1in. long, about 5/8in. broad, sub-deltoid, lower side obliquely truncate; apex mucronate, edge sub-entire or slightly lobed, with blunt or spinose teeth, one or both sides auricled at the base. _sori_ principally in two rows near the edge. west indies. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum triangulum_. =a. trifoliatum= (three-leaved). _sti._ tufted, 1ft. or more long, base only scaly. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a large ovate-acuminate terminal pinna, narrowed or forked at the base, and one or two lateral ones on each side, the lowest mostly forked. _sori_ in rows near the main veins. tropical america. stove species. =a. t. heracleifolium= (heracleum-leaved). a form with pinnã¦ pinnatifid on both sides at the base. =a. tripteron= (three-winged). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long, densely scaly at base. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, with a large terminal and two small spreading lateral pinnã¦ at the base of it, the former 2-1/2 in. to 3in. broad, with very numerous spreading pinnules on each side, 1-1/2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, unequal sided, acute, deeply inciso-pinnatifid, the lower lobes again toothed; lateral pinnã¦ 3in. to 5in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad. _sori_ principally in two rows midway between midrib and edge. japan. greenhouse species. syn. _polystichum tripteron_. =a. varium= (variable).* _rhiz._ sub-creeping. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, densely fibrillose below. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lower pinnã¦ much the largest, sub-deltoid, unequal sided, 4in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, imbricated, with oblong, blunt, slightly toothed segments. _sori_ principally in two rows near the midrib. japan. greenhouse species. syns. _lastrea varia_ and _polystichum varium_. it is frequently met with in gardens under the former name. =a. viviparum= (bud-producing). _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly at the base. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, nearly lanceolate, the central ones 2in. to 3in. long, about 1/2in. broad, mucronate, sometimes bud-bearing, the edge more or less deeply lobed, in the lower part sometimes quite down to the rachis, the upper side auricled. _sori_ in two or four rows. west indies. stove or greenhouse species. syns. _a. trapezioides_ and _polystichum viviparum_. =asplenium= (from _a_, not, and _splen_, spleen; referring to the medicinal properties formerly attributed to the genus). spleenwort. ord. _filices_. including _anisogonium_, _athyrium_, _ceterach_, _cã¦nopteris_, _darea_, _diplazium_, _hemidictyum_, _neottopteris_. a very large and widely-spread genus, including species suitable for the stove, temperate, and hardy ferneries. sori dorsal or submarginal, linear or oblong. involucre similar in shape, straight or occasionally curved, single or double, plane or tumid, bursting along the outer edge. the tropical species should be grown in a compost of peat, loam, and sand; the hardy sorts in a mixture of fibrous peat and sand. good drainage is at all times required. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. [illustration: fig. 163. asplenium adiantum-nigrum, showing rootstock and back of fertile fronds.] =a. abscissum= (clipped). _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, sometimes proliferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge inciso-crenate, the upper one narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate. _sori_ short, in two regular rows, falling short of both midrib and edge. tropical america. stove species. syn. _a. firmum_. =a. acuminatum= (taper-pointed).* _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with very numerous close-placed lanceolate-oblong pinnã¦ on both sides, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules numerous, unequal-sided, lanceolate, acuminate; edges sharply toothed, the lower base obliquely truncate. _sori_ in two rows in the upper part, of the pinnules, often diplazioid. sandwich islands. greenhouse species. syn. _a. polyphyllum_. =a. adiantum-nigrum= (black spleenwort). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad sub-deltoid; lower pinnã¦ deltoid, 2in. to 3in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; all the pinnã¦ pinnate. _sori_ copious, at last often occupying the whole under surface of the segments. great britain. world-wide in its distribution. hardy. _a. solidum_, from cape colony, is supposed to be a mere form of this species. there are several varieties the best of which are described below. see fig. 168. =a. a.-n. acutum= (acute). _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, deltoid, tripinnate; ultimate segments linear, and very acute. ireland. a copiously divided and very elegant variety. habit more graceful than the type. [illustration: fig. 169. asplenium adiantum-nigrum grandiceps.] =a. a.-n. grandiceps= (large-crested). _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long; pinnã¦ comparatively short, and slightly crested; apex freely divided, and expanded into a broad crest, which gives the frond a very graceful contour. frame or greenhouse variety. see fig. 169. =a. a-n. oxyphyllum= (sharp-leaved). _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate; ultimate segments narrow and very acute. a very pretty little variety. =a. affine= (related). _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 12in to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, bipinnate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, the lower ones lanceolate-rhomboidal; pinnules rhomboidal, inciso-serrate. _sori_ copious, linear. mascaren islands, &c. stove or warm greenhouse species. syn. _a. spathulinum_. =a. alatum= (winged).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in, long, slender, the upper part and the rachis, winged. _fronds_ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, with twelve to twenty horizontal sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge uniformly inciso-crenate, the base nearly equal on both sides. _sori_ distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. west indies, &c. a very elegant stove species. =a. alismã¦folium= (alisma-leaved). _sti._ 2in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ varying in shape, from simple oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; apex acuminate; edges entire, to ternate or pinnate, with a large terminal and three pairs of lateral pinnã¦, each like the entire frond of the simple state; texture coriaceous. isle of luzon. stove species. syn. _anisogonium alismã¦folium_. =a. alternans= (alternated). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, cut down into numerous bluntly-rounded lobes on each side, which reach very nearly down to the rachis, the lower gradually reduced. _sori_ copious. n. w. himalayas. greenhouse species. syn. _a. dalhousiã¦_. =a. alternifolium= (alternate-leaved). synonymous with _a. germanicum_. =a. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, about 1ft. long. _fronds_ 18in. to 24in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, flaccid, with twenty to thirty sub-sessile pinnã¦ on each side, sterile ones largest, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, acuminate; edge obscurely-crenate, base rounded and equal on both sides; fertile pinnã¦ narrower and more distant. _sori_ very close and regular, extending from the midrib nearly to the edge. canada, &c. greenhouse species. =a. anisophyllum= (unequal-leaved). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, simple pinnate, with ten to sixteen sub-sessile pinnã¦ on each side which are 3in. to 5in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminated, crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate at the base. _sori_ distant, elliptical, reaching half-way from the edge to the margin. cape colony, &c. greenhouse species. =a. apicidens= (apex-toothed). a variety of _a. vieillardii_. =a. arborescens= (tree-like). _cau._ oblique. _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long. _fronds_ 3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid, tripinnatifid, with numerous pinnã¦, the lower ones 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. long, about 1/2in. wide, acuminate, edge cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis into nearly entire lobes, 1/4in. deep, 1/8in. broad. lower _sori_ 1/8in. long. mauritius, &c., 1826. stove species. syn. _diplazium arborescens_. =a. arnottii= (arnott's). _sti._ smooth, angular. _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ 9in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. or more broad, cut down below to a distinctly winged rachis into deeply crenate, blunt, oblong lobes, 1/2in. deep, 1/4in. broad. _sori_ copious, nearly all diplazioid, and filling up when mature nearly the whole surface of the lobes. sandwich islands, 1877. greenhouse species. syns. _a. diplazioides_ and _diplazium arnottii_. =a. aspidioides= (aspidium-like). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ 6in. to 8in. long, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules lanceolate, cut down below nearly to the rachis into inciso-pinnatifid ovate segments, two lines broad. _sori_ copious, oblong, the lower ones curved. tropical america, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _a. multisectum_. =a. attenuatum= (attenuated). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ simple, linear-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, about 1/2in. broad, narrowed upwards very gradually, sometimes proliferous at the point, the margin toothed; the lower third also lobed; the lowest roundish, lobes reaching down nearly or quite to the rachis. _sori_ reaching nearly to the edge. queensland, &c. greenhouse species. =a. aureum= (golden). a variety of _a. ceterach_. =a. auriculatum= (auriculated).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty-stalked horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, often sub-falcate; edge deeply crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one with a cordate auricle, the lower one obliquely truncate. _sori_ distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. tropical america, 1820. stove species. =a. auritum= (eared). _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simply pinnate, with ten to fifteen stalked horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, acute or bluntish; edge sharply toothed or often lobed, especially on the upper side towards the base. _sori_ in two broad rather oblique rows. tropical america. stove species. =a. australasicum= (australian). a variety of _a. nidus_. =a. baptistii= (baptist's).* _sti._ 6in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. long, bipinnate, broadly ovate; pinnã¦ stipitate, the lower about 5in. long, with four narrow stipitate linear-toothed pinnules, 2in. long, and a terminal lobe, 3-1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, furnished with distinct linear marginal teeth, pointing forwards, and terminating in a long attenuated point, which is toothed nearly to the end. _sori_ linear-oblong, straight, parallel with, and close to, the midrib. south sea islands, 1879. a very handsome stove species. =a. belangeri= (belanger's).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnã¦ numerous, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/2in. broad, rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the lower side; pinnules linear, erecto-patent, half line broad; one vein and sorus to each segment, the latter marginal. malayan peninsula. stove species. syns. _a. veitchianum_, _darea_, _belangeri_, &c. =a. bipartitum= (twice-partite). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate, with about ten to fifteen stalked pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, bluntish, cut down at the base on the upper side into one distinctly-stalked cuneate pinnule, sometimes into two or three, the outer edge inciso-crenate, the base on the lower side obliquely truncate. _sori_ in two regular rows, reaching nearly to the edge. mascaren isles. stove species. =a. bisectum= (bisected).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnatifid, with twenty to thirty horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. broad, with a very long, narrow, deeply inciso-pinnatifid upper portion, the base on the upper side narrowed suddenly, on the lower obliquely truncate. _sori_ almost all in two parallel rows close to the midrib. west indies, &c. stove species. =a. brachypteron= (broadly-winged). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, bipinnate, with twelve to twenty-four horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, of which from half to nearly the whole of the lower side is cut away, the largest 1/2in. to 5/8in. long, cut down to the rachis into simple or forked linear pinnules, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long. _sori_ solitary, often quite marginal. madagascar, &c. stove species. syn. _darea brachypteron_. =a. brevisorum= (shortly-soriate). _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower pinnã¦ 1ft. or more long; pinnules lanceolate, distant, 2in. to 3in. long, and 1-1/2in. broad; segments lanceolate, 3/4in. long, two lines broad, deeply and sharply toothed. _sori_ small, six to twelve to a segment, in two rows near the midrib, the lower ones curved, often double. jamaica, &c. stove species. syn. _athyrium brevisorum_. =a. bulbiferum= (bulb-bearing). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, oblong-deltoid, with numerous horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are often proliferous from the upper surface, the largest 4in. to 8in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, slightly toothed. _sori_ oblong, when mature often filling the whole breadth of the segments. new zealand, &c., very widely distributed. greenhouse species. =a. b. fabianum= (fabia's). lower segments deeply pinnatifid, with narrow divisions and sub-marginal sori. syn. _a. fabianum_. =a. b. laxum= (loose). habit more slender; segments narrow, so that the sori are often as if marginal. =a. caudatum= (tailed). probably a form of _a. falcatum_, but having the sori more confined to the centre of the pinnã¦, being often restricted to two parallel rows close to the rachis. polynesia, &c. greenhouse species. [illustration: fig. 170. asplenium ceterach.] =a. ceterach.=* scale or scaly fern. _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 3in. long, scaly. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in to 1in. broad, cut down nearly or quite to the rachis into alternate, blunt, sub-entire, broadly-oblong or roundish pinnã¦, with a rounded sinus between them; upper surface naked, lower densely clothed with deep brown membranous scales. _sori_ linear oblique. britain, throughout europe, northern asia, &c. this is a variable species, but the forms do not remain constant under cultivation. it should be firmly planted in a vertical chink of the rockery in loam, lime rubbish, rock chippings, and sand, and be watered freely during the summer. syn. _ceterach officinarum_. see fig. 170. =a. c. aureum= (golden).* a large variety, producing fronds from 9in. to 15in. long, 1-1/2in. to 3in. broad, and pinnã¦ more oblong than the type; scales toothed. canaries and madeira. this is a charming fern, requiring greenhouse treatment. syn. _ceterach aureum_. =a. cicutarium= (cicuta-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, tripinnate, with ten to fifteen horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, the lower ones 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to the rachis into numerous ovate-rhomboidal pinnules, which are 3/8in. to 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, obliquely-truncate on the lower side; segments once or twice cleft at the apex. _sori_ principally in two rows along the pinnules. tropical america, &c. stove species. =a. colensoi= (colenso's). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, tripinnatifid, with numerous rather rigid erecto-patent pinnã¦, the lower on stalks 1/4in. to 1/2in. long; lower pinnules spreading, deeply inciso-pinnatifid, with linear segments. _sori_ oblong, solitary. new zealand. a beautiful greenhouse species. syn. _a. hookerianum_. =a. compressum= (compressed). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, about 1in. broad, acute or bluntish at the point, edge slightly dentate, the upper ones decurrent at the base upon the stout fleshy compressed rachis, the upper side narrowed suddenly at about a right angle, the lower one obliquely truncate. _sori_ broad, distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. st. helena. stove or greenhouse species. =a. contiguum= (contiguous). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with twenty to thirty horizontal sub-falcate pinnã¦ on each side, which are acuminated at the apex; edge more or less serrated, the base narrowed suddenly, and sometimes auricled on the upper, obliquely truncate in a curve on the lower side. _sori_ close, copious, falling considerably short of the margin. sandwich isles. greenhouse species. =a. crenatum= (crenated).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, scattered. _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. each way, deltoid, trior quadripinnate, with nine to twelve pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest much the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis except towards the point on each side into four to six blunt oblong segments, two lines long, one line broad, which are bluntly toothed. _sori_ two to six to a segment, oblong, usually nearly straight, often double. scandinavia, &c. hardy species. =a. cultrifolium= (hook-leaved).* _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnate, deltoid-ovate, with a lobed terminal point and six to ten pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acute; edge broadly toothed, sometimes lobed below nearly or quite to the rachis, the base nearly at a right angle on the upper, but obliquely truncate on the lower side. _sori_ falling short both of the edge and midrib. west indies, 1820. stove species. syn. _diplazium cultrifolium_. =a. cuneatum= (wedge-shaped). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, tripinnatifid, narrow-deltoid, with numerous spreading pinnã¦ on each side, the lower 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid, cut down to the rachis into several distinct ovate-cuneate pinnules, which are dentate and cut down in the lower part nearly or quite to the rachis. _sori_ linear, sub-flabellate. west indies, and widely distributed in both hemispheres, 1832. a very handsome stove species. =a. dalhousiã¦= (dalhouse's). synonymous with _a. alternans_. =a. decussatum= (decussate). _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 4ft. long, simply pinnate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, which are 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, often proliferous in the axils; edge nearly entire. _sori_ reaching nearly to the edge, and copiously double. polynesian and malayan islands, &c. stove species. syn. _anisogonium decussatum_. =a. dentatum= (dentated).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. _fertile fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, with six to eight pairs of stalked, sub-opposite pinnã¦, which are 1/2in. broad, 3/8in. deep, oblong-rhomboidal, the lower side at the base truncate in a curve, the outer edge irregularly crenate. _sterile fronds_ smaller, on shorter stalks. _sori_ copious, in two parallel rows. west indies, &c., 1820. a pretty little greenhouse species. =a. dimidiatum= (unequal-sided).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, simply pinnate, with six to nine opposite pairs of pinnã¦, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminated, sharply serrated. _sori_ radiant, narrow, long linear. tropical america. stove species. =a. dimorphum= (two-formed).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 15in. broad, ovate-deltoid, sterile and fertile ones different or combined; lower pinnã¦ ovate-deltoid, 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. broad, bluntly toothed, and the base on the lower side obliquely truncate; fertile pinnã¦ the same size, but with very narrow simple or forked pinnules. _sori_ linear, solitary, marginal. norfolk island. one of the handsomest warm greenhouse species. syns. _a. diversifolium_ (of gardens), and _darea dimorpha_. =a. diplazioides= (diplazium-like). a synonym of _a. arnottii_. =a. diversifolium= (diverse-leaved). a garden synonym of _a. dimorphum_. =a. diversifolium= (diverse-leaved). synonymous with _a. maximum_. =a. ebeneum= (ebony-stalked).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, linear-lanceolate, with twenty to forty sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are about 1in. long, 1/8in. broad; point acute or bluntish; edge faintly serrate; base hastately auricled, often cordate. _sori_ ten to twelve on each side, oblong, short. canada, &c., widely distributed, 1779. greenhouse species. _a. ebenoides_ is very like this, but the pinnã¦ are not cut down to the rachis, and the frond has an elongated point, which is only sinuated with a single row of sori on each side. =a. erectum= (erect). synonymous with _a. lunulatum_. =a. erosum= (bitten). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, deltoid, with nine to fifteen pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, the edge slightly lobed and crenato-dentate, the point acuminate, the two sides unequal. _sori_ falling short of the edge. west indies. stove species. =a. esculentum= (edible).* _cau._ sub-arborescent. _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long. _fronds_ 4ft. to 6ft. long, pinnate or bipinnate; lower pinnã¦ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 6in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminate; edge more or less deeply lobed; base narrowed suddenly, often auricled; lines of _sori_ often on all the lateral veinlets. india, &c., 1822. stove species. syn. _anisogonium esculentum_. =a. extensum= (extended). _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 24in. long, about 1in. broad, with twenty to forty sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. deep, blunt and entire, the upper side rather the broadest and often cordate, the lower merely rounded at the base. _sori_ linear-oblong, two or three on each side of the midrib. andes of columbia and peru. a very rare greenhouse species, allied to our native _a. trichomanes_. =a. fabianum= (fabia's). synonymous with _a. bulbiferum fabianum_. =a. falcatum= (hooked).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, lanceolate, with six to twenty stalked, nearly horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, acuminated, the edges lobed often one-third of the way down, and the lobes sharply toothed, the two sides unequal, and the lower one at the base obliquely truncate. _sori_ in long irregular lines reaching nearly to the edge. polynesian islands, &c., widely distributed. a very elegant greenhouse species. =a. fejeense= (fijian).* _rhiz._ wide-climbing. _sti._ 6in. long, scaly below. _fronds_ 18in. to 24in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate, caudate, or acuminate at the apex, and often proliferous, narrowed below to a truncate base, the margin nearly entire. _sori_ reaching from the midrib nearly to the edges. fiji, samoa. &c. stove species. =a. fernandesianum= (juan fernandez). a variety of _a. lunulatum_. =a. filix-få�mina= (lady fern).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with numerous pinnate pinnã¦, the lower ones spreading, lanceolate, 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad; pinnules deeply inciso-pinnatifid. _sori_ linear-oblong, the lower ones often curved. britain, and world-wide in its distribution. syn. _athyrium filix-få�mina_. this handsome deciduous species has a great number of varieties, the most important of which are described below: =a. f.-f. acrocladon= (summit-branched).* _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, slender, bior tripinnate, the lower part very narrow, with the apices of the pinnã¦ sometimes crested; upper portion of the frond freely branched, divisions narrow and crested, the whole forming a broad head. =a. f.-f. acuminatum= (taper-pointed).* _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, lanceolate-acuminate in outline, with closely set pinnã¦, which are similarly characterised, and particularly tapering at the apices. =a. f.-f. apiculatum= (apiculate).* _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate-acuminate in outline, with variously furcate apices; pinnã¦ closely set with distinctly acuminated apices, and small roundish obtuse serrated pinnules. =a. f.-f. applebyanum= (appleby's).* _fronds_ narrow, 12in. to 24in. long, with short blunt pinnã¦, while the extremities are dilated into a broad furcated crest, which is very striking upon such a narrow frond. =a. f.-f. barnesii= (barnes's).* _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, lanceolate in outline, abrupt at the top, bipinnate; pinnã¦ alternate, closely set, lanceolate, acutely pointed, with densely set, narrow, acutely serrate pinnules, with a very membranous texture. =a. f.-f. calothrix= (beautiful-hair).* _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, copiously divided into exquisitely fine segments, so that the fronds present a very light and delicate appearance. =a. f.-f. contortum= (contorted).* _fronds_ very diversified, the various pinnã¦ occasionally combining the characters of the varieties _applebyanum_ and _victoriã¦_. =a. f.-f. coronatum= (coronate).* _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. wide; pinnã¦ distinctly forked, sometimes slightly crested at the apices; the upper extremity of the frond copiously forked, and by the ramification of the divisions a broad crest is formed, about 3in. to 4in. across. =a. f.-f. corymbiferum= (corymbose).* _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 7in. broad, lanceolate-acuminate in general outline; pinnã¦ closely set, usually forked and crested at the apices, while the extremities of the fronds are dilated into broad crests, nearly or quite as wide at the broadest portion of the frond. =a. f.-f. crispum= (crispy or curled).* _fronds_ 6in. long, densely set with very finely divided pinnã¦, which are thickly curled, presenting a crispy appearance. =a. f.-f. dissectum= (dissected).* _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, ovate or broadly lanceolate in form, with irregular and unequal pinnã¦; the pinnules also differ very much, and are deeply cut, nearly down to the rachises. =a. f.-f. elworthii= (elworth's).* _fronds_ 12in. to 20in. long, lanceolate, tripinnate, terminated with a very dense crest, from 4in. to 6in. across; pinnã¦ and frequently the pinnules also more or less forked and crested. =a. f.-f. fieldiã¦= (field's).* _fronds_ 12in. to 20in. long, narrow, with regular or variously-forked divided pinnã¦, sometimes arranged crosswise, with a very graceful disposition. =a. f.-f. friselliã¦= (frisell's).* _fronds_ pendent, sometimes 2ft. long, rarely exceeding 1in. wide, bior tripinnate; pinnã¦ alternate, imbricated, flabellate, with the margins of the pinnules or ultimate divisions dentated. =a. f.-f. grandiceps= (large-crested).* _fronds_ 9in. to 15in. long, lanceolate in outline, copiously forked both at the extremities of the pinnã¦ and frond. the latter is furnished with a very large globose crest, which causes the frond to present a beautifully arched appearance. =a. f-f. grantã¦= (grant's).* _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, lanceolate, or broadly so, very thickly set with pinnã¦, copiously divided, with the apices of the latter turned up, so that the plant has a crisp or bristly appearance. =a. f.-f. jonesii= (jones's).* _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, oblong-lanceolate in outline, slightly acuminate, bipinnate, furnished at the extremities with a small crest; pinnã¦ alternate, copiously forked and crested at the apices, even having larger crests than the one at the upper extremity of the frond; pinnules narrow, dentate, slightly crested. =a. f.-f. minimum= (smallest).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. wide, lanceolate, bipinnate; pinnules densely set, imbricated, and crispy. =a. f.-f. moorei= (moore's).* _fronds_ 4in. to 8in. long, linear, terminated with a broad tasselled crest, 3in. or more in diameter; pinnã¦ small, scattered, variously forked, crested, and slender. =a. f.-f. multifidum= (many-fid).* a very vigorous growing variety, producing fronds as large as those of the type, terminated with large tasselled crests; pinnã¦ and pinnules narrow, the former furnished with small crested apices. a variety known as _nanum_ much resembles the foregoing, but the crests are more dense, and the fronds are usually not more than half the length. =a. f.-f. pannosum= (pannose).* _fronds_ 10in. to 20in. long, lanceolate in outline, from 4in. to 6in. in the broadest part, bi or (rarely) tripinnate; pinnã¦ thickly set, closely alternated, lanceolate-acuminate in form, with deep cut pinnules, and distinctly but irregularly lobed; the whole frond is frequently tinged with reddish-purple. =a. f.-f. plumosum= (feathery).* _fronds_ 12in. to 30in. long, 4in. to 10in. broad, broadly lanceolate in outline, tripinnate, beautifully arched; pinnã¦ of the same form as the frond, copiously divided; pinnules again divided into very fine segments. there are several forms of this charming variety. =a. f.-f. pritchardii= (pritchard's).* _fronds_ 12in. to 30in. long, very narrow, tapering especially towards the apices; pinnã¦ decussate, imbricate, rather irregular, with the margins of the pinnules dentate. there is also a variety named _cristatum_, which is finely crested at the apices of the pinnã¦, and is particularly striking. =a. f.-f. ramosa= (branched).* _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, the lower portion sparsely set with short irregular pinnã¦, sharply cut into finely dentate pinnules; the upper part is divided into two main branches, which are again variously forked, and furnished with short pinnã¦, the ultimate divisions furcate and slightly crested. =a. f.-f. scopã¦= (heavily-crested).* _fronds_ 6in. to 16in. long, with a few scattered irregular pinnã¦ along the main rachis; some of the pinnã¦ are almost obsolete, while others are an inch long with oblong-dentate pinnules and a heavy terminal crest; the upper portion has several ramifications, each of which is copiously forked and heavily crested, the whole forming a corymbose head 3in. or 4in. in diameter, which gives the plant a pendent habit. =a. f.-f. sub-lunatum= (half-crescent-shaped).* _fronds_ 9in. to 20in. long, less than 1in. wide, with curious alternated, nearly crescent-shaped, much contracted pinnã¦, sparingly divided, arching. =a. f.-f. victoriã¦= (victoria's).* _fronds_ long, lanceolate in outline, with the apices crested, as well as those of the pinnã¦; the latter are forked at the base, the divisions being divergent, and crossing those of the neighbouring pinnã¦. a form named _gracilis_ has narrower fronds, is more compact, and cresting rather thicker. there is also another form named _lineare_, having very small heavily crested fronds, and an extremely elegant appearance. the foregoing are the most important varieties, but a very comparative few of the total number. although forms of an essentially hardy species, the greater number--and particularly the rarer sorts--should have a winter protection; or, what is far more preferable and satisfactory, they should be grown in the frame or temperate fernery. =a. firmum= (firm-textured). synonymous with _a. abscissum_. =a. fissum= (cut).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 2in. to 5in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, oblong-deltoid, tripinnatifid, with a few distant pinnã¦ on each side; pinnules flabellato-cuneate, deeply pinnatifid; ultimate segments under half a line broad. _sori_ linear-oblong, when mature occupying the whole breadth of the segments. south europe. a pretty little frame or greenhouse species. =a. flabellifolium= (fan-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ procumbent, wide straggling, elongated, and rooting at the apex, 6in. to 12in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, with ten to fifteen sessile flabellate pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1/4in. to 1/2in. each way, broadly lobed; lobes sharply toothed, the base cut away in a curve on the lower side. _sori_ oblique, irregular, copious. temperate australia, &c. greenhouse species. =a. f. majus= (greater). this is a larger form, with longer fronds and broader pinnã¦. =a. flaccidum= (relaxed). _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, often pendent, with numerous lanceolate pinnã¦, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, sometimes rather rigid and recurved, sometimes quite flaccid and drooping, like the main rachis, sometimes deeply pinnatifid, but more often cut down to the thick rachis in oblique or sub-falcate linear lobes. _sori_ in the divided form quite marginal. new zealand, &c. syns. _a. odontites_ and _darea flaccida_. =a. få�niculaceum= (fennel-like). a variety of _a. fragrans_. [illustration: fig. 171. asplenium fontanum.] =a. fontanum= (rock).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; lower pinnã¦ short, reflexed; central ones horizontal, about 1/2in. long; pinnules stalked, lower ones oblong, deeply inciso-pinnatifid. _sori_ copious, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnule. england, &c. hardy. this requires to be planted in a well-drained chink of the rockery, in rich gritty soil. syn. _a. halleri_. _a. refractum_ is a well-marked variety. see fig. 171. =a. formosum= (beautiful). _sti._ tufted, very short. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 1in. broad, with twenty to thirty sessile horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1/2in. long, one and a-half to two lines deep; upper edge deeply cut, point rather obtuse, lower edge truncate in a straight line. _sori_ linear-oblong, short, oblique, placed one to four on each side of the midrib. tropical america, &c., 1822. a very elegant stove species. =a. fragrans= (fragrant).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long, _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, sub-deltoid, tripinnate, with numerous close placed deltoid pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest 3in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid; segments sub-spathulate, one line broad, dentate round the outer edge. _sori_ copious. tropical america, 1793. _a. få�niculaceum_ is a variety with narrowly linear ultimate segments. both are very handsome stove plants, the latter being especially beautiful. =a. franconis= (franconis).* _sti._ tufted, 1ft. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 15in. broad, deltoid, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, the lower ones 6in. to 8in. long, much acuminated, cut down in the lower half into distinct pinnules, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. broad, lanceolate, unequal sided, the edge cut half-way down below into oblong sharply-toothed lobes; the lower side obliquely truncate. _sori_ in parallel rows, not reaching the edge. mexico, &c. stove species. syn. _diplazium franconis_. =a. furcatum= (forked).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long, _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with twelve to twenty pinnã¦ on each side, which are lanceolate-deltoid, 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, nearly or quite pinnate; pinnules linear-cuneate, sharply serrated on the outer edge. _sori_ linear, distant. very widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of both hemispheres. a most elegant greenhouse species. syn. _a. prã¦morsum_. =a. germanicum= (german).* _sti._ densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, cut down to the rachis into a few narrow flabellato-cuneate pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest of which are again deeply cleft. _sori_ linear, when mature covering the whole breadth, but falling short of the point of the pinnã¦. scotland and norway to hungary and dalmatia. hardy or frame species. syn. _a. alternifolium_. =a. giganteum= (gigantic). a synonym of _a. radicans_. =a. goringianum pictum= (painted).* a very pretty form of _a. macrocarpum_; the fronds are from 6in. to 18in. long, pendulous, somewhat lanceolate in form; rachis reddish, with the pinnã¦ next it on each side variegated, forming a central grey band throughout its entire length. japan. greenhouse species, or hardy in sheltered positions. =a. grandifolium= (large-leaved). _sti._ 1ft. or more long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, the point pinnatifid, with twelve to twenty pinnã¦ on each side; the lower ones 2in. or more apart, distinctly stalked, 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acuminate; edge slightly toothed, and sometimes broadly lobed below, the base equally rounded on both sides. _sori_ irregular, falling slightly short of both midrib and edge. tropical america, 1793. stove species. syn. _diplazium grandifolium_. =a. grevillei= (greville's). _fronds_ undivided, 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, lanceolate-spathulate, narrowed to an acute apex, and suddenly below to a broadly winged stipe, which grows very gradually narrower downwards; the margin entire. _sori_ usually extending within a short distance of the edge. india. stove species. =a. halleri= (haller's). synonymous with _a. fontanum_. =a. hemionitis= (hemionitis).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. each way, hastate, with a triangular, acute terminal lobe, and two large, cordate, acute lateral ones, again bluntly or acutely lobed at the base; the basal sinus rounded, 1in. or more deep, and the lobes on each side imbricated over one another and the petiole. _sori_ narrow upon the simple veins. south europe, &c. a pretty greenhouse species. syn. _a. palmatum_. =a. h. cristatum= (crested).* similar in frond form and size to the species, but the apices are crested and tasselled. where variety is sought, this should certainly be grown. =a. h. multifidum= (much-divided).* _fronds_ quite as broad as long; the main divisions again freely divided or deeply cut, so as to give them a fringed outline. azores. =a. heterocarpum= (various-fruited).* _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, narrow-lanceolate, with very numerous close-placed dimidiate pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3/4in. to 1in. broad, 1/4in. deep; the lower edge quite entire, the upper broadest towards the base, where it is narrowed suddenly, deeply incised throughout. _sori_ one, or rarely two, together in the teeth. himalayas, and widely distributed in south-eastern asia. a very lovely stove or greenhouse species. =a. heterodon= (variously-toothed). synonymous with _a. vulcanicum_. =a. hookerianum= (hooker's). synonymous with _a. colensoi_. =a. incisum= (incised). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 3in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, lanceolate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side; lower distant and blunt, central ones 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, pinnate, much truncated at the base on the lower side and deeply inciso-pinnatifid. _sori_ linear-oblong, one to each vein. japan, &c. greenhouse species. =a. javanicum= (javanese). _see_ =allantodia brunoniana=. =a. lanceolatum= (lanceolate).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; lower pinnã¦ distant, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad; pinnules oblong-rhomboidal, sharply toothed, and often broadly lobed below. _sori_ copious, when mature covering nearly the whole under surface. south-west europe, including southern england, &c. hardy species. =a. l. crispatum= (curled).* _fronds_ 4in. to 8in. long, broadly-lanceolate, bipinnate, with the margins of the pinnules involute and sharply toothed, giving them a curled appearance. =a. l. microdon= (small-toothed).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate, with deeply lobed pinnã¦, the margins of the lobes very finely dentated and toothed. a pretty little gem, well adapted for case culture. =a. lanceum= (lance-shaped). _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, attenuated gradually upwards and downwards, the edge entire or slightly undulated. _sori_ linear, irregular, reaching nearly to the edge, but not to the midrib. himalayas, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _a. subsinuatum_ and _diplazium lanceum_. =a. laserpitiifolium= (laserpitium-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, naked. _fronds_ 1ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 18in. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, 2in. to 9in. long, and from 2in. to 6in. broad, cut down to the rachis into numerous distinct pinnules, the lowest with rhomboidal-cuneate segments. _sori_ short, irregular. polynesian islands, north australia, &c. a very handsome greenhouse species. =a. laxum= (loose). a variety of _a. bulbiferum_. =a. lineatum= (streaked). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with twenty to thirty pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, acuminate, dentate, nearly or quite sessile, the base cuneate. _sori_ very regular, reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. mauritius, &c. there are several forms of this species: those with small narrow cuneate pinnules, _inequale_; those with deeply bifid or pinnatifid pinnules, _bifida_. stove species. =a. longissimum= (longest).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 8ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, lanceolate-elongate, pendulous, proliferous, and rooting at the apex, with very numerous pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, 1/4in. broad, acuminated, the two sides nearly equal, with a distinct central midrib; edge slightly toothed, the base on both sides often auricled. _sori_ numerous, in two regular rows on each side the midrib, and reaching nearly to the edge. malacca, &c., 1840. a very distinct stove fern for baskets. =a. lucidum= (clear). a synonym of _a. obtusatum lucidum_. =a. lunulatum= (crescent-shaped).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, simply pinnate, narrowly lanceolate-oblong, with twelve to twenty pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, bluntish or acute, more or less deeply inciso-crenate throughout, the two sides unequal; the upper one on the base narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate; lower pinnã¦ often deflexed. _sori_ falling short of both edge and midrib. tropics. syn. _a. erectum_. =a. l. fernandesianum= (fernandez).* a form with a more rigid rachis and sub-coriaceous, rather narrower pinnã¦. juan fernandez. =a. macrocarpum= (large-fruited). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 24in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate; pinnules oblong-rhomboidal, inciso-crenate or pinnatifid. _sori_ copious, large. himalayas. greenhouse species. syn. _athyrium macrocarpum_. =a. macrophyllum= (long-leaved). synonymous with _a. nitens_. =a. marginatum= (margined). _sti._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, strong, erect woody, about 1/2in. thick at the base. _fronds_ simply pinnate, 4ft. to 6ft. long; pinnã¦ in several opposite pairs, the lowest 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, the edge entire, the base often cordate. _sori_ long, linear, confined to the free veins. tropical america. stove species. syn. _hemidictyum marginatum_. =a. marinum= (sea).* sea spleenwort. _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, apex pinnatifid; pinnã¦ of the lower half quite deltoid, the point acute or obtuse, margin crenato-dentate. _sori_ broad, falling short of the edge. europe, including britain. although perfectly hardy, this requires to be grown in a frame or cool house. =a. m. coronans= (crowned).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ for two-thirds of the way up variable in form, and irregularly lobed and cut; the upper third freely branched with numerous imbricated, curled, and slightly crested divisions, forming a dense head 2in. or more across. a dwarf and pretty form. =a. m. crenatum= (crenated). _fronds_ 4in. to 8in. long, broadly-lanceolate; pinnã¦ nearly trapeziform, obtuse, with deeply crenated margins. a very pretty form. =a. m. mirabile= (wonderful).* _sti._ 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ about the same length, the rachis divided about half way down from the top into two nearly equal divisions, which are again freely forked, with the pinnules and segments obtusely lobed; the whole expanded, but not crested, into a breadth equal to the length of the frond; the lower pinnã¦ are more or less abnormal and bluntly lobed. =a. m. plumosum= (feathery).* _sti._ 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, bior tripinnatifid, broadly-lanceolate; pinnã¦ very variable, closely set, and imbricated, cut nearly to the rachis into ovate or oblong divisions, which are again more or less deeply cut and lobed, the entire frond having a very elegant appearance. =a. m. ramo-plumosum= (branched and feathery).* _fronds_ divided nearly to the top of the stipes into two main branches, which are distinctly pinnate; pinnã¦ distant below, imbricated upwards, cut nearly to the rachis into ovate or oblong lobes, the margins of which are slightly dentated. it is a very handsome form, the width of the frond being greater than its length. =a. m. ramosum= (branched). _fronds_ from 4in. to 8in. long, branched at the apices; pinnã¦ oblong, with the margins obtusely-dentate, and slightly undulated. =a. m. sub-bipinnatum= (half-bipinnate). _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, lanceolate; pinnã¦ distant, deeply lobed, or cut nearly to the midribs. a very rare and pretty variety. =a. m. thompsonii= (thompson's).* _sti._ 3in. to 4in. long, smooth. _fronds_ 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-lanceolate, bipinnatifid; pinnã¦ closely set, sub-deltoid, unequal-sided, deeply cut into oblong, slightly undulated lobes below, gradually less divided upwards. a very rare and handsome variety. all the forms of _a. marinum_ require a very moist atmosphere, consequently they will not thrive in the open air, unless along the sea-coast. =a. maximum= (largest). _cau._ erect. _sti._ 2ft. or more long. _fronds_ several feet long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, with numerous pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules sub-sessile, 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. broad; edge more or less lobed. _sori_ medial, the lowest two lines long. north india. stove species. syns. _a. diversifolium_ and _diplazium decurrens_. =a. melanocaulon= (black-stiped).* _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad; lower pinnã¦ 4in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis into linear-oblong, falcate, inciso-crenate lobes. _sori_ short, oblong, not touching either midrib or edge. fiji. stove species. syn. _diplazium melanocaulon_. =a. michauxii= (michaux's).* _cau._ stout. _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 24in. long, 3in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, bior tripinnate; pinnules oblong, deeply serrate, or cut quite to the rachis. united states. a very handsome hardy species, closely related to the lady fern, of which it may be only a variety. =a. monanthemum= (one-flowered).* _sti._ densely tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, about 1in. broad, with twenty to forty horizontal, sessile, sub-dimidiate pinnã¦ on each side, which are about 1/2in. long and 1/4in. deep, the upper side crenate, suddenly narrowed at the base, the lower more or less distinctly cut away in a straight, or, in the lower pinnã¦, decurved line. _sori_ linear-oblong, usually one or two, parallel with the lower edge of the pinnã¦. temperate regions of both hemispheres. greenhouse species. =a. montanum= (mountain).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 3in. long. _fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lowest pinnã¦ distinctly stalked, deltoid, sharply serrated round the outer edge. _sori_ short, copious. united states, 1812. frame or greenhouse species. =a. multisectum= (much-cut). synonymous with _a. aspidioides_. =a. musã¦folium= (musa-leaved). a variety of _a. nidus_. =a. myriophyllum= (myriad-leaved). a variety of _a. rhizophyllum_. [illustration: fig. 172. asplenium nidus.] =a. nidus= (nest).* bird's-nest fern. _fronds_ undivided, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 3in. to 8in. broad, lanceolate, acute or acuminate at the apex, tapering gradually below into a short stem; the edge entire, the midrib rounded on the back; veins fine and parallel, about 1/2in. apart. _sori_ reaching about half way towards the margin. india, &c., 1820. syn. _a. australasicum_. see fig. 172. =a. n. australasicum= (australian). midrib keeled on the back, often black. australia, &c. the two former are best treated in the stove; the latter thrives well in the greenhouse. syn. _thamnopteris australasicum_. =a. n. musã¦folium= (musa-leaved).* _fronds_ larger, sometimes 6ft. long, 1ft. broad. _sori_ extending nearly to the edge. =a. nitens= (shining). _sti._ scattered, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to twenty ascending or sub-falcate pinnã¦ on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, much acuminated; edge finely toothed, base broadly rounded on the upper, truncate in a curve on the lower side. _sori_ in close regular rows, not extending more than half way from the midrib to the edge. mauritius. stove species. syn. _a. macrophyllum_, of gardens only. =a. nitidum= (shining).* _sti._ 1ft. long, naked. _fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with many lanceolate-deltoid pinnã¦ on each side, which are cut down to the rachis into numerous stalked deltoid pinnules, these are again cut into broad fan-shaped cuneate segments, sharply serrated round the outer edge. _sori_ short. north india, ceylon, &c. greenhouse species. =a. novã¦-caledoniã¦= (new caledonian).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, sub-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnã¦ and pinnules deltoid; segments rigid, scarcely flattened, 1/2in. or more long, distant, and erecto-patent. _sori_ long, linear, marginal. new caledonia. a rare greenhouse species. syn. _darea novã¦-caledoniã¦_. =a. obtusatum= (obtuse). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, oblong or ovate-deltoid, with a terminal pinna not much longer than the others, and two to six pairs on each side, which are 1in. to 2in. long and about 1/2in. broad, obtuse, edge crenate, the base truncato-cuneate, shortly stalked. _sori_ copious, broad, linear-oblong, falling short of the edge. peru. _a. difforme_ is a variety with an ovate-deltoid frond, and the pinnã¦ cut quite down to a narrow-winged rachis in the lower part into distinctly separated roundish or oblong-sinuated pinnules. new zealand, australia, &c. greenhouse kinds. =a. o. lucidum= (clear).* _fronds_ often 2ft. long, with fifteen to twenty pairs of pinnã¦ on each side, which are more herbaceous in texture, darker green in colour, the lowest 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually to a long acuminated point, edge more deeply toothed. greenhouse variety. syn. _a. lucidum_. =a. obtusifolium= (obtuse-leaved).* _sti._ almost tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, ovate-lanceo-late, with twelve to twenty stalked horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acute; edges slightly undulato-crenate, the upper side with a distinct auricle at the base, and then narrowed suddenly, the lower side obliquely truncate. _sori_ distant, in two regular rows, falling short of the edge. west indies, &c., 1838. stove species. =a. obtusilobum= (obtuse-lobed).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, with nine to twelve sub-deltoid pinnã¦ on each side, of which only the inner third on the lower side is cut away, the largest nearly 1in. long, 3/4in. broad; lowest pinnules 3/8in. deep, flabellately cut into three to five linear blunt lobes. _sori_ sub-marginal. new hebrides, 1861. a very pretty little stove species. syn. _darea obtusiloba_. =a. odontites= (much-toothed). synonymous with _a. flaccidum_. =a. oxyphyllum= (sharp-leaved).* _sti._ firm, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with several pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, in the larger forms again pinnatifid; teeth mucronate. _sori_ in two rows on the pinnã¦ or pinnules midway between the midrib and edge. himalayas. a very variable greenhouse species. syns. _athyrium oxyphylla_ and _lastrea eburnea_. =a. paleaceum= (scaly).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 3in. long, spreading, densely scaly. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, sometimes proliferous and rooting at the apex, with twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. long, about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge inciso-dentate, the upper base auricled and narrowed suddenly, the lower obliquely-truncate; the lower ones stalked, and nearly as broad as long. _sori_ linear, extending nearly to the edge. tropical australia. stove or warm greenhouse species. =a. palmatum= (palmate). synonymous with _a. hemionitis_. =a. parvulum= (small). synonymous with _a. trilobum_. =a. persicifolium= (peach-leaved). _sti._ and _rachis_ grey, with a few scattered minute grey scales. _fronds_ oblong-lanceolate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, often gemmiferous at the apex; pinnã¦ ascending, fifteen to thirty-jugate, sub-petiolate, 4in. to 5in. long, linear-ligulate-acuminate, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, distinctly crenate throughout. _sori_ regular, reaching nearly to midrib and edge. philippine and sandwich isles. stove species. =a. petrarchã¦= (petrarch's).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. _fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, linear-lanceolate, with six to ten horizontal sessile pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1/4in. long and nearly as much broad, cordate-ovate, blunt; edge sinuated; the base unequal, slightly truncate on the lower side. _sori_ oblong, very short, four to six on each side of the midrib. south europe, 1819. a very rare little gem, best treated in a cool house. =a. pinnatifidum= (pinnatifid). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. or more broad at the base, lanceolate-deltoid, with a long, gradually narrowing point, which is sinuated only; the lobes below this 1/4in. to 1/2in. deep; the lowest ovate-oblong, 1/2in. deep by nearly as broad, sinuated and reaching down nearly to the rachis. _sori_ copious. pennsylvania. greenhouse or sheltered places outside. =a. planicaule= (flat-stiped).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long, naked. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, with twelve to twenty stalked horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, acute; edge lobed about half-way down, and deeply serrated. _sori_ copious, reaching nearly to the edge. himalayas, up to 6000ft., &c., 1841. greenhouse species. =a. plantagineum= (plantain-like). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, simple, acuminate, base rounded; edge slightly undulato-dentate upwards, sometimes lobed towards the base. _sori_ slender, linear, sometimes nearly touching both edge and midrib. west indies, &c., 1819. stove species. syn. _diplazium plantagineum_. =a. polyphyllum= (many-leaved). synonymous with _a. acuminatum_. =a. prã¦morsum= (bitten). synonymous with _a. furcatum_. =a. prolongatum= (prolonged). synonymous with _a. rutã¦folium_. =a. pulchellum= (pretty).* _sti._ tufted. 1in. to 2in. long. _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, with twelve to eighteen pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, two lines to three lines broad, bluntish, almost dimidiate; the upper edge crenate, and narrowed suddenly at the base. _sori_ linear, oblique, falling short of the edge. tropical america. stove species. =a. pumilum= (small). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, the upper part sinuated only, the lower cut down to the rachis into distinct pinnã¦, of which the lowest pair are much the largest; the pinnules on the lower side sometimes 2in. long, reaching down to a slightly winged rachis, acuminate and deeply lobed. _sori_ very oblique, the lower ones sometimes 1in. long. west indies, &c., 1823. a very rare and pretty stove species. =a. rachirhizon= (rachis-rooting). a variety of _a. rhizophorum_. [illustration: fig. 173. asplenium radicans.] =a. radicans= (rooting). _cau._ erect, sub-arborescent. _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long, tufted. _fronds_ 3ft. to 5ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; lower pinnã¦ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, sessile, the upper ones entire, lower ones 3in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, with blunt lobes, 1/4in. broad, reaching about half way down to the rachis. lower _sori_ sometimes 1/4in. long. tropical america. a very variable species. syns. _a. giganteum_, _diplazium radicans_, _d. umbrosum_, &c. see fig. 173. =a. refractum= (refracted). a variety of _a. fontanum_. =a. resectum= (cut or pared).* _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to thirty sub-sessile horizontal pinnã¦ on each side, which are 1in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, almost dimidiate, the point bluntish, all except the truncate part crenate, the upper half at the base narrowed nearly at a right angle. _sori_ not reaching either the midrib or edge. india, &c., widely distributed, 1820. greenhouse species. =a. rhizophorum= (root-bearing).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, elongated, and rooting at the apex; pinnã¦ twelve to thirty on each side, sub-sessile, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, inciso-dentate throughout; the two sides unequal, the upper one auricled and narrowed, the lower one obliquely cuneate. _sori_ not reaching either to the edge or midrib. tropical america. a very variable stove species. _a. r. rachirhizon_, has distinctly separated oblong-rhomboidal pinnules, again deeply cut into narrow segments. =a. rhizophyllum= (leaf-rooting). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, cut down into numerous close-placed horizontal pinnã¦ on each side; central ones 1in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, cut down throughout nearly to the centre into simple or forked erecto-patent pinnules, the lowest on the under side suppressed. _sori_ solitary, sub-marginal. _a. r. myriophyllum_ is a variety with broader fronds; central pinnã¦ 1-1/2in. long, with lower pinnules cut down into several simple or forked linear segments. north america, &c., 1680. both handsome greenhouse kinds. =a. rutã¦folium= (rue-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, ovate deltoid, with twelve to twenty pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest sub-deltoid, 2in. or more long, cut down to the rachis into numerous erecto-patent distant pinnules on each side, the lowest on the upper side again cut down into erecto-patent linear segments. _sori_ small, marginal. cape colony. a beautiful greenhouse species. syns. _a. prolongatum_ and _darea rutã¦folia_. =a. ruta-muraria= (wall-rue).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 1in. to 2in. long, about 1in. broad, deltoid, cut down to the rachis into a few pinnã¦ on each side, the lower ones again cut down into spathulato-cuneate pinnules, which are serrated round the outer edge. _sori_ copious. great britain, and almost worldwide in its distribution. hardy species. this requires a well-drained position, and a soil composed mainly of old mortar rubbish. =a. salicifolium= (willow-leaved). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong, with a terminal pinna and four to ten distinctly stalked ones on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminate; edge usually entire, the base equally truncato-cuneate on both sides. _sori_ falling short both of the edge and midrib. west indies, &c. stove species. =a. sandersoni= (sanderson's).* _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, linear, often gemmiferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal dimidiate pinnã¦ on each side, which are deeply crenate on the upper edge, and at the base narrowed suddenly into a winged petiole, the lower one nearly straight and quite entire. _sori_ oblong. natal, &c. a very rare greenhouse species. =a. schizodon= (cut-toothed). synonymous with _a. vieillardii_. =a. schkuhrii= (schkuhr's). _cau._ erect. _sti._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long. _fronds_ deltoid, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, tripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ distant, oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, rachis winged to base; pinnules ligulate-oblong, 3/8in. broad, sessile, cut into shallow, close, oblong blunt lobes. _sori_ 1/8in., medial in a single row in the pinnules. ceylon. stove species. syn. _diplazium schkuhrii_. =a. selosii= (selose's).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, wiry. _fronds_ 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, palmately cleft, usually into three nearly equal forks, which are about one line broad, the edge slightly inciso-serrate. _sori_ copious, ultimately occupying the whole surface. tyrol and carinthia. a very rare and curious little species, requiring the protection of the frame or cool house; it should be firmly potted between pieces of sandstone in loam, leaf-soil, rock chippings and sand, with good drainage. =a. septentrionale= (northern).* _sti._ densely tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ simple, or cleft from the apex into two or three cuneate divisions, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, one line broad, with a few sharp lateral and terminal teeth. _sori_ elongated, copious, often at last hiding the whole under surface. great britain, and widely distributed in both hemispheres. this rare little species requires to be securely planted in a well-drained elevated chink of the fernery outside, in loamy, gritty soil. =a. shepherdi= (shepherd's).* _sti._ tufted, 1ft. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad; lower pinnã¦ stalked, 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, point acuminate, edge lobed above, 1/4in. broad, somewhat toothed. _sori_ linear, not reaching the edge. south america. stove species. syn. _diplazium shepherdi_. =a. s. inã¦quilaterum= (unequal-sided). _fronds_, texture firm, colour duller than that of the type; pinnã¦ much acuminated; the lobes deeper, more uniform, and falcate, the two sides unequal, the lower one unequally truncate at the base. =a. spathulinum= (spathulate). a synonym of _a. affine_. =a. spinulosum= (very spiny).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, scattered. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, trior quadripinnatifid, with nine to twelve pinnã¦ on each side, the lowest much the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis on each side into six to nine oblong-rhomboidal mucronate segments, two lines long, one line broad, which are sharply toothed. _sori_ two to ten to a segment, usually round, but occasionally oblong. amur-land, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _athyrium spinulosum_ and _cystopteris spinulosa_. =a. splendens= (splendid). _rhiz._ creeping, scaly. _sti._ 6in. to 9in. _fronds_ deltoid, 6in. to 1ft. long, two to three-pinnate; lower pinnã¦ stalked, deltoid, 1in. to 2in. broad, pinnate or bipinnate; segments cuneate-flabellate, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, slightly lobed, sharply toothed round outer edge. _sori_ copious, slender, irregular, reaching from base nearly to tip of segments. cape colony. a very rare greenhouse species. =a. subsinuatum= (half-waved). synonymous with _a. lanceum_. =a. sundense= (sundanese). synonymous with _a. vittã¦forme_. =a. sylvaticum= (woods). _cau._ decumbent. _sti._ 1ft. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous spreading pinnã¦, the largest 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acuminated; edge broadly and briefly lobed; base narrowed suddenly on both sides. _sori_ in long slender lines, reaching nearly to the edge. india, &c. stove species. =a. thelypteroides= (thelypteris-like). _sti._ 1ft. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with numerous spreading pinnã¦, the lower ones 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into numerous nearly entire elliptical spreading pinnules. _sori_ in close regular rows, reaching nearly from the midrib to the edge, slightly curved, the lower ones often double. north america, &c., 1823. hardy or cool house species. syn. _athyrium thelypteroides_. =a. thwaitesii= (thwaites's).* _rhiz._ wide-creeping, stout. _sti._ 6in. long, slender, densely clothed with strong white woolly hairs. _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with eight to ten distinct pinnã¦ beneath the pinnatifid apex, the largest 3in. long, 5/8in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis in oblong crenulated lobes, 1/4in. deep, two lines across. _sori_ reaching half-way to the edge, the lowest about one line long. ceylon. very fine stove species. syn. _diplazium thwaitesii_. [illustration: fig. 174. asplenium trichomanes.] =a. trichomanes= (maiden-hair).* maidenhair spleenwort. _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, about 1/2in. broad, with fifteen to thirty opposite pairs of sessile horizontal pinnã¦, which are 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, one and a-half to two lines deep, edge slightly crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one the broadest, and narrowed suddenly at the base. _sori_ linear-oblong, three to six on each side of the midrib. great britain, and almost cosmopolitan. hardy species. see fig. 174. there are several varieties in cultivation, of which the following are the most important: [illustration: fig. 175. asplenium trichomanes cristatum.] =a. t. cristatum= (crested).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate, with roundish pinnã¦, and broad crests at their extremities, sometimes divided, each fork crested. a very pretty little variety, requiring frame or greenhouse treatment. see fig. 175. =a. t. incisum= (deeply-cut).* _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long; pinnã¦ deeply pinnatifid, the lobes again deeply cut or serrated. a very rare and pretty form. =a. t. multifidum= (much-divided).* _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, once, twice, thrice, or, rarely, quadri-furcate, each division terminated with a little crest. a free-growing kind. =a. t. ramosum= (branched).* _fronds_ 5in. to 8in. long, freely branched, each division being again forked; pinnã¦ deeply cut or crenated, or serrate. more hardy than any of the other forms. =a. trilobum= (three-lobed).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 3in. long. _fronds_ 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1in. broad, rhomboidal, apex acute, base cuneate, entire, the margin undulato-crenate, or the lower part deeply lobed, with broad inciso-crenate divisions. _sori_ broad and short. chili and south brazil. a very rare little stove species. syn. _a. parvulum_. =a. umbrosum= (shady). _sti._ 1ft. or more long, scaly at the base. _fronds_ 2ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, ovate-deltoid; pinnã¦ ovate-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with lanceolate pinnules, which are again cut down to the midribs into unequal-sided rhomboidal lobes, with the margins sharply crenated. _sori_ copious, oblong, with large tumid membranous involucres. madeira, canaries, himalayas, &c. very widely distributed. a very handsome greenhouse species. syns. _allantodia australe_, _athyrium umbrosum_. =a. varians= (variable). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 3in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with eight to twelve pairs of pinnã¦ on each side, lower ones sub-deltoid, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. broad, cut down to the rachis into a few cuneato-flabellate pinnules, the lowest two lines across, sharply toothed on the outer edge. _sori_ copious, when mature, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnules. himalayas, and widely distributed. greenhouse species. =a. veitchianum= (veitch's). synonymous with _a. belangeri_. =a. vieillardii= (vieillard's).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, with large linear-lanceolate terminal pinna, lengthened out at the point, and deeply serrated, and three to four pairs of erecto-patent similar lateral ones, which are 3in. to 4in. long, upwards of 1/2in. broad, equally truncato-cuneate, and the lower ones slightly stalked at the base. _sori_ distant, falling short of both edge and margin. new caledonia. a very graceful greenhouse species. syn. _a. schizodon_. _a. apicidens_ is but a variety of this, with shortened sori and more obtuse venation. [illustration: fig. 176. asplenium viride, showing barren and fertile pinnã¦ (_a_ and _b_), sorus (_c_), and sporangium (_d_).] =a. viride= (green). green spleenwort.* _sti._ densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. broad, with twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnã¦ on each side, ovate-rhomboid; upper edge narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate, outer part deeply crenated. _sori_ copious, linear-oblong, oblique. great britain, &c., widely distributed in both hemispheres. it requires to be planted in a well-drained but moist situation. hardy species. see fig. 176. =a. vittã¦forme= (narrow-fronded).* _rhiz._ creeping. _sti._ short, erect. _fronds_ entire, lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, 1-1/2in. to 3in. broad, narrowed to an acute point, and very gradually into the stem below; margin obscurely toothed. _sori_ copious, often reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. java, &c. stove species. syn. _a. sundense_. =a. viviparum= (plant-bearing).* _sti._ tufted. 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous close-placed erecto-patent pinnã¦ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed rachis into numerous pinnatifid pinnules, the lower segments of which are again forked; ultimate segments 1/4in. to 3/8in. long, quarter-line broad. _sori_ solitary, marginal. mauritius, &c., 1820. a very handsome stove species. =a. vulcanicum= (volcanic). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with a linear-terminal pinna, or gemmiferous at the apex, and six to twelve lateral ones on each side; lower ones stalked, 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminated; edge slightly dentate; the base truncate. _sori_ very regular and parallel, falling short of the edge. malay islands. stove species. syn. _a. heterodon_. =a. zeylanicum= (ceylonese).* _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 8in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the point acuminated, apex slightly lobed, the lower two-thirds more deeply so, and the base quite down to the rachis; lobes blunt, 1/4in. to 1/2in. across. _sori_ linear, two to three lines long. ceylon. stove species. syn. _diplazium zeylanicum_. =assonia= (commemorative of ignatius de asso, a distinguished spanish botanist, who wrote on the plants of arragon). ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. this genus is now included by best authorities under _dombeya_. ornamental stove evergreen trees, with undivided leaves, and axillary, bifid, sub-corymbose peduncles. they are of easy culture; thriving freely in any light rich soil, or a mixture of loam and peat. young cuttings will root freely in sand, with a brisk bottom heat, if covered by a bell glass. =a. populnea= (poplar-leaved). _fl._ white, disposed in a terminal, bifid corymb; peduncles scarcely longer than the petioles. june. _l._ cordate, acuminated, smooth, a little serrated. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. bourbon, 1820. =a. viburnoides= (viburnum-like). _fl._ white; peduncles three times longer than the petioles. _l._ cordate, somewhat acuminate, crenated, tomentose beneath, as well as younger leaves. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. bourbon, 1822. =astartea= (a mythological name: astarte, the syrian venus). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, requiring a mixture of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand. young cuttings root readily in sand under a bell glass in gentle heat. =a. fascicularis= (bundle-flowered). _fl._ white, pedicellate, solitary, axillary. may. _l._ opposite, linear, fleshy; when young, disposed in axillary fascicles. _h._ 6ft. to 9ft. west australia, 1830. =astelma= (from _a_, not, and _stelma_, a crown; in reference to the construction of the fruit). ord. _compositã¦_. greenhouse evergreen shrubs from the cape of good hope. some species of this genus, which is now generally referred to _helipterum_, are very handsome, and thrive well in a mixture of fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with thorough drainage. fill the pots one-third full of crocks; water carefully, and only when absolutely necessary; and place in a situation near the glass, allowing a free admission of air. seeds should be sown in pots of light, open soil, and placed in a gentle heat; half-ripened cuttings will strike readily in sandy soil with a hand glass placed over them. they are now but rarely seen under cultivation. =a. canescens= (hoary). _fl.-heads_ purple; scales of involucre ovate; branches one-flowered. may to june. _l._ oblong, blunt, imbricated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1794. =a. eximium= (fine).* _fl.-heads_ crimson; corymbs sessile. july. _l._ sessile, ovate, close, erect, white with thick woolly pubescence. stem stout. _h._ 3ft. 1793. this is a very beautiful species. =a. speciosissimum= (showiest). _fl.-heads_ white, large, solitary, terminal. july. _l._ sessile, lanceolate-obovate, acute, three-nerved, woolly. _h._ 8ft. 1691. =astephanus= (from _a_, without, and _stephanos_, a corona; corona absent). ord. _asclepiadeã¦_. a genus of pretty evergreen greenhouse twiners. flowers few, small, disposed in interpetiolar umbels; corolla campanulate. leaves small, opposite. they thrive in a compost of turfy peat, leaf soil, and loam, in equal parts. very little water is required when the plants are at rest. cuttings root readily in sandy soil in a moderate heat. propagation may also be effected by division. =a. linearis= (linear). _fl._ white; umbels dividing in threes, lateral and terminal. july. _l._ 1in. long, opposite, linear-lanceolate. stem glabrous. cape of good hope, 1816. =a. triflorus= (three-flowered).* _fl._ white; umbels generally three-flowered. july. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, villous beneath. stems hairy. cape of good hope, 1816. =aster= (from _aster_, a star; general shape of flower-heads). michaelmas daisy; star-wort. syn. _pinardia_ (of necker). ord. _compositã¦_. hardy herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated. heads solitary, corymbose, or panicled, heterogamous, rayed; ray florets pistiliferous, one or two-seriate, fertile or neuter; ligule elongated, white, blue, or purple; disk florets hermaphrodite, fertile, tubular, yellow, five-cleft; involucre campanulate or hemispheric; bracts few or many-seriate, outer smaller or larger; receptacle flat or convex; pappus hairs few or copious, scabrid, outer sometimes shorter, rigid, and paleaceous. leaves alternate. this large genus contains many handsome border and alpine deciduous perennials (rarely biennials) of easy culture in ordinary soil. they may be propagated by divisions in autumn or spring, or by seeds in spring. the greenhouse species are mostly evergreen shrubs, requiring a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. cuttings root readily in a sandy soil, under a hand glass, with very little heat. =a. acris= (acrid). _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre imbricated, twice as short as the disk. august. _l._ linear-lanceolate, not dotted, three-nerved. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1731. =a. acuminatus= (taper-pointed).* _fl.-heads_ white; panicle corymbose. september. _l._ broad-lanceolate, narrowed at base, entire, with a very long point. stem simple, flexuous, angular. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1806. =a. adulterinus= (false). _fl.-heads_ violet; involucre squarrose, shorter than the disk. september. _l._ amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth; those of the branches linear squarrose. _h._ 3ft. north america. =a. ã¦stivus= (summer-flowering).* _fl.-heads_ blue. july. _l._ lanceolate, somewhat amplexicaul, narrowed at the end, scabrous at edge. stem erect, hispid; branchlets pilose. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1776. =a. albescens= (whitish). _fl.-heads_ purple or whitish, nearly 1in. across; corymbosely panicled; scales of involucre ovate-linear, apiculate; ray twenty-flowered. august. _l._ lanceolate on short petioles, denticulate, downy. plant beset with rusty down. _h._ 3ft. nepal, 1842. =a. alpinus= (alpine).* _fl.-heads_ bright purple, 1in. to 2in. across; scales of involucre nearly equal, lanceolate, bluntish. july. _l._, radical ones lanceolate-spathulate; those of the stem lanceolate. stem one-flowered. _h._ 6in. to 9in. europe, 1658. a very attractive species, having a dwarf, stout habit; it forms a useful and handsome subject for edging, and its flowers are valuable for cutting purposes. see fig. 177. =a. a. albus= (white).* _fl.-heads_ white, in other respects resembling the type; but it is much less desirable, and has not nearly so vigorous a habit. europe, 1827. =a. altaicus= (altaian).* _fl.-heads_ blue-purple, about 2in. across; stem simple, corymbose, downy. june, july. _l._ linear-lanceolate, entire, blunt mucronate, three-nerved at base, veiny. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1804. this, which is frequently considered a variety of _a. alpinus_, is one of the handsomest. =a. alwartensis= (alwart). _fl.-heads_ red; ray very fine; involucre loosely squarrose. may. _l._ ovate, narrowed at base, entire, about five-nerved. _h._ 1ft. caucasus, 1807. =a. amellus= (amellus).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary, numerous; involucre imbricated squarrose; leaves blunt; inner membranous, coloured at edge. august. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, scabrous. _h._ 2ft. italy, 1596. one of the best border kinds. [illustration: fig. 177. aster alpinus.] =a. a. bessarabicus= (bessarabian).* a most desirable variety, frequently seen in gardens; it is rather taller than the type, with larger flower-heads, of a deep purple colour. one of the showiest of all the asters. see fig. 178. [illustration: fig. 178. aster amellus bessarabicus.] =a. amplexicaulis= (stem-clasping). _fl.-heads_ violet. july. _l._ ovate-oblong, acute, amplexicaul, cordate, serrated, smooth. stem panicled, smooth; branches one to two-headed. _h._ 3ft. north america. =a. amygdalinus= (almond-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre closely imbricated. august. _l._ lanceolate, narrowed at base, acuminated, scabrous at edge. stem simple, corymbose at end. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1759. =a. argenteus= (silvery).* _fl.-heads_ purple. august. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, silky, sessile. stem slender, decumbent, loosely branched; branches and branchlets one-headed. _h._ 1ft. north america, 1801. =a. bellidiflorus= (daisy-flowered). _fl.-heads_ pale red; involucre with spreading scales. september. _l._ amplexicaul, narrow-lanceolate, scabrous above, lower sub-serrated. stem much branched. _h._ 3ft. north america. =a. bigelovii= (bigelow's).* _fl.-heads_ corymbose, 2-1/2in. diameter, ray-florets lilac, disk yellow. summer. _l._ scabrous pubescent, oblong-spathulate; cauline ones amplexicaul, ovate-oblong, crenate, obscurely-toothed. _h._ 2-1/2ft. colorado, 1878. a very handsome biennial species. syn. _a. townshendi_. =a. blandus= (charming). _fl.-heads_ pale purple; racemes scarcely longer than the leaves. october. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth. stem pyramidal. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1800. =a. canescens= (hoary). _fl.-heads_ pale purple; involucre imbricated, very acute, longer than disk. september. _l._ linear. panicle corymbose, much branched, leafy. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1812. biennial or perennial. =a. cassiarabicus= (arabian cassia). _fl.-heads_ pink; panicles corymbose. september. _l._ ovate, acute, serrated, tapering at the petioles. plant erect, pilose. _h._ 2ft. russia, 1834. =a. caucasicus= (caucasian).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear. july. _l._ ovate, sessile, scabrous. _h._ 1ft. caucasus, 1804. =a. ciliatus= (ciliated). _fl.-heads_ white. september. _l._ ciliated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, nerved; those of the branches very short lanceolate, three-nerved. stem branched, downy; branches downy. _h._ 3ft. north america. =a. concinnus= (neat).* _fl.-heads_ purple; involucre closely imbricated. october. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth. stem simple, panicled at end. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1800. =a. concolor= (one-coloured). _fl.-heads_ purple; raceme terminal. october. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, hoary on each side. stem simple, erect, downy. _h._ 1ft. north america, 1759. =a. conyzioides= (conyza-like). synonymous with _seriocarpus conyzioides_. =a. cordifolius= (heart-leaved). _fl.-heads_ blue, small, disposed in crowded racemes, which are slightly drooping. july. _l._ cordate, pilose beneath, finely serrated, stalked. stem smoothish, panicled; panicle spreading. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1759. =a. coridifolius= (coris-leaved). _fl.-heads_ pale blue. october. _l._ very numerous, linear, blunt, reflexed, hispid at edge. stem branched, diffuse, smooth; branches one-headed. _h._ 1ft. north america. [illustration: fig. 179. aster corymbosus, showing habit and flower-head.] =a. corymbosus= (corymbose). _fl.-heads_ corymbose, about 1in. in diameter; ray-florets few, narrow, white; disk-florets pale yellow. autumn. _l._ 3in. long, cordate acute, lobed at the base, coarsely toothed. stems brittle, blackish purple. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. syn. _biotia corymbosa_. see fig. 179. =a. diffusus= (diffuse). _fl.-heads_ white; involucres imbricated. october. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate, equal, serrated, smooth. branches spreading. stem pubescent. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1777. =a. douglasii= (douglas's).* _fl.-heads_ purple; involucral scales linear or spathulate-linear, loosely imbricated. august. _l._ lanceolate, acute, entire, or rarely serrate, mostly tapering at the base. stem smooth, slender, paniculately branched, leafy. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. california, &c. =a. dracunculoides= (tarragon-like).* _fl.-heads_ white, about 1in. across, disposed in dense cymose clusters; involucre imbricated. september, october. _l._ linear, acuminated, entire; lower ones linear-lanceolate, sub-serrate. branches corymbose. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1811. a very handsome species. =a. dumosus= (bushy).* _fl.-heads_ white, about 1/2in. across, disposed in broad clusters; involucre cylindrical, closely imbricated. october. _l._ linear, glabrous; those of the branches very short. branches panicled. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1734. =a. d. albus= (white).* _fl.-heads_ quite white, and rather smaller than those of the species. north america. =a. d. violaceus= (violet). _fl.-heads_ violet-purple. north america. =a. elegans= (elegant). _fl.-heads_ blue, small; corymb contracted, drooping; scales of involucre oblong-cuneate, blunt, squarrose. september. _l._ scabrous; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute; radical ones oblong, stalked. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1790. a very elegant species, having a graceful habit. =a. eminens= (eminent). _fl.-heads_ light blue. october. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acuminate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. stem panicled; branches one-headed. _h._ 2ft. north america. [illustration: fig. 180. aster ericoides.] =a. ericoides= (heath-like).* _fl.-heads_ white; involucre squarrose, leaflets acute. september. _l._ linear, glabrous; those of the branches subulate, close together; and those of the stem long. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1758. a very pretty species. see fig. 180. =a. floribundus= (many-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ light purple. september. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones serrated. stem smooth; branches corymbose. _h._ 4ft. north america. =a. foliosus= (leafy). _fl.-heads_ pale blue; involucre imbricate. september. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed at each end. stem downy, panicled, erect; branches few-headed. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1732. =a. fragilis= (fragile). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured, small; involucre imbricated. september. _l._ linear, acuminate, entire; radical ones oblong, serrate. branches in corymbose panicles. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1800. [illustration: fig. 181. aster grandiflorus.] =a. grandiflorus= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ purple, large, terminal; scales of involucre squarrose. november. _l._ linear, rigid, acute, sub-amplexicaul; those of the branches reflexed, hispid at edge. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1720. see fig. 181. =a. hyssopifolius= (hyssop-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ white, or purple shaded; scales of the involucre about half as long as the disk. august to october. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acute, with the margins scabrous. branches fastigiate and corymbose, smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. north america. =a. lã¦vigatus= (smooth-stemmed). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured, about 1in. across, disposed in large panicles. september. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. stem glabrous. branches many-headed. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1794. =a. lã¦vis= (smooth).* _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre imbricated with cuneiform leaflets. september. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, remotely oblong, entire, lucid; radical ones sub-serrated. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1758. one of the best border species. =a. laxus= (loose-flowered). _fl.-heads_ white, about 1in. across; clusters loose. october. _l._ linear-lanceolate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated; stem ones reflexed. stem loosely panicled. _h._ 2ft. north america. =a. linarifolius= (toad-flax-leaved). _fl.-heads_ pale blue. september. _l._ numerous, linear, mucronated, nerveless, not dotted, keeled, scabrous, rigid. branches fastigiate, one-headed. _h._ 1ft. north america, 1699. =a. linifolius= (flax-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre imbricated, short. july. _l._ linear, nerveless, dotted, scabrous, reflexed, spreading. branches corymbose, fastigiate, leafy. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1739. =a. longifolius= (long-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ white, 1in. across, in dense corymbose panicles; involucre squarrose. october. _l._ linear-lanceolate, rarely toothed, very long, smooth. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1798. there are several varieties of this handsome species. =a. l. formosus= (charming).* _fl.-heads_ pink, produced in dense corymbs. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. =a. macrophyllus= (large-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white. august. _l._ large, ovate, stalked, serrated, scabrous; upper ones cordate, sessile. stem branched, diffuse. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1739. =a. multiflorus= (many-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ white, small; corymb large, elongated; involucre imbricated; scales oblong, squarrose, acute. september. _l._ linear, glabrous. stem much branched, diffuse, downy; branchlets one-sided. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1732. =a. myrtifolius= (myrtle-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre imbricated; scales length of disk. august. _l._, stem ones, amplexicaul, scabrous; those of the branches small. _h._ 2ft. 1812. =a. novã¦-angliã¦= (new england).* _fl.-heads_ purple, in terminal clusters. september. _l._ linear-lanceolate, pilose, amplexicaul, auricled at base. stem simple, pilose, straight. _h._ 6ft. north america, 1710. one of the best; having a tall and robust habit. =a. n.-a. rubra= (red).* _fl.-heads_ deep red pink, in other respects like the type. north america, 1812. =a. novã¦-belgii= (new york).* _fl.-heads_ pale blue. september. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate, glabrous, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. branches divided. _h._ 4ft. north america, 1710. there is a variety known in gardens which belongs to this species, under the name of _amethystinus_, the flowers of which are much larger and very showy. =a. obliquus= (oblique). _fl.-heads_ numerous; ray white; disk purplish. autumn. _l._ alternate; lower ones linear-lanceolate, oblique; upper stem ones smaller. _h._ 5ft. north america. a very fine species, forming large tufts. =a. paniculatus= (panicled).* _fl.-heads_ light blue; involucre loose. september. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, sub-serrated, stalked, smooth; petioles naked. stem much branched, smooth. _h._ 4ft. north america, 1640. =a. pannonicus= (pannonian). _fl.-heads_ violet; scales of involucre lanceolate, blunt, equal. july. _l._ linear-lanceolate, hispid at edge. stem simple, corymbose. _h._ 2ft. hungary, 1815. =a. patens= (spreading). _fl.-heads_ light purple, about 1in. across. october. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, ciliate, cordate, amplexicaul, scabrous on each side, hairy. stem branched, hairy. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1773. =a. pendulus= (drooping).* _fl.-heads_ pure white at first, ultimately rosy pink, small. september. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate, serrate, smooth, those of the branches distant. branches much spreading, pendulous. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1758. a very pretty species. =a. peregrinus= (foreign).* _fl.-heads_ bluish purple, 2in. across. july, august. _l._ lanceolate, sub-acute, entire, smooth, those of the stem rather narrower than the radical ones. stem smooth, or nearly so, two or three-flowered. _h._ 1ft. north america. a very pretty little species for the rockery or border. =a. pilosus= (pilose). _fl.-heads_ pale blue; involucre oblong, loose, imbricated. september. _l._ linear-lanceolate, hoary. stem branched, villous; branchlets somewhat one-sided, one-headed. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1812. =a. prã¦cox= (early). _fl.-heads_ violet; involucre imbricated; scales nearly equal; outer scales somewhat spreading. july. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, narrowed at the base. stem hairy. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1800. =a. pulchellus= (beautiful).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear, acuminate. june. _l._, radical ones spathulate; cauline ones linear-lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. armenia. =a. puniceus= (red-stalked). _fl.-heads_ blue, about 1in. across; panicle large, pyramidal; involucre loose, longer than the disk. september. _l._ amplexicaul, lanceolate, serrate, roughish. branches panicled. _h._ 6ft. north america, 1710. =a. pyrenã¦us= (pyrenean).* _fl.-heads_ lilac-blue (disk yellow), large, three to five in a short corymb. july. _l._ scabrous on both sides; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute, sessile, sharply serrated on the upper part. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. pyrenees. =a. reevesi= (reeves's). _fl.-heads_ white, with yellow centre, small; panicle dense, pyramidal. autumn. _l._ linear, acute. branches slender. _h._ 9in. to 12in. north america. a very desirable species, suitable for rockwork. =a. reticulatus= (netted). _fl.-heads_ white. july. _l._ lanceolate-oblong, acute at each end, sessile, revolute at end, netted, and three-nerved beneath. plant hoary all over. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1812. =a. rubricaule= (red-stemmed). synonymous with _a. spurius_. =a. salicifolius= (willow-leaved). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured; involucre lanceolate, imbricate; scales acute, spreading at end. september. _l._ linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, smooth. stem smooth, panicled at end. _h._ 6ft. north america, 1760. =a. salsuginosus= (salt-plains).* _fl.-heads_ violet-purple; involucral scales linear, loose, glandular. july. _l._ entire, the lower spathulate, obovate, tapering into a margined petiole; the upper ones lanceolate, acute, with broad base, usually sub-amplexicaul. stem minutely pubescent, leafy nearly to the top, few-flowered. _h._ 9in. to 18in. north america, 1827. a very handsome species. =a. s. elatior= (tallest). this variety grows 2ft. or more high, and has rather larger flowers than the type. north america. =a. sericeus= (silky). _fl.-heads_ deep blue; terminal, about 1-1/2in. across. summer and autumn. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, sessile, entire, three-nerved, silky with down. _h._ 3ft. missouri, 1802. this is a half-hardy evergreen shrub, and requires a warm, well-drained soil. =a. serotinus= (late-flowering). _fl.-heads_ blue. september. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth, scabrous at edge; lower ones serrated; branches corymbose, smooth. _h._ 3ft. north america. =a. shortii= (short's). _fl.-heads_ purplish blue, about 1in. across; panicles long, racemose. autumn. _l._ lanceolate, elongated, acuminated, cordate at the base. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. stem slender, spreading. north america. =a. sibiricus= (siberian). _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre loose; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate, hispid. august. _l._ lanceolate, sub-amplexicaul, serrate, pilose, scabrous. _h._ 2ft. siberia, 1768. =a. sikkimensis= (sikkimese).* _fl.-heads_ purple; leaflets of involucre linear, acuminate, sub-squarrose. october. _l._ lanceolate, acuminate, spinosely denticulate; radical ones on longer petioles; cauline ones sessile; corymbs large, of many heads, leafy, erect, glabrous, branched. _h._ 3ft. sikkim, 1850. =a. spectabilis= (showy).* _fl.-heads_ blue; scales of involucre loose, leafy. august. _l._ lanceolate, roughish, somewhat amplexicaul; lower ones serrate in the middle. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1777. a very pretty species. =a. spurius= (spurious). _fl.-heads_ purple, large, few; inner scales of involucre coloured. september. _l._ linear-lanceolate, amplexicaul, polished. stem virgate, panicled. branches racemose. _h._ 4ft. north america, 1789. syn. _a. rubricaule_. =a. tardiflorus= (late-flowering). _fl.-heads_ blue, numerous. autumn. _l._ sessile, serrated, smooth, spathulate-lanceolate, narrowed at base, and bent down towards each side. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1775. =a. townshendi= (townshend's). synonymous with _a. bigelovii_. =a. tradescanti= (tradescant's).* _fl.-heads_ white; involucre imbricated. august. _l._ lanceolate-sessile, serrated, smooth; branches virgate. stem round, smooth. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1633. _a. multiflorus_ is very much like this species, and, perhaps, a mere form thereof, with somewhat smaller flowers and more obovate-oblong leaves. =a. tripolium= (tripoli). michaelmas daisy. _fl.-heads_ blue; disk yellow; scales of involucre lanceolate, membranous, obtuse, imbricated. august. _l._ linear-lanceolate, fleshy, obscurely three-nerved. stem glabrous, corymbose. _h._ 2ft. britain. [illustration: fig. 182. aster turbinellus.] =a. turbinellus= (turbinate). _fl.-heads_ delicate mauve, disposed in panicles; involucre top-shaped, scales imbricate. summer and autumn. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, entire, with fringed margins, somewhat stem-clasping; those of the branchlets awl-shaped. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north america. a very desirable species. see fig. 182. =a. undulatus= (undulated). _fl.-heads_ pale blue. august. _l._ oblong-cordate, amplexicaul, entire; petioles winged. stem panicled, hispid. branchlets one-sided. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1699. =a. versicolor= (various-coloured).* _fl.-heads_ white, changing to purple; scales of involucre shorter than disk. august. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. stem glabrous. _h._ 3ft. north america, 1790. the annuals (_callistemma hortensis_), usually known as french, german, or china asters, are very extensively grown, both for beds and pots, and their diversity and generally compact growth render them almost universal favourites. they require a rich loamy soil, and as the roots are produced near the surface, a mulching of rotten dung will be found most beneficial. seeds may be raised in a cold frame in march or april, and, when the seedlings are large enough, they must be transplanted into beds from 9in. to 12in. apart each way. if it is desired to have them in pots, they may be removed thence with a good ball of earth adhering just before they commence flowering, liberally watered, and kept lightly shaded from the sun, until root action is resumed. those kinds required for exhibition purposes should have several of the side shoots removed, so that the whole growing energy of the plant may be centralised into from five to seven flower-heads, by which means fine blooms may be obtained. the dwarf kinds are most valuable for bedding and pots, as the taller kinds frequently require stakes for support. the following are the most important sections: =betteridge's prize.= very beautifully formed and brilliantly coloured varieties, unsurpassed for exhibition purposes. as this class has rather a straggling habit of growth, it is less suitable for bedding and borders than many of the others. =boltze's miniature bouquet pyramidal.= dwarf and elegant, in compact bouquets of six or eight; the truss of flower-heads springs directly from the ground, having only a few leaves at base. colours very varied. _h._ 6in. to 8in. [illustration: fig. 183. truffaut's peony-flowered aster.] [illustration: fig. 184. truffaut's perfection aster.] =crown.=* distinct. the central portion, or disk, of the head of flowers is pure white, surrounded by a broad margin of coloured ray florets, such as purple, violet, crimson, rose, &c. flower-heads large, flat, freely produced. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. =dwarf chrysanthemum-flowered.=* in size of flower-heads and habit of growth, this surpasses all other dwarf varieties. the flowers are full, chrysanthemum-shaped, produced in clusters, or bouquets, from ten to twenty in a truss, very delicate and beautiful in colour. _h._ 1ft. =dwarf pyramidal= or =dwarf bouquet=. a pretty little class, and extremely floriferous, each plant producing from twenty to fifty heads of bloom. some of the colours are: exquisite carmine with white points, white with blue or carmine points, white with salmon centre, &c. _h._ 1ft. =improved imbricate.= the best strain of pyramidal asters with recurved florets; fine regular form of flowers, double to the centre, producing but few seeds. colours very brilliant. _h._ 2ft. =improved rose.= a handsome class, producing a branched head, displaying no less than fifty large double flower-heads, the outer florets finely imbricated, and filled up to the centre when quite open. the colours are of great brilliancy, and of many shades. _h._ 2ft. =pompone goliath.=* flower-heads globular, and florets very closely set. valuable for bouquets, as the flowers remain intact for a considerable time. =pyramidal hedgehog.= singular and unique. stems upright, and branched; each branch terminated by a single flower-head, which is filled up with quill-like florets. colours various. _h._ 1-1/2ft. =truffaut's pã¦ony perfection.=* vigorous upright growers, having large, hemispherical-formed heads of flowers with incurved florets, 4in. across. the colours also are very varied. _h._ about 2ft. see figs. 183 and 184. [illustration: fig. 185. victoria aster.] =victoria.=* one of the most popular classes of asters grown; flower-heads very double, imbricate, globular, 4in. in diameter, from ten to twenty on a plant, of various shades. _h._ 1ft., with a pyramidal habit. see fig. 185. =asteracantha= (from _aster_, a star, and _acantha_, a spine; referring to the disposition of the spines). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. a handsome greenhouse herbaceous perennial, of easy culture in sandy loam. it should be grown in a sunny position, and be kept moderately dry, otherwise little but foliaceous growth will be produced; but, if thus treated, it flowers freely. propagated by divisions in spring; or by seeds, sown in august. =a. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._ yellow, in dense axillary fascicles. july. _l._ lanceolate, tapering to the base, narrow, sessile, serrately ciliated. stem quadrangular. plant rather hairy. _h._ 2ft. india, 1781. =asteraceã�.= _see_ =compositã¦=. =asterocephalus.= _see_ =scabiosa=. =astilbe= (from _a_, without, and _stilbe_, brilliancy; in allusion to the inconspicuous flowers of some of the species). ord. _saxifragaceã¦_. tall branching herbs, with triternate or biternate leaves, allied to _spirã¦a_, from which they differ in having not more than three carpels, eight or ten stamens, and numerous albuminous seeds. they are all more or less graceful, and some indispensable, either when grown in isolated clumps, or intermingled with other herbaceous plants. they thrive well in almost any rich garden soil, preferring damp positions, and are easily propagated by division, which is best done in early spring. _a. japonica_ is grown very extensively for decorative purposes, its elegant spikes of pure white flowers rendering it especially valuable. the majority of the plants cultivated are imported, but they may be grown fairly well in this country in heavily manured soil. they should be potted as early as possible in the autumn, and plunged in ashes or fibre outside, when they will soon commence to root, after which they may be placed in heat, and forced as required, always giving an abundance of water. indeed, the pots may be stood in pans of water, especially when the plants are well furnished with growth. =a. barbata= (bearded). a synonym of _a. japonica_. =a. decandra= (ten-stamened). _fl._ white, in spicate racemose panicles. may. _l._ biternate; leaflets cordate, deeply lobed and serrated, glandular beneath, and on the petioles. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north america, 1812. [illustration: fig. 186. astilbe japonica.] =a. japonica= (japanese).* _fl._ small, pure white, in large branching racemose panicles. may. _l._ triternate or pinnate, serrated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. japan. this is best grown in pots, as early frosts generally cut it down in the open air. syns. _spirã¦a barbata_ and _japonica_, also _hoteia_ and _a. barbata_. see fig 186. =a. j. variegata= (variegated).* _l._ prettily variegated with yellow; panicles much more dense than the type; indeed, it is far superior in that respect. [illustration: fig. 187. astilbe rivularis.] =a. rivularis= (brook).* _fl._ yellowish-white, or reddish, in large panicled spikes. late summer. _l._ biternate; leaflets ovate, doubly serrated, villous beneath and on the petioles. _h._ 3ft. nepaul. a grand plant for the margins of lakes or damp woodlands. see fig. 187. =a. rubra= (red).* _fl._ rose, very numerous, in dense panicles. late summer and autumn. _l._ biternate; leaflets oblique, cordate, 1in. to 2in. long, with elongated, serrated points. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. india, 1851. a very pretty, but rare species; excellent for sub-tropical gardening. =a. thunbergi= (thunberg's).* _fl._ small, white, very numerous, in erect, much branched, pyramidal panicles, with reddish and slightly downy stalks. may. _l._ unequally pinnate or bipinnate; leaflets broad, yellowish green, sharply toothed. _h._ 1-1/2ft. japan, 1878. this pretty little sub-shrub is extensively propagated on the continent for forcing purposes. =astragalus= (a name applied to a shrub by greek writers). milk vetch. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a very large genus of hardy herbs or sub-shrubs. flowers in axillary clusters; standard larger than the wings. leaves unequally pinnate. about one hundred species have from time to time been introduced in english gardens; many of these are lost to cultivation; the comparative few here described are still generally grown, and are good representative species. they are all of easy culture. the shrubby kinds grow well in any light dry soil, and are slowly increased by cuttings placed in a cold frame, or by seeds. the herbaceous perennials prefer a dry light soil, and may be increased by divisions or seeds; the latter mode is preferable, as many species are very liable to die if transplanted or divided, which is at best but a slow method. seed should be sown in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or very early in the spring, as they may lie a long time before germinating. the dwarfer species constitute admirable rockwork plants, and can be grown in pots containing a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. seeds of the two annual species, _a. cicer_ and _a. glaux_, merely require to be sown in the open border early in spring. =a. adsurgens= (adsurgent).* _fl._ bluish purple; spikes oblong, pedunculate, longer than the leaves, densely packed. june. _l._ with eleven to twelve pairs of ovate-lanceolate acute leaflets; stipules acuminated, length of leaves. plant ascending, smoothish. siberia, 1818. a very handsome and rare perennial species. =a. aduncus= (hooked). _fl._ rose purple, in oblong spikes; peduncles rather shorter than the leaves. june and july. _l._ with numerous pairs of roundish-ovate, smooth leaflets, sometimes downy. _h._ 6in. to 9in. caucasus, 1819. perennial. =a. alopecuroides= (foxtail-like).* _fl._ yellow, disposed in thick dense ovate-oblong spikes, on short axillary peduncles. june. _l._ with numerous ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, acuminated. plant erect. _h._ 2ft. to 5ft. siberia, 1737. one of the finest perennial species grown. =a. alpinus= (alpine). _fl._ bluish-purple, sometimes whitish, drooping, disposed in racemes of about 1/2in. long. summer. _l._ impari-pinnate, with eight to twelve pairs of ovate or oblong leaflets. britain. a very desirable, hairy, prostrate perennial. =a. arenarius= (sand-loving).* _fl._ blue; peduncles few-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. june. _l._ with linear-obtuse leaflets; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. plant diffuse, tomentose from white adpressed down. _h._ 6in. denmark, 1800. perennial. =a. austriacus= (austrian).* _fl._ few; upper petal, or vexillum, blue, the rest purple; racemes pedunculate, longer than the leaves. may. _l._, leaflets glabrous, linear, truncately emarginate. plant diffusely procumbent. south europe, 1640. perennial. =a. canadensis= (canadian). _fl._ yellow, disposed in spikes; peduncles about as long as the leaves. july. _l._ with ten to twelve pairs of elliptic-oblong, bluntish leaflets. plant nearly erect, rather hairy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north america, 1732. perennial. =a. cicer= (vetch-like). _fl._ pale yellow, disposed in spike-like heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. july. _l._ with ten to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong mucronate leaflets. plant diffusely procumbent. europe, 1570. annual. =a. dahuricus= (dahurian). _fl._ purple, in dense racemes, which are longer than the leaves. july. _l._, leaflets, seven to nine pairs, oblong, mucronate. plant erect, pilose. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. dahuria to china, 1822. perennial. =a. dasyglottis= (thick-tongued).* _fl._ purple, blue, and white mixed, in capitate spikes; peduncles a little longer than the leaves. june. _l._, leaflets elliptic-oblong, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. _h._ 3in. to 4in. plant diffuse. siberia, 1818. a charming little alpine perennial. =a. falcatus= (hooked). _fl._ greenish yellow, in spikes; peduncles rather longer than the leaves. june. _l._ with sixteen to twenty pairs of elliptic-oblong, acute leaflets. plant erect, rather hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. siberia (in wet, grassy places). perennial. syn. _a. virescens_. =a. galegiformis= (galega-like).* _fl._ pale yellow, pendulous, racemose; peduncles longer than the leaves. june. _l._ with twelve to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong leaflets. plant erect, glabrous. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. siberia, 1729. a showy perennial species. =a. glaux= (milkwort). _fl._ purplish, in dense heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. june. _l._ with eight to thirteen pairs of small, oblong, acutish leaflets. spain, 1596. procumbent annual, clothed with whitish hair. =a. glycyphyllos= (sweet-leaved).* _fl._ sulphur coloured, in ovate-oblong spikes; peduncles shorter than the leaves. june. _l._ with four, five, to seven pairs of oval, bluntish, smooth leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, entire. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. britain. a perennial prostrate trailer. =a. hypoglottis= (under-tongued).* _fl._ variegated with purplish, blue and white, disposed in roundish heads; peduncles longer than the leaves, ascending. june. _l._ with numerous little ovate, obtuse, dark green leaflets, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, ovate. stems prostrate, rather hairy. _h._ 3in. britain, &c. perennial trailer. =a. h. alba= (white-flowered).* this resembles the type, except in the colour of the flowers. =a. leucophyllus= (hoary-leaved).* _fl._ pale yellow, about 1/2in. long, in dense racemes; peduncles much longer than the leaves. july and august. _l._, leaflets in numerous pairs, broadly-linear, covered with soft, silky pubescence. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. north america. perennial. =a. maximus= (largest).* _fl._ yellow; spike sessile, cylindrical, nearly terminal. june. _l._ with ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules oblong-lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. armenia. a very handsome, erect, perennial species. [illustration: fig. 188. astragalus monspessulanus, showing habit and flower.] =a. monspessulanus= (montpelier).* _fl._ usually purplish, spicate; peduncles longer than the leaves. june. _l._, leaflets twenty-one to forty-one, ovate or lanceolate, outer ones rather the smallest. leaves hoary, and plant almost stemless when growing in dry exposed situations; but in rich earth or moist places the leaves are almost glabrous, and the stem becomes elongated. south europe, 1710. this species is much appreciated, and well deserves a place in all collections. evergreen trailer. see fig. 188. =a. narbonensis= (narbonne). _fl._ yellow, disposed in somewhat globose spikes, on short axillary peduncles. june. _l._ with oblong-linear leaflets; stipules lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. narbonne and madrid, 1789. an erect hairy perennial. =a. odoratus= (sweet-scented). _fl._ pale yellow, sweet-scented, disposed in spikes; peduncles same length as leaves. june. _l._ with eleven to fourteen pairs of oblong acute leaflets; stipules connate. plant erect, rather ascending. _h._ 6in. levant, 1820. perennial. =a. onobrychioides= (onobrychis-like).* _fl._ beautiful purple, in capitate spikes on long peduncles. july. _l._ with eight to ten pairs of elliptic leaflets; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. plant rather diffuse, shrubby at the base, clothed with adpressed hairs. _h._ 9in. to 12in. iberia, persia, &c., 1819. a very handsome perennial species. =a. onobrychis= (onobrychis). _fl._ purple; spikes oblong-ovate, pedunculate, longer than the leaves. june. _l._ with seven to sixteen pairs of oblong leaflets. _h._ 1-1/2ft., or procumbent. mountains southern europe, 1640. this is an elegant perennial, and ranks among the very best. the varieties, all white flowered, are: _alpinus_, _major_, _microphyllus_ and _moldavicus_, but only the first-named is now in cultivation. =a. pannosus= (woolly).* _fl._ rose-coloured, in compact globose heads, with peduncles shorter than the leaves. july. _l._ with four, five, to nine pairs of ovate-lanceolate leaflets, thickly coated with long white woolly hairs. _h._ 6in. to 9in. siberia. perennial. =a. ponticus= (pontic). _fl._ yellow; spikes sessile, almost globose. july. _l._ oblong, smoothish; stipules lanceolate. stem rather hairy. _h._ 2ft. tauria, 1820. a very showy, erect, border perennial. =a. purpureus= (purple). _fl._ purplish blue, disposed in capitate spikes; peduncles longer than the leaves. june. _l._, leaflets obovate, bidentate at the apex; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. plant diffuse, procumbent, rather hairy. _h._ 3in. to 6in. provence, 1820. perennial. =a. sulcatus= (furrowed).* _fl._ pale violet, but with a white keel, tipped with brown; racemes pedunculate, longer than the leaves. july. _l._ with linear-lanceolate leaflets. plant erect, glabrous; stem furrowed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia, 1783. perennial. =a. tragacantha= (great goat's thorn).* gum tragacanth. _fl._ pale violet, two to five together, axillary, sessile. june. _l._ with eight to nine pairs of linear hispid leaflets; young stipules connate, clothed with silky hairs; adult ones glabrous; petioles permanent, at length becoming hardened spines. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. levant, 1640. evergreen shrub. tragacanth, a partially soluble gum, was formerly supposed to be furnished by this plant. it is, however, now known that _a. tragacantha_ yields none. several species from mountainous regions in asia minor, &c., furnish the gum. =a. vaginatus= (sheathed-stipuled). _fl._ rosy-purple, with white-tipped wings; calyx rather inflated, covered with soft white and black hairs; spikes dense. summer. _l._ impari-pinnate, with seven or eight pairs of elongated-oblong leaflets, both surfaces covered with short silvery hairs. _h._ 1ft. siberia. perennial. =a. vesicarius= (bladdery). _fl._, upper petal purple, the wings yellow, and the keel white, tipped with yellow; calyx clothed with black adpressed down and long white spreading hairs; peduncles longer than the leaves. july. _l._ with five to seven pairs of elliptic leaflets. plant diffusely procumbent, hoary from adpressed silky down. _h._ 6in. to 9in. france, 1737. perennial trailer. =a viminens= (twiggy). _fl._, upper petal purplish rose, much longer than the pure white wings; calyx clothed with black hairs; spikes somewhat capitate, pedunculate, longer than the leaves. june. _l._ with four to six pairs of lanceolate acute leaflets, beset with adpressed hairs. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. siberia, 1816. a handsome perennial. =a. virescens= (greenish). synonymous with _a. falcata_. =a. vulpinus= (fox).* _fl._ pale yellow; spikes nearly globose, on very short peduncles. june. _l._ with obovate, obtuse, emarginate, rather velvety leaflets. plant erect; stem glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. caucasus, 1815. a handsome border perennial. =astrantia= (from _astron_, a star, and _anti_, in composition signifying comparison; in reference to the appearance of the umbels of flowers). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. ornamental, hardy, herbaceous perennials, natives of europe and caucasus. universal umbels irregular, of few rays, surrounded by variable involucre; partial umbels regular, and containing many flowers, surrounded by many-leaved involucels. radical leaves petiolate, palmately lobed; cauline ones few, sessile. roots blackish. these are suited for borders, banks, and woodlands, growing well in any ordinary garden soil, but preferring a damp position. easily increased by root divisions in autumn or spring. =a. carniolica= (carniolan).* _fl._ white. may. _l._ of involucre twelve to thirteen, quite entire, white, with a green line running along the middle of each, tinged with red; radical ones palmate; lobes five to seven, oblong, acuminated, unequally serrated. _h._ 6in. to 12in. carniola, 1812. a pretty species. =a. helleborifolia= (hellebore-leaved).* _fl._ (and involucre) pink, pedicellate. june. _l._ of involucre twelve to thirteen, ovate-lanceolate, exceeding the umbel a little, bristly; radical ones palmate; lobes three, ovate-lanceolate, unequally serrated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. eastern caucasus, 1804. syn. _a. maxima_. =a. major= (greater).* _fl._ pinkish, pedicellate. may. _l._ of involucre fifteen to twenty, linear-lanceolate, quite entire, hardly longer than the umbel; radical ones palmate; lobes five, ovate-lanceolate, acute, rather trifid, toothed. _h._ 1ft to 2ft. europe, 1596. very distinct and ornamental. =a. maxima= (greatest). synonymous with _a. helleborifolia_. =astrapã�a= (from _astrape_, lightning; alluding to the brightness of the flowers). ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. elegant stove evergreen trees. peduncles axillary, long, bearing on their apex an umbel of large sessile flowers, enclosed in a leafy involucre. leaves alternate, stalked, cordate, three to five-lobed. they thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat, and require a plentiful supply of water; but the best results accrue if the bottom of the pot can be stood in a saucer or tub of water. propagated by cuttings of young wood, made in april, placed in a compost of loam and peat, or sand, under a bell glass, in heat. =a. tiliã¦flora= (lime-tree leaved). _fl._ pink. _h._ 20ft. isle of bourbon, 1824. =a. viscosa= (clammy). _fl._ pink. _h._ 20ft. madagascar, 1823. =a. wallichii= (wallich's).* _fl._ scarlet; umbels drooping. july. _l._ large, cordate, angularly lobed; stipulas leafy, ovate-acuminated; peduncles long, hairy. _h._ 30ft. madagascar, 1820. this splendid species has often been described as being one of the finest plants ever introduced into this country; and, when in full flower, nothing can exceed it in beauty and grandeur. =astrocaryum= (from _astron_, a star, and _karyon_, a nut; referring to the disposition of the fruit). syn. _phå�nico-phorum_. ord. _palmaceã¦_. very ornamental stove palms, allied to _cocos_, having the trunk (when present), foliage, fruit-stalks, spathes, and sometimes the fruit, covered with spines. the flowers develop from the axils of the old decayed leaves. drupes oval, one-seeded, orange or yellow, in some species fragrant. leaves pinnate, with linear segments, dark green above, and often of a silvery white below. the species thrive in a compost of two-thirds rich loam and one-third vegetable mould; water may be given copiously. propagation may be effected by seeds, which should be sown in spring in a hotbed; or by suckers, if they are to be obtained. =a. acaule= (stemless). _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 10ft. long, slender and spreading; pinnã¦ narrow, arranged in clusters, pendent. spines very numerous, long, flat, black. _h._ 10ft. brazil, 1820. =a. aculeatum= (prickly). _h._ 40ft. guiana, 1824. =a. argenteum= (silvery).* _l._ arching, wedge-shaped, pinnate, distinctly plicate, bright green on the upper surface, the under surface, as well as the stalks, covered with a fine white scurf, which gives them a silvered appearance. columbia, 1875. one of the best of silver palms. =a. filare= (thready).* _l._ erect, narrowly cuneate, with two divergent lobes; petioles covered with white scurf, both on the upper and under surfaces. distinct and elegant, with a comparatively small and slender growth. columbia, 1875. =a. granatense= (new grenadan). _l._ pinnate, with oblong-acuminate segments; the rachis is spiny, like the petiole, both on the upper and lower surfaces; leafstalks brownish, armed with numerous scattered needle-shaped dark-coloured spines. columbia, 1876. =a. mexicanum= (mexican). mexico, 1864. =a. muru-muru= (murumuru). _l._ pinnate, 10ft. to 12ft. long; leaflets lanceolate, sub-falcate, dark green above, silvery white below. stem 12ft. to 15ft. high, densely clothed with strong reflexed black spines, over 6in. long. _h._ 40ft. brazil, 1825. =a. rostratum= (beak-sheathed). _l._ irregularly pinnate, 3ft. to 8ft. long; pinnã¦ 12in. to 18in. long; terminal lobe much larger and bifid, dark green above, silvery white below; petioles broadly sheathing at the base, densely armed with black spines, sometimes 2in. long. stem slender, densely clothed with long black spines. a slow grower, ultimately becoming 30ft. high. brazil, 1854. =a. vulgare= (common). _h._ 30ft. brazil, 1825. =astrolobium.= _see_ =ornithopus=. =astroloma= (from _astron_, a star, and _loma_, a fringe; in reference to the bearded limb of the corolla). ord. _epacridaceã¦_. very handsome, little, diffuse, greenhouse, evergreen shrubs. flowers solitary, axillary; corolla tubular, distended above the middle, and with five bundles of hairs in the inside, near its base. leaves crowded, alternate, linear, or obovate-lanceolate and mucronate. they thrive best in an equal mixture of sand, loam, and peat, with thorough drainage. propagated by young cuttings, which root readily in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool house. =a. denticulatum= (finely-toothed). _fl._ axillary, erect; corolla pale red, with a ventricose tube. may to july. _l._ scattered, lanceolate, ciliated, usually procumbent, but sometimes slightly erect. _h._ 1ft. new holland, 1824. =a. humifusum= (trailing). _fl._ scarlet, similar to the foregoing. may and june. _l._ lanceolate-linear, rather convex above, with ciliated edges. shrub prostrate, much branched. _h._ 1ft. new holland, 1807. =astrophytum myriostigma.= _see_ =echinocactus myriostigma=. =asystasia= (meaning not clear). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. stove evergreen shrubs. flowers disposed in axillary or terminal clusters; corolla somewhat funnel-shaped, five-lobed; calyx five-lobed, regular. branches slender. they require a compost of peat and loam, with a little sand, and, to induce a vigorous growth, a little dry cow-dung may be applied. propagated by cuttings of young shoots, placed in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in april, with a brisk bottom heat. =a. chelonioides= (chelonia-like).* _fl._ in terminal racemes, reddish purple, the border white. _l._ opposite, ovate-acute. _h._ 34ft. india, 1871. a pretty dwarf sub-shrub. =a. coromandeliana= (coromandel). _fl._ deep lilac; racemes axillary, elongated, secund, strict. july. _l._ opposite, cordate-ovate; branches diffuse. _h._ 4ft. india, 1845. syn. _justicia gangetica_. =a. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _fl._ bilabiate, bell-shaped, rosy purple outside, and almost pure white within; spikes terminal, erect, 1ft. long. june. _l._ very large, obovate-lanceolate. _h._ 8ft. to 20ft. fernando po, 1867. =a. scandens= (climbing).* _fl._ cream-coloured; tube of corolla widened and recurved above, lobes of limb crenately curved; racemes terminal, compact, thyrse-formed. july. _l._ obovate or ovate acute, glabrous. _h._ 6ft. sierra leone, 1845. this handsome stove climber requires a high, moist temperature after shifting. syn. _henfreya scandens_. =a. violacea= (violet).* _fl._ violet purple, striped with white, in terminal racemes. _l._ shortly-stalked, ovate-acuminate, deep green, minutely hairy on both surfaces. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. india, 1870. a pretty dwarf plant. =ataccia cristata.= _see_ =tacca integrifolia=. =atalantia= (mythological: atalanta, the daughter of schå�neus). ord. _rutaceã¦_. a genus of ornamental stove evergreen shrubs, having the eight stamens united below into a tube, and with undivided leaves. it comprises about ten species. they thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat. propagated by means of ripened cuttings, which will root readily if planted in sand under a hand glass, in heat. =a. monophylla= (one-leaved). _fl._ small, white, in axillary racemes. _fr._ golden yellow, about the size of a nutmeg. june. _l._ simple, ovate-oblong, emarginate at the apex. spines small, simple. _h._ 8ft. india, 1777. a thorny shrub. =atamasco lily.= _see_ =zephyranthes atamasco=. =athamanta= (named from mount athamas, in sicily, where some species are found). ord. _umbelliferã¦_. a genus of greenhouse or hardy herbaceous plants, usually velvety from villi on the stem, leaves, and fruit. flowers white; involucra of one or few leaves; involucel of many leaves. the undermentioned is the only species in cultivation, and is a very graceful perennial, with fennel-like foliage. it thrives well in any ordinary soil. increased by divisions, or by seeds sown in spring. =a. matthioli= (matthioli's). _fl._ white, twelve to twenty-five to an umbel. summer. _l._ three or four ternate; leaflets linear-filiform, elongated, divaricate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. alps of carinthia, 1802. =athanasia= (from _a_, not, and _thanatos_, death; alluding to the length of time which the flowers last). ord. _compositã¦_. rather ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs with yellow flowers, from the cape of good hope. they grow well in a soil consisting of three parts loam and one part peat. propagation is effected by cuttings, taken from half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand, under a hand glass. =a. capitata= (headed).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. march. _l._ pinnati-partite; younger hoary, older smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1774. =a. pubescens= (downy). _fl.-heads_ yellow. july. _l._ oblong, entire (or tridentate), softly hairy on both sides; when old, sub-glabrous. _h._ 6ft. cape of good hope, 1768. =atherosperma= (from _ather_, an awn, and _sperma_, seed; seeds awned). ord. _monimiaceã¦_. a beautiful greenhouse evergreen tree, with the aspect of a stately conifer. flowers panicled, diå�cious; perianth five to eight-fid. leaves opposite, aromatic. a compost of loam and peat, in about equal proportions, is necessary. it can be readily propagated by cuttings. =a. moschata= (musk-scented). plume nutmeg. _fl._ white. june. _h._ 40ft. new holland, 1824. =atherospermeã�.= _see_ =monimiaceã¦=. =athrixia= (from _a_, not, and _thrix_, a hair; the receptacle being destitute of hairs). ord. _compositã¦_. a greenhouse evergreen shrub. it succeeds best in turfy loam, peat, and sand, and requires to be potted firmly. propagated by cuttings of young wood, placed under a bell glass in sandy soil, and treated like _ericas_ (which _see_). =a. capensis= (cape).* _fl.-heads_ bright crimson, solitary, terminal. april. _l._ narrow, lanceolate, alternate, entire. _h._ 3ft. cape of good hope, 1821. =athrotaxis= (from _athros_, crowded together, and _taxis_, arrangement; in reference to the disposition of the scales of the cones). ord. _coniferã¦_. a small genus of tasmanian evergreen diå�cious trees or shrubs, with small scale-like leaves, and small globular cones of many imbricated scales, with from three to six carpels under each scale. in very sheltered situations they will probably prove hardy; but, otherwise, they are only suitable for botanical collections. increased by cuttings. this genus is almost universally misspelt _arthrotaxis_. =a. cupressoides= (cypress-like). _l._ small, thick, leathery, spirally arranged, closely imbricated, deep glossy green. _h._ 30ft. a small, erect, and very slow growing tree, with numerous slender branchlets. =a. doniana= (don's). a synonym of _a. laxifolia_. =a. imbricata= (imbricated). a garden synonym of _a. selaginoides_. =a. laxifolia= (loose-leaved). differing from _a. cupressoides_ in having longer, more pointed, open, and spreading leaves, which stand out from the stem in a juniper-like fashion. its lateral growths are rather pendulous. _h._ 20ft. to 25ft. syn. _a. doniana_. =a. selaginoides= (selago-like). _l._ glossy green, scale-like, spirally disposed, closely appressed to the shoots, branches and their ramifications very numerous. _h._ variable, up to 40ft. very interesting, and quite distinct. syn. _a. imbricata_ (of gardens). =athyrium.= _see_ =asplenium=. =atragene= (a name originally given to _clematis vitalba_ by theophrastus). ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. a genus of ornamental, hardy, climbing, deciduous shrubs, closely allied to _clematis_, from which they differ in having numerous petals. they are increased by cuttings, which should be pricked in light sandy soil and placed under a hand glass; also by layering in the autumn. both methods are slow; the layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be vigorous plants. seeds must be sown in early spring, in gentle heat; when the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked off and grown on in pots till they are strong plants. [illustration: fig. 189. atragene alpina, showing habit, twining leafstalk, and flower.] =a. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ blue, varying to white; petals ten to twelve, linear at the base, but dilated at the apex; peduncles one-flowered, longer than the leaves. may. _l._ biternate; leaflets ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, serrate. mountainous parts of europe, 1792. the white-flowered variety, named _alba_, is in cultivation. syns. _a. austriaca_ and _a. sibirica_. see fig. 189. =a. americana= (american).* _fl._ large, purplish-blue; petals acute; peduncles one-flowered. may. _l._ whorled, in fours, leaflets stalked, cordate, lanceolate, acuminated, entire or somewhat lobed, or serrated. north america, 1797. syn. _clematis verticillaris_. =a. austriaca= (austrian). synonymous with _a. alpina_. =a. macropetala= (large-petaled).* _fl._ blue. manchuria, 1870. =a. sibirica= (siberian). synonymous with _a. alpina_. =atriplex= (from _a_, not, and _traphein_, to nourish). orach. ord. _chenopodiaceã¦_. a genus of, for the most part, uninteresting weeds, of very variable form and habit, and having the calyx, which encloses the fruit, enlarging after flowering. for culture, _see_ =orach=. =a. hortensis= (garden). an annual species from tartary, of no value as an ornamental plant, but considered a very desirable substitute for spinach. the leaves must be gathered for use when young. the variety _a. h. atro-sanguinea_ is a very pretty form, having handsome crimson leaves, and growing to a height of about 4ft. it is well worth growing with such plants as _amaranthus_, &c. =atropa= (name of mythological origin). belladonna; dwale. ord. _solanaceã¦_. a small genus, having a campanulate regular corolla, and a leafy persistent calyx. the berries of this native herbaceous perennial are exceedingly poisonous. the plant is of no horticultural value. [illustration: fig. 190. flower of atropa belladonna.] =a. belladonna.= _fl._ green and purple, solitary, pedunculate, drooping. summer. berries about the size of a small cherry. _l._ ovate, acuminate, 4in. to 8in. long _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. britain. see fig. 190. =attalea= (from _attalus_, magnificent; referring to the beauty of the genus). ord. _palmaceã¦_. a genus of handsome stove palm trees, distinguished from other genera in having the pinnã¦ arranged vertically, and not horizontally. the leaves spring up almost perpendicularly at the base, but in the upper part arch over. the pinnã¦ stand at right angles to the rachis--which is very narrow in proportion to its thickness--and while those of the lower side of the arch hang straight down, those of the upper side point straight up. they thrive well in a mixture of peat and loam in equal quantities, and enjoy a copious supply of water. summer temperature, 65deg. to 80deg.; winter, 55deg. to 60deg. all the species are robust trees; but, although several have been introduced, few appear to be generally grown. =a. amygdalina= (almond-fruited).* _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 6ft. long; pinnã¦ 12in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. broad; terminal lobe broad and bifid, rich dark green. stem slender. new grenada. one of the best. syn. _a. nucifera_. =a. cohune= (cohune).* _l._ erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate, furnished with from three to four dozen dark green pinnã¦, sometimes 18in. in length; petioles rounded, and dark brown below, flat and green upon the upper side. plant unarmed. _h._ 50ft. or more in its native habitat. honduras. =a. compta= (decked). _h._ 22ft. brazil, 1820. =a. excelsa= (tall).* _h._ 70ft. brazil, 1826. =a. funifera= (rope-bearing). the piassaba palm. _l._ vivid deep green, very ornamental, and of economic value in brazil. 1824. the sheathing bases of the leafstalks separate into a coarse black fringe, which is collected and exported to europe, being used in the manufacture of brooms, brushes, &c. =a. nucifera= (nut-bearing). a synonym of _a. amygdalina_. =a. speciosa= (showy).* _h._ 70ft. brazil, 1825. =a. spectabilis= (remarkable). _h._ 70ft. brazil, 1824. =attenuated.= tapering gradually to a point. [illustration: fig. 191. fruiting branch of round aubergine.] [illustration: fig. 192. fruiting branch of long aubergine.] =aubergine=, or =egg plant= (_solanum melongena_, variety _ovigerum_). these plants, besides being useful for culinary purposes, are very ornamental, and present an attractive appearance on walls or trellises, or in the flower garden; and, as they do well in any ordinary rich garden soil, if the position is warm, they give a good variation to the general run of plants used for decorative effects. the black-fruited kind is particularly suited for this purpose. sow the seeds in a gentle heat, in the middle of april. as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into 4in. pots, replacing in heat till they root out freely. gradually harden off by june, and then transfer to the positions where they are to grow. let the plants be at least 2ft. apart, and place a strong stick to each one to support the fruit when it comes. for trellises, select the more moderate-sized varieties. in hot, dry weather, the application of liberal supplies of liquid manure tends to increase the size of the fruit, and also to make the foliage more vigorous and handsome. where very large fruit are needed for show or other purposes, it is well to remove all but the best one on the plant, and, by careful feeding with liquid manure, specimens of from 10lb. to 12lb. weight can be had. the foliage should not be pinched, as this would prevent the free swelling of the fruit. aubergines are not so much grown in england for culinary purposes as in france and italy, where they are largely used in stews and soups. the following are the most desirable varieties: new york purple, the largest kind grown, and although not as ornamental as the next, is quite as useful; black-fruited, large black fruit, with blackish violet leaves; and white-fruited, the sort most generally cultivated. see figs. 191 and 192. =aubrietia= (named after m. aubriet, a famous french botanical draughtsman). ord. _cruciferã¦_. a small genus of hardy evergreen trailers. racemes opposite the leaves, and terminal, lax, few-flowered. leaves ovate or oblong, entire or angularly toothed, hairy. they make excellent rock plants, and will thrive in a deep rich loam anywhere, excepting under the shelter of trees. cuttings struck, or seeds sown, during april or may generally make fine, dense, cushion-like growths, if transplanted on to a somewhat cool or shaded border, and carefully lifted in the autumn; the cuttings are best "drawn," or grown until they are soft, in a frame before they are removed. where a stock of old plants exist, layer the long slender branches any time after flowering, and cover with a mixture of sand and leaf soil; they will then root freely and establish themselves in time for spring blooming, for which purpose, when grown _en masse_, they are most useful. after flowering, they may be divided and transplanted. [illustration: fig. 193. aubrietia deltoidea.] =a. deltoidea= (deltoid).* _fl._ purple; petals twice the length of the calyx; pedicels short, filiform; racemes opposite the leaves and terminal, lax, few-flowered. early spring. _l._ with one or two large teeth on each side (therefore they are rhomboidal, not truly deltoid), scabrous, with short branchy stellate hairs. _h._ 2in. to 4in. naples, &c., 1710. there are several garden varieties, the best of which are described below; most of them are regarded as distinct species. see fig. 193. (s. f. g. 628.) [illustration: fig. 194. aubrietia purpurea.] =a. d. bouganvillei= (bouganville's).* _fl._ light violet purple, with very even imbricated petals. habit very dwarf and compact, with short peduncles. a pretty form. =a. d. campbelli= (campbell's).* larger deep violet blue flowers, and of far more vigorous constitution than the typical form. _grandiflora_ comes very near this. syn. _a. hendersonii_. =a. d. eyrei= (eyre's).* a very fine variety, with a free branching habit, and large flowers of a rich violet-purple colour, rather longer than broad. _a. olympica_ is very near, if not identical with this. =a. d. grã¦ca= (grecian).* _fl._ light purple. _h._ 4in. greece, 1872. one of the best and largest flowered forms; very vigorous grower, with neat compact habit. a variety of this, named _superba_, has rather deeper-coloured flowers, produced over a very extended period. (r. g. 697.) =a. d. purpurea= (purple).* larger flowers and more erect habit than the type. _l._ broader, with two to five teeth. stems more leafy. there is a variegated form, which is very pleasing and effective, useful for carpeting or edging small beds. see fig. 194. =a. d. violacea= (violet).* this is a hybrid form, even finer than _campbelli_, with large deep violet-purple flowers, fading to reddish-violet, and is more effective than any of the others. =a. hendersonii= (henderson's). a synonym of _a. d. campbelli_. =aucuba= (the japanese name of the shrub). ord. _cornaceã¦_. a genus of hardy evergreen shrubs, thriving better than any other in the smoky atmosphere of dense cities. they grow in ordinary well-drained garden soil, and require no special culture. if grown in pots, they should be planted firmly in rather sandy yellow loam, with plenty of drainage. they should not be allowed too large pots, or an unfruitful growth is likely to result. during the growing season, an abundance of water is needed, which must be lessened when the plants are fully developed. if cultivated in the greenhouse or conservatory, they should be plunged out of doors during summer. to insure a good supply of the very ornamental berries, which are produced on the female plant, careful fertilising is necessary. the time for applying the pollen is when the pistil exudes a slightly gummy substance, and otherwise shows signs of maturity. when it happens, as is sometimes the case, that the male blooms are open and the pollen mature before the female blooms are ready, the pollen should be collected on a dry camel-hair pencil, transferred to a piece of glass, and covered over by another piece, both of which must also be dry. it may be applied afterwards when wanted, as it retains its power for some weeks. propagated by cuttings, inserted in any light sandy soil, with or without a covering, in spring or autumn; or readily increased from seeds, sown as soon as ripe. =a. himalaica= (himalayan).* _l._ lanceolate, or lanceolate acuminate; branches of the panicle very pilose. berries spherical, not oblong. himalaya. (f. d. s. 12, 1271.) =a. japonica= (japanese).* _l._ opposite, petiolate, broad, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, toothed, leathery, glabrous, shining, pale green, beautifully spotted with yellow, having the midrib rather prominent, the rest of the leaf reticulately veined. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. japan, 1783. the numerous varieties, both of the male and female forms, among which will be found many of great beauty, all differ, more or less, in the variegation of their leaves. they are in very general cultivation, and nearly every nurseryman has an assortment. among the best of them are the following: _albo-variegata_, _aurea_, _bicolor_, _latimaculata_, _limbata_, _longifolia_, _macrophylla_, _ovata_, _pygmã¦a_, and _pygmã¦a sulphurea_. =audouinia= (in honour of v. audouin, a profound entomologist). ord. _bruniaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, thriving in a mixture of peat and sandy loam. propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a bell glass, in gentle heat. =a. capitata= (headed). _fl._ purple, crowded into oblong, spike-like, terminal heads. may. _l._ spirally inserted, a little keeled. branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. cape of good hope, 1790. =aulacospermum.= a synonym of =pleurospermum= (which _see_). =aulax= (from _aulax_, a furrow; the under surface of the leaves of the original species being furrowed). ord. _proteaceã¦_. greenhouse evergreen shrubs, from the cape of good hope, thriving best in a compost of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sharp sand, with thorough drainage. ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and inserted in pots of sandy soil, will root readily under a hand glass, in a cool house. =a. pinifolia= (pine-leaved). _fl._ yellow, racemose. july. _l._ filiform, channelled. _h._ 2ft. 1780. =a. umbellata= (umbelled). _fl._ yellow. june. _l._ flat, spathulate*-linear. _h._ 2ft. 1774. (b. r. 12, 1015.) =aurantiaceã�.= an order of trees or shrubs, including the orange and lemon trees. flowers fragrant. fruit fleshy, edible. leaves alternate, articulated above the stem, filled with transparent oil cysts, giving them a dotted appearance. well-known genera are _citrus_ and _limonia_. =auricula= (_primula auricula_). this favourite spring flower (see fig. 195) was, at one time, almost universally cultivated, but has of late years fallen into much neglect; it is now, however, happily regaining enthusiastic admirers. although its culture is not nearly so difficult as is generally understood, a few special items of treatment are nevertheless necessary to grow it successfully. [illustration: fig. 195. a variety of primula auricula.] _frames_ for the reception of auriculas should be prepared, with a good bottom drainage, and an inside staging, similar to the back stage of a lean-to greenhouse, arranged as near the glass as possible. if the frames are about 4ft. wide, they will be very convenient; 1ft. deep in the front, and about 3ft. at the back. this will allow for a good stage arrangement. of course, it is not necessary to construct an expensive staging, as common boards can be laid upon pots of various heights, the same results being practically secured. these frames should face north from may to october, and south in winter, during which latter time it will be necessary to well cover the sides with straw or brake. when frosty, the lights must also be mated; but, unless there is absolute fear of frost, the glass should not be covered, as the more light the plants receive the better. on all suitable occasions, both during summer and winter, air must be freely admitted, and a good look-out kept during showery weather; hence it may be necessary to tilt the lights with blocks rather than remove them entirely. the latter plan should be adopted whenever practicable, especially during early spring, and after they are well established in their fresh pots in summer. this will greatly assist to ripen the crown, and produce hard, stout foliage, which will endure the winter much better than if grown with less air. many cultivators prefer small span or lean-to houses to frames; and it must be admitted that these are better, more convenient, and in every way more beneficial. simple, inexpensive structures, no higher than is absolutely necessary for convenience, with top and side ventilation, will meet all requirements; and if a 2in. hot-water pipe is arranged next the eaves inside, it will be a decided advantage during very severe weather. _soil._ the best compost that can be prepared for auriculas is as follows: four parts good fibrous loam, one part well-rotted cow manure, one part good leaf soil, and one part coarse river or silver sand, with a little charcoal or pounded oyster-shells added. carefully mix the whole together before using. the loam should be stored about twelve months previous to being used, and it should be selected from districts with a fine atmosphere; the turf should be cut about 3in. thick. cow manure that has lain for a year or so, and been subjected to sharp frosts, is most suitable, as insect life, which it very probably contains, is thereby destroyed, and the whole materially sweetened. _potting._ this operation requires to be carefully done as soon after flowering as possible, unless it is desired to save seed, when it must be deferred until the seed is ripened. may and june are the best months for general potting, and whatever the size of the pots used, they should be carefully and thoroughly drained. after a good layer of potsherds, place some charcoal, leaf mould, or spent hops. many good growers use the last very advantageously. for good flowering plants, 48-sized pots are used, many cultivators preferring glazed pots to the unglazed; but such are not absolutely necessary to ensure success. before repotting, remove most of the old soil, and with a sharp knife cut off any bruised or cankered portion of roots; the stout tap-root may also be cut away if devoid of fresh rootlets. do not pot very firmly. remove the plants to their summer quarters, withholding water for a few days, and keep the frames close. about a week after potting, water may be advantageously given, the plants will then soon resume root-action, and air may be admitted afterwards on all suitable occasions. the collar or neck of the plant must be left well above the surface of the soil. _watering_ is a point that requires careful attention, as neglect in this matter will result in failure. during the growing season, auriculas require an abundance of water; in fact, they must never be allowed to get dry. in the winter, they must only be watered when they are really dry, especially during a severe season. care must be taken to avoid watering the leaves, particularly in early spring, as this tends to spoil the effect of the charming farinose foliage. above all, water must not be allowed to stand in the heart of the plant, as such will inevitably cause incipient decay. hence it is necessary to keep a sharp lookout for drippings from the glass, and to maintain tightly-glazed frames. on all occasions, decaying leaves must be removed, and especially during winter. _top-dressing._ about the middle or end of february, when the plants commence new growth, the surface soil should be removed about an inch or so deep, and the pots re-filled with a rich compost made up of the following: two parts of turfy loam, one of rotten cow or hen manure, and one of leaf soil; if a little standen's manure is added, the compost will be improved. after this top-dressing, the plants may be watered freely. _propagation by offsets._ when top-dressing, any offsets with roots should be removed, and as soon after as possible the remaining ones should be taken off, as it is much more desirable to do so early than later on, when repotting; for, when making the first growth, they are the more likely to root better, and stand a greater chance of making good plants before the season is over. fill well-drained 3in. pots with sandy soil, and arrange about four offsets round the sides; place under a bell glass, or in a close handlight, watering very sparingly so as to prevent them damping off. they will soon establish themselves, after which air may be admitted, and the plants may ultimately be potted off singly. to induce choice varieties to make offsets, the top of the old plant should be removed and treated like the others, when, as a rule, several shoots will be produced, which in due time may be removed. by this means, a nice stock of the rarer kinds may be obtained; whereas, if such a course were not adopted, the rate of increase would be extremely slow. _flowering._ during the flowering period, watering, as already stated, must be carefully attended to, for if the plants are allowed to get dry, the flowers will quickly shrivel. they must also be kept well shaded from sunshine, which quickly destroys the delicate blossoms. as the trusses are developing, particular attention must be given to night protection. it is, perhaps, better to cover every night than to run the risk of exposing the unexpanded flowers to frost, as the effect is very prejudicial; in fact, if subject to frost, smooth even flowers may not be expected. _seed saving and sowing._ the only way to obtain new varieties is by seed; hence the value of careful seed-saving will be apparent. severe discrimination must be exercised in the selection of parents, and the flowers must be very carefully crossed. the anthers should be removed from the pistillate parent, if possible, before expansion, so as to prevent any possibility of self-fertilisation; and, when the stigma is ready, the pollen must be conveyed by means of a small camel's-hair brush, care being taken not to mistake the brushes used in different classes. it has been observed in auriculas that the issue from crossbred seed favours the pollen more than the pistillate parent; hence the necessity of selecting good pollen parents. it is best to confine hybridisation to separate classes--_i.e._, cross a self with a self, and a green-edged variety with another of the same class. the importance of selecting the best in each class scarcely needs suggestion, having regard to constitution as well as the quality of the flowers. the seed should be sown as soon as ripe, or early in march, in well-drained pots, filled with sandy soil, which must be well watered previous to sowing. when this operation is completed, the seed must be lightly covered with coarse sand, a sheet of glass placed over the pot, and the latter stood in the hand glass, where the offsets are rooted. some of the seedlings will appear in a month, but the bulk from that sown when ripe will not be seen until the following spring; while others will germinate even during the ensuing summer. the late comers should be particularly cared for, as they frequently produce the best varieties. when the seedlings are large enough, they must be pricked off in pots of sandy soil; and, when well established, potted off singly into small thumb pots, and afterwards encouraged as judgment suggests. some growers allow the seedlings to remain in the store pots till they flower, when the best are kept, and those not required disposed of. _insect pests._ green fly are often very troublesome, and should be exterminated as speedily as possible, by tobacco fumigation, or by dipping the plants in a solution of gishurst's compound, or carefully prepared fir-tree oil, all of which are effectual. many authorities denounce fumigation, while others advocate it. the roots are also attacked by a mealy louse, named _trama auriculã¦_, which clusters about the roots and collar of the plants, sucking nutriment therefrom; and although, provided they do not attack the collar, they have no greatly prejudicial effect on the plant, yet it is desirable to exterminate them. the only effectual way of accomplishing this is to remove all soil, and thoroughly cleanse the roots and collar in a solution of soft soap, with a little fir-tree oil added. of course, this is most easily managed when repotting; and, unless the plants are very badly infested, it would not be advisable to run the risk of root washing later in the year. _classes._ auriculas are now arranged in five classes, four of which constitute what are known as "show or stage auriculas," while the other is known by the name of "alpines." each class is characterised by special points of distinction, which, in the opinion of the strict "florists" school, it is of the utmost importance to observe; and as there is room for systematists in this, as well as in any other branch of floriculture, we will follow the arrangement usually adopted, and describe the distinguishing features of, and enumerate some of the best varieties in, each class, with their raisers' names attached: =green-edged.= outer edge green, or but sparingly dusted with powder; next, a zone of colour known as the body colour, which varies, the darkest being most esteemed; both edges of this zone should be even, especially the inner one, but there are few flowers perfect in this respect. next to the body-colour is the paste, which occupies the space between the inner circle of the latter and the throat, this should be pure and dense, with a distinctly circular outline at the throat; the throat and tube should be bright yellow. of course, this ideal standard has not yet been reached, as there are supposed defects in all or some sections of the flowers at present known. _leading varieties_: admiral napier (campbell), alderman wisbey (headley), apollo (beeston), champion (page), colonel taylor (leigh), duke of wellington (dickson), freedom (booth), general neill (traill), highland boy (pollitt), imperator (litton), lady ann wilbraham (oliver), lord palmerston (campbell), lovely ann (oliver), lycurgus (smith), prince of greens (traill), prince of wales (ashton). =grey-edged.= edge heavily dusted with powder, so as almost to hide the normal green colour; other points same as the green-edged varieties. _leading varieties_: alexander meiklejohn (kay), chas. e. brown (headley), complete (sykes), conqueror of europe (waterhouse), dr. horner (read), f. d. horner (simonite), general bolivar (smith), george levick (walker), george lightbody (headley), john waterston (cunningham), lancashire hero (lancashire), richard headley (lightbody), robert traill (lightbody). =white-edged.= edge so heavily dusted with farina as to completely hide the green and give it a white appearance; the powder frequently as dense as on the paste portion; other points like the first. _leading varieties_: acme (read), anne smith (smith), arabella (headley), beauty (traill), bright venus (lee), catherina (summerscales), conservative (douglas), countess of wilton (cheetham), earl grosvenor (lee), favorite (taylor), frank simonite (simonite), glory (taylor), john simonite (walker), ne plus ultra (smith), regular (ashworth), smiling beauty (heap), sylvia (douglas), true briton (hepworth). =selfs.= tube bright yellow, and circular at the top; paste dense, pure, with an even edge; all the rest of the flower of one colour, without shades or edging; any colour holds good. _leading varieties_: apollo (hay), blackbird (spalding), c. j. perry (turner), duke of argyle (campbell), formosa (smith), garibaldi (pohlman), helen lancaster (pohlman), lord of lorne (campbell), mazinna (pohlman), meteor flag (lightbody), metropolitan (spalding), mrs. douglas (simonite), mrs. sturrock (martin), othello (netherwood), pizarro (campbell), topsy (kaye). =alpines.= centre golden yellow, or white, and destitute of powder; body colour various; edge one-coloured, shading off paler towards the margin. these are much hardier than any of the other classes, and will do well outside in most places. _leading varieties_: a. f. barron (turner), beatrice (turner), black prince (turner), bronze queen (turner), colonel scott (turner), diadem (gorton), duchess of connaught (turner), evening star (turner), george lightbody (turner), john leech (turner), mrs. ball (turner), mrs. dodwell (turner), mrs. llewellyn (turner), mrs. meiklejohn (meiklejohn), mrs. thomson (turner), queen victoria (turner), rubens (turner), sailor prince (turner), selina (turner), spangle (turner), sydney (turner), triumphant (turner). =auriculate.= having ear-like appendages. =austrian rose.= _see_ =rosa lutea=. =avena= (derivation obscure). the oat. ord. _gramineã¦_. a genus of grasses with loose panicles and compressed spikelets. of agricultural importance only, with the following exception, which is an annual of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. propagated by seeds, sown in spring or autumn. =a. sterilis= (barren). the animated oat. _fl._ in drooping panicles of large spikelets. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. barbary, 1640. an elegant plant. =avens.= _see_ =geum=. =avenues.= in forming an avenue, the plan must neither be tortuous nor of a "tedious sameness," but a gradually winding line should, above all, be obtained, which must in no way interfere with the view from the house. about 12ft. is the width usually allowed for the road, but this depends upon individual taste or idea--this remark applies to planting in double rows, the trees forming a series of triangles, or in single rows. the distance across the road from one row of trees to those opposite should be at least 24ft. the lime is extensively used for avenues on account of its regular growth and the shade it affords. the cedar of lebanon is one of the best and most suitable evergreens. the dutch elm is used because of its rapid growth, and forms one of the best deciduous trees for this purpose. the well-known horse chestnut, in sheltered spots, is very ornamental, as is also the spanish chestnut; the latter spreads rapidly. where immediate effect is required, nothing gives more satisfaction than the white poplar; it grows in a wet soil better than anything else. deodars, araucarias, douglas pine, the mexican, chinese, and japanese cypresses, and many others, are eminently suited for avenue planting. shrubs and herbaceous plants should be introduced between the trees, and so remove any bareness that may occur. _diervilla rosea_, and its variegated form, _aucubas_, _rhododendrons_, _hypericums_, and many others, could be mentioned to serve this purpose. a moderately good soil will be found to answer generally. =averrhoa= (in honour of averrhoes, of cordova, a celebrated arabian physician, who resided in spain during the domination of the moors, about the middle of the twelfth century; he translated aristotle into arabic). ord. _geraniaceã¦_. ornamental stove trees, thriving in loam and peat. half-ripened cuttings will strike in sand, under a hand glass, about april, with bottom heat. the leaves of the first-named species are irritable to the touch. [illustration: fig. 196 azalea balsaminã�flora.] =a. bilimbi= (bilimbi-tree). _fl._ reddish purple, disposed in racemes, rising from the trunk. may. _fr._ oblong, somewhat resembling a small cucumber, with a thin, smooth, green rind, filled with a grateful acid juice, and the substance and seeds not unlike that of a cucumber. _l._ alternate, with from five to ten pairs of ovate-lanceolate, entire, smooth leaflets on short stalks. _h._ 8ft. to 15ft. native country unknown, 1791. (b. f. s. 117.) =a. carambola.= carambola-tree. _fl._ red, scattered, disposed in short racemes, usually rising from the smaller branches, but sometimes from the larger ones, and even the trunk. _fr._ the size of a hen's egg, acutely five-cornered, with a thin, yellow rind, and a clear watery pulp. _l._ alternate, with about four to five pairs of ovate, acuminated, entire, stalked leaflets, the outer ones largest. _h._ 14ft. to 20ft. 1793. this, as well as the first-named species, is cultivated throughout the hotter parts of india, but where it occurs truly wild is not known. =avocado pear.= _see_ =persea gratissima=. =awl-shaped.= narrow-pointed, resembling an awl. =awlwort.= _see_ =subularia=. =axil.= literally the armpit; in plants applied to the angle formed by union of the leaf and stem. =axillaria.= _see_ =polygonatum=. =axillary.= growing in the axil of anything. =ayrshire rose.= _see_ =rosa repens capreolata=. =azalea= (from _azaleos_, dry, arid; in allusion to the habitat of the plant). ord. _ericaceã¦_. a genus of very popular and beautiful hardy or greenhouse plants. the species enumerated were included under _rhododendron_ by don, loudon, and others, contrary to the classification of linnã¦us, but the distinctive characters are not consistent. in this genus, the stamens are usually five, but in _rhododendron_ ten is the typical number. _ghent_ or _american azaleas_. these are extremely popular hardy deciduous shrubs. when plants are grown in the open, artificial crossing will be unnecessary; but this method must be employed upon those grown in the cool greenhouse, if well fertilised seeds are required. the seed should be gathered and sown when ripe in a large shallow frame containing from 2in. to 3in. of peat, over which more peat must be laid very level by means of a fine sieve; or they may be kept until early the following spring. no covering will be necessary, but a thorough watering with a fine-rosed water-pot must be given. the lights should be darkened, and the frames kept close until the young seedlings begin to appear, when they must have air (carefully admitted), shade, and a daily sprinkling of water. by the autumn, they will be large enough to transplant in small clumps into boxes of peat and coarse sand, and to place in other frames, or in the open. in each case, they will need watering, shading, and to be kept close until growth commences. the hardier the plants are before winter commences, the better; but a protection of mats or similar material will prevent the probability of their being killed by severe frosts. during the following season, they will only require water during dry weather, and no protection need be afforded this winter. the next spring, they should be planted out singly in beds, sufficiently wide apart to allow the development of two years growth. if an upright growth is being made, the leading shoot must be shortened, in order to secure dwarf, well-branched plants. the same methods should be employed on a smaller scale where but a few are wanted. grafting is largely practised to increase the stock of named varieties or choice seedlings, the stock employed being _a. pontica_. this process, of course, ensures the quicker production of flowering plants. layering in march, encasing the part buried with moss, is also some times practised; but the layer must be left two years before separating. cuttings of the last year's wood, 2in. or 3in. long, taken with a heel, root readily in sand; about the end of august is the best time for so doing. if they are pricked off in pots or pans of sandy soil, and kept in a cool frame until they are calloused, and afterwards introduced into a slight bottom heat, they root quicker, but this is not absolutely essential. when placed outside, they should be covered with a handlight for about two months, and, at the end of this time, air should be gradually given and increased. ghent azaleas are now forced extensively for the market as well as in private gardens; and, by judicious culture, they can be had in full blossom by christmas. with this end in view, they should be grown in pots, and have the growth prematurely completed soon after flowering with the aid of a little artificial heat; after which they may be placed outside. during very hot and dry weather, the north side of a wall is necessary, to prevent their flowering in the autumn. the same plants must only be forced every alternate year. commence to place the plants in heat in october, and keep up a succession until the following march. the best plants for forcing purposes are obtained from the continent, where they are grown in enormous quantities. when grown permanently out of doors, the most suitable soil is peat and rough sand mixed. failing this, leaf mould, maiden loam, and sand, will be found satisfactory. in many cases, we have known them to flourish in ordinary garden soil. the following varieties of ghent azaleas are distinct, and all worth growing; admiral de ruyter, deep red-scarlet, very fine; altaclerensis, bright yellow; amå�na, light pink; carnea elegans, pale pink, shaded sulphur; coccinea major, dark scarlet, very fine; cuprea splendens, rich pink, shaded yellow; decorata, lovely pink; directeur charles baumann, rich vermilion, spotted yellow; elector, rich orange-scarlet; geant des batailles, deep crimson, very fine; madame joseph baumann, bright pink, very free and good; maria verschaffelt, shaded pink and yellow; mirabilis, very lovely pink; morteri, rich yellow, shaded rosy-red; pontica macrantha, rich deep sulphur, very large and fine; princesse d'orange, salmon-pink, very fine; sanguinea, deep crimson; viscosa floribunda, pure white, very fragrant. =a. arborescens= (tree-like).* _fl._ large, reddish, not clammy, leafy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; calyx leafy, with the segments oblong and acute. may. _l._, of the flower buds large, yellowish-brown, surrounded with a fringed white border, obovate, rather obtuse, smooth on both surfaces, glaucous beneath, ciliated on the margins, and having the midrib almost smooth. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. pennsylvania, 1818. deciduous species. =a. balsaminã¦flora= (balsam-flowered).* _fl._ bright salmony red, finely double and rosette-like, the segments regularly imbricated, much resembling in general appearance the blooms of a camellia-flowered balsam. japan. it is a distinct species, and remains in bloom for a considerable period; the flowers are invaluable for bouquets. see fig. 196, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =a. calendulacea= (marigold-like).* _fl._ yellow, red, orange, and copper coloured, large, not clammy, rather naked; tube of corolla hairy, shorter than the segments. may. _l._ oblong, pubescent on both surfaces, at length hairy. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. pennsylvania to carolina, 1806. this is said to be the handsomest shrub in north america. there are several varieties of it in cultivation. hardy; deciduous. (b. m. 1721, 2143.) =a. hispida= (bristly). _fl._ white, with a red border and a tinge of red on the tube, which is wide and scarcely longer than the segments, very clammy, leafy; stamens ten. july. _l._ long-lanceolate, hispid above, and smooth beneath, glaucous on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, and having the nerve bristly beneath. branches straight, and very hispid. _h._ 10ft. to 15ft. new york, &c., 1734. a hardy deciduous species. (w. d. b. 1, 6.) [illustration: fig. 197. flower of azalea ledifolia.] =a. ledifolia= (ledum-leaved).* _fl._ pure white, showy; corolla campanulate; in threes at the extremities of the branches; calyx erect, glandular, and viscid. march. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. china, 1819. the whole shrub is very hairy. hardy; evergreen. syn. _a. liliiflora_. see fig. 197. (b. m. 2901.) =a. liliiflora= (lily-flowered). synonymous with _a. ledifolia_. =a. nudiflora= (naked-flowered).* _fl._ in terminal clustered racemes, appearing before the leaves, rather naked, not clammy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; teeth of calyx short, rather rounded; stamens much exserted. june. _l._ lanceolate-oblong, nearly smooth and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly beneath, and woolly above. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. north america, 1734. this species hybridises very freely with _a. calendulacea_, _a. pontica_, _a. viscosa_, &c., and descriptive lists of a host of hybrids of almost every conceivable shade, both double and single, are to be found in continental and home catalogues, to which the reader is referred. hardy. (w. f. a., t. 36.) =a. pontica= (pontic).* _fl._ leafy, clammy; corolla funnel-shaped; stamens very long. may. _l._ shining, ovate, oblong, pilose, ciliated. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. levant, caucasus, &c., 1793. the varieties of this species are also numerous, differing principally in the colour of the flowers and the hue of the leaves. the flowers are of all shades, and frequently striped. the name generally adopted, as above, must not be confounded with _rhododendron ponticum_. if the genus _azalea_ is merged into rhododendron, as is done by most systematists, this plant must be called by don's name, _rhododendron flavum_. (i. h. 1864, 415.) =a. procumbens= (procumbent). _see_ =loiseleria procumbens=. =a. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._ scarlet and orange coloured; corolla silky, with obtuse, ciliated, lanceolate, undulated segments; calyx pubescent. may. _l._ lanceolate, ciliated, acute at both ends. branches hairy. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. north america. the varieties of above are several, varying in the shape of the leaves and the colour of the flowers. (l. b. c. 1255) =a. viscosa= (clammy).* _fl._ white, sweet-scented, in terminal clusters, downy, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla as long as the segments. july. _l._ oblong-ovate, acute, smooth, and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. north america, 1734. like nearly all species belonging to this genus, the varieties are many, varying in the colour of the flowers and otherwise. (t. s. m. 438.) =a. v. nitida= (shining).* _fl._ white, tinged with red, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla a little longer than the segments. april. _l._ oblanceolate, rather mucronate, leathery, smooth on both surfaces, shining above, having the nerve bristly beneath, with revolute, ciliated margins. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. new york, 1812. hardy; deciduous. (b. r. 5, 414.) _indian or chinese azaleas._ this is a section of greenhouse evergreen varieties obtained from _a. indica_ (which _see_), blooming continuously from november to june, or even later, and of the greatest value for all purposes, whether for decoration, cutting, or exhibition. cultivation: thorough drainage is essential, and a compost of half peat, the other half made up of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sand, in equal quantities. they cannot have too much light and air, and may be grown to almost any size by shifting from one pot to a size larger. in repotting, the whole of the crocks should be taken away from the base of the ball of soil and roots, and the top should also be removed till the fine roots are reached. the plant should then be put in the new pot, and the additional soil rammed firm, in order to prevent the water running through it, and thus depriving the plant of any benefit therefrom. in all cases, the roots near the stem must be above the soil, so that the water may not sink in next the stem, or death will most certainly ensue. after potting, for a few days the plants should be kept close and freely syringed, and as the growth is completed, they may be well hardened off. the best time for potting is after flowering, before the new growth has been made. from october to june the plants should be in the greenhouse, and during the other months in a cold frame, or plunged in pots in the open; or, what is preferable in favoured localities, planted out in prepared beds; they will thus be kept cleaner, and the growth will be much superior. in autumn they may be lifted and repotted, placing in a shady position for a few days. water in abundance must be given throughout the blooming and growing season; and the plants must, on no account, be allowed to become dry. at the same time, a proper amount of care is most essential, as an excessive amount of moisture is equally as fatal as drought. cuttings should be placed in sand under a bell glass with moderate bottom heat; half-ripened ones are preferable. they must be cut up to a joint--the base of a leaf--the lower leaves for an inch stripped off, and the stem stuck into the sand, which should lay, about an inch thick, on the top of sandy peat soil; the bottom of the cuttings should reach, but not go quite into, the soil. the whole should be covered with a bell glass, which must be wiped dry every morning. soon after the cuttings have commenced growing, place them in small pots. they are also very largely and easily increased by grafting; indeed, this is the only satisfactory method of securing standards. seeds may be sown similar to the last section, but in the greenhouse, and, when well up, pricked out into little pots 1in. apart. azaleas are liable to the attacks of thrips and red spider, the latter being especially troublesome if the plants are in a dry position; frequent syringing will materially help to eradicate both pests. if insufficient, syringe with a solution of gishurst's compound. =a. amå�na= (pleasing). _fl._ almost campanulate, rich crimson, about 1-1/2in. across, hose-in-hose conformation, produced in great profusion. april. _l._ small, size of the common box, hairy. _h._ 1ft. china. this is an elegant little neat and compact growing shrub, which has proved to be quite hardy in england. (b. m. 4728.) a very beautiful series of hybrids have been obtained by crossing this species with _a. indica_, which are most serviceable and free. the following are most desirable: lady musgrave, light carmine; miss buist, pure white; mrs. carmichael, rich magenta, shaded crimson; prime minister, soft pink, deep shaded, very free; princess beatrice, light mauve, very distinct and free; princess maude, rich magenta, rose shaded. [illustration: fig. 198. flower of azalea indica.] =a. indica= (indian).* _fl._ campanulate, terminal, solitary or twin; calycine teeth long-lanceolate, obtuse, ciliated, spreading. _l._ cuneate-lanceolate, finely crenelated, covered with sharp, close-pressed rigid hairs, attenuated at both ends. branches also covered with sharp, close-pressed, rigid hairs. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. china, 1808. see fig. 198. there are a great number of garden seedlings of the indian azalea, including every shade and colour. a selection to any extent may be made from the nurserymen's catalogues, but, for the guidance of the amateur, we have made a rigid selection of the best double and single varieties. _double-flowered_: a. borsig, pure white; alice, rich deep rose, blotched with vermilion, very fine; bernard andrã�, dark violet-purple, large, semi-double; charles leirens, dark salmon, good form and substance; comtesse eugenie de kerchove, white, flaked with red-carmine, semi-double; dominique vervaene, bright orange, very fine; dr. moore, deep rose, with white and violet shading, very fine; empereur de brã�sil, rich rose, banded white, the upper petals marked red; francis devos, deep crimson; imbricata, pure white, sometimes flaked with rose; madame iris lefebvre, dark orange, shaded with bright violet, and blotched with chocolate; president ghellinck de walle, intense rose, upper petals blotched with lake, and crimson-rayed; souvenir de prince albert, rich rose peach, broadly margined with pure white, very free and beautiful. _single-flowered_: charmer, rich amaranth, very large; comtesse de beaufort, rich rose, the upper petals blotched with crimson; criterion, rich salmon pink, white-margined; duc de nassau, rich rosy-purple, very free and large; eclatante, deep crimson, rose shaded; fanny ivery, deep salmon-scarlet, blotched magenta, very fine; flambeau, rich glowing crimson, extremely showy; john gould veitch, lilac-rose, netted and bordered white, and blotched with saffron, very showy; la superbe, rich lake, bordered orange, and black spotted, a very fine variety; la victoire, centre reddish, white towards the edge, the upper petals spotted with maroon-crimson; louis von baden, pure white, a grand variety; madame charles van eckhaute, pure white, with beautifully crisped edges, of excellent form and substance; madame van houtte, richly flaked with carmine and rose, very large and free; marquis of lorne, brilliant scarlet, of the finest form and substance; mrs. turner, bright pink, white-margined, and spotted with crimson; president van den hecke, white, striped and speckled with crimson, with a yellow centre; princess alice, pure white, one of the best; reine des pays-bas, rich violet-pink, margined with white; roi d'hollande, dark blood-red, spotted with black; sigismund rucker, rich rose, white bordered, with crimson blotches; wilson saunders, pure white, striped and blotched with vivid red, very fine. =a. mollis= (soft). synonymous with _a. sinensis_. =a. sinensis= (chinese). _fl._ campanulate, downy, flame coloured; stamens equal in length to the petals. may. _l._ slowly deciduous, elliptic, acutish, pilosely pubescent, feather-nerved, with ciliated margins, greyish beneath. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. china and japan. a large number of seedlings and hybrids from this species are in cultivation, known under the name of japanese azaleas, and all are valuable for the decoration of the cool conservatory, or for outdoor work. syn. _a. mollis_. (l. b. c. 885.) =azara= (in honour of j. n. azara, a spanish promoter of science, but of botany in particular). ord. _bixineã¦_. showy evergreen, hardy and half-hardy shrubs, with alternate, simple, stalked stipulate leaves, and fragrant flowers. they thrive well in a compost of loam, leaf soil, and sand. ripened cuttings root readily if placed in sand, under glass, in slight heat. it is believed that all the species enumerated will prove hardy if a slight winter protection in midland and northern counties be afforded. this precaution will be unnecessary in more southern parts. =a. dentata= (toothed). _fl._ yellow; corymbs sessile, few-flowered. june. _l._ ovate, serrated, scabrous, tomentose beneath; stipules leafy, unequal in size. _h._ 12ft. chili, 1830. (b. r. 1728.) =a. gillesii= (gilles').* _fl._ bright yellow; panicles axillary, densely packed. spring. _l._ large, holly-like, ovate, coarsely toothed, smooth. _h._ 15ft. chili, 1859. (b. m. 5178.) [illustration: fig. 199. azara microphylla, showing habit, and foliage (half natural size).] =a. integrifolia= (entire-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, on numerous short axillary spikes, of an aromatic fragrance. autumn. _l._ obovate or oblong, entire, smooth; stipules equal, permanent. _h._ 18ft. chili (about conception), 1832. the variegated-leaved form, although rare, is very ornamental. the variegation consists of greenish-yellow, with a blotch of dark green, and in a young state edged with deep pink. =a. microphylla= (small-leaved).* _fl._ greenish, corymbose, succeeded by numerous small orange-coloured berries. autumn. _l._ small, distichous, obovate, obtuse, dark-shining green. _h._ 12ft. chiloe and valdavia, 1873. this shrub is very ornamental as a standard, and also excellent for covering walls. quite hardy. see fig. 199, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons. =babiana= (from _babianer_, the dutch for baboon; in reference to the bulbs being eaten by baboons). ord. _iridaceã¦_. a genus of very ornamental bulbous plants confined to the cape of good hope, with the exception of a single species, which is found in socotra. flowers occasionally fragrant, and generally characterised by their rich self-colours, or the striking contrast of very distinct hues in the same flower; perianth regular and symmetrical, with six ovate divisions (tube varying in length). stems from 6in. to 9in. high, arising from a small bulb-like corm, and bearing tapering plaited leaves, which are usually more or less densely covered with long hairs; the scapes are racemose, each bearing about six or more simultaneously expanding flowers. they may be successfully grown in pots. by this plan there is, perhaps, less danger of loss, and their flowering season can be prolonged considerably. a light sandy compost, with a small proportion of well-decayed manure, is required, and thorough drainage is also most essential. use 48 or 60-sized pots, placing four or five corms in the former, and two or three in the latter, and keep moderately dry until they commence to form roots. october is the best time to pot. as soon as the plants appear above ground, water may be carefully given, and the supply proportionately increased as the plants develop. very weak liquid manure, applied twice a week, just as the spikes are pushing up, will be beneficial. when the flowers fade, and the stems show signs of decay, the supply of water must be gradually decreased, thus inducing the thorough maturation of the corms, upon which the next season's display depends. when quite down, store the pots in a dry place till the time for repotting arrives, when the corms should be carefully cleaned, and all offsets separated, the latter being potted up in the same way as the parent corms in order to produce flowering specimens; or they may be kept in a pot of sand and planted in a warm border outside in march. outdoor culture: a sheltered, sunny, and well-drained situation is most essential to success. although not absolutely necessary, it is preferable to replant every year in early spring, placing the bulbs about 5in. or 6in. deep, with a little sand sprinkled about them. planting may, of course, be done in autumn, when it will be necessary to cover with cocoa nut fibre refuse to the depth of 5in. or 6in. in warm, sheltered situations, the corms may remain undisturbed; but, as a rule, it is desirable to remove them late in autumn, when the leaves are dead, and store them in dry sand through the winter in a cool, airy position, free of frost. mixed babianas may be purchased from dealers at a cheap rate, and, for general purposes, they are best to plant. propagation may be effected by offsets and seeds. the former is the best and quickest method. the offsets should be grown in boxes or planted out in light rich soil until large enough for flowering. seeds sown in pans, and placed in a gentle heat, will grow at almost any time; the young plants will require to be carefully transplanted each season until they develop into blooming corms. [illustration: fig. 200. babiana stricta rubro-cyanea.] =b. cå�rulescens= (bluish). synonymous with _b. plicata_. =b. disticha= (two-ranked).* _fl._ with a hyacinth-like fragrance; perianth pale blue; divisions narrow; margins undulated or crisped. june, july. _l._ lanceolate, acute. _h._ 6in. 1774. (b. m. 626.) =b. plicata= (folded).* _fl._ with a very fragrant clove carnation-like perfume; perianth pale violet-blue; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow. may, june. _l._ lanceolate, distinctly plicate. _h._ 6in. 1774. syns. _b. cå�rulescens_, _b. reflexa_. (b. m. 576.) =b. reflexa= (reflexed). synonymous with _b. plicata_. =b. ringens= (gaping).* _fl._ scarlet, irregular in form, gaping, very handsome. may, june. _l._ narrow, acute, deep green. _h._ 6in. to 9in. 1752. (l. b. c. 1006.) =b. sambucina= (elder-scented). _fl._ bluish-purple, with an elder-like fragrance; perianth divisions spreading. april, may. _l._ lanceolate, slightly plicate. _h._ 6in. to 9in. 1799. syn. _gladiolus sambucinus_. (b. m. 1019.) =b. stricta= (strict).* _fl._, perianth segments narrow, acute, outer three white, inner three lilac-blue, with a dark blotch near the base of each. may. _l._ broadly lanceolate, obtuse, ciliated. _h._ 1ft. 1795. (b. m. 621.) =b. s. angustifolia= (narrow-leaved). _fl._ fragrant; perianth bright blue, slightly pink in the tube. may and june. _l._ linear, acute, light green. _h._ 1ft. 1757. (b. m. 637.) =b. s. rubro-cyanea= (red-and-blue).* _fl._ 2in. or more in diameter; upper half of the perianth very brilliant blue, and the lower part rich crimson, forming a central zone, in striking contrast to the blue portion. may, june. _l._ broad, acuminated, downy on the under surface. _h._ 6in. to 8in. 1796. see fig. 200. (b. m. 410.) =b. a. sulphurea= (sulphur-coloured).* _fl._ cream-coloured or pale yellow; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow; segments spreading. april, may. _l._ narrow-obtuse. _h._ 9in. 1795. syns. _gladiolus sulphureus_, _g. plicatus_. (b. m. 1053.) =b. s. villosa= (villous).* _fl._, perianth smaller than the last, with the narrower segments rather more widely spreading than in _b. s. rubro-cyanea_, brilliant crimson, with violet-blue anthers. august. _h._ 6in. 1778. (b. m. 583.) =babingtonia= (named after c. c. babington, professor of botany at cambridge, and a distinguished botanical author). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. a very pretty greenhouse evergreen shrub, allied to _bã¦ckea_, from which it differs in having the stamens collected in groups opposite the sepals. cuttings of the young unflowering shoots may be planted in sand under a bell glass, and kept in a moderate heat until rooted, when they should be placed singly in small pots, in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with the addition of a little sand. as the small pots fill with roots, the plants should be removed into larger ones, and the compost have less sand in it; but this should not be done until the next february. the established plants must have a good shift about march or april, and should be kept in a light, airy greenhouse; the first shoots may be topped to moderate their vigour, and to produce a greater profusion of less luxuriant ones. in may, when most plants are removed from the greenhouse, these should be set to grow under a frame which, while shielding them from heavy rains, and supporting some slight shading in the hottest parts of the sunny days, will not prevent a free circulation of air. to this end, the frame should be elevated from the rests or supports at its corners; the lights should be left off at night in fine, mild weather, and on dull, cloudy days, being only replaced during heavy rains, and when shading is necessary. towards autumn, the plants must be returned to the greenhouse. =b. camphorasmã¦= (camphor-smelling).* _fl._ pinkish-white, in little cymes, disposed in long terminal racemes. summer. _l._ linear, opposite, nerved. _h._ 7ft. australia, 1841. (b. r. 28, 10.) =baccate.= berried, fleshy; having a pulpy texture. =baccharis= (from bacchus, wine; referring to the spicy odour of the roots). ploughman's spikenard. ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of hardy, stove, or greenhouse herbs, shrubs, or trees. flower-heads many-flowered, diå�cious, terminal. involucre sub-hemispherical or oblong, in many series, imbricated. leaves simple, alternate, exstipulate, deciduous, oblong-lanceolate, notched, serrated, or entire. shrubs of short duration. these plants are neither beautiful nor ornamental, but are of easy cultivation in ordinary soil. propagated by cuttings. =b. halimifolia= (halimus-leaved). groundsel tree. _fl.-heads_ white. july. _l._ oblong-cuneate, obovate, coarsely toothed; branches angular. _h._ 6ft. to 12ft. northern united states, 1683. hardy. =bachelors' buttons.= the double-flowered forms of _ranunculus acris_, _lychnis diurna_, &c. [illustration: hybrid alstrå�merias] =backhousia= (commemorative of the late james backhouse, a botanical traveller in australia and south africa). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. a greenhouse evergreen shrub, requiring a compost of fibry peat, loam, and a little white sand. propagated, in april, by half-ripened cuttings, inserted in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house. =b. myrtifolia= (myrtle-leaved).* _fl._ white, disposed in corymbs, and often produced on cuttings soon after having struck root. may. _l._ ovate, acuminate, smooth. branches slender. _h._ 16ft. new south wales, 1844. (b. m. 4133.) =baconia.= a synonym of =pavetta= (which _see_). =bactris= (from _baktron_, a cane; the young stems being used for walking sticks). ord. _palmaceã¦_. very ornamental, slender growing, and prickly stove palms. peduncle of the spadix bursting through about the middle of the leaf sheath. drupes small, ovate, or nearly round, and generally of a dark blue colour. leaves pinnatisect; segments generally linear and entire. instead of being confined to the apex of the trunk, the leaves are scattered over nearly the whole surface, and the lower ones retain their verdure long after the upper ones have fully developed. stems slender, varying from 2ft. to 10ft. in height. some of the species are of easy culture in a compost of loam, peat, loaf mould, and sand, in equal parts; but most of them are very difficult to manage. propagation may be effected by suckers, which are very freely produced. many species are ornamental only when in a young state. =b. baculifera= (cane-bearing). _l._ pinnate, bifid at the apex, 2ft. to 6ft. long; pinnã¦ arranged in clusters about 1ft. long and 2in. broad, dark green above, paler below; petioles sheathing and densely clothed with sharp brown and black spines, 1-1/2in long. south america. =b. caryotã¦folia= (caryota-leaved).* _fl._, spathe ovate, prickly; branches of spadix simple, flexuous. _l._, pinnã¦ wedge-shaped, three-lobed, and erose; rachis, petioles, and caudex, prickly. _h._ 30ft. brazil, 1825. =b. flavispina= (yellow-spined). synonymous with _b. pallidispina_. =b. major= (greater). _fl._ greenish-yellow, with a broadly ovate spathe. _h._ 25ft. carthagena, 1800. =b. maraja= (maraja). maraja palm. _fl._ yellow, with a prickly spathe. _h._ 30ft. to 50ft. bahia, 1868. =b. pallidispina= (pale-spined).* _l._ pinnate, bifid at the apex; pinnã¦ clustered, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. wide, dark; petioles sheathing at the base and furnished with a profusion of long, yellow spines, which are tipped with black. brazil. syn. _b. flavispina_. =bacularia= (from _baculum_, a walking-stick). ord. _palmaceã¦_. a small genus containing a couple of stove species, which are amongst the smallest palms of the old world. both are confined to the east coast of tropical australia. _b. monostachya_--in allusion to its slender stem, which rarely exceeds in thickness that of the thumb--is known as the walking-stick palm. =b. minor= (lesser). _l._ attaining 3-1/2ft. stems, several from same rhizome, 2ft. to 5ft. high, 1/2in. thick. queensland. =b. monostachya= (one-spiked). _l._ pinnate, pendent, 6in. to 12in. long, bifid at the apex; pinnã¦ about 4in. across, broad, irregular in shape, with ragged and irregular ends; dark green. stem slender, petioles sheathing. _h._ 10ft. new south wales, 1824. syn. _areca monostachya_. (b. m. 6644.) =badger's bane.= _see_ =aconitum meloctonum=. =bã�a= (commemorative of rev. dr. beau, of toulon, brother-in-law to commerson, the discoverer of the genus). syn. _dorcoceras_. ord. _gesneraceã¦_. curious and pretty greenhouse herbaceous perennials, requiring a rich sandy loam. they are easily propagated by seeds. probably the only species in cultivation is the following: =b. hygrometrica= (hygrometric).* _fl._ pale blue-coloured, yellowish at the throat; segments of the limb more or less reflexed; corolla five-lobed, somewhat resembling that of the violet; scapes numerous, naked, few-flowered. summer. _l._ in a rosette, thinly covered with coarse white hairs, ovate acute at both ends, crenate serrate. _h._ 6in. north china, 1868. (b. m. 6468.) =bã�ckea= (named after abraham bã¦ck, a swedish physician, and an esteemed friend of linnã¦us). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. very pretty greenhouse evergreen shrubs. flowers white, pedicellate, small. leaves opposite, glabrous, dotted. they thrive in a compost of sandy peat, leaf soil, and lumpy, fibrous loam. cuttings, taken from young wood, root readily, if pricked in a pot of sand, with a bell glass placed over them, in a cool house. =b. diosmã¦folia= (diosma-leaved).* _fl._ axillary, solitary, approximate, sessile. august to october. _l._ oblong, rather cuneated, keeled, acute, crowded, imbricate, and are, as well as the calyces, ciliated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new holland, 1824. =b. frutescens= (shrubby).* _fl._ solitary; pedicels axillary. november. _l._ linear, awnless. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. china, 1806. (b. m. 2802.) =b. parvula= (little). _fl._, peduncles axillary, umbelliferous. _l._ elliptic-oblong, obtuse, rather mucronate. _h._ 1ft. new caledonia, 1877. this is very close to _b. virgata._ (r. g. 886, 2.) =b. virgata= (twiggy).* _fl._, peduncles axillary, umbelliferous. august to october. _l._ linear-lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. new caledonia, 1806. (b. m. 2127.) =bã�ria= (named in honour of professor baer, of the university of dorpat). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus consisting of about half a dozen species. probably the only one in cultivation is that mentioned below; it is a very pretty plant, of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. propagated by seeds, sown in spring. =b. chrysostoma= (golden-mouthed). _fl.-heads_ bright yellow, solitary, terminal, about 1in. across; involucre of about ten leaflets, in two series. early summer. _l._ linear, opposite, entire. stems erect, downy. _h._ 1ft. california, 1835. (s. b. f. g. ii. 395.) =bagged.= swelled like a sac or bag. =bahia= (probably from port of bahia, or san salvador, in south america). syn. _phialis_. ord. _compositã¦_. an ornamental, hardy, herbaceous perennial, much branched from the base of the stem, and having a greyish appearance. it may be increased by seeds, or by divisions. =b. lanata= (woolly). _fl.-heads_ yellow, solitary, produced in great numbers. summer. _l._ alternate, or with the lower ones sometimes opposite, deeply divided, and sometimes ligulate and entire. _h._ 6in. to 15in. north america. this species thrives on borders of light and well-drained sandy soil. (b. r. 1167.) =balanius.= _see_ =nut weevil=. =balantium= (of kaulfuss). _see_ =dicksonia=. =balantium= (of desvaux). _see_ =parinarium=. =balbisia= (commemorative of giovanni battista balbis, a professor of botany at turin). syn. _ledocarpum_. ord. _geraniaceã¦_. a very ornamental half-hardy evergreen shrub, requiring a cool, dry atmosphere. as it is very liable to rot off, water must be applied with great care. propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a hand glass; or by seeds. =b. verticillata= (whorled). _fl._ yellow, large, with a whorl of narrow bracts beneath. autumn. _l._ opposite, three-parted; segments linear-oblong. branches slender, glaucous. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. chili, 1846. (b. m. 6170.) =balcony.= a projection from the external wall of a house, usually resting on brackets, and having the sides encompassed by a balustrade. it should at all times be prettily decorated with plants, which in the summer is a comparatively easy matter. during winter, evergreens of various kinds are most serviceable, the best being arbutus, aucubas, boxes, euonymuses, hollies, irish and goldon yew, portugal laurel, retinosporas, vincas, &c. these may be grown in pots, and when replaced by the summer occupants, should be plunged in some reserve quarter, where they should receive plenty of water; by this means, they will increase in size, and keep in a healthy condition. very little water will be required during the winter. climbing plants, such as ivy, passion flower, virginian creeper, climbing roses, &c., are indispensable for covering the trellises, and draping the pillars and arches. =baldingera.= a synonym of =premna=. =ball.= this term is used in reference to the roots and mass of earth as they are moulded into form and pressed into hardness by the pot. the masses of roots and earth which, in the case of fibrous-rooted subjects (such as rhododendrons), must be taken intact when removing the plants, are also termed balls. =balm= (_melissa officinalis_). a perennial herb, often used in the manufacture of a drink for sick persons, and sometimes employed for culinary purposes. it may be grown in ordinary garden soil, and is propagated by divisions, in spring. a pretty variegated form is sometimes met with, having the additional advantage of being equal to the normal species for medicinal purposes. =balm of giliad.= _see_ =cedronella triphylla= and =populus balsamifera=. [illustration: fig. 201. camellia-flowered balsam.] =balsam= (_impatiens balsamina_). a well-known ornamental and tender annual, native of india. it is one of the showiest of summer and autumn flowers, and well deserves a place in every garden. although of comparatively easy cultivation, good blooms and well-grown plants are far too rarely seen. a good balsam bloom should be quite as double as a perfect camellia, and to show to the greatest advantage should appear like one in the arrangement of the petals. to secure this, seeds should only be saved from the finest and most perfect flowers, although the quantity must, of necessity, be small. they should be sown, about the third week in march, in properly prepared pans of rich sandy soil, and placed in a gentle bottom heat of about 65deg. as soon as the first rough leaf appears, the plants should be potted off into 3in. pots, care being taken to let the cotyledon, or seed leaves, be close to the soil. when the roots touch the sides of the pots, the plants should be moved into larger ones, and this should be repeated until they are in 8in. or 10in. pots. some growers place one or two seeds in small pots, so as to avoid the first shift, and a good plan it is. during the time the plants are under glass, they should be kept as near the light as possible, and be frequently turned around, so that they do not draw to one side; and careful training must be given to those that are required in fine form. disbudding is also necessary to such as are wanted at their best, removing all bloom from the main stem and base of branches until the plants are of sufficient size, and then the buds at the tops will bloom almost simultaneously. the buds that will be formed afterwards will cause a continuance of blossom for a long time, in fact, for some months, if the plants are liberally supplied with liquid manure. if it is desired for them to flower out of doors, the plants should be transferred, about may, to a frame where the heat is not above 50deg., and be kept in a steady growing state, air being admitted on all suitable occasions, cold winds and heavy rains avoided, and water supplied when needed; never allow them to get dry. they require training and disbudding the same as those grown in the greenhouse. about june, the plants should be fully exposed during the day; and, when danger of frost is over, the lights may be kept off altogether. these should bloom at the end of july. in all cases, plenty of drainage must be allowed, as the amount of water required is very great. insects must be sharply looked after, as well as slugs and snails. there are several sections, such as camellia-flowered (see fig. 201), rose-flowered, &c., each containing variously striped, spotted, and entire coloured blooms, and it is best to pay an extra figure to secure a good strain. =balsam apple.= _see_ =momordica balsaminea=. =balsamina.= _see_ =impatiens=. [illustration: fig. 202. bambusa arundinacea.] =balsamineã�.= a tribe of plants belonging to the order _geraniaceã¦_. sepals and petals all coloured, consisting of six segments, "two outer ones small, flat, and oblique; the next large, hood-shaped, ending below in a conical spur; the fourth opposite to it, small, very broad, concave; the two innermost very oblique, and more or less divided into two unequal lobes." the best known genus is _impatiens_. =balsamodendron= (from _balsamon_-â�an old greek word used by theophrastus-â�balm or balsam, and _dendron_, a tree). ord. _burseraceã¦_. greenhouse or stove balsamiferous trees. flowers small, green, axillary, often unisexual; calyx four-toothed, permanent; petals four, linear-oblong, induplicately valvate in ã¦stivation; stamens eight, inserted under the annular disk, having elevated warts between them. berry, or drupe, ovate, acute, one to two-celled, marked with four sutures. leaves with three to five sessile, dotless leaflets. they thrive in a compost of thoroughly drained sandy loam. propagated by cuttings of ripe young wood, taken in april, and placed under a hand glass, in bottom heat. the species named below doubtfully belongs to this genus, as the characteristics above enumerated will show. =b. zeylanicum= (ceylon).* _fl._ white, three-petaled, glomerated, involucrated; racemes interrupted, downy. _l._ impari-pinnate, with five to seven-stalked, ovate, acute leaflets. _h._ 30ft. ceylon. =balsam of capevi.= _see_ =copaifera=. =balsam-tree.= _see_ =clusia=. =bamboo cane.= _see_ =bambusa=. [illustration: fig. 203. bambusa aurea.] =bambusa= (from _bambu_, the malay name). bamboo cane. ord. _gramineã¦_. a genus of ornamental, shrubby, greenhouse, half-hardy or hardy shrubs, each culm flowering but once. flowers usually hexandrous. leaves, as a rule, relatively shorter than the stems, lanceolate, and narrowed at the base. stems jointed, flexuose, branching, usually hollow, and, when mature, of a hard, woody nature. in well drained, sheltered situations, in the open, with rich, loamy soil, some of the species make extremely graceful objects, particularly so in the more southern counties of england, and in parts of scotland. unless a very severe winter is experienced, they may be left without protection. plants of all the species, however, should have the shelter of a cold greenhouse till about the end of april; when they should be gradually hardened off, and transferred to a warm, sheltered spot, such as in woodlands, by the margins of lakes, &c., as they like plenty of moisture during the summer. a good watering must be given after planting, to settle the soil. propagation is effected by careful division of well-developed plants, which should be done in early spring, just as new growth is commencing; and it is advisable to establish the divisions in pots. _see also_ =arundinaria=. [illustration: fig. 204. bambusa nana.] =b. arundinacea= (reed-like).* stem very stout, rising like a beautiful column to some 50ft. or 60ft. in height; the laterals producing a profusion of light green leaves, the whole presenting the appearance of a huge plume of feathers. india, 1730. this species is best treated as a stove plant, but it may be placed out of doors in summer. see fig. 202. (b. f. s. 321.) =b. aurea= (golden).* _l._ lanceolate, acute, light green, distinguished from _b. nana_ by having their under surface less glaucescent, and the sheath always devoid of the long silky hairs. china. this very handsome species forms elegant tufts, with its slender much-branched stems, which attain a height of from 6ft. to 10ft., and are of a light green colour in a young state, ultimately changing into a yellowish hue. hardy in most parts of the country. see fig. 203. =b. fortunei= (fortune's).* _l._ linear-lanceolate, abruptly pointed, somewhat rounded at the base, on very short hairy stalks, serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin, downy on both sides, and distinctly variegated, the transverse veins often of a bottle-green colour. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. japan. a dwarf tufted species, with very slender stem. quite hardy. there are only variegated varieties of this in cultivation, viz., _variegata_ and _argenteovittata_. (f. d. s. 1863, t. 1535.) =b. glauca= (milky-green). a synonym of _b. nana_. =b. japonica= (japanese). synonymous with _arundinaria metake_. =b. maximowiczii= (maximowicz's). synonymous with _arundinaria maximowiczii_. =b. metake= (metake). synonymous with _arundinaria metake_. =b. mitis= (small). _l._ deep green, lanceolate, acute, striated, clasping the stem; panicle simple, erect, close; spikes long, imbricated. stem tapering. _h._ 40ft. cochin china and japan. this vigorous-growing species can be cultivated out of doors during summer, and, in most localities, it may be left out all the year. =b. nana= (dwarf).* _l._ lanceolate, acute, glaucous, stoutish, with the footstalks slightly downy. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. india, 1826. a rather tender species, requiring to be grown in the stove or greenhouse. syns. _b. glauca_ and _b. viridi-glaucescens_. see fig. 204. =b. nigra= (black). _see_ =phyllostachys nigra=. =b. ragamowski= (ragamowsk's).* _l._ 9in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. to 3in. broad. china and japan. this species "can readily be recognised by the tomentose line on one side of the midrib, running nearly the whole length of the leaf on the underside, this line being always on the longer side of the leaf." hardy. syn. _b. tessellata_. =b. simonii= (simon's).* _l._ narrow, nearly 6in. to 10in. long, occasionally striped with white. stems growing with great rapidity, mealy-glaucous at the joints; branchlets numerous, rather closely crowded. _h._ 10ft. china and japan, 1866. =b. striata= (striated).* _l._ linear-oblong; culms striped yellow and green. _h._ 6ft. to 20ft. china, 1874. a very slender and graceful, rather tender, species. may be grown in the open air during summer, and in very favoured spots it is probably hardy, especially if covered with a mat in winter. it makes an excellent pot plant. syn. _b. viridi-striata_. (b. m. 6079.) =b. tessellata= (tessellated).* a synonym of _b. ragamowski_. =b. violescens= (nearly-violet).* _l._ green above, bluish-grey beneath, with an elongated ligule, surrounded by a bundle of black hairs. stems much branched, blackish-violet. china, 1869. this handsome and vigorous species is intermediate between _phyllostachys nigra_ and _b. nana_. it requires protection during winter. =b. viridi-glaucescens= (glaucous-green). a synonym of _b. nana_. =b. viridi-striata= (green-striped). a synonym of _b. striata_. =banana=, or =plantain=. _see_ =musa=. =baneberry.= _see_ =actã¦a=. =banisteria= (named after john baptist banister, a traveller in virginia in the seventeenth century, author of a catalogue of virginian plants, inserted in ray's "historia plantarum"). ord. _malpighiaceã¦_. stove trees or shrubs, frequently climbing. flowers yellow; calyx five-parted; petals furnished with long stalks; stamens ten. leaves simple, stalked. they are for the most part very ornamental, but are not often seen in flower in this country. they will grow in a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and peat, with some sharp sand added. cuttings, made from ripened wood, will root freely in sandy soil, under a hand glass, in stove heat, taking about three or four weeks to do so. =b. chrysophylla= (golden-leaved).* _fl._ deep orange, axillary, corymbose. _l._ ovate, oblong, acutish, somewhat sinuated towards the top, clothed beneath with golden shining down. brazil, 1793. climber. =b. ciliata= (ciliated).* _fl._ large, orange-coloured, umbellate. june. _l._ cordate, orbicular, smooth, ciliated. brazil, 1796. twiner. =b. ferruginea= (rust-coloured). _fl._ yellow; racemes panicled. june. _l._ 2in. long, ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and shining, rusty beneath, and are, as well as the petioles, clothed with close pressed hairs. brazil, 1820. climber. =b. fulgens= (glowing).* _fl._ yellow, in umbellate corymbs. _l._ ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and clothed with silky pubescence beneath, as well as the petioles. branches dichotomous. west indies, 1759. climber. =b. humboldtiana= (humboldt's).* _fl._ yellow; umbels lateral and terminal, sessile. _l._ roundish-ovate, cordate, rather acuminated, mucronate, membranaceous, smoothish above, clothed beneath with soft hoary down as well as the branchlets. south america, 1824. climber. =b. sericea= (silky). _fl._ yellow, racemose. july. _l._ ovate, obtuse, with a mucrone; younger ones downy on both surfaces, adult ones only on the under surface; down of a golden shining colour. brazil, 1810. climber. =b. splendens= (splendid).* _fl._ yellow; racemes axillary, dichotomous, umbellate. floral leaves orbicular, and nearly sessile. _l._ cordate, kidney-shaped, orbicular, clothed with silky down beneath. south america, 1812. climber. =banks.= these are usually formed with a view to increasing the amount of surface ground, and for the acceleration or retarding of vegetable crops, such as strawberries, &c. they should be from 6ft. to 12ft. apart, according to the depth of soil, and run from east to west. in constructing banks of a uniform size, great care, and a constant use of the garden line, will be found necessary. for the warmest side of the banks, dwarf french beans, peas, vegetable marrows, cucumbers, new zealand spinach, capsicums, &c., may be grown. on the opposite side, and when a prolonged supply is desired, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, turnip, spinach, &c., may be sown thinly in drills, to be thinned out, and remain. it needs but little discretion to produce valuable crops by this method. =banksia= (named in honour of sir joseph banks, once president of the royal society, and a distinguished patron of science, particularly of natural history). ord. _proteaceã¦_. greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of australia, principally grown for the beauty of their foliage. leaves variable in form, usually dark green, clothed with white or rufous down beneath; margins deeply serrated or spinous, rarely entire. the following is the mode of culture recommended many years ago by sweet. the pots should be well drained, by placing a potsherd about half way over the hole at the bottom of the pot, then laying another piece against it that it may be hollow, afterwards putting some smaller pieces all around them, and on the top of these some others broken very small. all the plants belonging to the order _proteaceã¦_ should be drained in a similar manner, as the roots are very fond of running amongst the broken potsherds, and consequently there is less danger of their being overwatered. care must also be taken not to allow them to flag, as they seldom recover if once allowed to get very dry. the plants should be placed in an airy part of the house when indoors. cuttings are generally supposed to be difficult to root, but this is not the case if properly managed. let them be well ripened before they are taken off; then cut them at a joint, and place them in pots of sand, without shortening any of the leaves, except on the part that is planted in the sand, where they should be taken off quite close. the less depth they are planted in the pots the better, so long as they stand firm when the sand is well closed round them. place them under hand glasses in the propagating house, but do not plunge them in heat. take the glasses off frequently to give them air, and dry them, or they will probably damp off. when rooted, transfer to small pots; after which, place them in a close, unheated frame, and harden by degrees. seeds are a very unsatisfactory means of multiplying the stock. =b. ã¦mula= (rivalling).* _l._ 6in. to 10in. long, 1in. broad, linear-oblong, tapering slightly at the base; edges deeply toothed, deep green on both sides; midrib of under surface clothed with rich brown hairs. _h._ 20ft. 1824. syn. _b. elatior_. (b. m. 2671.) =b. australis= (southern). a synonym of _b. marginata_. =b. caleyi= (caley's). _l._ 6in. to 12in. long, linear, deeply and regularly toothed from base to apex, dark green above, paler below. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. 1830. said to be an elegant species. =b. collina= (hill-loving).* _l._ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, linear; apex prã¦morse, as if bitten straight off; upper surface dark green, silvery below. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. 1822. this forms a dense and handsome shrub, especially with its large head of yellow flowers. syns. _b. cunninghami_, _b. ledifolia_, and _b. littoralis_. (b. m. 3060.) =b. cunninghami= (cunningham's). a synonym of _b. collina_. =b. dryandroides= (dryandra-like).* _l._ 6in. to 10in. long, 1/4in. broad, pinnatifid, divided almost to the midrib; lobes triangular, deep green above, and reddish-brown below. stem clothed with reddish-brown hairs. _h._ 6ft. 1824. this plant is extremely graceful and elegant as a table decoration. =b. elatior= (taller). synonymous with _b. ã¦mula_. =b. integrifolia= (whole-leaved). _l._ cuneate-oblong, 6in. long, nearly 1in. wide at the broadest part; edges entire; upper side dark green, silvery white beneath. _h._ 10ft. to 12ft. 1788. syns. _b. macrophylla_, _b. oleifolia_. (b. m. 2770.) =b. i. compar= (well-matched). _l._ very densely set upon the branches, oblong, tapering at the base, blunt at the apex; edges serrulate; upper side dark olive green, silvery white beneath. _h._ 6ft., finely branching. 1824. =b. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _l._ 6in. to 10in. long, 3in. broad, obovate-oblong; edges serrated; upper surface deep green, beneath clothed with woolly greyish hairs, those on the midrib bright brown. _h._ 20ft. 1802. (b. m. 2406.) =b. ledifolia= (ledum-leaved). synonymous with _b. collina_. =b. littoralis= (shore). synonymous with _b. collina_. =b. macrophylla= (large-leaved). synonymous with _b. integrifolia_. =b. marginata= (margined). _l._ 1in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. broad, blunt at the apex, armed with several short spines, and tapering at the base, deep green on the upper surface, snowy white beneath. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. 1822. syn. _b. australis_. (b. m. 1947.) =b. occidentalis= (western).* _fl._ yellow, rather handsome, in spikes about 4in. long. april to august. _l._ 5in. to 6in. long, 1/4in. broad. _h._ 5ft. 1803. west coast of new holland. a beautiful species. (b. m. 3535.) =b. oleifolia= (olive-leaved). synonymous with _b. integrifolia_. =b. solanderi= (solander's).* _l._ 4in. to 6in. long, and over 2in. wide, deeply pinnatifid, with three to six pairs of lobes on each leaf; apex as if bitten off; upper side dark green, under silvery white. _h._ 6ft. 1830. =b. speciosa= (showy).* _l._ 8in. to 14in. long, about 1/2in. wide, pinnatifid, but divided almost to the midrib; lobes semicircular, with a spine on the end of each; upper side deep green, beneath silvery white, with the midrib clothed with ferruginous woolly hairs. _h._ 6ft. 1805. both this and the preceding species are very handsome, and highly deserving of the most extensive culture. =b. quercifolia= (oak-leaved). _l._ cuneate-oblong, deeply incised at the margins, and having a short spine upon each lobe. _h._ 5ft. 1805. (b. r. 1430.) =banksia= (of forster). a synonym of =pimelea=. =baobab-tree.= _see_ =adansonia=. =baphia= (from _baphe_, a dye; the tree produces the camwood of commerce). camwood or barwood. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a stove tree, requiring a loam and peat soil. cuttings, not deprived of any of their leaves, will root in a pot of sand, under a hand glass, in heat. =b. nitida= (shining). _fl._ white; corolla with a roundish spreading vexillum, linear wings, which are about the length of the vexillum, and an acute carina; pedicels two to three together, one-flowered, axillary. june. _l._ entire, oval-oblong, acuminated, shining. _h._ 30ft. sierra leone, 1793. (l. b. c. 367.) =baptisia.= (from _bapto_, to dye; so named from the economical use of some of the species). ord. _leguminosã¦_. north american hardy herbaceous plants, with trifoliate, rarely simple leaves, and racemes of yellowish or blue flowers. they are somewhat shy bloomers, but grow freely in a loamy soil. propagated by divisions, or, more easily, by seed, which latter may be sown in sand and leaf mould in the open, or in pots placed in a cold frame. =b. alba= (white).* _fl._ white; racemes terminal. june. _l._ stalked, glabrous; leaflets elliptic-oblong, obtuse; stipules deciduous, subulate, shorter than the petioles. branches divaricate. _h._ 2ft. 1724. (b. m. 1177.) =b. australis= (southern).* _fl._ blue; racemes few-flowered, elongated, shorter than the branches. june. _l._ stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated, obtuse, four times longer than the petiole; stipules lanceolate, acute, twice the length of the petiole. stem branched, diffuse. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. 1758. (flora, 1856, 2; b. m. 509.) =b. confusa= (confused). _fl._ dark blue, alternate, bracteate; racemes elongated. june. _l._ stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated or obovate; stipules linear-lanceolate, twice the length of the petioles. stem branched. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1758. =b. exaltata= (exalted).* _fl._ deep blue; racemes many-flowered, elongated, twice the length of the branches. june. _l._ ternate, stalked; leaflets lanceolate-obovate, five times longer than the petioles; stipules lanceolate, acuminated, three times longer than the petioles. stem erect, branched. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. 1812. (s. b. f. g. 97.) =b. leucophã¦a= (dusky-white). _fl._ cream-coloured; racemes many-flowered, lateral, with the flowers leaning to one side. july. _l._ sessile, somewhat villous; leaflets rhomboid-obovate; stipules and bracts ovate, acute, broad, leafy. _h._ 1ft. 1870. (b. m. 5900.) =b. minor= (less). _fl._ blue; racemes axillary, bracteate. june. _l._, leaflets rhomboid-lanceolate; stipules lanceolate, longer than the petioles. stem erect, solid. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1829. =b. perfoliata= (perfoliate-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, small, axillary, solitary. august. _l._ perfoliate, roundish, quite entire, rather glaucous. _h._ 3ft. 1793. (b. m. 3121.) =b. tinctoria= (dyers').* _fl._ yellow, with wings each furnished with a callosity, or lateral tooth; racemes terminal. _l._ stalked, upper ones nearly sessile; leaflets roundish-obovate; stipules setaceous, almost obsolete. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. 1759. (l. b. c. 588.) =barbacenia.= (named after m. barbacena, a governor of minas geraes). formerly placed in ord. _hã¦modoraceã¦_, but now referred by bentham and hooker to _amaryllidaceã¦_. very singular and pretty stove evergreen herbaceous perennials, allied to _vellozia_. flowers purple, large, showy; perianth funnel-shaped, resinosely hairy on the outside; limb spreading; scapes one-flowered, usually clothed with glandular hairs. leaves firm, spiral, spreading, acutely keeled. lindley says that they are capable of existing in a dry, hot air without contact with the earth, on which account they are favourites in south american gardens, where, with orchids and bromeliads, they are suspended in the dwelling houses, or hung to the balustrades of the balconies, in which situation they flower abundantly, filling the air with their fragrance. they are rarely seen in our gardens. they may be grown in baskets of fibrous loam and peat, with some nodules of charcoal added. [illustration: fig. 205. flower of barbacenia purpurea.] =b. purpurea= (purple).* _fl._ funnel-shaped, six-cleft, terminal, solitary; ovarium elongated, tuberculated. july. _l._ linear, keeled, with spiny serratures. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1825. see fig. 205. (b. m. 2777.) =b. rogieri= (rogers').* _fl._ purple; scape and ovaria tubercled; filaments broad, bifid. july. _l._ linear, acuminated, imbricate, with broad stem-clasping bases, finely spinely serrated on the margin, and keel recurved; caudex short. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1850. (l. j. f. 82.) =barbados cherry.= _see_ =malpighia=. =barbados gooseberry.= _see_ =pereskia aculeata=. =barbados lily.= _see_ =hippeastrum equestre=. =barbarea= (anciently called herb of st. barbara). winter cress; american cress. ord. _cruciferã¦_. hardy glabrous perennial herbs. flowers yellow; racemes erect, terminal. stems erect. they are of easy culture, but scarcely worth growing in the pleasure garden. propagated by cuttings, suckers, divisions, or seeds. =b. prã¦cox= (early). _l._, lower ones lyrate; terminal lobe ovate; upper ones pinnate-parted; lobes linear-oblong, quite entire. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. commonly known as american, or black american cress. here and there on roadsides, and in dry gravelly places in great britain. an escape from cultivation. (sy. en. b. 124.) =b. vulgaris= (common). _l._, lower ones lyrate; terminal lobe roundish; upper ones obovate, toothed, or pinnatifid. _h._ 1-1/4ft. the double flowering form of this native species is the only one of this genus worth growing for beauty; it is generally known as double yellow rocket. the variegated form is also rather pretty, and comes true from seed. (sy. en. b. 120.) =barbatus.= having long weak hairs, in one or more tufts; bearded. =barberry.= _see_ =berberis=. =barbieria= (in honour of j. b. g. barbier, m.d., a french physician and naturalist, author of "principes generaux de pharmacologie ou de matiã¨re medicale," paris, 1806). ord. _leguminosã¦_. an ornamental stove evergreen, requiring a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, which should be placed in sand, under a glass, in stove heat. =b. polyphylla= (many-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet, 2in. long; racemes axillary, few-flowered, shorter than the leaves. _l._ impari-pinnate, with nine to eleven pairs of elliptic-oblong, mucronate leaflets, pubescent in an adult state. porto rico, 1818. syns. _clitorea polyphylla_ and _galactia pinnata_. =barbs.= hooked hairs. =bark.= the outer integuments of a plant beyond the wood, and formed of tissue parallel with it. =bark-bound.= this condition is generally the result of very rich soil, or insufficient drainage. in most fruit trees a gummy exudation takes place. if caused by stagnancy, thorough drainage should immediately be effected. scrubbing the stem is also recommended. slitting the bark with a knife is likely to do more harm than good, particularly so in the hands of the inexperienced. =barkeria= (name commemorative of the late g. barker, of birmingham, an ardent cultivator of orchids). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. from a scientific point of view, this genus should be included in _epidendrum_. very handsome, deciduous, epiphytal, cool-house orchids, having slender pseudo-bulbs, from 6in. to 12in. high, from the top of which the numerous flower-stems are produced. in a cool, airy temperature, these plants grow vigorously, suspended in pans or small baskets close beneath the glass, and slightly shaded with tiffany. they succeed well also on flat blocks of wood, on the top of which they should be tied, without any moss, as their freely-produced, thick, fleshy roots soon cling to the blocks. during the season of growth, a good supply of water is needed, and in hot weather it may be applied three or four times daily; the blocks and plants are best immersed in water; but when at rest, a slight watering twice or three times a week will suffice. propagated by divisions, just previous to the commencement of new growth. =b. elegans= (elegant).* _fl._ in loose racemes, four or five in each; each blossom about 2in. across; sepals and petals dark rose; lip reddish crimson, spotted and edged with a lighter colour. winter. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1836. of this beautiful slender-growing species, there are two or three varieties in cultivation. (b. m. 4784.) =b. lindleyana= (lindley's).* _fl._, raceme 2ft. long, very slender, bearing from five to seven blossoms near its apex; sepals and petals rosy purple; lip white, with a deep purple blotch at its apex. september, remaining in beauty for a considerable time. _h._ 2ft. costa rica, 1842. (b. m. 6098.) =b. l. centerã¦= (center's).* _fl._ rosy lilac; lip oblong; margins crenulated or crisped; apex blotched deep purple. costa rica, 1873. =b. melanocaulon= (dark-stemmed).* _fl._ on an erect spike; sepals and petals rosy lilac; lip broader at the base than at the top, reddish-purple, having a blotch of green in the centre. august. _h._ 1ft. costa rica, 1848. very rare. =b. skinneri= (skinner's).* _fl._ deep rose-coloured; spikes 6in. to 9in. long, from the apices of the ripened growth, often branched, forming a dense mass of deep purple blossoms, which, if kept dry, lasts from eight to ten weeks. _h._ 1-1/2ft. guatemala. (p. m. b. 15, 1.) =b. s. superbum= (superb).* _fl._ dark rose; lip somewhat deeper tinted, and marked towards the base with yellow streaks. guatemala. this far surpasses the type in size and number of flowers, as well as in brilliancy of colour. (w. s. o. 38.) =b. spectabilis= (showy).* _fl._ quite 2in. across, produced eight or ten together, on a spike issuing from the top of the pseudo-bulb; sepals and petals oblong, acuminate, rosy lilac; lip white, margined with deep lilac or rosy purple, and dotted or spotted with crimson. this very distinct and desirable species lasts from eight to ten weeks in beauty, and forms a very handsome object when placed in the drawing-room and covered over with a large glass shade. guatemala, 1843. (b. m. 4094.) =barking-irons.= instruments used in taking off the bark of trees. =barklya= (named after sir h. barkly, formerly governor of south australia). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a large greenhouse tree, thriving in a compost of loam and leaf mould. propagated by seeds and cuttings; the latter should be half ripened, and placed in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool house. =b. syringifolia= (syringa-leaved). _fl._ golden yellow, numerous, disposed in axillary or terminal racemes. _l._ alternate, simple, coriaceous. _h._ 30ft. moreton bay, 1858. =bark stove.= a hothouse adapted for moisture-loving exotics, and having a pit from 2ft. to 4ft. deep, containing fermenting matter, chiefly tanners' bark, by which means a steady heat is maintained for a considerable time. the bark stove is now almost obsolete. bark is, however, still largely used in pine pits, and in some propagating beds; but such beds are generally superseded by hot-water or hot-air tanks. =barleria= (named after j. barrelier, a french botanist of the seventeenth century). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. a genus of interesting and ornamental stove evergreen shrubs. flowers axillary or terminal; calyx four-sepaled, the two outer larger than the others. they thrive best if grown in loam and peat, with a little rotten dung added. propagated by cuttings made of the young wood, and placed in a similar compost, under a bell glass, in stove temperature, with bottom heat. =b. flava= (yellow).* _fl._ yellow, aggregate, terminal, tubular; bracts very narrow, setose. summer. _l._ lanceolate, hairy, entire. plant unarmed. _h._ 3ft. india, 1816. syn. _b. mitis_. (b. m. 4113.) =b. gibsoni= (gibson's). _fl._ pale purple, rather large, sub-terminal. winter. _l._ ovate or oblong-lanceolate. india, 1867. a glabrous stove shrub, of branched habit. (b. m. 5628.) =b. leichtensteiniana= (leichtenstein's).* _fl._ very curious; spikes axillary, 2in. to 3in. long, ovoid or oblong, consisting of a large number of closely packed overlapping bracts, all turned to the fore or lower part of the spike; bracts ovate-acuminate, mucronate, spine-toothed, one-ribbed, with prominent and curved veins, and 1in. to 1-1/2. long. _l._ opposite, 1in. to 2in. long, linear-lanceolate, entire, mucronate, tapering at the base into a very short stalk. branches slender, virgate, sub-angular. south africa, 1870. this plant is covered over its whole surface with close, white, hoary down. (g. c. 1870, p. 73.) =b. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._ white; spines of whorls six. summer. _l._ ensiform, very long, rough. _h._ 2ft. india, 1781. this is a biennial. =b. lupulina= (hop-headed). _fl._ yellowish; spikes ovate; bracts ovate, concave, imbricated. august. _l._ lanceolate, quite entire; spines simple, spreading. _h._ 2ft. mauritius, 1824. =b. mackenii= (macken's).* _fl._ purple, large, in a terminal raceme. spring. _l._ recurved, narrow-ovate, or elliptic-lanceolate, sub-acute, petioled. natal, 1870. (b. m. 5866.) =b. mitis= (small). synonymous with _b. flava_. =b. prionitis= (prionitis-like). _fl._ orange; spines axillary, pedate, in fours. summer. _l._ quite entire, lanceolate-ovate. _h._ 3ft. india, 1759. =barley.= _see_ =hordeum vulgare=. =barnadesia= (named after michael barnadez, a spanish botanist). ord. _compositã¦_. pretty greenhouse deciduous shrubs, requiring a dry atmosphere. they should be grown in peat, loam, and sand, in equal proportions. propagated either by seeds, sown in hotbeds in march, or by cuttings, made of half-ripened wood in april, and placed in sand under a bell glass. [illustration: fig. 206. barnadesia rosea.] =b. rosea= (rosy).* _fl.-heads_ rose-coloured, solitary, ovate-cylindrical, downy, sessile; florets bilabiate, one lip oblong-emarginate, villous, the other filiform; hairs on receptacle twisted; pappus stiff, plumose. may. _l._ alternate, ovate, acute at both ends. _h._ 1-1/2ft. south america, 1840. see fig. 206. (b. m. 4232.) =barnardia.= included under =scilla= (which _see_). =barometer.= an instrument for measuring the density of the atmosphere, and hence determining the probable changes of weather, or the height of any ascent. to the gardener the barometer is indispensable as a warning to take due precaution. =barosma= (from _barys_, heavy, and _osme_, smell; referring to the powerful scent of the leaves). name often incorrectly spelt _baryosma_. syn. _parapetalifera_. ord. _rutaceã¦_. very pretty small, heath-like, greenhouse evergreen shrubs, from the cape of good hope. calyx equally five-parted; petals five, oblong; stamens ten. leaves opposite or scattered, coriaceous, flat, dotted, with their margins sometimes glandularly serrulated, sometimes almost entire or revolute. they thrive in a mixture of sand, peat, and a little turfy loam, with good drainage and firm potting. cuttings, taken from ripened wood, inserted in a pot of sand, and placed in a shady position in a cool house, with a bell glass over them, will root readily in a few weeks. =b. betulina= (birch-leaved). _fl._ white, axillary, solitary. february to september. _l._ opposite, obovate, serrulate, sessile, spreading. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1790. (b. m. pl. 45.) =b. dioica= (diå�cious).* _fl._ purplish; peduncles axillary, usually in threes, shorter than the leaves. april. _l._ scattered; upper ones ternate, lanceolate, tapering to both ends, full of glandular dots, spreading. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1816. (b. r. 502.) =b. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ white, usually solitary, lateral. july. _l._ opposite, ovate-oblong, sessile, serrulated, smoothish, without glandular dots; branches villous. _h._ 1ft. 1789. =b. pulchella= (pretty).* _fl._ pale red or purple; peduncles axillary, usually solitary, exceeding the leaves. february. _l._ crowded, ovate, quite smooth, with thickened, crenate-glandular margins. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1787. =b. serratifolia= (saw-edged-leaved).* _fl._ white; peduncles axillary, sub-divided. march to june. _l._ nearly opposite, lanceolate, stalked, glandularly serrulated, smooth. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1789. (b. m. 456, and b. z. 1853, 12.) =barred.= marked in spaces with a paler colour, resembling bars. =barren flowers.= the male or staminate flowers of many plants, such as the cucumber, melon, &c., are popularly known as barren flowers, _i.e._, they produce no fruit. this condition is, in some respects, similar to "blind" strawberries or "blind" cabbages, so far as fruition is concerned, but structurally and functionally it is widely different. the barren flowers of the cucumber, melon, &c., are produced by what are known as monå�cious plants, _i.e._, having male and female organs in different flowers, but on the same plant. in the strawberry, &c., barren flowers are generally the result of unfavourable surroundings, or unskilful cultivation. a good example of barren flowers is seen in the ray-florets of many composite plants, which are frequently really neuter, having neither male nor female organs. =barren soils.= a term signifying such soils as are normally unprofitable. the term can only be correctly applied in very few cases; as almost any soil may be rendered capable of affording a basis for some kind of vegetable life, arboreal or other. the question of planting up the enormous quantity of what is now waste land, might well engage the most practical consideration. of course, the natural state of any land will, to a great extent, determine what would be its ultimate condition, after all that could be effected by mechanical agency has been accomplished. drainage, irrigation, enrichment, pulverisation, are all matters which can only be considered upon a particular basis; but we doubt not that the thousands of acres of land now practically almost useless, might, by the adoption of proper means, be rendered fairly remunerative. =barren-wort.= _see_ =epimedium=. =barringtonia= (named after the hon. daines barrington, f.r.s.). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. a genus of stove evergreen trees and shrubs, very difficult to cultivate. flowers large, racemose. leaves opposite or whorled, generally obovate; margins toothed or entire. fruit one-seeded, fleshy. they require a compost of two parts loam, one peat, and one sand. water should be given in abundance, and a moist atmosphere at all times maintained, the temperature ranging from 65deg. to 95deg. propagated by cuttings obtained from the lateral shoots; these, taken off at a joint when the wood is ripe, planted in sand, with a hand glass over them, root readily. the cuttings should not be stripped of any of their leaves. =b. racemosa= (raceme-flowered). _fl._ red; racemes pendulous, very long. _l._ cuneate-oblong, acuminated, serrulated. _h._ 30ft. malabar, 1822. (b. m. 3831.) =b. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._ purple and white, large and handsome, disposed in an erect thyrse. _l._ shining, cuneate-oblong, obtuse, quite entire. _h._ 20in. to 30in. in england. this beautiful species seldom attains a height of more than 6ft. or 8ft. (g. c. 1845, p. 56.) =barrow.= garden barrows are very numerous, both with and without wheels. the flower-pot barrow has a wheel and a flat surface, on which plants, pots, or leaves are placed, either directly, or, when small, in shallow baskets. the haum barrow is an open box or case, of wicker or other work, placed on, or suspended from, a pair of handles, with or without a wheel, and is useful for carrying litter, leaves, &c. the water barrow, instead of a box, contains a barrel, tub, or cistern, in which fluid manure, or ordinary water, is conveyed to different parts of the garden. the hand-barrow is a frame of wood, carried by two levers, which form four handles; for removing large pots or tubs of trees or shrubs it is very useful. [illustration: fig. 207. flower of bartonia aurea.] =bartlingia.= a synonym of =plocama= (which _see_). =bartonia= (in honour of benjamin s. barton, m.d., formerly professor of botany at philadelphia). ord. _loasaceã¦_. hardy annuals or biennials, downy, with stiff and bearded hairs. this genus is now placed under _mentzelia_ in most standard botanical works. flowers white or yellow, large, terminal, expanding in the evening, when they are very fragrant, and becoming reddish as they fade. leaves alternate, interruptedly pinnatifid. the species are very showy, and well worth growing. any ordinary garden soil suits them. seeds should be raised in a gentle heat in spring; and, when the seedlings are sufficiently large, they should be potted singly into small, well-drained pots. in winter, they should be placed on a dry shelf in a greenhouse or frame. _b. aurea_ is one of the brightest of hardy annuals, and may be sown either in a frame, or in the open border in april. =b. albescens= (whitish).* _fl._, petals ten, pale yellow, disposed in a leafy panicle. july. _l._ sinuately toothed. stem with a white shining epidermis. _h._ 1ft. to 4ft. chili, 1831. annual or biennial. (s. b. f. g. ii., 182.) =b. aurea= (golden).* _fl._ two or three together, terminal, bright golden yellow, as large as a half-crown; petals five. june. _h._ 1ft. california, 1834. annual. see fig. 207. (b. m. 3649.) =b. nuda= (naked) and =b. ornata= (adorned) are two very pretty white-flowered biennial species. _h._ 2ft. missouri, 1811. =baryosma.= _see_ =barosma=. =basal=, or =basilar=. situated at the base of anything; as the embryo, when situated at the bottom of the seed. =basella= (its malabar name). malabar nightshade. ord. _basellaceã¦_. annual or biennial stove trailers, with white or pinkish flowers, of no great horticultural value. in india, and elsewhere throughout the tropics, some of the species are cultivated as pot herbs, and are used as a substitute for spinach. =b. alba= (white).* _fl._ white. august. _l._ heart-shaped, pointed. _h._ 8in. india, 1688. this plant, either when allowed to fall in festoons from the roof of a warm house, or treated as a basket plant, forms an elegant object when in flower. =basellaceã�.= a series of usually herbaceous climbers, and considered a tribe of _chenopodiaceã¦_. =basil, sweet= (_ocymum basilicum_). this is a tender annual from india, and must be raised in gentle heat. the foliage is somewhat largely used for flavouring purposes. seeds should be sown in april, the seedlings pricked out into boxes to strengthen, and finally planted out about 8in. asunder, in beds of light rich soil, in june, being well watered until fully established. as soon as they bloom, they should be cut down to within a few inches of the ground, and the portions cut off should be tied up in small bunches and dried in the shade for winter use. some of the plants can be lifted in september, potted up, and placed in a warm greenhouse for the winter, when the fresh green leaves will be found very useful. bush basil (_ocymum minimum_) is a dwarfer plant, but may be treated in the same way. wild basil is botanically known as _calamintha clinopodium_. =basil-thyme.= _see_ =calamintha acinos=. =basi-nerved.= when the nerves of a leaf spring from the base. =basing-up.= the raising of a small bank of earth entirely round a plant, so as to retain water immediately about the root. the term is sometimes used to signify =earthing= or =moulding=, which _see_. =baskets.= few objects contribute more to the adornment of a window, or the decoration of the diningroom, drawing-room, or glass-house, than hanging baskets, tastefully filled with handsome foliaged and flowering plants. baskets are made in different forms and of various materials, such as wire, terra-cotta, wood, and cork. the wire baskets have a very light and elegant appearance, and are generally used. in filling baskets, the inside should be lined with a thick layer of moss, or _selaginella kraussiana_, next to which a layer of coarse sacking must be placed, to prevent the soil from working through. terra-cotta baskets are very pretty, and are extensively employed in domestic rooms, but they should always have one or more holes at the bottom, to facilitate drainage. rustic baskets, of cork or wood, are also very suitable for floral arrangements; those composed of teak-wood are very generally used for orchids. the compost should be prepared according to the requirements of the plant or plants intended to be grown, which can be easily ascertained on reference to such plants in this work. the soil should not be allowed to get dry; in the event of this happening, however, a thorough soaking by immersion must be given. as a rule, attention should be given in the matter of watering every other day, and light syringing every morning and evening during the spring and summer months will be most beneficial. the baskets should be examined every week, all dead or decaying leaves being removed, and any insects, which are so likely to get a foothold, destroyed. in arranging the subjects, the centre plant should be the tallest, the next outer ones shorter, and the marginal ones of a trailing or drooping habit, so that the whole may present a symmetrical, and at the same time a natural, appearance. wickerwork baskets are used for carrying or transferring plants, and are generally made 18in. wide by 20in. deep; they are extremely useful, and should be in every garden. split wood and withes are largely employed in making baskets. the planter's basket, described by loudon as a flat, rectangular utensil of wickerwork or boards, partitioned into three or more parts, for the purpose of carrying with the gardener when about to plant or remove plants, is now, unfortunately, almost obsolete. one division is for the plants, another for those taken up, and a third for the tools to be made use of, and for any decayed parts of plants, stones, weeds, or other refuse which may be collected. by using this basket, order, accuracy, and neatness are secured. the sussex "truck" baskets, made of willow-wood, are very useful, being both light and durable. _see also_ =measures=. =bassia= (named after ferdinando bassi, curator of the botanic garden at bologna). ord. _sapotaceã¦_. handsome lofty-growing lactescent stove trees, with axillary, solitary, or aggregate flowers, and quite entire, smooth, coriaceous leaves. they require stove heat, and a compost of peat and loam. cuttings, taken from ripened wood, strike readily in sand, under a hand glass, in a strong moist heat. =b. butyracea= (buttery). the indian butter tree. _fl._, pedicels aggregate, and are, as well as the calyces, woolly. _l._ obovate, 8in. to 9in. long, and 4in. to 5in. broad, tomentose beneath. _h._ 30ft. to 70ft. nepaul, 1823. (b. f. f. 35.) =b. latifolia= (broad-leaved). the mahwah tree of bengal. _fl._, corolla thick and fleshy; pedicels drooping, terminal. _l._ oblong or elliptic, smooth above, whitish beneath, 4in. to 8in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad. _h._ 50ft. india, 1799. (b. f. s. 41.) =b. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._, pedicels axillary, drooping, crowded round the ends of the branchlets. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, approximate at the tops of the branches, 6in. long, deciduous. _h._ 50ft. malabar, 1811. (b. f. s. 42.) =bass= or =bast mats=. these are prepared, chiefly in russia, from the inner bark of various limes (_tilia_), and are very largely used in this country by nurserymen for packing purposes. they are also extensively employed as coverings, being excellent preventatives of the effects of frost. they are beneficial as a covering for beds of early vegetables, to prevent radiation during the night. for tying purposes they are now greatly superseded by raffia grass. archangel mats are larger, and of better quality than the st. petersburgh. dunnage mats are heavy, and generally used for covering, as they are much cheaper. =bastard acacia.= _see_ =robinia pseudo-acacia=. =bastard balm.= _see_ =melittis=. =bastard box.= _see_ =polygala chamã¦buxus=. =bastard cabbage-tree.= _see_ =geoffroya=. =bastard cherry.= _see_ =cerasus pseudo-cerasus=. =bastard cinnamon.= _see_ =cinnamomum cassia=. =bastard cork tree.= _see_ =quercus pseudo-suber=. =bastard indigo.= _see_ =amorpha=. =bastard lupine.= _see_ =trifolium lupinaster=. =bastard quince.= _see_ =pyrus chamã¦mespilus=. =bastard vervain.= _see_ =stachytarpheta=. =bastard vetch.= _see_ =phaca=. =bastard wind-flower.= _see_ =gentiana pseudo-pneumonanthe=. =bastard wood-sage.= _see_ =teucrium pseudo-scorodonia=. =bast mats.= _see_ =bass mats=. =batatas= (its aboriginal name). ord. _convolvulaceã¦_. this genus is now referred to _ipomã¦a_. strong, free-growing, greenhouse or stove deciduous twiners. calyx of five sepals; corolla campanulate; stamens inclosed. they are of easy culture, only requiring plenty of room to spread, and are well adapted for trellis work, or to run up pillars. they are all tuberous rooted, and therefore require to be kept dry when in a dormant state. a rich, open, loamy soil is most suitable. young cuttings strike readily under a hand glass, in heat. =b. bignonioides= (bignonia-like).* _fl._, corolla dark purple, funnel-shaped, with a curled limb; peduncles many-flowered, nutant, shorter than the petioles. july. _l._ three-lobed; hind lobes rounded, imbricate. cayenne, 1824. (b. m. 2645.) =b. cavanillesii= (cavanilles').* _fl._ pale whitish-red; lobes of corolla obtuse, crenulated; peduncles one to three-flowered. august. _l._ quinate; leaflets ovate, entire, unequal. native country unknown, 1815. [illustration: fig. 208. batatas edulis, showing tuber.] =b. edulis= (edible).* sweet potato. _fl._, corolla 1in. long, white outside and purple inside; peduncles equal in length to the petioles, or exceeding them, three to four-flowered. _l._ variable, usually angular, also lobed. stem creeping, rarely climbing. east indies, 1797. see fig. 208. =b. glaucifolia= (milky-green-leaved). _fl._, corolla small, purplish, with an inflated tube, and ovate, acute segments; peduncles two-flowered, length of leaves. may. _l._ sagittate, truncate behind, on long petioles. mexico, 1732. =b. heterophylla= (various-leaved). _fl._ blue; peduncles solitary, axillary, bearing each three sessile flowers. july. _l._ quinately palmate; lobes or leaflets ovate-spathulate, acute. plant very villous. cuba, 1817. =b. paniculata= (panicled).* _fl._ large, purple; peduncles much exceeding the petioles, many-flowered, dichotomously and corymbosely panicled. june _l._ palmate, five to seven-cleft; lobes ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, bluntish, rarely sub-acuminated. india, 1799. (g. c. n. s., x., 341.) =b. senegalensis= (senegalese). _fl._ white or purplish, large; peduncles three-flowered. june. _l._ quinately palmate; lobes ovate, obtuse, middle one the largest. stem white, tubercular. guinea, 1823. =b. venosa= (veiny). _fl._ purple; peduncles umbellate, with an ovate-cordate, solitary leaf at the base of each pedicel. july. _l._ digitately quinate; leaflets petiolate, acuminated, quite entire. france, 1820. =batemannia= (named after mr. j. bateman, a collector and cultivator of orchids, and author of a "monograph of odontoglossum," and other works on orchidaceous plants). ord. _orchidaceã¦_. a small and easily-grown genus of dwarf, compact-growing epiphytes, closely allied to _maxillaria_, but differing from that genus in having the anther-bed with a membranous border. they may be grown in pots, in a compost of peat and moss, or on blocks of wood with moss. they require an intermediate house and plenty of water in the growing season. propagated by divisions and offsets. they have generally a free-flowering habit; but some of the species are not so ornamental as many other orchids. =b. armillata= (braceleted). _fl._ green, white. 1875. (r. x. o. 316.) =b. burtii= (burt's). _fl._ red-brown, yellow base, 3in. across; lip white, tipped chocolate. autumn. _l._ elliptic-oblong, or ligulate, sub-distichous. plant bulbless. costa rica, 1872. (b. m. 6003.) =b. colleyi= (colley's). _fl._ on a pendulous raceme, rising from the base of the pseudo-bulbs; sepals and petals brownish-purple within, green without; lip white. autumn. _h._ 6in. demerara, 1834. (b. r. 1714.) =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._, flower-spike coming up with the young growth, bearing three or four flowers, of curious structure; sepals and petals olive-green, striped with reddish-brown; lip white, with reddish-purple streaks, orange or yellow towards the base. pseudo-bulbs ovate, 3in. or 4in. long, and bearing two large, broad, leathery leaves. new grenada, 1866. (b. m. 5567.) =b. wallisii= (wallis').* _fl._, sepals light greenish-yellow outside, olive-green to chestnut-brown inside, with some yellow at the base; petals with scarlet stripes at the very base, but otherwise coloured like the sepals; lip blade greenish, with a brownish hue at the anterior part; peduncles slender, corymbose. _h._ 1ft. columbia, 1876. =batschia.= _see_ =lithospermum=. =bauera= (named after francis and ferdinand bauer, german botanical draughtsmen). ord. _saxifragaceã¦_. small shrubs, natives of australia, new zealand, &c. flowers axillary, solitary, pedunculate. leaves six in a whorl, approximating by threes, and therefore, as it were, opposite and ternate, exstipulate. easily cultivated in a compost of sandy loam and peat. propagated by cuttings, placed in sandy soil, under a glass. these very pretty little greenhouse evergreens flower nearly the whole year through. =b. humilis= (low). _fl._, corolla red, one-half smaller than _b. rubioides_, and the plant is altogether much smaller. july to december. _l._ oblong, crenated. _h._ 1ft. new south wales, 1804. (l. b. c. 1197.) =b. rubiã¦folia= (madder-leaved). synonymous with _b. rubioides_. =b. rubioides= (madder-like).* _fl._ pale red, or pink. _l._ lanceolate, crenated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new south wales, 1793. syn. _b. rubiã¦folia_. (a. b. r. 198.) =bauhinia= (in honour of john and caspar bauhin, two famous botanists of the sixteenth century). mountain ebony. ord. _leguminosã¦_. very showy stove evergreen shrubs. flowers racemose; petals five, spreading, oblong, rather unequal, upper one usually distant from the rest. leaves two-lobed, constantly composed of two jointed leaflets at the top of the petiole, sometimes nearly free, but usually joined together, more or less, and with an awn in the recess. they succeed well in a mixture of sand, loam, and peat, requiring good drainage and moderately firm potting. propagated by cuttings, which should be taken when the wood is neither very ripe nor very young; the leaves must be dressed off, and the cuttings planted in sand, under a glass, in moist heat. although glorious objects in the tropics, few of the species flower under our comparatively sunless skies; those which hitherto have succeeded well in britain are marked with an asterisk. =b. acuminata= (taper-pointed-leaved). _fl._ pure white; petals broadly ovate, hardly stipitate. june. _l._ rather cordate at the base, smoothish; leaflets connected beyond the middle, ovate, acuminated, parallel, four-nerved. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. malabar, 1808. =b. aurita= (eared). _fl._ white; petals ovate, on short stipes. august. _l._ glabrous, cordate at the base; leaflets connected the fourth part of their length, oblong-lanceolate, nearly parallel, six to eight-nerved. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. jamaica, 1756. =b. corymbosa= (corymbose).* _fl._ in loose racemes; petals pinkish, regular, crenulated at the edge. summer. _l._, leaflets semi-oval, obtuse, parallel, connected nearly to the middle, three-nerved, cordate at the base, the nerves on the under surface, as well as the petioles, branches, and calyces, clothed with rufous villi. shrubby climber. india, 1818. (g. c. 1881, xvi., p. 204.) =b. inermis= (unarmed). _fl._ white; petals linear; racemes terminal, leafless, simple. _l._ ovate at the base, ferruginous beneath; leaflets oblong, acute, four-nerved, parallel, connected a little beyond the middle. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. mexico, 1810. =b. multinerva= (many-nerved). _fl._ snow-white; petals linear. legume 8in. to 12in. long. _l._ elliptic, rounded at the base, membranous, shining above, rather pilose beneath; nerves ferruginous; leaflets semi-ovate, obtuse, approximate, five-nerved; free. _h._ 20ft. caracas, 1817. =b. natalensis= (natal).* _fl._ white, 1-1/2in. across, opposite the leaves. september. _l._ small, alternate, of two obliquely-oblong rounded leaflets. natal, 1870. (b. m. 6086.) =b. petiolata= (long-petioled). _fl._ white, 3in. long, in terminal clusters. autumn. _l._ stalked, ovate-acuminate, five-nerved, glabrous. columbia, 1852. syn. _casparia speciosa_. (b. m. 6277.) =b. pubescens= (downy). _fl._ white, large, much crowded; petals obovate; peduncles three to four-flowered. _l._ rather cordate at the base, pubescent beneath and on the petioles; leaflets connected beyond the middle, oval, obtuse, four-nerved, nearly parallel. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. jamaica, 1823. =b. purpurea= (purple). _fl._, petals red, one of them streaked with white on the claw, lanceolate, acute. legume linear, 1ft. long. _l._ cordate at the base, coriaceous, ultimately glabrous; leaflets connected much above the middle, broadly ovate, obtuse, four-nerved; free. _h._ 6ft. india, 1778. =b. racemosa= (racemose). _fl._ white; petals obovate, obtuse; raceme somewhat corymbose. _l._ cordate at the base, clothed with silky villi beneath, as well as on the peduncles, petioles, branches, calyces, and petals; leaflets broadly ovate, obtuse, connected to the middle, five-nerved. india, 1790. shrubby climber. (b. f. s. 182.) =b. tomentosa= (tomentose). _fl._, petals pale yellow, with a red spot at the claw, obovate, obtuse; peduncles one to three-flowered. _l._ ovate or roundish at the base; under surface villous, as well as the petioles, branches, stipules, peduncles, bracts, and calyces; leaflets connected beyond the middle, oval, obtuse, three to four-nerved. _h._ 6ft. to 12ft. ceylon, 1808. =b. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._ red, marked with white, and yellow at the base, in loose terminal racemes; petals ovate, nearly sessile. june. _l._ cordate at the base, glabrous; leaflets broadly-ovate, obtuse, five-nerved, connected beyond the middle; free. _h._ 20ft. malabar, 1690. =b. v. chinensis= (chinese). _fl._, petals lilac, with one purple spot at the base of each, acute. _l._ rounded at the base. china. =bawd-money.= _see_ =meum=. =bay-tree.= _see_ =laurus nobilis=. =beak.= anything resembling the beak of a bird, as in _aconitum_; the point which ends the helmet or upper sepal; hard, sharp points. =beam tree.= _see_ =pyrus aria=. =bean beetle= (_bruchus granarius_). this insect, by depositing its eggs in the seeds of beans and peas, causes a great amount of injury. it is about an eighth of an inch long, black, with brown hairs and white spots; tip of the tail prolonged, downy; front pair of legs reddish. the most effectual means of prevention is to destroy, when sowing, all seeds infested by it; and this may be detected by the skin of the seed being unusually transparent above the tunnel for exit. imported seeds of broad beans are often much infested. "dipping the beans or peas in boiling water for one minute is stated to kill the grub inside; but, as dipping for four minutes generally destroys the germinating power, the experiment is much too hazardous for general use", (ormerod). =bean caper.= _see_ =zygophyllum=. =bean fly.= _see_ =aphides= and =black fly=. =beans.= there are three sections of these in cultivation for garden purposes, viz.: the dwarf or french bean; the climbing, or scarlet runner; and the ordinary broad bean. _see also_ =faba= and =phaseolus=. [illustration: fig. 209. broad bean plant in flower (faba vulgaris).] _soil._ all beans like a somewhat loamy soil, which, to secure good crops, must be deeply worked and heavily manured. the kidney beans, dwarf and tall, however, do not care for so heavy a soil as the broad and long-podded kinds; and this fact should be borne in mind when selecting their respective situations. the term kidney is generally applied to both the dwarf or french and the climbing or scarlet runner. [illustration: fig. 210. pods of broad bean.] [illustration: fig. 211. broad bean seed.] broad and long-podded (_faba vulgaris_). _cultivation_: as early as possible in the autumn, deeply trench a piece of ground, and work in a heavy dressing of manure, leaving the surface of the soil in ridges, to become well aã«rated by winter frosts. where desired, a piece of ground on a warm, protected border, can also be deeply dug in november, and a few rows of mazagans sown to stand the winter. when up, draw a ridge of soil on either side the rows, and in frosty weather strew a few handfuls of bracken, or other light, dry litter, over them. not much is, however, gained by this winter sowing. early in january, level the ridges with a fork, working the whole of the surface soil over, and towards the end of the month, make the first sowing, choosing mazagan and other early varieties. mark out two rows, 9in. asunder, leave a space of 30in., then another two rows, and so on throughout the piece sown. if preferred, they may be sown in single rows at intervals of 1-1/2ft. the drills should be about 3in. deep, and the seed from 7in. to 9in. apart in the rows. where the double-row system is adopted, arrange the seed for the plants to come alternately. in march, get in the main sowing of the broad and later long-podded kinds, in the manner already described; another sowing for late use may be made in april. when the plants are about 6in. high, earth up as recommended for those sown in the autumn. as soon as a good crop is set, pinch out the tops of the plants, to assist the maturation of the beans, and prevent the attacks of the fly. figs. 209, 210, and 211 are excellent representations of the flowering plant, pods, and seed of the broad bean. _sorts._ for early use: early mazagan, long-pod, marshall's early prolific, and seville long-pod. for late use: carter's mammoth long-pod, and broad windsor (white variety). these are all distinct and good varieties. [illustration: fig. 212. fruiting plant of dwarf or french bean (phaseolus vulgaris).] dwarf or french kidney beans (_phaseolus vulgaris_). _cultivation_: this class (see fig. 212) also requires a rich and deeply trenched rather light soil. a very important point is to get the ground into a good condition, by frequently forking it over; and, as the seeds are not sown till the beginning of may, there is plenty of time for the work. the finer the soil is, and the more it is aã«rated, the better will it suit the crop. from the beginning of may till the end of june, at intervals, draw out drills about 2ft. apart, and 3in. deep, and in these place the beans tolerably thick, as generally they are not all certain to grow. as soon as up, carefully thin them, and slightly earth up to prevent the wind blowing them about. they should not, however, be earthed higher than the seed leaves, or they will probably rot off in wet weather. keep free from weeds, and maintain a sharp look out for slugs. in dry weather, water occasionally, giving good drenchings, and not mere sprinklings, which do more harm than good. a good mulching of half-rotted manure is very beneficial, as it prevents evaporation to a great extent, besides affording some amount of nourishment to the plants. great care must be taken to pick off the beans as soon as large enough for use, or they will exhaust the plants. where seeds are needed, a number of plants should be left for the purpose, and these should be some of the best, to prevent deterioration, or loss of the true variety. _forcing._ french beans require more heat than can be obtained in either a frame or an ordinary greenhouse; and, although easy enough to grow in a structure suited to their requirements, yet, if such does not exist, they are almost sure to fail. a good heat, from 60deg. to 70deg., with abundance of moisture, is necessary for successful results. plenty of light is also most essential. a position such as that of a cucumber house is generally a suitable one; but the plants must not be placed under the cucumbers. successional sowings in pots or boxes must be made, from the end of august till march, to keep up a supply. for soil, use good maiden loam, with a little well-rotted manure added. use 8in. pots, sowing five or six beans in each. the first sowing should be placed in a frame and kept well watered, bringing into heat in october; but the subsequent sowings should be placed directly in the house. keep the soil moist, and the plants free from aphides and other insect pests, and give air at every favourable opportunity. the plants should be as near the light as possible, and kept from falling about by tying or placing small pieces of birch wood round them. in dull weather, it will be found that the blooms will not set so freely as when the sun shines brightly; therefore, every care should be taken to secure both heat and ventilation when sunshine prevails. when the pots get full of roots, and the plants are bearing fruit freely, a little liquid manure is of great assistance; at no time must the plants get dry enough to flag. allow plenty of room for the full development of foliage, and maintain a minimum temperature of 60deg., with plenty of moisture. _sorts._ these are very numerous, among the best being black negro, canadian wonder, canterbury, fulmer's forcing, golden dun, newington wonder, osborn's early forcing, sion house, and sir joseph paxton. runners or climbing kidney beans (_phaseolus multiflorus_). _cultivation_: being tall growers, these need a greater space than the dwarf french varieties, and they also require support. rich soil is indispensable for them, and liberal supplies of water on light soils and in dry weather. a good overhead syringing from time to time is also advantageous. trench and heavily manure a piece of ground in autumn, leaving it in ridges for the winter. in march, level the ridges down, and well work the ground, to render it friable and in good condition. the plants being extremely tender, it is not safe to sow before the end of april or the first week in may. it is preferable to sow in rows, which should be from 6ft. to 12ft. apart, and crop the ground between with other vegetables. earth up and stake them as soon as ready, to prevent injury from rough wind. a good plan, which may be adopted to obtain early produce, is to raise the seeds in boxes in a cold frame, getting them ready for planting out in the middle of may. plant at the same distances, and treat afterwards as recommended for those sown out of doors. if preferred, they can be grown on the ground without stakes. under this treatment, they must have their tops pinched off when about 18in. high, continuing this pinching from time to time as necessary. if this plan is adopted, the rows need only be 3ft. apart, the ground not being otherwise cropped. in dry seasons and on light soils, there is an advantage attached to this method, namely, that those on sticks are liable to injury from drought, while the foliage of those pinched back keeps the soil moist underneath. [illustration: fig. 213. runner or climbing kidney bean (phaseolus multiflorus).] runner beans may also be planted to cover arches or fences, and in various places of a like description. see fig. 213. _sorts._ common scarlet runner, champion, painted lady, and giant white. the first two are those generally grown. =bean-tree.= _see_ =ceratonia siliqua=. =bearberry=, and =bear's grape=. _see_ =arctostaphylos uva-ursi=. =beard-tongue.= _see_ =pentstemon=. =bears breech.= _see_ =acanthus=. =bear's foot.= _see_ =helleborus få�tidus=. =beatonia.= _see_ =tigridia=. =beaucarnea= (a commemorative name). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a small genus of curious greenhouse plants, natives of mexico. leaves narrow, gracefully depending. stems slender, and woody, with a peculiar swollen, somewhat napiform base. mr. b. s. williams recommends that these plants be potted in rich fibrous loam and sand, with ample drainage, and, during the growing season, liberally supplied with water. propagated by cuttings, when obtainable; but chiefly by seeds, which have to be imported from their native country. beaucarneas are principally grown for the beauty of their foliage, and are grotesque, graceful, and extremely curious in habit and form. =b. glauca= (grey).* _l._ pendent, glaucous, 2ft. to 3ft. long. stem slender, the swollen base becoming woody with age. =b. g. latifolia= (broad-leaved) differs from the type only in its stouter and more robust stem and broader leaves. =b. longifolia= (long-leaved).* _l._ 6ft. to 10ft. long, narrow, pendent, dark green, forming a beautiful vase-like centre. _h._ 10ft. mexico, 1868. very distinct. (g. c. 1877, vii., 493.) =b. recurvata= (recurved-leaved).* _l._ very long, linear, gracefully pendulous, bright green. mexico, about 1845. this is an excellent subject for open-air culture during the summer, as well as for the conservatory. syn. _pincenictitia tuberculata_. (g. c. 1870, 1445.) =b. r. rubra= (red). _l._ red at base. =b. stricta= (upright). _l._ 3ft. or more long, less than 1in. broad, very glaucous. stem stout. mexico, 1870. =beaufortia= (commemorative of mary, duchess of beaufort, a botanical patroness). including _schizopleura_. ord. _myrtaceã¦_. elegant free-flowering greenhouse australian shrubs. flowers scarlet; calyx with a turbinate tube; stamens in bundles opposite the petals. leaves sessile, opposite or scattered. beaufortias require a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam, lightened, if necessary, by the addition of sand. cuttings of half-ripened shoots root freely in sandy soil, under a glass, with very little heat. =b. decussata= (decussate). _fl._ scarlet; bundles of stamens on very long claws; filaments radiating. may. _l._ opposite, decussate, ovate, or oval, many-nerved. _h._ 3ft. to 10ft. new holland, 1803. (b. m. 1733.) =b. purpurea= (purple).* _fl._ purplish-red, in dense globular heads. _l._ three to five-nerved, erect or spreading, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate-linear. new holland. =b. sparsa= (few-leaved). _fl._ bright scarlet. _l._ many-nerved, scattered, ovate-elliptical, obtuse. west australia. syn. _b. splendens_. (p. f. g. xiii., 145.) =b. splendens= (splendid). synonymous with _b. sparsa_. =beaumontia= (in honour of mrs. beaumont, formerly of bretton hall, yorkshire). ord. _apocynaceã¦_. a very ornamental stove twiner, remarkable for its handsome flowers. it succeeds best when planted out in the borders of a temperate house, in rich lumpy loam and peat. propagated by cuttings, placed in sand, with bottom heat. =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._, corolla large, white, greenish outside near the base, and dark throat, with a short tube, and a large campanulate five-lobed limb; corymbs axillary and terminal, many-flowered. june. _l._ opposite, broad, oblong-ovate, with a little point, tapering towards the base, smooth and shining above, but rather downy beneath; young leaves and branches rusty. chittagong and sylhet, 1820. (b. m. 3213.) =bed.= a term usually applied to pieces of ground laid out in gardens for sowing small seeds, or for the isolation and better protection of small collections of plants in the reserve ground. the oblong is the best shape for this purpose, about 4ft. or 5ft. wide, somewhat raised, and having a narrow path on each side, so that the workman may attend to the plants or seeds without having to tread on the bed. any one part of a flower-garden design, cut out in grass, or otherwise formed, is also generally termed a bed. when required to be planted for effect, as in this case, the bed should be proportionate in size to the plants that are to be put in it, always planting the highest in the centre and gradually sloping, with other sizes, to the edges, which should be the lowest. circular beds are best with one centre plant; and oblong or other shapes should have the height of the centre plants carried nearly the whole length, not, however, placing them in too formal a manner. =bedding-in.= a method of seed-sowing, now almost obsolete, and chiefly employed in nurseries. "in this method, the ground being dug and formed by alleys into beds, 4ft. or 5ft. wide, each alley being a spade's width or more between bed and bed, and the earth being drawn off the top of the bed with a rake or spade, 1/2in. or 1in. deep into the alleys, the seed is then sown all over the surface of the bed; which being done, the earth in the alleys is immediately cast over the bed, again covering the seeds the same depth, and the surface is raked smooth" (johnson). in the case of small seeds, a very light covering is needed, and that only of very fine soil. =bedding-out.= the temporary placing out of doors of greenhouse and other tender plants during the summer months. it is considered by some to be the showiest, most expensive, and most unnatural of any style. the geometrical arrangement of gaudy colours is not at all times satisfactory, and under the most favourable conditions the design is rarely retained more than two or three months, say, from july to september. the method is, however, so extensively adopted as to demand due notice in this work. bedding usually commences in may. an important consideration is the proper preparation of the soil for the reception of the plants. it will be found to materially assist the growth if the soil is well dug over a fortnight before the plants are put in. by this means, it will acquire a certain amount of solidity, a point of great importance with fibrous-rooted plants that are subject to injury from the fine roots not taking a firm hold of the soil. having decided upon the arrangement of the plants, proceed to work with the planting. with round, oval, or, indeed, almost any shaped bed, begin in the centre and work towards the edge; in borders, commence at the back and finish with the front row. plant with a trowel, disturbing the balls as little as possible, and when in the holes press the soil moderately firm. after the bed is finished, give a good soaking of water to settle the soil at the roots. manure for flower-beds should always be perfectly rotten, such as that from a spent hotbed. when the plants are thoroughly established, water must only be given if they show signs of distress; and then a good soaking should be applied. a careful hoeing of the surface after planting will be most beneficial, leaving it smooth and tidy. a dutch hoe will be the best to use. injudicious use of manure and water will only cause a foliaceous growth. the proper treatment of the various bedding plants will be found under their respective headings. for spring decoration, the beds may be filled with dutch bulbs, and spring-flowering annuals and perennials _ad infinitum_; or, after the plants are removed in autumn, the beds may be filled with evergreens plunged in pots, such as aucuba, arbor vitã¦, euonymus, and various little conifers, which have a bright appearance through the winter, and can be removed at any time. with the relative value, or advisability of adoption, of either or any system of gardening, it scarcely comes within the province of this work to deal. no hard-and-fast rules can be laid down as regards "style," and each individual may follow his own taste and inclination. [illustration: fig. 214. design for carpet bedding.] [illustration: fig. 215. design for carpet bedding.] _carpet bedding._ this mode of gardening, although not so generally employed as it was some few years ago, has many admirers, and small plots, geometrically arranged in multi-coloured beds on lawns, are frequently seen. in our large public parks, the system is largely adopted, and evidently proves very gratifying to the multitudes who visit these places; but probably no system is more unnatural or expensive, as such a large number of plants are necessary in order to produce a desirable effect. the illustrations (figs. 214 and 215) represent two designs for carpet beds. the numbers placed in the various compartments indicate the way the different colours should be arranged, repeats being marked by the same cypher. a very varied and large selection of plants can be used for carpet bedding, some of which are quite hardy, such as _herniaria glabra_ and _veronica repens_, two of the best dwarf green plants; _sempervivum californicum_, _sedum lydium_, _s. glaucum_, _antennaria tomentosa_, &c. these may be planted early in the season, with golden feather, and are especially valuable, as they are generally employed to a great extent. other plants, not quite so hardy, are _mentha pulegium gibraltarica_ and _echeveria secunda glauca_, both of which are extensively used; while the tenderest subjects are alternantheras of various kinds, _coleus verschaffeltii_ and _mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum_. these latter should not be planted till the first or second week in june. as the plants are usually small, and require to be planted thickly, the work is best accomplished with the fingers, pressing the soil moderately firm. first of all, work out the design, and plant the leading lines; afterwards fill in the "panels." [illustration: fig. 216. design for bedding.] _sub-tropical bedding._ this term is applied to the arrangement of tropical plants in beds or groups outside for the summer months, and if discriminately adopted a very attractive and unique display may be made, depending greatly upon position, and mainly upon the material at command. if a sheltered and partially shady situation is enjoyed, a grand effect may be produced by the grouping of tree and other large ferns with palms, cannas, aralias, dracã¦nas, &c., avoiding, of course, formal arrangement, and yet, when finished, a symmetrical appearance should be produced. in more open positions, palms, castor oil plants, cannas, _humea elegans_, aralias, phormiums, wigandias, nicotianas, &c., may be employed, the result being, if properly arranged, most gratifying. sub-tropical bedding should not be done till the middle or end of june, and the beds should be well dug and freely manured for those that are to be planted out. [illustration: fig 217. design for bedding.] fig. 216 represents a border or long piece of ground, which may be either marked out permanently with box edging, dwarf-growing silver or golden leaved plants, tiles, stones, or pebbles, and filled in with silver sand or bright-coloured stones or gravel; or the lines may be widened out into walks. the whole of the small circles not numbered are intended for specimen foliage and other plants, such as fuchsias, yuccas, aloes, cannas, solanums, variegated or plain reeds, grasses, maize (_zea_), &c. no. 1, tall plants of _echeveria metallica_, edged with _e. glauca_; 2, 2, yellow or orange calceolaria; 3, 3, mrs. leavers pelargonium; 4, 4, triomphe de stella ditto; 5, 5, purple or blue verbena; 6, 6, white ditto. the narrow border round the side may then be filled in with golden-feather pyrethrum, blue lobelia, or _alternanthera amabilis_. this same plan may also be treated in quite a different manner, according to the taste of those adopting it, or the stock of plants at command. [illustration: fig. 218. design for bedding or carpet bedding.] fig. 217 illustrates a design admirably adapted for a rosery or small flower garden. its only fault is the number of sharp angles at the corners of some of the beds; but this can be counteracted by the predominance of curved lines. it is easily formed, and the effect is good if furnished in the following manner: the circle in the centre, 1, _centaurea ragusina compacta_, edged with a double line of _coleus verschaffeltii_; the four figures 2, 2, 2, 2, scarlet pelargoniums, such as vesuvius, bonfire, triomphe de stella, or others; 3, 3, mrs. pollock, golden-zoned pelargoniums, edged with _alternanthera amå�na_; 4, 4, lady cullum, ditto, ditto, edged with ditto; 5, 5, _lobelia speciosa_, imperial dwarf ageratum, or purple king verbena; 6, 6, white verbena or white ivy-leaved pelargonium. [illustration: fig. 219. arrangement of nursery for rose trees and shrubs.] [illustration: fig. 220. arrangement of nursery for rose trees and shrubs.] the group of beds illustrated in fig. 218 is effective on grass or gravel. if on the latter, the lines should be defined with box, golden thyme, cerastium, or santolinas. the design is pretty on level, but is still more effective on sloping ground; in the latter case, it should rise from the straight walk (dotted line). thus each bed may be seen to the best advantage, and the group may be extended to any length. the circular beds should be planted with two distinct colours, such as good pink and scarlet pelargoniums of similar habits of growth, placing the colours in alternate beds. the beds, _a_, _a_, _a_, flower of spring, or another silver-leaved pelargonium; _b_, _b_, _b_, purple king verbena, or imperial dwarf ageratum; _c_, _c_, white perfection verbena, and silver-leaved or white-flowered ivy-leaved pelargonium; _d_, _d_, _alternanthera magnifica_; _e_, _e_, blue lobelia. the long border, _alternanthera paronychioides_, edged with _antennaria tomentosa_; or _iresine lindenii_, edged with pyrethrum, golden fleece or crystal palace gem pelargonium. the two sides may also be planted alike. the colours are reversed above to produce a greater variety and a more striking effect. this design is also well adapted for carpet bedding. [illustration: bed a. bed b. bed c. bed d. bed e. bed f. bed g. bed h. fig. 221. bedding-out designs.] _nursery bed._ this is merely a reserve ground or nursery for a large stock of plants of various sorts, such as roses, &c. one of the first requirements is an easy access to the individual plants, and with the least possible waste of space. this may be obtained by arranging the beds in regular geometric figures, as shown in figs. 219 and 220, and, by exercising a little care and taste, the whole can be so contrived as to present an ornamental appearance. we are indebted to messrs. cannell and sons for the diagrams of bedding-out designs shown at fig. 221, which may be made very effective: bed a. this bed may be planted with the following: summer-flowering: 1, gain's yellow calceolaria or ageratum lady jane; 2, geranium vesuvius or another scarlet; 3 and 4, viola blue-bell or purple king verbena; 5, edged with _gnaphalium lanatum_, or _antennaria tomentosa_, white foliaged plants. summer foliage: 1, _coleus verschaffeltii_; 2, _centaurea ragusina compacta_; 3 and 4, mrs. pollock geranium; 5, band of any of the echeverias, or _kleinia repens_. bed b. plants mentioned for a will do for this. bed c. this is really intended for a carpet bed. 1, _alternanthera amabilis_, with a narrow line of _amå�na_ for the edge; 2, _mentha_, or _herniaria glabra_; 3, band of _mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum_. flowering: 1, any kind of scarlet geranium; 2, golden-leaved ditto; 3, blue lobelia (edge). spring: 1, white arabis; 2, _myosotis dissitiflora_; 3, golden feather. bed d. summer: 1, pink geranium; 2, _iresine lindenii_; 3, golden feather. carpet: 1, _alternanthera versicolor grandis_; 2, _mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum_; 3, _alternanthera magnifica_, edged with _sempervivum montanum_. bed e. 1, scarlet geranium; 2, pink ditto; 3, _lobelia speciosa_; or, 1, _alternanthera amå�na_; 2, _mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum_; 3, _echeveria secunda glauca_. bed f. 1, _dracã¦na_, _chamã¦peuce_, or any other graceful foliage plant for the centre; 2 and 4, _alternanthera amabilis_, the divided lines, 6, being filled with mentha or echeverias; 3 and 5, _alternanthera amå�na_; and the outer edge, 7, with _sempervivum californicum_. this bed would look well if planted with any of the above-mentioned spring flowers. spring: bed might be raised to a mound, and lined out with hardy sedums, or sempervivums, placing a larger growing one in the centre; and 2, 3, 4, and 5 divisions may be filled with any spring-flowering dwarf-growing plants. bed g. 1, small plant of yucca; 2, _coleus verschaffeltii_; 3, _alyssum variegatum_; 4, _lobelia pumila magnifica_. bed h. 1, golden feather; mesembryanthemum; 3, mentha; 4, _alternanthera amabilis_; or 1, _coleus verschaffeltii_; 2, _centaurea ragusina_; 3, calceolaria golden gem; 4, ageratum lady jane. =bedding plants.= this term applies to many half-hardy subjects which are planted out in beds for summer display, such as ageratums, calceolarias, geraniums, heliotropes, lobelias, verbenas, &c., all of which will be treated under their respective headings. they are mostly soft-wooded plants and are easily cultivated with proper means, in spring and autumn. =bedfordia= (named in honour of a former duke of bedford). ord. _compositã¦_. greenhouse evergreen shrubs, allied to _cacalia_. they thrive in a mixture of sand, peat, loam, and brick rubbish, in equal proportions. propagated by cuttings, which should be dried a little before inserting them in rough, sandy soil. =b. salicina= (willow-like). _fl.-heads_ yellow, axillary and solitary, or few together. april. _l._ alternate, lanceolate, linear, glossy above, covered with white tomentum underneath. _h._ 3ft. victoria and tasmania, 1820. syn. _cacalia salicina_. (b. r. 923.) =bedstraw.= _see_ =galium=. =beech.= _see_ =fagus=. =bees.= _see_ =honey bees=, =humble bees=, and =wasps=. =beet= (_beta_, which _see_). the present varieties of beetroot are the offspring of _beta vulgaris_, a plant of biennial duration, and a native of the sea coasts of southern europe. it was cultivated in this country about 1656, but was probably long previously introduced by the ancient romans. beetroot is largely used as salad, more extensively on the continent than with us, also pickled; medium sized, deeply coloured roots being the chief desideratum. some varieties are largely grown for their highly-coloured foliage, being planted in bedding-out designs, and generally proving extremely effective. [illustration: fig. 222. long yellow beetroot.] cultivation: for obtaining the best results, an open situation should be chosen, free from the shade of trees. the ground should be light and sandy, and, if possible, that which has been previously manured for some other crop, french beans, for instance. trench the soil to a depth of 2ft. in the autumn, and ridge it up for the winter. as soon as dry enough to allow of working in spring, dig over the whole bed with a steel digging fork, and break the soil tolerably fine. sow any time from the last week in april to the end of may. prepare the drills about a foot or 15in. apart, and from 1in. to 2in. deep. the seeds grow quicker if steeped in water previous to sowing, afterwards allowing them to get dry enough to separate from each other. sow thinly, and fill in the drills with a rake. as soon as the plants are up, hoe between the rows, and keep free from weeds. in a fortnight or three weeks after this hoeing, if the weather has been favourable, the plants will be large enough for thinning. thin out to about 9in. apart, and carefully fill up, in dull weather, any blanks that may occur. transplanting is, however, not generally a very satisfactory method. carefully lift the roots in autumn, before frost comes, and wring off the leaves about an inch from the crowns. place the roots in a cool shed or house, and allow the soil on them to get quite dry, when they may be stored for winter use in dry sand, or soil, in a shed free from frost. it is preferable to keep the crowns free from soil, to prevent decay from the ends of the leaves left on them. if this be carefully done, the roots will keep till the next season's early crop is ready. in all processes connected with the growing, storing, or cooking of this vegetable, the greatest care must be taken to avoid bruising or otherwise injuring the roots, as deficiency of colour would be the result, especially in the case of the red-fleshed kinds, in some cases rendering them valueless for table use. seed saving: when lifting the crop in autumn, select as many of the best formed and coloured roots as required, and store them separately from the rest. in april, plant them in a spot by themselves, where there is no danger of impregnation from other varieties, and in due time good seed will ripen. if good foliaged varieties are required, the best should be selected when growing in the summer, and either be marked by some means, or have the inferior ones removed from them. _sorts._ these are somewhat numerous--almost every seedsman having a so-called "improved strain." nutting's dwarf red, chelsea, pine apple, dell's crimson and red castelnaudary, are the best of the crimson or red-fleshed kinds. the egyptian turnip-rooted is a distinct variety, with flesh of a good colour, and fine flavour; excellent for summer salads. betterave de bretagne is a continental variety; the roots grow to a good size, with a distinct outer skin of a dark colour; flesh rich purple. the best of the yellow-fleshed kinds are small yellow and long yellow (see fig. 222); but these are not grown nearly so much as the deep-coloured section; in fact, they are almost useless for garden purposes. [illustration: fig. 223. white leaf beetroot.] _beetroot for bedding purposes_: in this case, where the foliage is the main object, the seed may be sown in a reserve bed, and the plants transferred to their positions in the flower garden. if, however, a line is required in a ribbon or other border, the best plan is to sow there, and thin out the plants to equal distances. dell's crimson is one of the best varieties for this purpose, being very compact and of a good dark colour. varieties of the leaf beet (_beta cicla_), and sea or perennial beet (_beta maritima_), are sometimes, but very seldom, cultivated for the use of the leafstalks and leaves, the roots being hard and unfit for cooking purposes. they are at the best but substitutes for other vegetables--namely, the midrib for sea-kale and the leaves for spinach. if desired, seeds may be sown in the way described for beetroot, in april for using in autumn and winter, and in august for spring use, plants of the latter sowing being protected in severe weather. the best sorts are red-stalked, yellow-stalked, and white (see fig. 223) or silver leaf. =beet carrion beetle= (_silpha opaca_). this destructive insect is frequently found in dead animals, but often its grub almost destroys the leaves of beet and mangold wurzel crops. the grubs, which are black and shining, when full grown are from 1/3in. to 1/2in. long; the three segments next the head are rounded at the sides, but the other segments are sharp, and the tail segment has a sharp spine on each side. "when full-fed, the grubs bury themselves, and form cells at the depth of 3in. or 4in. below the surface of the earth, in which they turn to pupã¦, and from these the beetle has been seen to come up in about the space of a fortnight or three weeks" (ormerod). the beetles are flattish, and about five lines long, brown-black, with a tawny down; eyes large and oval; horns club-shaped; body somewhat oval; wing-cases very flat, turned up at the outer edge, each case having three sharp ridges running along it; tip of abdomen dull red. any manures or methods of cultivation that would stimulate growth in the plants, so as to permit renovation of injuries, would be found useful. if farmyard manure were applied to the soil intended for beet _in the autumn_ instead of in spring, it would lessen the risk of attack to the beets. [illustration: fig. 224. common garden beetle.] [illustration: fig. 225. devil's coach horse.] =beetles= (_coleoptera_). beetles form one of the most extensive orders of insects, there being upwards of 3000 known british species. they vary much in appearance, but a beetle is readily recognised by its front wings, or elytra; these form a tough horny sheath or case, which lies over the real wings, and protects them when the insect is not flying. sometimes, the elytra are very short (see fig. 225); the mouth is fitted with jaws for cutting. the metamorphosis is complete, _i.e._, the larva or grub is very unlike either the quiescent pupa or the perfect insect. the period that elapses before beetles arrive at their perfect state varies from a few weeks to two or three years, but is usually rather longer than in butterflies or bees. various beetles attack growing plants and roots. thus, _otiorhynchus sulcatus_ and _o. picipes_ attack vines, roses, and other plants, gnawing off the bark. some species of beetles attack mushrooms, while others bore into the wood of old trees, or eat leaves (_e.g._ turnip fly), or burrow in the leaves, or form galls on roots (cabbage-gall weevil). of some kinds, the beetles are hurtful; of others, the larvã¦. many kinds, however, are beneficial, such, for instance, as the common ground beetle (_carabus_, fig. 224), and the devil's coach horse (_ocypus olens_, fig. 225). these live upon other insects and snails. one kind of beetle--the ladybird (see figs. 226 and 227)--is very beneficial in a garden, as it preys upon the aphides, or plant lice. for instructions in dealing with the noxious kinds, _see_ =asparagus beetle=, =bean beetle=, =beet carrion beetle=, =click beetle=, =cockchafer=, =lily beetle=, =rosechafer=, and =turnip fly=. [illustration: fig. 226. seven-spotted ladybird.] [illustration: fig. 227. grub of ladybird. (enlarged).] =beet= or =mangold fly= (_anthomyia betã¦_). the maggots of this fly do considerable damage by feeding on the pulp of the beet or mangold leaves. the eggs are small, white, and oval, and are laid in small patches beneath the leaves; the maggots are about 1/3in. long, legless, cylindrical, and yellowish-white. as it is of such recent appearance in this country, specifics for its eradication are by no means numerous; but, according to miss ormerod, "the best treatment appears to be to nip it in the bud, where such treatment is possible, by destroying the infested plants, but generally by all means of good cultivation, or by special applications of artificial manure, to ensure a hearty growth, which may run the plants on past the power of average attacks to weaken the leafage to a serious extent." =befaria= (named in honour of bejar, a spanish botanist). ord. _ericareã¦_. syn. _bejaria_. an elegant genus of greenhouse evergreen shrubs, closely allied to _rhododendron_. flowers bracteate; corolla very deeply seven-cleft, spreading. leaves racemose or corymbose, crowded, quite entire, coriaceous. they thrive in a compost of peat and loam. propagated by cuttings, made of the young wood, and placed in sandy soil, in gentle heat. =b. ã¦stuans= (glowing).* _fl._ purple; corymbs terminal, simple; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, calyces, and branchlets clothed with clammy glandular hairs. _l._ elliptic, rather glabrous above, but downy and glaucous beneath, while young clothed with rusty tomentum. plant much branched; branchlets sub-verticillate. _h._ 10ft. to 15ft. peru, 1846. syn. _acunna oblonga_. (g. c. 1848, 119.) =b. cinnamomea= (cinnamon-coloured). _fl._ purple; panicles close, terminal; peduncles woolly, hispid. _l._ slightly downy above, rusty tomentose beneath. branches downy, hispid. _h._ 4ft. peru, 1847. =b. coarctata= (close-headed). _fl._ purple; corymbs terminal, simple; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, and calyces clothed with rusty tomentum. _l._ oblong, glabrous, glaucous beneath. shrub much branched. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. peru, 1847. (g. c. 1848, 175.) =b. glauca= (glaucous).* _fl._ flesh-coloured; racemes terminal and axillary; pedicels somewhat fastigiate. june. _l._ oblong, obtuse, glaucous beneath. shrub much branched; branchlets angular. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. south america, 1826. =b. ledifolia= (ledum-leaved).* _fl._ purple; racemes terminal; peduncles, pedicels, rachi, branchlets, and calyces clothed with clammy glandular hairs. _l._ oblong, somewhat mucronate, with revolute edges, glaucous beneath, glandular. shrub much branched; branches purplish. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. south america, 1847. (f. d. s. 3, 195.) =b. racemosa= (racemed). _fl._ purple, disposed in racemose terminal panicles. july. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, glabrous; branchlets smooth or hispid. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. georgia, 1810. =begonia= (named after m. begon, a french patron of botany). ord. _begoniaceã¦_. a large genus of succulent herbs or undershrubs (a few climbers), in many of which the stem is reduced to a tuberous rhizome, whilst some are distinctly tuberous. flowers usually showy and large, white, rose, scarlet, or yellow, unisexual; perianth segments petaloid, four to five divisions, rarely two. stamens numerous, filaments free or united at the base. ovary inferior, styles two to four, free, sometimes connate, stigmas brandied or twisted. fruit capsular, rarely succulent, often winged. seeds numerous, minute. leaves alternate, more or less unequal-sided, entire, or lobed, or toothed. flower-stalks axillary, cymose. distribution: species about 350, in all tropical moist countries, especially south america and india; not known in australia. cultivated species (exclusive of garden hybrids and varieties) about 150. a large number of genera, or what were considered as such are now merged in begonia--viz., _barya_, _baryandra_, _casparya_, _pritzelia_, &c. the rich colours and beautiful form of the flowers of begonias, their prettily-marked foliage, and free-growing, free-blooming nature, have long marked them out as favourite garden plants. within the last twenty years a new race, characterised by a tuberous root-stock, annual herbaceous stem, and large handsome flowers, has been introduced from the andes of south america, from which, by means of careful cross-fertilisation and selection, a large number of beautiful and almost hardy kinds have been raised. the size, substance, and rich colours of the flowers of the majority of the plants of this race of begonias are witness to what may be done by skilful cultivation and careful cross-breeding among plants. in the same way the large-leaved, stemless section, of which _b. rex_ may be taken as the type and principal progenitor, have been improved both in the size and the coloration of their foliage, and countless forms are now in cultivation, both as garden plants and for the decoration of rooms, &c. the propagation of begonias may be accomplished by means of seeds, which are freely produced by almost all the cultivated kinds, by cuttings, by division of the rhizomes, and--in the case of the large-leaved kinds--by leaf-cuttings. for the first of these methods it is necessary that the seeds should be well ripened before they are gathered, and kept dry until sown. where it is desired to increase any particular kind of garden origin, seeds are useless, none of the hybrid or seedling forms perpetuating themselves through their seeds, although equally beautiful sorts may be raised from them. the characters of all true species are, however, reproduced in their seedlings. for the successful raising of begonia seeds it is necessary to sow them on pans or pots of well-drained, light, sandy soil, which should be well watered before the seeds are sown. the seeds should not be covered with soil, or they will fail to germinate. over the pans a pane of glass should be placed, and they should then be stood in warm house or a frame where a temperature of about 65deg. can be maintained, and shaded from sunshine. as soon as the plantlets are large enough to be safely manipulated, they should be pricked off into pans of light leaf-mould soil, in which they may remain until large enough to be placed singly in pots. cuttings: these strike freely if planted in small pots, in sand and leaf mould, and placed on a bottom heat of 70deg. where large quantities are required, a bed of cocoa nut-fibre in a stove or propagating frame may be used, and in this the cuttings may be planted and remain until well rooted. leaf cuttings succeed best when laid on sand or cocoa-nut fibre, and shaded from bright sunlight. in preparing the leaves, old, well-matured ones should be selected, and incisions made with a sharp knife across the principal nerves on the underside. they should then be placed on the sand or fibre and held down by means of a few pieces of crock. under this treatment, bulbils will form on the lower ends of the nerves of each section of the leaf, and these, when large enough, may be removed from the bed and potted. with the exception of _b. evansiana_ (_discolor_), an almost hardy species from north china, all the shrubby species require a warm or intermediate house for their cultivation, although during the summer months a frame or sheltered bed answers for most of them, provided they are removed into their warm winter quarters on the approach of cold weather. some of the species, such as _b. dregei_, _b. semperflorens_, _b. nitida_, _b. fuchsioides_, _b. lindleyana_, _b. richardsiana_, along with the hybrids _ascotensis_, _knowsleyana_, _weltoniensis_, and _ingramii_, are grown in pots out of doors all the summer, and under liberal treatment they form large handsome specimens, which are of great value as flowering plants for the conservatory in winter. the tuberous-rooted herbaceous kinds should be started in heat in february, and, when vigorous growth has commenced, be gradually hardened off, for use either as bedding plants or as pot specimens for flowering in the greenhouse. a mixture of loam and leaf mould with a little sand and rotten cow-dung is suitable for the cultivation of these plants in pots. liberal supplies of water should be given during the growing season. as the growth decays, water should be withheld until finally the tubers may be shaken out of the soil and placed in dry sand or cocoa-nut fibre, in a house or shed where a temperature above freezing can be maintained. _b. gracilis_ and its varieties, _diversifolia_ and _martiana_, are beautiful greenhouse plants, which thrive well if treated as advised for the other tuberous-rooted kinds, with the addition of a few more degrees of heat. the _rex_ section requires a light rich soil, plenty of moisture, and a shaded position in a warm greenhouse. these kinds are often employed with good effect for clothing peat-covered walls in ferneries, or as an undergrowth in large tropical houses. large specimens have been grown under the stage in a warm house, the shade and moisture of such a position being exactly what they best delight in. _b. socotrana_, an interesting species from the island of socotra, is somewhat singular in its requirements. the stem is herbaceous and annual, and about its base a cluster of bulbils are formed, from every one of which a plant will be developed the following year. the growing season for this species is from september to march, after which it goes to rest for the whole summer. a tropical temperature and all the light possible, are essential to the well-doing of this plant. it is interesting to note the apparent impossibility to cross any of the shrubby begonias with the distinctly tuberous-rooted species; and even the species of the shrubby section, whose stems are semi-tuberous, have hitherto refused to commingle with the south american tuberous kinds, of which _b. veitchii_, _b. rosã¦flora_, and _b. boliviensis_ may be said to be typical. the infusion of the blood of these large, handsome-flowered kinds into the tall, shrubby species, would almost certainly result in the production of a race of splendid winter-flowering greenhouse plants, and it is therefore in every way desirable that no pains should be spared to break through the obstacle to the union of the two races. explanation of contractions: t, tuberous-rooted; s, shrubby. =b. acerifolia= (acer-leaved). s. a tall-growing, thick, succulent-stemmed species, with green, lobed, serrated foliage, and large branching cymes of small white flowers; sepals of male flowers hairy; styles three, two-horned. capsule triangular, with one of the angles prolonged into an obtuse wing. spring. quito, 1829. =b. acuminata= (taper-pointed-leaved). s. a low shrubby species, having semi-cordate, oblong, pointed leaves, with toothed margins, and the nerves on the under side and the petiole pilose. _fl._ white, in cymes, nearly 1in. across. capsule wings, two short, the third 1/2in. long. spring. jamaica, 1798. (b. m. 4025.) =b. acutifolia= (acute-leaved). s. a smooth-stemmed, semi-erect species, 3ft. to 4ft. high, with cordate-oblong leaves, both sides and petiole glabrous, the margins denticulate. _fl._ in cymes, white and red, about 1in. in diameter. capsule winged, one wing twice as long as the others. spring. jamaica, 1816. syn. _b. purpurea_. =b. acutiloba= (acute-lobed).* a species with thick fleshy rhizomes, and palmate cordate leaves which are divided into five to seven lobes, with toothed margins and pointed apices, under side thinly covered with brown hairs. flower-stalk tall, hairy, surmounted by a branching head of rather large white flowers. summer. mexico. =b. albo-coccinea= (white and red).* stemless, with a thick root-stock. _l._ broadly ovate, peltate, entire, 3in. to 4in. long; petiole 3in. to 6in., pubescent. flower-scape 6in. to 9in. long. _fl._ in dense cluster, bright rose on the outside, white within. capsule regularly triangular, with short wings. summer. india, 1844. syn. _b. grahamiana_. (b. m. 4172.) =b. alchemilloides= (alchemilla-like). stem fleshy, creeping. _l._ rotundate, with toothed, undulate, ciliated margins and short stalks. flower-stem slender, few-flowered. _fl._ small, rose-coloured. summer. brazil. =b. amabilis= (lovely).* stem creeping, fleshy, short. _l._ ovate, crenulate, acuminate, about 6in. long, tomentose, dark green, blotched with white, under side purple-red. flower-stalk 9in. long. _fl._ rose or white, in clustering cymes. capsule irregular. summer. assam, 1859. the foliage sometimes comes wholly green, but, under good treatment, it is handsomely variegated. =b. amå�na= (pleasing).* rhizome tuberous. stem none, or very short. _l._ 3in. by 2in.; leafstalk 3in. flower-stem 6in. long, few-flowered. _fl._ medium sized, pale rose. capsule wings small, nearly equal. summer. north india, 1878. syn. _b. erosa_. =b. ampla= (large). s. stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, very stout, woody. _l._ long-stalked, 8in. to 10in. in diameter, broadly ovate, cordate, pointed, when young densely covered with rusty stellate down. _fl._ on short petioles, rose-coloured, 2in. wide. fruit a succulent berry, small. summer. guinea. =b. aptera= (wingless). stem herbaceous. _l._ heart-shaped, pointed, shining green. _fl._ in short axillary cymes, white, small. capsule four-angled. spring. celebes, 1878. =b. arborescens= (tree-like). s. a large growing species, sometimes forming a bush 8ft. to 10ft. in height. _l._ pale green, ear-shaped, 6in. long. _fl._ in large cymose clusters, white, small. summer. brazil. =b. argyrostigma= (silvery-spotted). synonymous with _b. maculata_. =b. arnottiana= (arnott's). synonymous with _b. cordifolia_. =b. asplenifolia= (asplenium-leaved). s. a slender-stemmed, beautifully cut-leaved species, the foliage of which is pinnatisect, giving the plant the appearance of a thalictrum rather than a begonia. _fl._ very small, white. guinea. =b. assamica= (assam). stem short, fleshy. _fl._ pinkish flesh-colour. _l._ oblique ovate, olive-green, marbled with silvery blotches above, and of a pale purplish-pink beneath; petioles pale green, softly hairy. assam, 1883. =b. attenuata= (attenuated). synonymous with _b. herbacea_. =b. aucubã¦folia= (aucuba-leaved). synonymous with _b. incarnata_. =b. auriformis= (ear-formed). synonymous with _b. incana_. =b. barbata= (bearded). s. stem short, hairy. _l._ toothed, oval-shaped, pointed, hispid beneath, 4in. long. _fl._ medium-sized, white or pink; flower-stalk hairy. capsule equal-winged. summer. india. =b. berkeleyi= (berkeley's).* t. a garden hybrid, with thick, fleshy stems, and long ear-shaped foliage. _fl._ in erect panicles, rose-coloured. a useful winter-flowering kind. =b. bipetala= (two-petaled). synonymous with _b. dipetala_. =b. biserrata= (doubly-serrated). s. stem erect, branched, 2ft. to 3ft. high. _l._ 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. wide, deeply lobed, toothed, pale green. _fl._ in loose cymes, drooping, rose-coloured, 1-1/2in. wide, serrated edges. capsule pilose, two short and one long wings. summer. guatemala, 1847. (b. m. 4746.) =b. boliviensis= (bolivian).* t. stem herbaceous, succulent, 2ft. high, branching. _l._ lanceolate, pointed, serrate, 3in. to 5in. long. _fl._ in drooping panicles, large, scarlet, males twice as large as females. capsule three-winged. summer. bolivia, 1857. (b. m. 5657.) =b. bowringiana= (bowring's). synonymous with _b. laciniata_. (b. m. 5657.) =b. braziliana= (brazilian). s. stem erect, tall, succulent. _l._ oblique, ovate, toothed, slightly pubescent; principal nerves brownish; stalk hairy. _fl._ white or rose, small, in short, few-flowered cymes. capsule wing 1/2in. long. summer. brazil. =b. bruantii= (bruant's).* b. a garden hybrid between _b. schmidti_ and _b. semperflorens_. _l._ green, with a brownish tint. _fl._ white or rose, in erect panicles. summer, 1883. used as a bedding plant in summer. =b. bulbifera= (bulb-bearing). most likely a form of _b. gracilis_. =b. caffra= (kaffrarian). a variety of _b. dregei_. =b. carolineã¦folia= (carolinea-leaved). s. stem erect, thick, fleshy. _l._ palmate, curiously divided into six to eight long ovate segments, each 6in. long. _fl._ in a dichotomous cyme, on long stalk, rose-coloured, small. capsule small, wings one longer than others. winter. mexico, 1876. a singular-leaved species. (r. g. 1-25.) =b. cathcartii= (cathcart's). s. caulescent. _l._ heart-shaped, acute, glabrous; stalks of flowers and leaves hairy; flowers and fruit as in _b. barbata_. summer. india. syn. _b. nemophila_. (c. h. p. 13.) =b. chelsoni= (chelsea).* t. a garden hybrid between _b. sedeni_ and _b. boliviensis_. stem fleshy, 2ft. high. _l._ oblique, lance-shaped, irregularly lobed. _fl._ large, orange-red, drooping. summer, 1874. =b. cinnabarina= (vermilion).* s. stem erect, short, herbaceous. _l._ 2in. to 4in. long, oblique, toothed; peduncles 6in. long, few-flowered. _fl._ (male), medium, red; female flowers very small. summer. capsule irregularly-winged. bolivia, 1848. (b. m. 4483.) =b. cinnabarina= (vermilion). a variety of _b. fuchsioides_. =b. clarkii= (clarke's).* t. stem purplish, fleshy, stout. _l._ oblique-cordate, serrate. _fl._ in pendulous racemes, abundant, large, bright red, very handsome, nearly related to _b. veitchii_. summer. peru and bolivia, 1867. (b. m. 5675.) =b. coccinea= (red).* s. habit suffruticose. stem sub-erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, thick at the base. _l._ ovate-oblong, pointed; margins undulate and toothed. _fl._ in pendulous racemes, medium-sized; flowers and peduncles red. capsule nearly regular; wings short. summer. brazil, 1842. (b. m. 3990.) =b. conchã¦folia= (shell-leaved). stem creeping, rhizomatous, thick. _l._ peltate, ovate, 3in. to 5in. long, edges almost entire; under side, along with leaf and flower-stalks, covered with ferruginous hairs; scape 9in. long, erect, surmounted by corymb of small whitish fragrant flowers. capsule wings, one long, two short. autumn and winter. south america, 1852. syns. _b. scutellata_, _b. warscewiczii_. (r. b. 246.) =b. corallina= (coral-flowered). s. stem woody, branching, sub-erect, brownish when matured. _l._ ovate-oblong, pointed, undulate, smooth, dull green, under side purple. _fl._ in long pendent racemes, numerous, medium-sized, bright coral-red. summer. brazil (?), 1875. a rare species, and one of the handsomest of the shrubby kinds, most likely closely related to _b. maculata_. =b. cordifolia= (heart-shaped). t. stemless; root-stock fleshy. _l._ cordate, orbicular, toothed, 3in. wide, pilose above, pubescent below; flower-scape 6in. long, dichotomous. _fl._ numerous, medium-sized. capsule with three narrow wings. winter. ceylon and india. syn. _b. arnottiana_. =b. coriacea= (leathery).* t. stem 6in. high, herbaceous. _l._ reniform, 5in. wide by 3in. long, smooth above, pilose below. _fl._ rose-coloured, large, in twos or threes on the end of an erect scape, 8in. to 10in. long. wings of capsule short, red. summer. bolivia. =b. coriacea= (leathery). synonymous with _b. peltata_. =b. crassicaulis= (thick-stemmed). stem short, thick, articulated, succulent. _l._ palmate; segments acuminate, toothed, under side clothed with rusty down. _fl._ in many-flowered cymes, dipetalous, white or rose-coloured, medium-sized. capsule wings unequal. near to _b. heracleifolia_. spring. guatemala, 1841. (b. r. 28, 44.) =b. crinita= (hairy).* s. stem 1ft. high, fleshy, bright red, more or less hairy. _l._ ovate-cordate; margins toothed, dark green; petiole red and hairy, like the stems. _fl._ in lax, branching cymes, rose-coloured, 1-1/2in. in diameter. fruit three-winged, one long and acute, two short and rounded. spring. bolivia, 1870. (b. m. 5897.) =b. cucullata= (hooded). a variety of _b. semperflorens_. =b. dã¦dalea= (adorned).* stem short, thick, succulent. _l._ large, green, thickly covered with a close network of russet-brown, scarlet when young; edges pilose. _fl._ white and rose, in loose panicles. mexico, 1860. a handsome foliaged plant. (i. h. 1861, 269.) =b. daveauana.= _see_ =pellionia daveauana=. =b. davisii= (davis's).* t. stemless, _l._ springing directly from root-stock, ovate-cordate, shining green, slightly hairy, underside red; petiole short, fleshy. flower-scapes, pedicels, and flowers bright red; scape 4in. high, bearing half a dozen flowers in umbel. capsule three-winged, one long, two very short. summer. peru, 1876. a handsome tuberous-rooted species, dwarf. see fig. 228, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons. (b. m. 6252.) =b. dichotoma= (branching). s. stem tall, stout, fleshy. _l._ 5in. long by 4in. wide, lobed, dull green. _fl._ white, on long axillary scapes, numerous. winter. 1860. =b. digswelliana= (digswell's). stem short, semi-decumbent, large, green; margins red. _fl._ on long, erect scapes, pale pink, small, numerous. useful for winter flowering purposes. a garden hybrid. (f. m. 236.) =b. dipetala= (two-petaled). stems springing from a fleshy root-stock, erect, 18in. high, brown. _l._ half heart-shaped; margins toothed, upper surface thickly spotted with white, under side red. _fl._ in loose axillary cymes, two-petaled, large, pink. capsule equal-winged. spring. india, 1828. a handsome species. (b. m. 2849.) syn. _b. bipetala_. =b. discolor= (two-coloured). synonymous with _b. evansiana_. =b. diversifolia= (diverse-leaved). a variety of _b. gracilis_. =b. dregii= (drege's).* rootstock fleshy. stems succulent; annual, 1ft. high. _l._ oblique, thin, green, slightly spotted with grey, reddish on the under side. _fl._ white, about 1in. across, in axillary cymes. capsule three-winged, one much longer than the other two, and acute-pointed. summer. cape, 1840. syns. _b. caffra_, _b. reniformis_. =b. echinosepala= (spiny-sepaled).* stem green, succulent, 18in. high. _l._ small, obliquely-oblong, serrulate. _fl._ on axillary peduncles, white, with curiously papillose sepals. summer. brazil, 1872. (r. g. 707.) =b. elliptica= (elliptic). synonymous with _b. scandens_. =b. erecta multiflora= (erect, many-flowered). _fl._ bright reddish-pink, produced for several months, but especially during the winter. _l._ oblique, deep bronze coloured, very conspicuous. a decidedly handsome and very useful garden variety. =b. erosa= (bitten). synonymous with _b. amå�na_. =b. evansiana= (evans's).* t. stem herbaceous, branching, smooth, 2ft. high. _l._ oblique, ovate-acute, sub-cordate, lobed; margins denticulate, green above, under side and petioles deep red; flower-stalks branching, axillary. _fl._ numerous, flesh-coloured, large. capsule wings blunt-pointed, one longer than the others. summer. java, china, japan, 1812. a handsome species, and almost hardy. syns. _b. discolor_, _b. grandis_. (b. m. 1473.) =b. eximia= (excellent).* a hybrid, raised from _b. rubro-venia_ and _b. thwaitesii_. stem short, succulent. _l._ bronzy-purple, tinged with red. a handsome foliage plant. (i. h. 1860, 233.) =b. falcifolia= (sickle-leaved).* s. stem 1ft. to 2ft. high, erect, branching. _l._ 6in. long, 1-1/2in. wide, curved, tapering to a narrow point; margins toothed, upper surface green, more or less spotted with white, under side deep red. _fl._ on short axillary peduncles, drooping, dipetalous, bright red. wings of capsule equal, 1/2in. wide. summer. peru, 1868. a pretty flowering plant. (b. m. 5707.) [illustration: fig. 228. begonia davisii.] =b. ferruginea= (rust-coloured). s. stem woody, erect, smooth branching, covered with ferruginous hairs. _l._ oblique, ovate-acute, acuminate, lobed; margins toothed. _fl._ in branching cymes, large red. capsule unequal-winged. summer. bogota. syn. _b. magnifica_. =b. fischeri= (fischer's). similar to _b. falcifolia_, except that the foliage is unspotted, and the flowers are white and small. brazil, 1835. (b. m. 3532.) =b. foliosa= (leafy).* s. stem slender, branching, fleshy. _l._ small, ovate-oblong, dark green, numerous, distichous on stems. _fl._ small, numerous, white, tinged with pink. summer. new grenada, 1868. useful for growing hanging baskets. syn. _b. microphylla_. (ref. b. 222.) =b. frigida= (frigid). s. stem 1ft. high, smooth, green, succulent. _l._ cordate, acuminate, lobed, serrated, slightly pilose; upper side coppery-green, beneath deep rose-red, especially upon the veins. _fl._ small, white, in erect branching cymes. capsule wings two long, one short. summer. country unknown, 1860. (b. m. 5160.) =b. frå�beli= (frå�bel's).* t. stemless. _l._ numerous, cordate, acuminate, green, covered with purplish-velvety hairs. _fl._ in tall, lax, drooping, branching cymes, brilliant scarlet, large. winter. ecuador, 1872. a beautiful flowering plant, useful for conservatory work in winter. (garden, pl. 96.) =b. fuchsioides= (fuchsia-like).* s. stem tall, drooping, herbaceous, smooth, green, tinged with red. _l._ copious, distichous, 1-1/2in. long, oblong-ovate, slightly falcate, serrated, smooth; margins tinged with red. _fl._ in branching pendulous panicles, numerous, rich, deep scarlet. capsule wings two very short and one long. summer. new grenada, 1846. a handsome greenhouse plant, useful for covering pillars, &c. syn. _b. miniata_. (b. m. 4281.) =b. f. miniata= (vermilion). _l._ smaller than in type. _fl._ cinnabar red. (f. d. s. 8, 787.) =b. gemmipara= (bud-bearing). s. stem 1ft. high, from a tuberous root-stock, succulent, _l._ ovate-acuminate, cordate, lobed, smooth above, pilose below. _fl._ medium-sized, white, or with rose stripes, on pendulous, axillary peduncles; sometimes the peduncles bear, instead of flowers, quadrangular cups, which are closely packed with oblong viviparous bulbils. summer. himalaya. (c. h. p. 14.) =b. geranifolia= (geranium-leaved).* rootstock tuberous. stem 1ft. high, erect, angular, succulent, green, with a purplish tinge, branched dichotomously. _l._ cordate, cut into unequal serrated lobes, green; margins red, whole plant perfectly smooth; peduncles terminal, bearing two to three flowers, which are inclined, drooping while in bud; outer petals orbicular, red, the two inner obovate, waved white. summer. lima, 1833. (b. m. 3387.) =b. geranioides= (geranium-like).* t. rootstock fleshy. stemless. _l._ radical, somewhat reniform, lobed, serrated; surface scabrid, deep green; leafstalks red, hairy. _fl._ white, in lax, drooping panicle. summer. natal, 1866. a pretty, though delicate, species. (b. m. 5583.) =b. glandulosa= (glandular-leaved).* stem a stout rhizome, scaly. leafstalks thick, terete, erect, hairy, 9in. high. _l._ 6in. broad, fleshy, cordate, lobed, green; veins dark. _fl._ on tall, dark, erect scapes, numerous, greenish-white. capsule wings, one very large, blunt. costa rica, 1854. syns. _b. hernandiã¦folia_, _b. nigro-venia_. (b. m. 5256.) [illustration: fig. 229. begonia heracleifolia.] =b. gogoensis= (gogoan).* _l._ peltate, ovate-orbicular, oblique, acute when young, with a bronzy metallic hue, ultimately changing to a deep velvety-green, intersected by the paler midribs and veins; the under surface deep red. _fl._ pale rose, in a lax panicle. gogo, in sumatra, 1881. a very handsome, ornamental-foliaged species. =b. gracilis= (slender).* t. stem erect, unbranched, very succulent, _l._ thinly scattered along stems, half heart-shaped, slightly hairy, lobed, denticulate-ciliate. _fl._ on short axillary peduncles; umbel of few male and female flowers, two larger petals serrate, colour pink. capsule winged, green. mexico, 1829. in axils of leaves between stipules a cluster of bulbils are borne; these may be gathered and sown as seeds. this and its varieties, _annulata_, _diversifolia_, _martiana_, &c., are beautiful summer flowering greenhouse begonias, requiring a sandy peat soil and shade. when well grown, they are exceedingly ornamental. (b. m. 2966.) =b. grahamiana= (graham's). synonymous with _b. albo-coccinea_. =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered). synonymous with _b. octopetala_. =b. grandis= (great). a variety of _b. rex_. =b. grandis= (great). synonymous with _b. evansiana_. =b. grandis= (great). synonymous with _b. vitifolia_. =b. griffithii= (griffith's). stemless; rhizome subterraneous. _l._ large, obliquely-cordate; margin crenate, hairy; surface granulated, colour a dark green; margin purple, zoned with grey, under side green, centre and margin deep purple. _fl._ on cymes, large, white internally, outside tinged with blush, slightly pilose. capsule tubercled, one wing large, projecting. winter. india, 1856. (b. m. 4984.) =b. hasskarlii= (hasskarl's). synonymous with _b. peltata_. =b. heracleifolia= (cow-parsnip leaved). rootstock thick, fleshy. _l._ radical, on long pilose stalks, palmate, large, bronzy green; margins toothed, hairy. flower-stalks long, stout, erect, hairy, many-flowered. _fl._ rose-coloured. capsule wings nearly equal. spring. mexico, 1831. this and the following varieties are handsome both in foliage and flowers. syns. _b. jatrophã¦folia_, _b. punctata_, _b. radiata_. see fig. 229. (b. m. 3444.) =b. h. longipila= (long-haired). _l._ greyish in middle; outer portions dark bronzy, blotched with green. whole plant covered with long, stiff, fleshy hairs. _fl._ as in the type. =b. h. nigricans= (dark). this differs from the type in having foliage of a blackish tint all round the margins of the lobes, and the petals of the flowers nearly white. (b. m. 4983.) =b. h. punctata= (dotted). _l._ green, reddish near margin. _fl._ rose-colour, with deep red spots on the outside. =b. herbacea= (herbaceous).* rhizome creeping. _l._ oblong-acute, lanceolate, toothed, ciliated. flower-stalks shorter than leaves; male flowers in a cymose head, white, small; female flowers solitary, on very short stalks. spring. brazil, 1873. a small species, very succulent, with the appearance of a primrose when not in flower. syn. _b. attenuata_. (g. c. 1873, 679.) =b. hernandiã¦folia= (hernandia-leaved). synonymous with _b. glandulosa_. (seemann.) =b. hernandiã¦folia= (hernandia-leaved). synonymous with _b. nelumbiifolia_. (gardens.) =b. hernandiã¦folia= (hernandia-leaved). synonymous with _b. peltata_. (b. m. 4676.) =b. hirsuta= (hairy). synonymous with _b. humilis_. =b. hookeri= (hooker's). a variety of _b. semperflorens_. =b. hookeriana= (hooker's). s. stem woody, 5ft. to 6ft. high, branching, covered with minute rusty tomentum. _l._ ovate, unequal sided, blunt, 8in. long, tomentose, like the stem. _fl._ in axillary cymes, small, white. spring. brazil, 1850. =b. humilis= (dwarf).* stem erect, fleshy, hairy. _l._ semicordate-oblong, acuminate, ciliate-serrate, hairy above, smooth beneath. _fl._ few, in cymes, small, white. capsule unequal winged. summer. trinidad, 1788. annual. syn. _b. hirsuta_. =b. humilis= (dwarf). synonymous with _b. suaveolens_. (b. r. 294.) =b. hybrida floribunda= (many-flowered).* a very beautiful summer blooming hybrid between _b. fuchsioides_ and _b. multiflora_. _fl._ bright rose, medium sized, produced in abundance. summer. one of the best. =b. hydrocotylifolia= (penny-wort-leaved).* stem succulent, short, creeping. _l._ rotundate cordate, almost equal-sided; petiole short. whole plant hairy. flower-stalks 1ft. high, pilose. _fl._ in cymose head, medium-sized, dipetalous, rose-coloured, as also are pedicels and stalk. capsule wings equal-sized, large. summer. mexico, 1841. (b. m. 3968.) =b. h. asarifolia= (asarum-leaved). leaves and flowers smaller than in the type, the latter white. mexico. =b. imperialis= (imperial).* stem rhizomatous, short, thick. _l._ large, broad, ovate-acute, cordate, rugose, hairy, dark olive-green; nerves banded with greyish-green colour. _fl._ in cymes, white, medium-sized. _fr._ unequal winged. mexico, 1861. a handsome foliage species. (i. h. 1860, 262.) =b. i. smaragdina= (emerald-like). _l._ shining emerald green. =b. incana= (hoary). stem erect, fleshy, tomentose. _l._ leathery, peltate, oblong-acute, sub-angular, whitish beneath. flower-stalks long. _fl._ in small downy panicles, white. winter. mexico, 1840. syn. _b. auriformis_. =b. i. auriformis= (ear-like). _l._ divided at the base, not peltate. _fl._ glabrous. =b. incarnata= (fleshy).* s. stem erect, fleshy, 2ft. high, smooth; nodes swollen, reddish, spotted. _l._ on short, smooth petioles, unequally cordate, acuminate, sinuately-serrate, green. _fl._ large, rose-coloured, handsome; peduncles terminal, nodding. capsule with unequal wings, the largest acute. winter. mexico, 1822. syns. _b. aucubã¦folia_, _b. insignis_, _b. lindleyana_. (b. m. 2900.) =b. i. maculosa= (spotted). _l._ spotted with white. =b. i. metallica= (metallic-leaved). _l._ with a bronzy-purple metallic lustre. =b. i. papillosa= (papillose). foliage margined with bright rose; upper surface covered with little papillã¦. (b. m. 2846.) =b. i. purpurea= (purple-leaved). foliage deep bronzy-purple. =b. ingramii= (ingram's).* a garden hybrid, raised at frogmore in 1849, from _b. fuchsioides_ and _b. nitida_. it combines the characters of the two parents. a useful winter-flowering plant; may be grown out of doors in summer. (g. m. b., p. 153.) =b. insignis= (remarkable). synonymous with _b. incarnata_. =b. involucrata= (involucrate). s. stem erect, tall, angular, covered with a reddish tomentum. _l._ oblique, ovate-acuminate, cordate; margins toothed and ciliate. _fl._ enclosed in a wrapper, or involucre, when young; peduncles graceful, bearing umbel of white, largish flowers. capsule wings unequal, the largest falcate. winter. central america. =b. jatrophã¦folia= (jatropha-leaved). synonymous with _b. heracleifolia_. =b. josephi= (joseph's). stemless. _l._ radical, on petioles 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-acuminate, three-lobed, or orbicular, with numerous acute lobes, slightly pubescent; scape 1ft., branched. _fl._ small, rose-coloured. capsule wings unequal; upper margins horizontal. summer. himalaya. =b. kunthiana= (kunth's).* s. stem erect, smooth, slender, purple-brown. _l._ on short petioles, lance-shaped, acuminate, regularly serrated, smooth, dark green above, bright crimson below. _fl._ axillary, on short nodding peduncles, white, large, handsome. summer. venezuela, 1862. a pretty species. (b. m. 5284.) =b. laciniata= (cut-leaved).* rhizome thick, fleshy. stem short, thick, jointed, reddish, woolly. _l._ large, 6in. to 10in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, unequally cordate; margins irregularly cut, serrated; upper side green, under dull, rufous. _fl._ on short axillary peduncles, large, white, tinted with rose. capsule wings, one very long, others short. spring. nepaul to birma, south china, 1858. syn. _b. bowringiana_. (b. m. 5182.) =b. leopoldi= (leopold's). a hybrid from _b. griffithii_ and _b. splendida_, with large variegated foliage. 1858. =b. lindleyana= (lindley's).* s. stem erect, fleshy, covered with ferruginous hairs. _l._ on long petioles, peltate, ovate, acute, 5in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, irregularly lobed, toothed, green above, tomentose below. _fl._ on branching peduncles, medium sized, white. winter. guatemala. =b. lindleyana= (lindley's). a garden synonym of _b. incarnata_. (gardens.) =b. longipes= (long-stalked). s. stem 3ft. or more high, stout, succulent, furrowed, covered with glands. _l._ large, rotundate-cordate; margin irregular, serrated, both sides green, pubescent when young. _fl._ numerous, small, white; peduncle 1ft. long, branched. winter. colombia, 1829. (b. m. 3001.) =b. longipila= (long-haired). a variety of _b. heracleifolia_. =b. lucida= (shining). synonymous with _b. scandens_. =b. lynchiana= (lynch's). s. stem erect, tall, succulent, smooth. _l._ fleshy, 10in. long, oblique, ovate-cordate, crenulate, green, smooth. _fl._ axillary, in drooping cymes, numerous, large, deep reddish-crimson. winter. mexico, 1880. one of the finest of the tall-growing winter-flowering species. when well managed, the flower-heads are almost a foot in diameter. syn. _b. roezlii_, of gardens. (b. m. 6758.) [illustration: fig. 230. begonia maculata, showing habit, section of capsule, and flower.] =b. maculata= (spotted).* s. a woody shrub. stems branching, smooth. _l._ oblique, ovate-oblong, leathery, slightly undulate; margins entire, under side bright crimson, above green, with numerous large round blotches of silvery white. _fl._ in drooping panicles, coral-like, handsome. capsule with one long, narrow wing. summer. brazil, 1821. (b. r. 666.) there are numerous varieties of this species, some with leaves almost green, others with the markings more striking than in the type; in the flowers they differ also, ranging from white to coral-red. the beautiful _b. corallina_ is probably a variety of this. syn. _b. argyrostigma_. see fig. 230. =b. magnifica= (magnificent).* s. stem erect, fleshy, smooth. _l._ ovate, unequal sided, toothed. _fl._ in terminal, cymose panicles, rosy-carmine, 1-1/2in. long. new grenada, 1870. (r. h. 1870, 271.) =b. magnifica= (magnificent). synonymous with _b. ferruginea_. =b. malabarica= (malabar).* stem thick, succulent, 2ft. high, branching. _l._ numerous, cordate, acute, unequal-sided, crenate or serrate, hairy above and sometimes below, or altogether glabrous, spotted white. _fl._ rose-coloured; peduncles axillary, short, few-flowered. capsule wings equal, joined above and below. summer. malabar and ceylon, 1828. _b. dipetala_ is made a variety of this, by sir joseph hooker, in "flora of british india." (l. b. c. 1730.) [illustration: fig. 231. begonia manicata.] =b. manicata= (tunicated).* stem fleshy, twisted, short. _l._ oblique, ovate-acute, cordate, dentate-ciliate, smooth on both sides, shining green nerves on under side, with fleshy, scale-like hairs. _fl._ pink, dipetalous, in branching cymes; upper portion of stalk scaly. capsule wings nearly equal. winter. mexico, 1842. see fig. 231. =b. manni= (mann's). s. stem succulent, 2ft. to 3ft. high, branched, green; branchlets, young parts, petioles, and leaf-nerves clothed with rusty, furfuraceous pubescence. _l._ petioled, 5in. long, 2in. wide, lanceolate, cordate, acuminate, toothed. _fl._ numerous, rose-red, in axillary cymes; peduncle 1in. long. capsule linear, densely tomentose. winter. fernando po, 1862. (b. m. 5434.) =b. marmorea= (spotted). a variety of _b. xanthina_. =b. martiana= (martin's). a variety of _b. gracilis_. =b. maxima= (large).* rhizome thick, hairy, creeping. _l._ large, oblique, orbicular-ovate, cordate, shortly acuminate; margins denticulate ciliate; petiole long, pilose. _fl._ in branching cymes; sepals orbicular, pilose on the outside, white. summer. mexico, 1853. =b. megaphylla= (large-leaved).* stem short, thick, fleshy. _l._ large, palmate, cordate; lobes numerous, pointed; margins hairy, under side slightly pilose; nerves with scaly hairs. _fl._ in diffuse cymes, small, white; peduncles pilose. capsule wings wide. winter. mexico. =b. metallica= (metallic). a variety of _b. incarnata_. =b. meyeri= (meyer's). s. stem erect, stout, woody when mature. _l._ large, broadly and obliquely ovate, fleshy, pale green; margin sinuate, under side tinged with rose; both petiole and blade covered with short hairs. _fl._ on long axillary peduncles, in large paniculate heads, white. capsule wings equal. summer. brazil, 1844. (b. m. 4100.) =b. microphylla= (small-leaved). synonymous with _b. foliosa_. =b. microptera= (small-winged). stem 1ft. high, terete, green, pubescent, as in the rest of the plant. branches few. _l._ sub-distichous, 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, serrated, dark green; petiole short; stipules as long as petiole. _fl._ in terminal panicles, medium-sized, white, tinted rose. capsule long, triangular, two angles wingless, the other with a narrow wing. winter. borneo, 1856. (b. m. 4974.) =b. miniata= (vermilion). a variety of _b. fuchsioides_. =b. monoptera= (single-winged).* stem erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, rounded, swollen at the joints, dull red, papillose and downy. radical leaves on long red stalks, large, reniform, truncate at the base; caulescent leaves smaller, on short petioles, angled, crenate, dark green above, red below, and minutely papillose. _fl._ on an elongated terminal raceme, white. capsule three-angled, two wingless, the other with a long pointed wing. summer. brazil, 1826. a distinct and pretty species. (b. m. 3564.) =b. moritziana= (moritz's). synonymous with _b. scandens_. =b. natalensis= (natal).* t. rootstock thick, fleshy. stem 1-1/2ft. high, succulent, thick at the base, articulate, branched, smooth. _l._ unequal, semicordate, acuminate, lobed, toothed, spotted with white. _fl._ on axillary cymose peduncles, pale rose. _fr._ three-winged, two large, one small. winter. natal, 1855. (b. m. 4841.) =b. nelumbiifolia= (nelumbium-leaved).* rhizome thick, fleshy, creeping. _l._ on long hairy petioles; blade 12in. to 18in. long, 8in. to 12in. wide, peltate, hairy on under side; scape 1ft. to 2ft. high. _fl._ in cymose head, numerous, small, white or rose coloured. winter. mexico. a noble-foliaged plant. syn. _b. hernandiã¦folia_. =b. nemophila.= synonymous with _b. cathcartii_. =b. nigro-venia= (black-veined). synonymous with _b. glandulosa_. =b. nitida= (shining).* s. stem 4ft. to 5ft. high, erect, branched, woody when aged, smooth, shining. _l._ large, glossy, green on both sides, obliquely ovate, acute, crenated at margin. _fl._ in terminal and axillary panicles, numerous, large, deep rose, handsome. capsule three-winged, one much larger than others. jamaica, 1777. one of the best winter, and almost a perpetual, flowering species. syns. _b. obliqua_, _b. pulchra_, _b. purpurea_. (b. m. 4046.) =b. obliqua= (oblique). synonymous with _b. nitida_. =b. octopetala= (eight-petaled).* t. stemless. _l._ on long succulent downy petioles, 1-1/2ft. or more in length, cordate, 6in. long, deeply lobed and serrated at the margin, bright green; scape as long as petioles, rounded, downy. _fl._ in corymbs, greenish-white, males with eight petals, females generally fewer. capsule three-angled, two wings almost suppressed, the other 1in. long; apex blunt, toothed. autumn. peru, 1835. syn. _b. grandiflora_. (b. m. 3559.) =b. odorata= (sweet-scented). synonymous with _b. suaveolens_. =b. opuliflora= (guelder-rose-flowered).* s. stem 1ft. high, branching, smooth. _l._ ovate oblong-acuminate, toothed, smooth above, hairy below. _fl._ white, in compact umbels, on erect scapes. spring. new grenada, 1854. =b. ottoniana= (otton's). a hybrid from _b. conchã¦folia_ and _b. coriacea_. (r. g. 1859, p. 15.) =b. papillosa= (papillose). a variety of _b. incarnata_. =b. pearcei= (pearce's).* t. stem 1ft. high, succulent, branching. _l._ lance-shaped, cordate, pointed, toothed, glabrous above, tomentose beneath, and pale red. _fl._ in loose axillary panicles, large, bright yellow. summer. bolivia, 1865. interesting because of its being one of the progenitors of the handsome race of garden tuberous begonias. =b. peltata= (shield-like). stem short, tomentose; leaves 6in. by 4in., peltate, ovate, densely pilose. _fl._ in branching cyme, small, white; peduncle 6in. to 9in., pilose. brazil, 1815. interesting because of its distinctly peltate foliage and silvery appearance of whole plant. syns. _b. coriacea_, _b. hasskarlii_, _b. hernandiã¦folia_, _b. peltifolia_. =b. peltifolia= (peltate-leaved). synonymous with _b. peltata_. =b. phyllomaniaca= (proliferous-stemmed). s. stem thick, fleshy, rather twisted, green, hairy, clothed, when old, with small viviparous buds bearing small leaves, by which means the plant may be multiplied. _l._ ovate, acuminate, cordate, sinuately lobed, ciliate, smooth above and below. _fl._ in axillary cymes, drooping, pale rose. capsule with one large wing. winter. guatemala, 1861. (b. m. 5254.) =b. picta= (ornamented).* t. stem generally smooth, succulent, 6in. to 12in. high. _l._ ovate acuminate, nearly equally cordate, serrated, hairy above and on the nerves below, sometimes variegated. _fl._ pale rose, large, handsome; peduncle hairy, erect, short, few-flowered. autumn. himalaya, 1870. (s. e. b. 101.) =b. platanifolia= (plane-leaved).* s. stem 5ft. to 6ft. high, erect, robust, smooth, green; joints annulated. _l._ 8in. to 10in. in diameter, reniform, lobed, hispid on both sides, dark green; lobes acute, toothed, ciliated. _fl._ in axillary, dichotomous cymes, large, white, tinted rose, handsome. summer. brazil, 1834. (b. m. 3591.) [illustration: fig. 232. begonia polypetala.] =b. polypetala= (many-petaled). stem about 1ft. high, covered with a soft whitish tomentum. _l._ ovate-acute, toothed, pubescent above, and densely tomentose below. _fl._, petals nine or ten, of a fine red colour, smooth, external ones ovate-oblong, pointed; internal ones somewhat shorter and narrower; sepals two, ovate-elliptic. capsule tomentose, three-winged, with one wing larger, ascendent. winter. andes of peru, 1878. see fig. 232. (garden, dec. 14, 1878.) =b. prestoniensis= (preston).* a garden hybrid between _b. cinnabarina_ and _b. nitida_. _l._ green, lobed, glabrous. _fl._ brilliant orange-red, in drooping axillary cymes, very fragrant. autumn and winter. 1867. (g. m. b. 3, 149.) =b. prismatocarpa= (prism-fruited).* stems small, creeping, hairy; branchlets ascending. _l._ long, petioled, also hairy, obliquely cordate, ovate, three to five-lobed; lobes pointed, serrated; peduncles axillary, longer than foliage, bearing a small umbel of two to four dipetalous orange and yellow flowers, one female in each umbel. capsule four-angled, scarcely winged. summer. tropical west africa, 1861. the smallest of cultivated begonias, and especially interesting because of its four-angled fruit. it forms a pretty cushion of bright shining green foliage, thickly studded with its brightly coloured flowers. requires a stove temperature and a stony soil. (b. m. 5307.) =b. pruinata= (frosted).* stem short, thick, fleshy, smooth. _l._ large, peltate, ovate, angular-sinuate, minutely-toothed; surface smooth, glaucous; margins pilose, on stout, fleshy petioles. _fl._ in large dense dichotomous, or small cymes, white. winter. central america, 1870. (r. b. 247.) =b. pulchra= (fair). synonymous with _b. nitida_. =b. punctata= (dotted). a variety of _b. heracleifolia_. =b. purpurea= (purple). synonymous with _b. acutifolia_. =b. purpurea= (purple). synonymous with _b. nitida_. =b. putzeysiana= (putzeys'). s. stem erect, branching, smooth. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute, toothed, glabrous, under side spotted with white. _fl._ in copious small corymbs, white and rose, small. capsule small, with rather large obtuse wings. winter. venezuela, 1871. =b. radiata= (rayed). synonymous with _b. heracleifolia_. =b. ramentacea= (scaly).* s. stem erect, branching, brown, scaly, as also are the leafstalks and peduncles. _l._ ovate, reniform, oblique; margins slightly angulate, recurved, under side red, scaly; peduncles branching. _fl._ drooping, pink and white, pretty. capsule, when ripe, a bright scarlet; wings large. spring. brazil, 1839. (p. m. b. 12-73). =b. reniformis= (kidney-formed). synonymous with _b. dregei_. (gardens.) =b. reniformis= (kidney-formed). synonymous with _b. vitifolia_. (hook.) [illustration: fig. 233. begonia rex.] =b. rex= (royal).* stemless; rhizome fleshy, creeping, subterraneous. leafstalk round, red, setose. _l._ 8in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate, oblique, sides unequal, cordate, villose; margins toothed, surface bullate, dark olive-green, with a metallic lustre, a broad silvery zone running all round, about 1in. from the margin. _fl._ in erect branching cyme, large, pale rose. capsule wings, two short, one long and rounded. assam, 1858. see fig. 233. (b. m. 5101.) this magnificent species is the principal progenitor of the numerous ornamental-foliaged begonias, a selection of which are given below. most of them are well worth growing, but those named have been selected from a large number: madame wagner,* _l._ large, profound green, banded by a broad silvery zone, especially fine; marshalli, _l._ very large, the margins and very centre dark green, while the greater portion of the surface is covered with a silvery-grey; regina,* _l._ rich olive-green, banded with a broad zone of bronze-red and silvery-grey, rendering it very attractive; roi leopold,* _l._ on long stout petioles, very large, deep bronze-red in the centre, with a broad border of a rather lighter shade, very effective; rollisoni,* _l._ large, on long stalks, rich velvety-green, banded with silvery-grey; splendida argentea,* _l._ large, of a greyish hue, veined with white, and tinged with bronze-red, very beautiful. the following varieties are also very good: adrien robine,* berthe proutiere, charles hovey, distinction,* julia serot,* louise chretien,* madame j. menoreau,* narga,* navala,* talisman, w. e. gumbleton. =b. richardsiana= (richards').* t. stem 1ft. high, erect, fleshy, with slender branches. _l._ palmately lobed, the lobes sinuate or toothed. _fl._ white, males bipetalous, females with five petals. cymes axillary near ends of branches, few-flowered. capsule three-winged, wings equal. summer. natal, 1871. (g. c., 1871, p. 1065.) =b. r. diadema= (of gardens).* this is referred to here because of its close resemblance to the above. it is most likely a hybrid between _b. richardsiana_ and _b. dipetala_. _l._ palmately lobed, rather large, spotted with white. _fl._ large, rose-coloured. summer. 1881. =b. ricinifolia= (ricinus-leaved).* a garden hybrid between _b. heracleifolia_ and _b. peponifolia_. _l._ large, bronzy green, in shape like those of the castor-oil plant. _fl._ numerous, on an erect scape. winter. 1847. =b. roezlii= (roezl's). synonymous with _b. lynchiana_. =b. rosacea= (rosy). stem succulent, short. _l._ ovate obtuse, slightly pubescent, toothed; petioles long, pilose. _fl._ in few-flowered cymes, medium-sized, rose-coloured. new grenada, 1860. (garden, pl. 152.) =b. rosã¦flora= (rose-flowered).* t. stemless. petioles, scapes, bracts, and stipules bright red. _l._ green, 2in. to 4in. wide, on stout hairy petioles, 2in. to 6in. long, orbicular-reniform, concave; margins lobed, red, toothed. scapes stout, villous, three-flowered. _fl._ 2in. across, bright rose-red. summer. peru, 1867. one of the parents of the popular race of tuberous-rooted large-flowered begonias. (b. m. 5680.) =b. rubricaulis= (red-stalked).* stemless. leafstalks, peduncles, pedicels, and ovaries, a deep red colour. _l._ obliquely ovate, 4in. to 6in. long, slightly hairy, bright green, wrinkled; margins toothed and ciliated. scape 1ft. high, erect, stout, branching at the top, forming a head of about a dozen flowers, which are large, white inside, rose-tinted outside. capsule with one large wing, the others almost suppressed. summer. peru, 1834. (b. m. 4131.) =b. rubro-venia= (red-veined).* rootstock thick. stems 12in. to 18in. high, red, pubescent. _l._ 4in. to 6in. long, elliptic or lanceolate acuminate, entire or slightly angular, toothed, green spotted with white above, purplish-brown below. scapes axillary, red. _fl._ in cymose head; outer segments white with rose-red veins, inner segments pure white. summer. sikkim, &c., 1853. (b. m. 4689.) =b. sanguinea= (blood-red). s. stems woody when old, tall, stout, red, with scattered paler spots. _l._ 4in. to 6in. long, unequally cordate, acuminate, thick and somewhat fleshy in texture, minutely crenate, green above, deep red below; peduncles axillary, long, erect, red. _fl._ in a branching cyme, rather small, white. capsule wings sub-equal. spring. brazil, 1836. (b. m. 3520.) =b. scabrida= (rough). stem stout, erect, somewhat succulent, covered with small tubercles. _l._ 6in. long, oblique, ovate-acute, cordate, toothed, slightly hairy. _fl._ white, small; cyme many-flowered. capsule wings equal, large. venezuela, 1857. =b. scandens= (climbing).* stem flexuose, fleshy, creeping or climbing, smooth. _l._ 4in. long, ovate acuminate, sub-cordate; margins irregularly toothed, pale shining green. _fl._ in axillary branching cymes, white, small. south america, 1874. useful either as a basket plant or for training against moist walls. syns. _b. elliptica_, _b. lucida_, _b. moritziana_. (r. g. 758.) =b. sceptrum= (princely). s. _l._ obliquely ovate in outline, deeply lobed on one side; lobes oblong; obtuse, veins sunk, and the raised spaces between marked with large silvery blotches, and numerous smaller dots of silver grey. brazil, 1883. =b. schmidtiana= (schmidt's).* stems 1ft. high, branching, herbaceous. _l._ obliquely cordate, ovate-acute, small, dark metallic green above, tinged with red below. _fl._ in loose drooping axillary panicles, white, small, numerous. winter. brazil, 1879. (r. g. 990.) =b. scutellata= (salver-like). synonymous with _b. conchã¦folia_. [illustration: fig. 234. begonia semperflorens frau maria brandt, showing habit and flower.] =b. sedeni= (seden's). t. a garden hybrid between _b. boliviensis_ and _b. veitchii_. summer. 1869. a handsome plant, but much inferior to many of the more recent hybrids. (r. h. 1872, 90.) =b. semperflorens= (always-flowering).* stem fleshy, erect, smooth, reddish-green. _l._ ovate-rotundate, hardly cordate; margins serrated, ciliated, surface smooth, shining green. _fl._ on axillary stalks, near apex of stems, white or rose, rather large. capsule wings two short, one long, rounded. autumn. brazil, 1829. a useful summer and autumn flowering species, of which there are several named varieties more or less distinct from the type, either in colour or size of flowers, or in habit of plant. the varieties _carminea_, _gigantea_, and _rosea_ are perhaps the best. syn. _b. spathulata_. (b. m. 2920.) =b. s. frau maria brandt.= a dwarf compact variety, with rose-tinted flowers. see fig. 234. =b. socotrana= (socotra).* stem annual, stout and succulent, forming at base a cluster of bulbils, each of which produces a plant the following year; sparsely hairy. _l._ dark green, orbicular, peltate, 4in. to 7in. across, centre depressed; margin recurved, crenate. _fl._ in terminal, few-flowered cymes, 1-1/2in. to 2in. wide, bright rose. capsule three-angled, one-winged. winter. socotra, 1880. should be rested through the summer, and started in heat in september. a distinct and beautiful species. (b. m. 6555.) =b. spathulata= (spathulate). synonymous with _b. semperflorens_. =b. stigmosa= (branded).* rhizome creeping, fleshy. _l._ 6in. to 8in. long, oblique, cordate-acute, irregularly toothed, smooth above, hairy beneath, green, with brownish-purple blotches; stalks scaly, as in _b. manicata_. _fl._ in cymose panicles, white, medium-sized, numerous. brazil, 1845. =b. strigillosa= (strigillose).* rhizome short, fleshy, creeping, _l._ 4in. to 6in. long, oblique, ovate-acute, cordate-toothed; margins ciliate, red; stalk and blade covered with fleshy scales; blade smooth, blotched with brown. _fl._ in branching cymes, dipetalous, small, rose-coloured. summer. central america, 1851. =b. suaveolens= (sweet-scented). s. stem branching, 2ft. high, smooth. _l._ 3in. to 4in. long, oblique-ovate, cordate-acute, crenulate, glabrous. _fl._ in axillary panicles, large, white. winter. central america, 1816. resembles _b. nitida_, but may be distinguished by its distinctly crenulate leaves and smaller flowers, which are white, and not pale rose, as in _b. nitida_. syn. _b. odorata_. (l. b. c. 69.) =b. sutherlandi= (sutherland's).* t. stems annual, 1ft. to 2ft. high, slender, graceful, red-purple. _l._ on slender red petioles, 2in. to 3in. long; blade 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate, deeply lobed at base; margins serrate, bright green; nerves bright red. _fl._ in axillary and terminal cymes, numerous, orange-red, shaded with dark vinous-red. capsule wings equal. summer. natal, 1867. (b. m. 5689.) =b. teuscheri= (teuscher's). s. a strong, erect-growing, large-leaved plant, from the dutch indies, not yet flowered. _l._ cordate-ovate, acute, olive-green above, with greyish blotches; under side rich claret-coloured. hort. linden. (i. ii. 1879, 358.) =b. thwaitesii= (thwaites's).* stemless. _l._ 2in. to 4in. in diameter, obtuse or sub-acute, cordate at base, minutely toothed, slightly pubescent, very shaggy when young, rich coppery-green, red-purple and blotched with white; under side blood red. _fl._ in an umbel, medium-sized; scape short, white. capsule shaped like a beech nut; wings short. ceylon, 1852. one of the most beautiful of coloured-leaved begonias, requiring a close, moist atmosphere in a stove. (b. m. 4692.) =b. ulmifolia= (elm-leaved). s. stem 2ft. to 4ft. high, branching. _l._ 3in. to 4in. long, ovate-oblong, unequal-sided, toothed, rugose, hairy. _fl._ on hairy peduncles, numerous, small, white. capsule wings two small, one large, ovate. winter. venezuela, 1854. (l. c. 638.) =b. undulata= (wavy-leaved). s. stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, erect, branching freely, turgid below, green, succulent until old. _l._ distichous, oblong-lanceolate, undulated, smooth, shining green. _fl._ in nodding axillary cymes, white, small. winter. brazil, 1826. (b. m. 2723.) =b. urophylla= (caudate-leaved). stemless. leafstalks terete, succulent, clothed with scattered bristly hairs. _l._ large, 12in. long, broad, cordate; margin irregularly cut, toothed; apex long-pointed, green, smooth above, hairy beneath; peduncle stout, paniculate. _fl._ crowded, large, dipetalous, white. spring. brazil. (b. m. 4855.) =b. veitchii= (veitch's).* t. stem very short, thick, fleshy, green. _l._ orbiculate, cordate, lobed and incised; margins ciliated, green, principal nerves radiating from bright carmine spot near centre; under side pale green; petiole thick, terete, with a few hairs on the upper portion; scape 10in. to 12in. high, thick, terete, pilose, two-flowered. _fl._ 2-1/4in. in diameter, cinnabar red. capsule smooth, two short, one long wings. summer. peru, 1867. one of the species from which the popular garden tuberous-rooted begonias have been obtained. (b. m. 5663.) =b. verschaffeltiana= (verschaffelt's).* a hybrid between _b. carolinã¦folia_ and _b. manicata_, with large ovate acutely-lobed leaves and flowers in large cymes, rose-coloured and pendent. winter. (r. g. 1855, p. 248.) =b. vitifolia= (vine-leaved). s. stem 3ft. to 4ft. high, thick, smooth, and fleshy. _l._ large as vine foliage, and similar in shape; peduncles axillary, erect, branching into a cymose head of small white flowers. capsules three-angled, one-winged. winter. brazil, 1833. syns. _b. grandis_, _b. reniformis_. (b. m. 3225.) =b. wagneriana= (wagner's). s. stem 2ft. to 3ft. high, erect, glabrous, green, succulent, branched. _l._ cordate-ovate, acuminate; margins obscurely lobed, slightly serrate, quite glabrous; peduncles axillary and terminal, cymose. _fl._ numerous, white. capsules, which are ripened in abundance, three-angled, one wing long, two short. winter. venezuela, 1856. (b. m. 4988.) =b. warscewiczii= (warscewicz's). synonymous with _b. conchã¦folia_. =b. weltoniensis= (welton). a garden hybrid; one of the oldest of cultivated winter-flowering kinds, with light pink flowers, very free. =b. xanthina= (yellow-flowered).* stem short, thick, fleshy, horizontal, along with petioles thickly-clothed with brown scaly hairs; petioles 6in. to 12in. long, stout, terete, fleshy, reddish-brown; blade 8in. to 12in. long, cordate-ovate, acuminate, sinuate-ciliated, dark green above, purplish beneath. flower-stalks erect, 1ft. high, bearing a cymose head of large golden flowers. capsule with one large wing. summer. boutan, 1850. (b. m. 4683.) =b. x. lazuli= (lapis-lazuli).* foliage metallic purple, with a bluish tinge. =b. x. pictifolia= (ornamented-leaved).* _l._ with large silvery spots, and pale yellow flowers. the following list comprises a selection of some of the best and most distinct of the innumerable varieties now existing in gardens, and which have been obtained by crossing and re-crossing the several tuberous-rooted species found in the temperate regions of south america. [illustration: fig. 235. flowering branch of begonia admiration.] =single-flowered varieties.= _crimson and scarlet shaded_: admiration, flowers vivid orange-scarlet, of dwarf, compact habit, and free flowering (see fig. 235); arthur g. soames,* brilliant crimson scarlet, of excellent form, and very free; ball of fire,* glowing fiery-scarlet, flowers large and compact, very free; black douglas,* dark carmine crimson, flowers large, of the finest form, one of the best; brilliant, deep orange-scarlet, very free; charles baltet, rich velvety vermilion; commodore foot,* brilliant velvety crimson, very free and showy; davisii, flowers small, dazzling scarlet, habit dwarf and free; dr. masters,* flowers large, with immense spikes, deep red-crimson, very attractive; dr. sewell,* glowing crimson, grand form; exoniensis, brilliant orange-scarlet, immense flowers; f. e. laing, deep velvety crimson, full and free; hon. mrs. brassey,* deep glowing crimson, very rich and floriferous; j. h. laing,* brilliant scarlet, one of the freest; j. w. ferrand,* rich vermilion, dwarf and free, one of the finest for bedding; lothair,* dark scarlet-carmine, crimson shaded, of grand form and size; marquis of bute, brilliant carmine-crimson, of the finest form, and immense flowers; scarlet gem,* very dark scarlet, flowers medium-sized, dwarf and very floriferous; sedeni, rich rosy-crimson, dwarf, a good bedder; vesuvius,* bright orange-scarlet, compact and free, one of the finest bedders. [illustration: fig. 236. begonia queen of whites.] _rose-coloured_: albert croussã�,* bright salmon-rose, very free; annie laing,* large and free, rich pink; capt. thompson, rich salmon-rose, very free and compact; delicatum, pale flesh-rose; exquisite,* rich deep rose, very free and showy; j. aubrey clark, flowers very large, rich, deep; jessie,* soft rosy-pink, with the tips of the petals shaded carmine, a very fine, perfect variety; lady brooke,* dark rose, shaded magenta, very perfect in form, and large; lady hume campbell,* pale pink, of good form and size, an exquisite variety; madame stella,* flowers perfect in form, large, bright rosy-pink, one of the best; marchioness of bute, light rosy-pink, with an immense bloom and handsome foliage; penelope,* rich salmon-rose, very free and good; princess of wales, very delicate pink, and free; rose d'amour, rich rose, delicately shaded. _white-flowered_: alba floribunda, flowers medium-sized, very free; moonlight, very free, with good flowers and handsome foliage; mrs. laing,* flowers exquisite in form and shape, pure white, one of the best; nymph,* large and round, white, tinted with rose at the base; princess beatrice,* flowers large, of excellent form, and pure in colour; purity, flowers round, good size and colour; queen of whites,* flowers pure white, large, most freely produced (see fig. 236, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons); reine blanche,* one of the best, very pure; snowflake,* flowers large, in full spikes, pure white, habit compact, and very free. _yellow and orange-flowered_: chromatella,* habit dwarf and compact, pure yellow; empress of india, deep yellow, very showy; gem of yellows,* rich deep yellow, of grand form and size, one of the best; golden gem,* rich golden yellow, of excellent form and size, habit free, with prettily mottled foliage; j. l. macfarlane, rich orange, freest form, and large; lady trevor lawrence,* orange-yellow, of good form, with handsome foliage; maude churchill,* pale yellow, deeper shaded, with elegant foliage; mrs. pontifex,* rich orange yellow, very large flowers, copiously produced; pollie, pale yellow, fine round flower; sulphur queen,* pale sulphur-yellow, of good form and size. =double-flowered varieties.= _crimson and scarlet shaded_: achilles, rich dark crimson, very large and free; davisii hybrida fl.-pl.,* rich coral-red, very full and free; davisii fl.-pl. superba,* brilliant crimson-scarlet, of good size, and extremely free; dr. duke,* brilliant scarlet, very large and double, one of the best; francis buchner,* rich cerise-red, very double, perfect in form, and very large; fulgurant, rich crimson, full, with dark foliage; gloire de nancy,* rich vermilion, very free; hercules,* bright orange-scarlet, very large and extremely free, habit compact and vigorous; lemoinei, deep orange-vermilion, very floriferous; monsieur bauer, deep red, tinged with violet; nimrod,* rich red-scarlet, very large and full, with a free and very vigorous habit; president burelle,* glowing red, tinted with scarlet, very free; queen of doubles,* rich rosy-crimson, very double and floriferous, one of the best varieties; robert burns,* brilliant orange-scarlet, tinted vermilion, very double and free; sir garnet, deep orange-scarlet, very vigorous; wm. bealby,* deep velvety scarlet, immense size and perfect form, very free. _rose-coloured_: ada,* bright rosy-salmon, fringed at the edge, very full and free; comtesse h. de choiseul, pale rose, at first nearly white, very handsome; esther,* rich rosy pink, with a distinct crimson margin; formosa,* rich rosy carmine, with a white centre and crimson margin, very distinct and showy; glory of stanstead,* deep rose, with a well-defined white centre, very distinct and handsome; john t. poe,* bright rose, tinted with cerise, of excellent form and vigorous habit; madame comesse,* rich satiny salmon-rose, immense, and most profuse; madame leon simon, soft pale rose, very full and free; marie lemoine, light salmon with a rose centre; mrs. brissenden,* salmon-rose, with a cream-white centre, of excellent form and very free; pã�oniflora, flowers enormous, rich salmon-rose, very full; queen of scots,* satiny-pink, salmon-shaded, of a perfect form and very large, habit compact and very free; rosina,* deep rose, violet shaded, of exquisite form, very vigorous and free. _white-flowered_: antoinette querin,* pure white, cream, shaded centre, very large and full, a magnificent variety; blanche jeanpierre, pure white, cream tinted, of excellent form and very free; little gem,* pure white, of the best form and good size, habit dwarf and extremely floriferous; mrs. ludlam,* white, tinted with pink, a very handsome variety; princess of wales,* flowers very full and profuse, almost pure in colour, and immense. _yellow-flowered_: canary bird,* flowers large, of the finest form, deep yellow, habit dwarf and very free; gabriel legros,* pale sulphur, changing to yellow, very full and imbricated, extremely showy. =begoniaceã�.= an order comprising a large number of useful garden plants. the only genera are _begonia_ and _begoniella_ (which is not yet in cultivation). flowers apetalous; perianth single; pistillate flowers having the perianth two to eight-cleft, staminate ones two to four-cleft; stamens numerous, collected into a head. leaves alternate, stipulate. _see_ =begonia=. =bejaria.= _see_ =befaria=. =belladonna.= _see_ =atropa=. =belladonna lily.= _see_ =amaryllis belladonna=. =bellevalia= (named in honour of p. r. belleval, a french botanist). ord. _liliaceã¦_. this genus is now usually placed under _hyacinthus_. hardy, bulbous-rooted plants, admirably adapted for spring bedding or forcing, and invaluable as cut flowers. flowers small, whitish, or violet, tinged with green. leaves few, radical, broadly linear. they are of extremely easy culture in ordinary garden soil. propagated by offsets; also by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. =b. operculata= (lid-covered). synonymous with _b. romana_. =b. romana= (roman).* roman hyacinth. _fl._ white, racemose; perianth campanulate; pedicels longer than the flowers. april. _l._ from 4in. to 5in. long. _h._ 6in. italy, 1596. a most desirable plant, and the best of the genus for forcing purposes. syns. _b. operculata_ and _hyacinthus romanus_. (b. m. 939, under the name of _scilla romana_.) _see_ =hyacinthus=. =b. syriaca= (syrian).* _fl._ white; peduncles spreading, racemose. may. _l._ glaucous, 1ft. long, channelled, rather scarious on the margins. _h._ 1ft. syria, 1840. =bell-flower.= _see_ =campanula=. [illustration: fig. 237. french bell glass, or cloche.] [illustration: fig. 238. english bell glass.] =bell glasses=, or =cloches=. these are used for the purpose of protecting or accelerating the growth of a plant or plants. the french cloche (see fig. 237) is largely employed for this purpose. ordinary bell glasses (see fig. 238) are exceedingly useful for propagating purposes, especially for hard-wooded plants; or for placing over subjects which require a very moist atmosphere, such as filmy ferns, cephalotus, &c.; or for covering half-hardy plants or rare alpines, and thus protecting them from excessive moisture. large bell glasses, inverted, serve as miniature aquaria, and many small aquatics are easily grown in them. =bellidiastrum= (from _bellis_, a daisy, and _astrum_, a star; flower-heads being star-like). ord. _compositã¦_. a pretty dwarf, hardy, herbaceous perennial, allied to _aster_. it thrives in a compost of loam, leaf soil, and peat. increased by divisions in early spring, or directly after blooming. =b. michelii= (michel's).* _fl.-heads_ white; scape one-headed, naked; involucre with equal leaves; pappus simple. june. _l._ in a rosette, shortly stalked, obovate, repand. _h._ 1ft. austria, 1570. =bellis= (from _bellus_, pretty, in reference to the flowers). daisy. ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, distinguished from allied genera in having conical receptacles and an absence of pappus. they grow well in all loamy soils. the garden varieties are increased by division after flowering, each crown making a separate plant. the soil must be pressed about them moderately firm. seeds may also be sown in march, but the plants thus obtained are seldom of sufficient floricultural merit to perpetuate. [illustration: fig. 239. bellis perennis flore-pleno.] [illustration: fig. 240. hen and chickens daisy (bellis perennis prolifera).] =b. perennis= (perennial).* common daisy. _fl.-heads_ white. june. _l._ numerous, lying flat on the ground, obovate, crenate, slightly hairy, tapering at the base. _h._ 3in. england. the varieties are very numerous, the double ones being particularly fine. see fig. 239. the handsome variegated form, _aucubã¦folia_, has its leaves richly stained and veined with yellow. there are both red and white-flowered forms of this variety. the hen and chickens daisy is a proliferous form, rather more quaint than pretty. see fig. 240. good garden kinds are _b. p. conspicua_, red; crown, pink; eliza, purple; rubens, red; snowflake, white. [illustration: fig. 241. bellis rotundifolia cå�rulescens.] =b. rotundifolia cå�rulescens= (round-leaved, bluish).* _fl.-heads_ from 3/4in. to 1-1/4in. in diameter, resembling those of the common daisy, but with fewer, often broader, ray-flowers, which vary from white to pale blue. _l._ more or less hairy, with slender stalks, 1in. to 3in. long; blade ovate or sub-cordate, sinuate toothed, three-nerved. morocco, 1872. a very beautiful perennial, requiring the shelter of a cold frame during severe winters. see fig. 241. (b. m. 6015.) =bellium= (from _bellis_, a daisy; the flowers resembling those of that plant). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of pretty little, free-flowering plants, differing from the common daisy only in having a pappus of six to eight broad scales, torn at the apex, alternating with a like number of long scabrous bristles. they thrive best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat. propagation is readily effected by means of seeds or divisions; the latter should be made in spring. [illustration: fig. 242. bellium bellidioides.] =b. bellidioides= (daisy-like).* _fl.-heads_ white, solitary. june to september. _l._ spathulate, radical. stolons creeping. _h._ 4in. italy, 1796. annual. see fig. 242. =b. crassifolium= (thick-leaved). _fl.-heads_ whitish-yellow; scapes much exceeding the leaves, downy. june. _l._ sub-radical, thick, obovate, entire, attenuate at base, rather downy. stems many, ascending. _h._ 6in. sardinia, 1831. hardy perennial. (s. b. f. g. 2, 278.) =b. minutum= (very small).* _fl.-heads_ white and yellow, 1/2in. across, on slender stalks, longer than the foliage. june to september. _l._ narrow spathulate, attenuated at the base, slightly hairy. _h._ 3in. levant, 1772. a rare little species, requiring a warm, well-drained position on the rockery. =bellows.= these were formerly employed for fumigating, but are now entirely superseded by the ordinary fumigators. the sulphur bellows is a very useful instrument for the uniform distribution of flowers of sulphur on vines and other subjects infested with mildew. in form it is very like those in common domestic use, but has a rose of small holes at the end of its nozzle, through which the sulphur is ejected. =bell-pepper.= _see_ =capsicum grossum=. =beloperone= (from _belos_, an arrow, and _peronne_, a band; in reference to the arrow-shaped connectivum). syn. _dianthera_. ord. _acanthaceã¦_. very pretty stove evergreen shrubs, allied to _justicia_. flowers blue or purple, borne in secund, axillary, or terminal spikes, frequently subtended with coloured bracts; corolla gaping, the upper lip concave, the lower trifid. they are easily cultivated in a compost of loam, leaf soil, peat, and sand. propagated by young cuttings, taken in spring. beloperones may also be treated like _justicias_ (which _see_), and will succeed admirably. there are a large number of species, but few of which have been introduced. =b. oblongata= (oblong). _fl._ rosy-purple; spikes axillary; anthers calcarate at base; bracts bracteolate. summer. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, opposite. _h._ 3ft. brazil, 1832. (b. h. 9, 9.) =b. violacea= (violet-coloured).* _fl._ violet. _l._ lanceolate, acuminate, entire. _h._ 3ft. new grenada, 1859. (b. m. 5244.) =bending-down= the branches of fruit trees, by means of weights or string attached to pegs driven into the ground, is sometimes resorted to for the purpose of acquiring a particular shape, or fruitfulness; but authorities differ as to the usefulness of the plan for the latter purpose. young trees that are inclined to grow strong in the middle may be more evenly balanced by adopting the plan of bending the strong branches, and so diverting the sap to the weaker ones. =bengal quince.= _see_ =ã�gle marmelos=. =benjamin-tree.= _see_ =ficus benjamina=. =bent grass.= _see_ =agrostis=. =benthamia= (in honour of george bentham, a distinguished english botanist). ord. _cornaceã¦_. hardy evergreen shrubs or low trees, now referred to the genus _cornus_. the first-named species is rather tender in the neighbourhood of london, and can only be grown successfully against a wall, for which purpose it is very suitable. in cornwall and other mild places, it attains a height of 20ft. in the open. loudon thinks it might be rendered hardier by grafting it on _cornus sanguinea_. flowers disposed in heads, each head attended by an involucre, which consists of four petal-like parts, and resembles a corolla; calyx with a minute four-toothed limb; petals four, fleshy, wedge-shaped; stamens four; style one. leaves opposite, exstipulate, sub-evergreen, entire. fruit constituted of many pomes grown together. they thrive in rather moist, loamy soil, in a sheltered spot. propagated by seeds, sown when ripe, in a cool-house; or by layering, in autumn. =b. fragifera= (strawberry-flowered).* _fl._ large, white, sessile, densely aggregate, forming a round head. june to october. _fr._ large, about the size of that of the common arbutus, reddish. _l._ lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, on short petioles, rather rough, with small, adpressed down. branches spreading, smooth. _h._ 10ft. to 15ft. nepaul, 1825. (g. c. xiv., 728.) =b. japonica= (japanese). _fl._ yellowish-red. spring. _h._ 8ft. japan, 1847. (s. z. f. j. 16.) =berardia= (named after m. berard, a professor of chemistry at montpelier). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus containing a single species, confined to the high mountains of western europe. it makes a pretty rock plant, and grows best in thoroughly well-drained spots amongst rocky _dã©bris_. propagated by seeds, sown in spring. =b. subacaulis= (almost stemless). _fl.-heads_ whitish, solitary, very large. _l._ rounded oval, nearly heart-shaped at base, cottony. _h._ 3in. or 4in. (a. f. p. 3, 38.) =berberidaceã�.= an order of shrubs or herbaceous perennials. flowers terminal or axillary, usually racemose; sepals three, four, or six in a double row; petals as many or double in number; stamens four to eight, opposite the petals. fruit, a berry or capsule. leaves alternate, compound. the order contributes a great number of handsome plants to our gardens. well-known genera are _berberis_, _epimedium_, and _nandina_. =berberidopsis= (from _berberis_, the barberry, and _opsis_, like; resembling the barberry). ord. _berberidaceã¦_. a handsome evergreen shrub, with climbing habit. sepals and petals nine to fifteen; outer small, spreading; intermediate orbicular, concave; inner obovate-cuneate, erect, inserted upon the fleshy torus. stamens eight to nine, free. with a slight winter protection, or planted at the foot of a south wall, it will prove quite hardy, being of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. it is an excellent plant for the cool greenhouse. increased by seeds, which should be sown in spring; by layering, in autumn; or by young cuttings, in spring. [illustration: fig. 243. flowering branches of berberidopsis corallina.] =b. corallina= (coral-red).* _fl._ crimson, in terminal, drooping racemes, leafy at the base. _l._ about 3in. long, alternate, simple, petiolate, oblong-cordate, obtuse or acute, spiny-toothed. chili, 1862. see fig. 243. (b. m. 5343.) =berberis= (_berberys_ is the arabic name of the fruit, signifying a shell; many authors believe this to be the original derivation of the word, because the leaves are hollow, like a shell). barberry. ord. _berberidaceã¦_. including _mahonia_. a genus of hardy erect or trailing shrubs. flowers yellow or orange, racemose or fascicled; sepals and petals similar, in two series. leaves simple or compound, alternate or fascicled from the non-development of the branches, often spinose, or reduced to spines. the common sorts thrive well in any ordinary garden soil, but the rarer kinds require a compost of loam, peat, and a little sand. propagation may be effected by suckers or layers, put down in the autumn; by ripened cuttings, taken at the same time, and planted in sandy soil, in a cold frame; or by seeds, sown in the spring, or, preferably, in the autumn, when, if fresh from the pulp or berry, they will germinate in the open in the following spring. the last-named is the method generally adopted. =b. aquifolium= (holly-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; racemes nearly erect, much crowded. spring. _l._, leaflets two to three pairs, with an odd one, the lower part distant from the petiole; ovate, approximate, cordate at the base, one-nerved, spiny-toothed. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. north america, 1823. this is extensively planted in woodlands as an excellent covert plant. syn. _mahonia aquifolia_. (s. e. b. 49.) =b. aristata= (bearded). _fl._ yellow; racemes nodding, many-flowered, longer than the leaves; pedicels trifid, three-flowered. spring. _l._ obovate-oblong or lanceolate, mucronate, membranous, smooth, serrated with four or five spinulose teeth; lower spines three-parted, upper ones simple, and hardly bidentate at the base. _h._ 6ft. nepaul, 1820. (b. r. 729, under name of _b. chitria_.) =b. asiatica= (asiatic). _fl._, racemes short, many-flowered, corymbose, shorter than the leaves; pedicels elongated, one-flowered. _l._ oval, cuneated, or elliptical, mucronate, smooth; under surface glaucous, entire, or spinulosely-toothed; spines trifid, or simple. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. 1820. half-hardy. =b. buxifolia= (box-leaved).* _fl._ solitary, on slender peduncles. spring. _l._ nearly sessile, oval or oblong, about 1/2in. long, entire. _h._ 8ft. straits of magellan, 1830. _nana_ is a charming little variety, not exceeding 18in. in height. syn. _b. dulcis_. (b. m. 6505.) =b. canadensis= (canadian).* _fl._, racemes many-flowered, nodding. spring. _l._ obovate-oblong, remotely serrated; upper ones nearly entire; spines three-parted. _h._ 4ft. canada, 1759. =b. cratã¦gina= (hawthorn-like). _fl._, racemes many-flowered, crowded, spreading, scarcely longer than the leaves. spring. _l._ oblong, reticulated, hardly serrated; spines simple. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. asia minor, 1829. =b. cretica= (cretan). _fl._, racemes three to eight-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. spring. _l._ oblong-oval, entire, or somewhat serrated; spines three to five-parted. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. crete and cyprus, 1759. the variety _serratifolia_ has leaves ciliately-serrated. (s. f. g. 342.) =b. darwinii= (darwin's).* _fl._ orange, racemose, very numerous. may, and sometimes again in autumn. _l._ oval or oblong, about 1in. long, with usually five spiny teeth. _h._ 2ft. south chili, 1849. this very fine species is, perhaps, the best; it forms a densely-branched, spreading, evergreen bush, thus making an excellent covert plant. (b. m. 4590.) =b. dulcis= (sweet). synonymous with _b. buxifolia_. =b. emarginata= (emarginate). _fl._, racemes scarcely pendulous, shorter than the leaves. spring. _l._ lanceolate-obovate, ciliately serrated; spines three-parted. _h._ 6ft. siberia, 1790. =b. empetrifolia= (empetrum-leaved).* _fl._ few, terminal, sub-umbellate, on slender pedicels. may. _l._ in fascicles of about seven, linear, closely revolute, sharply mucronate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. straits of magellan, 1827. (b. r. 26, 27.) =b. fascicularis= (fascicled). _fl._, racemes erect, much crowded. spring. _l._, leaflets three to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the base of the petiole; ovate-lanceolate, rather distant, one-nerved, spiny toothed, with four to five teeth on each side. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. new spain, 1820. half-hardy. syn. _mahonia fascicularis_. (b. m. 2396.) =b. floribunda= (many-flowered).* _fl._, racemes many-flowered, loose, solitary, pendulous. june. _l._ obovate-lanceolate, or obovate-oblong, tapering much towards the base, ending in a mucrone at the apex, paler beneath, spiny-ciliated; spines three-parted, unequal. _h._ 10ft. nepaul. a variety of _aristata_. =b. fortunei= (fortune's).* _fl._ small, in terminal clustered racemes. _l._, leaflets about seven, linear-lanceolate, distant, with numerous small spiny teeth, lower pair remote from the base of the petiole. china. =b. glumacea= (glumaceous). a synonym of _b. nervosa_. =b. iberica= (iberian). _fl._, racemes many-flowered, pendulous. spring. _l._ obovate-oblong, quite entire; spines simple and three-parted. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. iberia, 1818. =b. ilicifolia= (holly-leaved). _fl._, peduncles short, four-flowered; pedicels elongated, somewhat corymbose. july. _l._ ovate, tapering at the base, coarsely and spinulosely toothed; spines three-parted. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. tierra del fuego, 1791. (b. m. 4308.) =b. japonica= (japanese).* _fl._, racemes in terminal clusters. spring. _l._, leaflets usually nine, about 3in. long, quite sessile, broadly cordate, or rotundate at the base, oblique, with about five long spiny teeth, and a terminal one, the lowest pairs close to the base of the petiole. china and japan. very distinct, with unbranched stems and leaves about 1ft. long. _b. beali_ and _b. intermedia_ are mere forms of this species, the latter differing from it in having narrower leaves and longer, slender racemes. (b. m. 4852.) =b. loxensis= (loxanese). _fl._ unusually small, erect, in panicled racemes on a long peduncle quite clear of the leaves. _l._ very shining, blunt, obovate; sides often with several teeth; spines small, palmated. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. peru. evergreen, not hardy. (p. f. g. 1, p. 13.) [illustration: fig. 244. berberis nepalensis.] =b. nepalensis= (nepaulese).* _fl._ yellow; racemes few, elongated, slender. _l._ 1ft. to 2ft. long; leaflets five to nine pairs, obovate-oblong, cuspidate, rounded at the base, repand-toothed, with five to ten spiny teeth on each side, tricuspidate at the apex. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. nepaul. a very handsome species, thriving best in the southern parts of england. syn. _mahonia nepalensis_. see fig. 244. =b. nervosa= (large-nerved). _fl._, racemes elongated. october. _l._, leaflets five to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the petiole; ovate, acuminated, remotely spiny toothed, somewhat three to five-nerved, with twelve to fourteen teeth on each side. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. north america, 1826. syns. _b. glumacea_, _mahonia nervosa_. (b. m. 3949.) =b. repens= (creeping).* _fl._, racemes terminal, numerous, fascicled, diffuse, rising from the scaly buds. spring. _l._, leaflets, two to three pairs, with an odd one, roundish-ovate, opaque, spiny toothed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america, 1822. syn. _mahonia repens_. (b. r. 1176.) =b. ruscifolia= (ruscus-leaved). _fl._ a little larger than those of _b. vulgaris_; peduncles short, bearing four to five flowers at the apex. _l._ oblong, tapering at the base, mucronate, entire, or grossly and spiny toothed. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. south america, 1823. half-hardy. =b. sinensis= (chinese).* _fl._, racemes many-flowered, nodding. may. _l._ oblong, obtuse, entire, or the lower ones are a little toothed; spines three-parted. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. china, 1815. (b. m. 6573.) [illustration: fig. 245. berberis stenophylla, showing habit and flowering twig.] =b. stenophylla= (naked-leaved),* with narrow mucronate leaves, is said to be a hybrid between _b. empetrifolia_ and _b. darwinii_. see fig. 245. =b. trifoliata= (three-leafleted). _fl._, racemes small, axillary, sessile, three to five-flowered. spring. _l._, leaflets three, sessile at the ends of the petioles, deeply scalloped, bluish-green, variegated, glaucous beneath. _h._ 5ft. mexico, 1839. evergreen, not quite hardy. (p. f. g. 2, 168.) =b. trifurcata= (three-forked). _fl._, racemes compound, erect. spring. _l._ pinnate; leaflets broad, three-forked. _h._ 6ft. china, 1850. evergreen. (p. f. g. 3, 258.) =b. umbellata= (umbellate). _fl._, peduncles solitary, erect, bearing at the top several umbellate pedicels. _l._ obovate-oblong, mucronate, entire, glaucous beneath; spines three-parted, long, equal. _h._ 6ft. nepaul, 1842. (p. f. g. 2, 181.) =b. vulgaris= (common).* common barberry. _fl._, racemes many-flowered, pendulous. spring. _l._ somewhat obovate, ciliately-serrated; spines three-parted. _h._ 8ft. to 20ft. britain, &c. there are yellow, violet, purple, black, and white fruited, and purple-leaved forms. (sy. en. b. 51.) =b. wallichiana= (wallich's).* _fl._ on drooping, aggregated peduncles, six to eight or more in a cluster. spring. _l._ in alternate fascicles, 2in. to 3in. long, spreading or recurved, lanceolate, sinuato-serrate; spines deeply three-parted, slender but rigid. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. nepaul, 1820. see fig. 246. (b. m. 4656.) =berchemia= (in honour of m. berchem, a french botanist). ord. _rhamnaceã¦_. a genus of erect, or twining, deciduous, mostly greenhouse shrubs. flowers sub-umbellate, in the axils of the upper leaves, or disposed in terminal panicles. leaves alternate, many-nerved, entire. the species mentioned below is probably the only one yet in cultivation. it is quite hardy, will grow in any common soil, and is well adapted for bowers or trellis-work. propagated by ripened cuttings, and slips of the root, planted under a hand glass; or by layering the young shoots. =b. volubilis= (twining).* _fl._ greenish-white; panicles small, axillary and terminal. drupe oblong, violaceous. june. _l._ oval, mucronate, a little wavy. branches smooth. carolina, 1714. a deciduous twiner. (g. g. 165.) =bergamot.= _see_ =mentha odorata=. =bergera= (named after c. j. berger, a distinguished danish botanist). ord. _rutaceã¦_. interesting stove evergreen trees, now usually referred to _murraya_. leaves impari-pinnate; leaflets alternate, acuminated, pubescent. they thrive in a mixture of turfy loam and peat. propagated by ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and placed in sand, under a hand glass, in bottom heat; or by layers. =b. kå�nigi= (konig's). _fl._ whitish-yellow, small; racemes many, forming a corymb at the top of the branches. june. _l._, leaflets serrated. _h._ 40ft. india, 1820. (l. b. c. 1019.) =berkheya= (named after m. j. l. de berkhey, a dutch botanist), ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of ornamental greenhouse or hardy thistle-like herbs or shrubs. flower-heads surrounded by a spiny involucre, the scales of which are united at the base only; pappus of many flat, obtuse, or pointed, scales. they are of easy cultivation in a sandy loam soil. the perennials are increased by cuttings placed under a glass; the herbaceous perennials usually by divisions of the plant in spring. the species most frequently seen in english gardens is _b. purpurea_. [illustration: fig. 246. berberis wallichiana.] =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ yellow; scales of involucre spiny toothed. july. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, three-nerved, spiny toothed, downy beneath. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1812. greenhouse evergreen. (b. m. 1844.) =b. pinnata= (pinnate). _fl.-heads_ yellow; involucral scales spine-pointed, entire or toothed. autumn. _l._ oblong, woolly beneath, deeply cut into lance-shaped segments. syn. _stobã¦a pinnata_. (b. m. 1788.) =b. purpurea= (purplish).* _fl.-heads_ numerous, pedunculate, corymbose, circular, 3in. across, surrounded by an involucre of spreading or reflexed linear oblong bracts. _l._, lower ones 15in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 2-1/2in. wide, dark green, viscid above, paler and cottony beneath. _h._ 3ft. south africa. a very handsome, hardy, herbaceous perennial. (g. c. 1872, p. 1261.) syn. _stobã¦a purpurea_. =b. uniflora= (one-flowered). _fl.-heads_ yellow; scales of involucre spiny toothed. june. _l._ alternate, lanceolate, three-nerved, spiny toothed, downy beneath. _h._ 3ft. cape of good hope, 1815. greenhouse evergreen. (b. m. 2094.) =bermuda cedar.= _see_ =juniperus bermudiana=. =berry.= a fleshy fruit, containing seeds. =bertholletia= (in honour of louis claude berthollet, a celebrated french chemist). brazil nut tree. tribe lecythideã¦ of ord. _myrtaceã¦_. _b. excelsa_ is a tall tree, having the young branches leafy at the apex. leaves alternate, oblong, quite entire, rather coriaceous. from this brazilian species are obtained the well-known brazil or para nuts of commerce. the tree is of no value for decorative purposes. =bertolonia= (named after a. bertoloni, an italian botanist, author of "rariorum italiã¦ plantarum decades," &c.). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. elegant little creeping or dwarf-growing stove plants, chiefly cultivated for their exquisitely marked leaves. flowers white or purple. leaves stalked, ovate-cordate, five to eleven-nerved, crenulated; cymes corymbose, terminal. they thrive in a compost of equal parts peat, leaf mould, and sand, in a warm, close, and moist atmosphere, but are most successfully cultivated under a bell glass in the stove; in fact, the latter is the only plan of growing them where a constantly humid atmosphere cannot be otherwise obtained without such means. they are easily propagated by cuttings or seeds. =b. ã¦nea= (coppery). _fl._ purple. _h._ 6in. brazil. =b. guttata= (spotted). _see_ =gravesia=. =b. maculata= (spotted).* _fl._ violet-purple; peduncles axillary, bearing at the apex a short raceme of six to seven flowers. _l._ on long petioles, cordate, ovate, quite entire, pilose on both surfaces and on the margins, five-nerved. branches, petioles, peduncles, and calyces hispid from long bristles. stem rooting at the base. brazil, 1850. (b. m. 4551.) =b. marmorata= (marbled).* _l._ 5in. to 8in. long, ovate-oblong, hairy, five-nerved; upper side vivid bright green, beautifully marked with irregular streaks of pure white; under surface of a uniform rich purple. stem fleshy. _h._ 6in. brazil, 1858. =b. pubescens= (downy).* _l._ ovate-acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to 3in. broad; bright light green, with a broad chocolate-coloured band down the centre; upper surface clothed with long white hairs. ecuador. =berzelia= (named in honour of berzelius, a celebrated swedish chemist). ord. _bruniaceã¦_. very pretty little greenhouse evergreen shrubs. heads of flowers naked, with three bracts at the base of each; usually crowded at the tops of the branches. leaves short, somewhat trigonal, imbricate or spreading. they require a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, with thorough drainage and moderately firm potting. young cuttings root freely in sand, under a bell glass, in gentle heat. =b. abrotanoides= (abrotanum-like). _fl.-heads_ white, the size of a filbert, terminal, crowded, sub-corymbose; bracts clavate, green, smooth, ustulate at the apex. may to july. _l._ ovate, ustulate at the apex, smooth, spreading, on short petioles. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1787. (l. b. c. 355.) =b. lanuginosa= (woolly).* _fl.-heads_ white, about the size of a pea, at the tops of lateral branches, disposed in a fastigiate panicle; bracts spathulate, callose at the apex. june to august. _l._ triquetrous, spreading, callose at the apex, rather hairy. branches erect, villous when young. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. cape of good hope, 1774. (l. b. c. 572.) =beschorneria= (in honour of h. beschorner, a german botanist). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. greenhouse evergreen succulents, allied to _littã¦a_ and _fourcroya_. perianth deeply six-parted; segments linear spathulate, tubulose-connivent, often spreading at the point; stamens six, about as long as the perianth. for culture, &c., _see_ =agave= and =aloe=. =b. bracteata= (bracteate). _fl._ at first green, turning yellowish-red when mature; panicle 2ft. to 3ft. long; branches many-flowered and corymbose, subtended by large scariose reddish bracts. _l._ in a dense rosette, 12in. to 18in. long, thin, glaucous green with scabrous margin. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. mexico. see fig. 247. (b. m. 6641.) =b. decosteriana= (decoster's). _fl._ green, tinged with red, pendulous, bracteate; panicle 2ft. to 3ft. long, inclined, with numerous bracts. _l._ numerous, spreading, 18in. to 24in. long, by 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad; edges minutely serrulate. _h._ 8ft. mexico, about 1880. =b. tonelii= (tonel's).* _fl._ tubular, 2-1/2in. long, drooping, pedicellate, dark blood-red below and down the centre, the rest very bright verdigris green; panicle 2ft. long, slender, inclined; bracts several to each fascicle of flowers; scape 4ft. high, red-purple. _l._ few, spreading, 15in. to 20in. long, by 2-1/2in. broad, acuminate and keeled beneath towards the top, minutely serrulate. mexico, 1872. (b. m. 6091.) [illustration: fig. 247. beschorneria bracteata.] =b. tubiflora= (tube-flowered). _fl._ greenish-purple, nutant, fascicled, bracteate; fascicles remote, secund; scapes erect, long, simple. may. _l._ radical, linear, channelled, recurved, spinosely denticulate. _h._ 6ft. mexico, 1845. (b. m. 4642.) =b. yuccoides= (yucca-like). _fl._ bright green, pendent, racemose, with rich rosy-red bracts; scapes slender, coral-red, simple. may and june. _l._ radical, thickish, lanceolate, acute, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long. _h._ 4ft. mexico. =besleria= (named in honour of basil besler, an apothecary at nuremberg). syn. _eriphia_. ord. _gesneraceã¦_. very pretty stove sub-shrubs, usually erect, branched. peduncles axillary, few-flowered. leaves opposite, petiolate, thickish; nerves and veins very prominent beneath. stems sub-tetragonal. a light rich earth, or a mixture of sand, loam, and peat, and a moist atmosphere, are necessary for successful cultivation. beslerias may be increased by cuttings, which root readily in heat. =b. coccinea= (scarlet-berried).* _fl._ yellow; peduncles axillary bearing three to six flowers in an umbel at top; bracts two, at the division of the common peduncle, orbicularly cordate, toothed, scarlet. _l._ ovate, glabrous, stiff, a little toothed. guiana, 1819. climbing shrub. (a. g. 255.) =b. cristata= (crested). _fl._, corolla yellowish, hairy outside; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered; bracts cordate, toothed, sessile, scarlet. june. _l._ ovate, serrated. guiana, 1739. climbing shrub. =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ large, campanulate, spotted with red; peduncles axillary, elongated, many-flowered. _l._ ovate-oblong, acuminated, crenated, densely pilose above, villous beneath, as well as on the branches. _h._ 3ft. brazil. =b. imrayi= (imray's). _fl._ rather small, yellow, in axillary whorls. _l._ large, lanceolate, serrate, glabrous. stems quadrangular. dominica, 1862. herbaceous perennial. (b. m. 6341.) =b. incarnata= (flesh-coloured-berried).* _fl._, corollas purplish; tube very long, ventricose; lobes of limb reflexed, roundish, unequal, fringed; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. _l._ oblong, crenated, tomentose on both surfaces. _h._ 2ft. guiana, 1820. herbaceous perennial. =b. violacea= (purple-berried). _fl._ purple, small; corolla with a curved tube and spreading limb; peduncles racemosely panicled, terminal. berry purple, edible. _l._ ovate, acute, quite entire, stiff. guiana, 1824. climbing shrub. (a. g. 254.) =besom=, or =broom=. birch-brooms are best for garden purposes, and are generally used. the most suitable for paved yards are those made of the common ling (_calluna vulgaris_). those made of bass fibres are frequently used on paths, for which they are very suitable, but their expensiveness prevents them being generally employed. whatever material is used in its composition, a besom will last much longer if soaked in water for some time before using. =bessera= (in honour of dr. besser, professor of botany at brody). ord. _liliaceã¦_. an elegant little half-hardy, squill-like, bulbous plant, from mexico. perianth bell-shaped, six-parted. leaves narrow, linear. it requires a compost of loam, leaf soil, peat, and sand, with good drainage. if cultivated in pots, a plentiful supply of water must be given from the commencement of growth until ripening off. when at rest, however, it should be kept dry and cool, but secure from the effects of frost. if planted out, a well-drained sunny position must be chosen, such as close to the wall of a greenhouse with a southern aspect. propagation may be effected by offsets. =b. elegans= (elegant).* _fl._ scarlet, or scarlet and white. july to september. _l._ 1ft. to 2ft. long, narrow, furrowed on the upper side. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1850. this is the only species. the colour of the flowers varies considerably, on which account other names have originated. (b. r. 25, 34.) =beta= (from _bett_, the celtic word for red; in reference to the colour of the beet). beetroot. ord. _chenopodiaceã¦_. perianth single, half-inferior, five-cleft, persistent. seed one, reniform, imbedded in the fleshy base of the calyx. _b. cicla_ is largely used as a decorative plant in sub-tropical and other styles of gardening. they require the same culture as the ordinary beet. the other sorts, with dark blood-red leaves, are largely employed in flower gardens, and the roots utilised for culinary purposes. _see also_ =beet=. [illustration: fig. 248. beta hortensis metallica, or victoria beet.] =b. cicla= (sicilian). _fl._ greenish, disposed in threes. august. _l._ with very thick ribs. roots scarcely any. _h._ 6ft. portugal, 1570. the variety, _b. c. variegata_, usually known as the chilian beet, is a very handsome plant, having its leaves often more than a yard in length and over 1ft. in diameter, with a remarkably handsome variegation. the midribs are usually dark orange or scarlet. it is a most desirable and effective plant for sub-tropical gardening. =b. hortensis metallica= (metallic). victoria beet. an ornamental variety with glistening deep blood-red leaves. useful for decorative purposes in summer, either as a single specimen or in a mass. roots may also be used for cooking. see fig. 248. =b. maritima= (sea). _fl._ greenish, disposed in hairs. august. _l._, lower ones rhomboid-ovoid, acute; upper ones lanceolate. stem diffuse. root scarcely any. _h._ 1ft. britain. =b. vulgaris= (common). the common beetroot. _fl._ greenish, clustered. august. _l._, lower ones ovate. root fleshy. _h._ 4ft. south europe, 1548. =betckea.= _see_ =plectritis=. =betel=, or =betle=. _see_ =piper betle=. =betonica.= this genus now forms a sub-division of _stachys_ (which _see_). betony (_stachys betonica_) is a native herb formerly much used in medicine, but now almost entirely discarded. =betony.= _see_ =stachys betonica=. =betula.= (according to some authorities, from _betu_, its celtic name; others give the derivation of the word as from _batuo_, to beat, the fasces of the roman lictors, which were made of birch rods, being used to drive back the people). birch. ord. _cupuliferã¦_. tribe _betuleã¦_. ornamental, hardy (except where otherwise specified), deciduous trees or shrubs, allied to _alnus_, having round, slender, often drooping branches, and the bark in most species in thin membranous layers. the flowers appear at the same time as the leaves. male catkins cylindrical, lax, imbricated all round with ternate concave scales, the middle one largest, ovate; corolla none; filaments ten to twelve, shorter than the middle scale, to which they are attached. female catkins similar, but more dense; scales horizontal, peltate, dilated outwards, three-lobed, three-flowered; corolla none. nut oblong, deciduous, winged at each side. the betulas are easily cultivated in any ordinary soil; but a light sandy loam suits them best. most of the species are best increased by seeds, which ripen in september, and need to be dried, in order to prevent fermentation. they should be sown in march, in a sandy soil, the surface of which has been previously made perfectly level. they must be spread on the surface, and not covered with soil, but pressed down with the feet. when grown in quantities, beds 4ft. in width are preferred, with an alley of 1ft. between them. in early summer, if the weather be warm and dry, the beds should be shaded with branches. the young seedlings must be transplanted when a year old. the dwarfer kinds may be propagated by layering in the autumn. the numerous beautiful varieties are best increased by grafting or budding upon seedling stocks of the common kinds, the former being done in spring, and the latter in summer when the buds are ready. those most useful as forest trees and for protection are quick-growing and very ornamental. the time of maturity of the birch depends very much upon the soil and situation, but it seldom increases in size after it is thirty years old. the common species (_b. alba_) is one of the hardiest and most useful trees in cultivation, growing quickly, and withstanding exposure better than many others; consequently it is invaluable for skirting and nursing more tender subjects, and is especially desirable for clothing mountainous and exposed districts. it is also very beautiful and picturesque. it is the commonest tree throughout russia, from the baltic to the eastern sea, frequently monopolising gigantic forests. in italy, it forms excellent forests up to 6000ft. altitude, and in our own highlands of scotland it occurs up to a height of 2500ft. in greenland, although much reduced in size, it holds its own as the only arboreal vegetation. [illustration: fig. 249. leaves and catkin of betula alba.] =b. alba= (white).* silver, white, or common birch. _fl._ whitish. february and march. _fr._ brown, ripe in september and october. _l._ ovate, acute, somewhat deltoid, unequally serrated; autumnal tints rich yellow, scarlet, or red. a diminutive shrub in the extreme north, but a tree from 50ft. to 60ft. high in the middle regions. britain. a most beautiful and invaluable forest tree, with a large number of varieties. see fig. 249. =b. a. alba-purpurea= (white and purple).* _l._ rich purple above, with a lustrous metallic hue, pale beneath. branches with a sub-pendulous disposition. a very effective variety. =b. a. dalecarlica= (dalecarlian).* _l._ deeply pinnatifid, with the lobes toothed. =b. a. foliis-variegatis= (variegated-leaved).* _l._ blotched with yellowish white. =b. a. laciniata pendula= (pendulous and laciniate).* _l._ rather larger than the typical form, deeply laciniated, deep green, and decidedly pendulous. it appears there are two forms of this, but that known as young's variety is the best. =b. a. macrocarpa= (large-fruited).* female catkins twice as long as those of the type. =b. a. pendula= (pendulous).* a well-known tree, distinct from the species in having the shoots more slender, smoother, and pendulous. =b. a. pontica= (pontic). _l._ somewhat larger than in the species, and the plant of more robust growth. (w. d. b. 2, 94.) =b. a. pubescens= (downy). _l._ covered with hairs. =b. a. urticifolia= (nettle-leaved).* _l._ deeply laciniated, serrated, and hairy. several others, reputed as distinct, are mere forms of the typical _b. alba_. =b. bhojpattra= (bhojpattra).* _fl._, female catkins erect, cylindrical, oblong; bracts smooth, woody, two-parted, blunt, much longer than the fruit, which has narrow wings. may. _l._ oblong-acute, with nearly simple serratures, somewhat cordate at the base; their stalks, veins, and twigs hairy; the bark is of a pale cinnamon colour. _h._ 50ft. himalayas, 1840. this requires a sheltered position. =b. carpinifolia= (hornbeam-leaved). synonymous with _b. lenta_. =b. daurica= (daurian).* _fl._, catkins whitish-brown, larger than those of the common birch. february and march. _l._ ovate, narrow at the base, quite entire, unequally dentate, glabrous; scales of the strobiles ciliated on their margins; side lobes roundish. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. siberia, 1786. the variety _parvifolia_ has smaller leaves than the type. =b. excelsa= (tall). synonymous with _b. lutea_. =b. fruticosa= (shrubby).* _fl._ whitish-brown; female catkins oblong. february and march. _l._ roundish-ovate, nearly equally serrated, glabrous. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. in moist situations, but much higher on mountains. eastern siberia, 1818. (w. d. b. 2, 154.) =b. glandulosa= (glandular).* _fl._ whitish; female catkins oblong. may. _l._ obovate, serrate, quite entire at the base, glabrous, almost sessile; branches beset with glandular dots, glabrous. _h._ 2ft. canada, 1816. a handsome little shrub. (f. d. 2583.) =b. lenta= (pliant). _fl._ greenish-white. may to june. _l._ cordate, ovate, acutely serrated, acuminate; petioles and nerves hairy beneath; scales of the strobiles smooth, having the side lobes obtuse, equal, with prominent veins. _h._ 60ft. to 70ft. canada to georgia, 1759. syn. _b. carpinifolia_. (w. d. b. 2, 144.) =b. lutea= (yellow).* _fl._ greenish-white. may. _l._ 3-1/2in. long, and 2-1/2in. broad, ovate, acute, serrated; petioles pubescent, shorter than the peduncles; young shoots and leaves, at their unfolding, downy, but ultimately quite glabrous, except the petiole, which remains covered with fine short hairs; scales of the strobiles having the side lobes roundish. _h._ 70ft. to 80ft. nova scotia, 1767. syn. _b. excelsa_. =b. nana= (dwarf).* _fl._ whitish-green; catkins erect, stalked, cylindrical, obtuse; the barren ones lateral, and the fertile ones terminal; scales of the latter three-lobed, three-flowered, permanent. april and may. _l._ orbicular, crenate, reticulated with veins beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. scotland, lapland, sweden, russia, &c. a shrub with numerous branches, slightly downy when young, and beset with numerous little, round, firm, smooth, sharply crenated leaves, beautifully reticulated with veins, especially beneath; and furnished with short footstalks, having a pair of brown lanceolate stipules at their base. there is also a pretty variety named _pendula_, with drooping branches. =b. nigra= (black).* the black birch. _fl._ greenish-white; female catkins straight, and nearly cylindrical, about 2in. long. may. _l._ rhomboid-ovate, doubly serrated, acute, pubescent beneath, entire at the base; scales of the strobiles villose; segments linear, equal. _h._ 60ft. to 70ft. new jersey to carolina, 1736. syn. _b. rubra_. (w. d. b. 2, 153.) =b. papyracea= (papery).* _fl._ greenish-white; female catkins on long footstalks, drooping; scales having the side lobes short, somewhat orbiculate. may to june. _l._ ovate, acuminate, doubly serrate; veins hairy beneath; petiole glabrous; the branches are much less flexible than those of the common birch, and are more ascending. _h._ 60ft. to 70ft. north america, 1750. (w. d. b. 2, 152.) =b. p. fusca= (brown). _l._ smaller than those of the type, and less downy. =b. p. platyphylla= (broad-leaved).* _l._ very broad. =b. p. trichoclada= (hairy-branched).* _l._ cordate. branches extremely hairy, and twigs in threes. =b. populifolia= (poplar-leaved).* _fl._ greenish-white. april, may. _l._ deltoid, much acuminated, unequally serrated, quite smooth; scales of the strobiles having roundish side lobes; petioles glabrous. _h._ 30ft. canada, 1750. this species, although very closely resembling _b. alba_, grows with less vigour, and does not attain so large a size. (w. d. b. 2, 151.) =b. p. laciniata= (laciniated).* _l._ large, shining, and deeply cut. =b. p. pendula= (pendulous).* spray drooping, like that of _b. alba pendula_. =b. pumila= (dwarf).* _fl._ whitish; female catkins cylindrical. may and june. _l._ roundish ovate, on long footstalks, densely clothed with hairs on the under surface. branches pubescent, dotless. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. canada, 1762. a very beautiful kind, suitable for furnishing large rockeries, or planting on hill sides, or rocky ground. (w. d. b. 2, 97.) =b. rubra= (red).* synonymous with _b. nigra_. =betuleã�.= a tribe of deciduous shrubs or trees. perianth none, or bract-like; flowers monå�cious, in catkins, in twos or threes. fruit, a dry, compressed, lenticular, often winged, indehiscent nut. leaves alternate, simple, stipulated. the genera are _alnus_ and _betula_. =bi.= in compound words, this signifies twice. =biancea scandens.= _see_ =cã¦salpinia sepiaria=. =biarum= (an ancient name of a plant). ord. _aroideã¦_. a genus of small, hardy, tuberous-rooted perennials, much more curious than pretty, allied to _sauromatum_. this genus, according to dr. masters, differs from _arum_ in its spathe being tubular at the base, with the limb spreading. the female flowers have a distinct style, and the fruit contains only one ovule. they will thrive in any light, rich, well-drained soil, and may otherwise be treated similar to the hardy _arums_. there are several other species besides those named, but they are not yet in general cultivation. =b. constrictum= (constricted). a synonym of _b. tenuifolium_. =b. gramineum= (grassy). a synonym of _b. tenuifolium_. =b. tenuifolium= (slender-leaved).* _fl._, spathe dark brown-purple, reflexed in the upper part; spadix very long, subuliform. june. _l._ linear-lanceolate. _h._ 6in. south europe, 1570. syns. _b. gramineum_ and _b. constrictum_. (b. r. 512, under name of _arum tenuifolium_.) =biauriculate.= having two auricles. =bibracteate.= furnished with two bracts. =bibracteolate.= furnished with two secondary bracts. =bicarinate.= two-keeled. =bicolor.= two-coloured. =biconjugate.= having two secondary petioles, each with a pair of leaflets. =bicornute.= with two horn-like processes. =bidens= (from _bis_, twice, and _dens_ a tooth; in reference to the seed). bur marigold. ord. _compositã¦_. a rather large genus of mostly hardy annual and perennial herbs, distinguished by the pericarp having from two to four rigid awns, which are rough with minute deflexed points. involucre erect, of several oblong, nearly equal, parallel scales. most of the species of this genus are of no merit as garden plants. two are natives of britain, viz., _b. cernua_ and _b. tripartita_. they thrive in any ordinary garden soil. propagated by divisions of the plant; or by seeds. =b. atro-sanguinea= (dark-bloody). _fl.-heads_ black-crimson, very freely produced. late summer and autumn. leaves pinnate. root tuberous. _h._ 3ft. mexico. (b. m. 5227.) =b. ferulã¦folia= (ferula-leaved). _fl.-heads_ yellow. autumn. _l._ bipinnatifid. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1799. syn. _coreopsis ferulã¦folia_. (b. m. 2059.) =b. procera= (tall). _fl.-heads_ yellow, large. _l._ finely divided, deep green. a handsome perennial. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. mexico, 1820. (b. r. 684.) =b. striata= (striped). _fl.-heads_ rather large, in a panicled leafy corymb; ray florets white; disk yellow. _l._ ternately pinnated, glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. autumn. mexico. (b. m. 3155.) =bidentate.= with two teeth. =biebersteinia= (named after frederic marschall bieberstein, a russian naturalist, author of "flora taurico-caucasica," and other works). ord. _rutaceã¦_. a genus of half-hardy herbaceous perennials. they thrive in a compost of loam, peat, and sand. propagated by cuttings, placed under a hand glass in early summer; or by seeds, sown in a slight hotbed in march or april. =b. odora= (sweet). _fl._ yellow; racemes terminal, simple; petals entire. may. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets roundish, deeply toothed. plant beset with glandular hairs. _h._ 1ft. altaia, 1837. =biennial.= a term applied to plants occupying two years in the development from seed to the maturation of seed: growing one year, flowering, fruiting, and dying the next. seeds of hardy biennials are, as a rule, sown from june to august, to flower the succeeding season. tender varieties are sown in a frame or cool house, and kept there all winter, being transferred from the frames or houses to the open border, in june. wallflowers, foxgloves, canterbury bells, and sweet williams, may be taken as fair types of biennials, although they often assume more than a biennial character on light sandy soils. =bifarious.= two-ranked; arranged in two opposite rows. =bifid.= divided about half-way down into two parts; two-cleft. =bifoliate.= compound leaves with two leaflets. =bifrenaria= (from _bis_, twice, and _frã¦num_, a strap; in reference to a double strap or band, by means of which the pollen masses are connected with their gland). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of pretty stove orchids, allied to _maxillaria_, and distinguished from it by having two frã¦na or caudicles to their pollen masses. for culture, _see_ =maxillaria=. =b. aurantiaca= (orange-coloured).* _fl._ orange; lateral lobes of lip semi-cordate, middle one transverse, sub-undulated, callous at the base; raceme erect. october. _l._ oblong, plicate. pseudo-bulb roundish, compressed, two-leaved. _h._ 9in. demerara, 1834. (b. r. 1875.) =b. aureo-fulva= (orange-tawny). _fl._ orange, on long pedicels; lip unguiculate, three-lobed; scape radical, many-flowered. october. _l._ oblong-lanceolate. pseudo-bulb roundish-ovate, wrinkled, one-leaved. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1840. =b. hadwenii= (hadwen's). _fl._ each nearly 4in. across; petals and sepals 1/2in. broad, yellow green, beautifully blotched or mottled with a rich brown; lip large, above 1in. broad, white, with striped spots of rose. june. _l._ long, 1/4in. broad. _h._ 1-1/2in. brazil, 1851. syn. _scuticaria hadwenii_. (b. m. 4629.) =b. h. bella= (charming).* a new variety with sepals and petals whitish yellow outside, brilliant shining cinnamon inside, with a few spots, bars, and blotches of whitish sulphur colour; lip wide, white, with one light brown spot behind, and a larger one in front of the callus; radiating light brown lines on lateral lobes, and mauve ones on anterior lobe. =b. h. pardalina= (leopard-marked).* a very beautiful variety, having sepals and petals with brown circles or polygonal figures on a light yellow ground; lip light ochre-coloured at its basilar part, white in front, with radiating mauve-purple streaks. this variety is extremely rare. =b. vitellina= (yolk-coloured).* _fl._ yellowish purple; lip cuneate, three-lobed; lateral lobes acute, crenulated; racemes drooping. july. _l._ lanceolate. pseudo-bulb ovate, bluntly angular, one-leaved. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1838. =bifurcate.= twice-forked. =bigelovia= (named after dr. jacob bigelow, author of "florula bostoniensis," &c.). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of hardy shrubs, sub-shrubs, or herbaceous plants, as now understood, comprising several subjects formerly referred to _chrysothamnus_, _linosyris_, &c. flower-heads disposed in corymbs; involucre imbricated, oblong, or campanulate; receptacle flat. leaves alternate, linear or lanceolate. they thrive in any ordinary garden soil. propagated by cuttings. =b. howardii= (howard's). _fl.-heads_ yellow; involucre narrow. a low shrub. syn. _linosyris howardii_. =b. nudata= (naked). _fl.-heads_ yellow. september. _l._ scattered, oblanceolate or linear. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new jersey. perennial. =b. paniculata= (panicled). _fl.-heads_ yellow, barely 1/2in. long, loosely panicled, five-flowered. california. shrubby. =bigeminate.= doubly paired. =biglandularia.= _see_ =sinningia=. [illustration: fig. 250. branch and flowers of bignonia magnifica.] =bignonia= (so named by tournefort, in compliment to the abbã© bignon, librarian to louis iv.). ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. a large genus of usually scandent shrubs, furnished with tendrils; rarely erect trees or shrubs. flowers axillary and terminal, usually panicled; corolla with a short tube, a campanulate throat, and a five-lobed, bilabiate limb. leaves opposite, simple, conjugate, ternate, digitate or pinnatifid. these handsome plants are particularly suited for large houses, where, if well grown, they give great satisfaction. the primary point in their culture is to obtain free and, at the same time, sturdy growth, giving due attention to training, pruning, &c., or the plants soon exceed all limits. like all free-growing plants, bignonias thrive best planted out in the borders of the stove or greenhouse, or out of doors, as the case may be; but the space allowed should be limited, in order to restrict root production. they may either be trained to cover the back wall, or be planted in a border in front, and trained up the rafters, or on wires, arranged where most desirable. in summer, allow all the strongest shoots to grow, training them so as to have as much sunlight as possible-â�which is absolutely necessary to well ripen the wood, and make it capable of producing flowersâ�-without entirely shutting it out from the plants below. soil: a compost of two part fibrous loam, one part peat, one of leaf mould, and a due proportion of sand, will be found most satisfactory. the loam and peat should be used in a rough state, unsifted, as this will keep the border open for some years, and thorough drainage should be effected. propagation: seed being rarely procurable, the most satisfactory method of propagation is by cuttings, made of good strong shoots, in early spring. three joints are sufficient to make a cutting, if short-jointed; if long-jointed, two are sufficient. place them in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell glass, in bottom heat. as these cuttings are young and fleshy, they are liable to damp off; hence it is necessary, for the first two or three weeks, to wipe the moisture from the glasses every morning, and water sparingly. if well managed, they will root in about two months, and should then have the glasses left off every night for a week; they should then be transferred to small pots in the compost above described, passing it through a coarse sieve, to extract the stones and rough pieces of soil. after potting, the plants should be kept close for a short time, till they are able to bear full exposure to the light. in a year's time, they will be large enough to plant out in their permanent quarters. bignonias may also be increased by layering. =b. ã¦quinoxialis= (equinoxial). _fl._ yellow; peduncles two-flowered, terminal ones racemose. june to october. _l._ glabrous, conjugate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate. tendrils simple, axillary. cayenne, 1768. =b. ã¦. chamberlaynii= (chamberlayn's).* _fl._, corolla yellow, funnel-shaped; segments obtuse; racemes axillary, six to eight-flowered. april to october, _l._, leaflets ovate, acuminated, glabrous, shining above. tendrils strong, simple. brazil, 1820. (b. r. 741.) =b. ã¦sculifolia= (chestnut-leaved). a synonym of _tabebiua ã¦sculifolia_. =b. apurensis= (apuran). _fl._ pedicellate, 2in. long; corolla yellow, funnel-shaped, with roundish, spreading, nearly equal lobes; spikes terminal, sessile. _l._ ternate; leaflets elliptic-oblong, short-acuminated, acutish at the base. shady banks of the river apures, near el diamante, 1824. =b. argyreo-violascens= (silvery-violet). _l._ white-veined, in a young state violet. south america, 1865. (f. m. 1865, 26.) =b. aurantiaca= (orange). _fl._ orange-coloured. south america, 1874. =b. capreolata= (tendrilled).* _fl._, corolla orange; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, crowded. april to august. _l._ conjugate; leaflets cordate oblong; lower ones simple. tendrils small, trifid. north america, 1710. hardy in south of england. (b. m. 864.) =b. c. atro-sanguinea= (dark blood-red). _fl._ red-purple. summer. united states. (b. m. 6501.) =b. cherere= (chirere).* _fl._, corollas orange, 2in. long; cymes axillary. june to november. _l._, lower ones ternate, upper ones conjugate, cirrhose; leaflets ovate, acuminated, sometimes sub-cordate, glabrous. guiana (in woods and on the banks of rivers), 1824. (b. r. 1301.) =b. chica= (chica). _fl._, corolla funnel-shaped, violaceous; limb with nearly equal, rounded segments; panicles axillary, pendulous. _l._ 8in. to 10in. long, abruptly bipinnate; leaflets conjugate, elliptic-ovate, acuminated, deeply cordate, glabrous. tendrils simple. banks of the orinoco, 1819. =b. chrysantha= (yellow-flowered). _fl._ terminal, crowded; corolla yellow, 2in. long. may. _l._, leaflets five, ovate, acuminated, tomentose, on pedicels 5in. long. _h._ 12ft. to 26ft. caraccas, 1823. tree. =b. chrysoleuca= (yellowish-white). _fl._, corolla yellow, with a white limb, glabrous, 1-1/2in. long; peduncles three to five-flowered. june, july. _l._ conjugate; leaflets 5in. to 6in. long, 2in. broad, oblong acuminated, glabrous, rounded at the base, shining. tendrils undivided. banks of the river magdalena, 1824. =b. clematis= (clematis-like).* _fl._, corolla white, yellowish inside; lobes nearly equal, roundish, red; panicles axillary, downy. _l._ 7in. to 8in. long, conjugately pinnate, with an odd one; leaflets 2in. long, 1in. broad, ovate, narrowed at top, acute, cordate at the base, glabrous. branches quadrangular, glabrous. caraccas, 1820. =b. diversifolia= (diverse-leaved). _fl._, corolla yellow, campanulately funnel-shaped; panicles terminal. _l._ conjugate and simple; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, sub-cordate, glabrous, shining. tendrils undivided. branches quadrangular, striated. mexico, 1825. =b. floribunda= (many-flowered).* _fl._, corolla purplish, funnel-shaped, eight lines long; panicles axillary, powdery, with opposite branches and dichotomous branchlets. _l._ conjugate; leaflets 2-1/2in. long, oblong-elliptic, acuminated, acute at the base, glabrous, shining. tendrils undivided. branches beset with white warts and fine powder. mexico, 1824. =b. lactiflora= (milk-flowered). _fl._, corolla milk white, 1-1/2in. long, villously tomentose on the outside; racemes twin, with a petiolate bract at the base of each pedicel. april and july. _l._ conjugate; leaflets 2in. long, cordate, ovate, glabrous. branches striated. tendrils trifid. santa cruz, 1823. =b. leucoxyla= (white-wooded). a synonym of _tabebiua leucoxyla_. =b. litoralis= (shore). _fl._, corolla funnel-shaped, red, downy outside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched. may to july. _l._ ternate; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, clothed with soft hair on both surfaces. branches terete, glabrous; branchlets hairy. mexico, 1824. =b. magnifica= (magnificent).* _fl._ varying from delicate mauve to rich purplish-crimson; throat light primrose colour, very large, 3-1/2in. across; panicles large, branching. summer. _l._ opposite, on rather long petioles, broadly ovate. columbia, 1879. a very handsome species. see fig. 250, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =b. mollis= (soft). _fl._ small, downy; panicle terminal, many-flowered. _l._ trifoliate; leaflets 5in. long, ovate, sub-cordate, downy on both surfaces. cayenne, 1818. =b. molissima= (very soft). _fl._, corollas somewhat funnel-shaped, downy inside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched, downy. _l._ conjugate and simple; leaflets 2-1/2in. long, 1-1/2in. broad, ovate, acute, cordate, clothed with soft hairs above. caraccas, 1820. =b. pallida= (pale).* _fl._ axillary, usually solitary; corolla 2in. long, funnel-shaped, with a yellow tube, and a pale lilac limb; lobes crenately ciliated. july. _l._ simple, opposite, oblong, obtuse, rather cordate at the base. branches terete. st. vincent, 1823. (b. r. 965.) =b. picta= (painted). a synonym of _b. speciosa_. =b. radicans= (rooting). _see_ =tecoma radicans=. =b. reticulata= (netted). columbia, 1873. =b. roezlii= (roezl's). columbia, 1870. b. salicifolia (willow-leaved). _fl._, corolla funnel-shaped, 1-1/2in. long, copper-coloured, with a white limb; peduncles axillary, three to six-flowered, downy. summer. _l._ conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, 3in. long, acute at both ends, quite glabrous, shining. branches terete, sulcate. trinidad, 1824. =b. speciosa= (beautiful).* _fl._ pink, stained with purple; calyx spathaceous, split on one side; panicles terminal. may. _l._ pinnate, ternate and verticillate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, shining, serrate. _h._ 4ft. uruguay, 1840. a glabrous evergreen shrub. syn. _b. picta_. (b. m. 3888.) =b. spectabilis= (showy). _fl._, corolla 3in. long, rather coriaceous, glabrous, purple; racemes terminal, short, having the two lower pedicels three-flowered, and the rest one-flowered. _l._ conjugate; leaflets ovate-oblong, acuminated, obtuse. santa cruz, &c., 1820. =b. tweediana= (tweedie's). _fl._ yellow; corolla glabrous, limb deeply five-parted, ciliated; segments emarginate; peduncles one-flowered. summer. _l._ conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate; petioles downy. buenos ayres, 1838. (b. r. 26, 45.) =b. variabilis= (variable).* _fl._, corolla 3in. long, with a greenish-yellow tube; limb ultimately white; racemes simple, short, many-flowered, terminal. june to august. _l._, lower ones biternate; superior ones conjugate; divisions ternate. branches tetragonal. tendrils trifid. caraccas, 1819. =b. venusta= (lovely). _fl._, corolla crimson, clavately funnel-shaped, with a spreading border, villous inside; corymbs terminal, many-flowered. august to december. _l._, lower ones ternate; superior ones conjugate; leaflets oblong-ovate, acuminated oblique at the base. brazil, 1816. (b. r. 249.) =bignoniaceã�.= a large order of trees, or twining or climbing shrubby plants. flowers usually trumpet-shaped; corolla usually irregular, four or five-lobed, and with a swollen portion below its mouth; stamens five, unequal. fruit, a two-valved, often pod-like capsule. leaves usually opposite, compound. the best-known genera are _bignonia_, _catalpa_, _eccremocarpus_, _jacaranda_, and _tecoma_. =bijugate.= a compound leaf, with two pairs of leaflets. =bilabiate.= having two lips. =bilberry.= _see_ =vaccinium myrtillus=. =bilimbi tree.= _see_ =averrhoa bilimbi=. =bill.= a cutting instrument, curved forward, or hook-shaped toward the point, and fitted with a handle, like a hatchet. it is used for pruning, &c. when short, it is called a hand-bill; when long, a hedge-bill, or hedge-hook. =billardiera= (in honour of jacques julien labillardiere, a celebrated french botanist and traveller). apple berry. ord. _pittosporaceã¦_. very desirable greenhouse evergreen climbers. peduncles solitary from the apex of the branches, one-flowered, pendulous; calyx of five subulate sepals; petals five, combined into a tube below, generally yellow; stamens five. fruit edible. leaves alternate. they thrive either in pots or planted out in a compost of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and peat, in equal proportions, with thorough drainage. cuttings, dibbled in a pot of sandy soil, placed under a bell glass, in gentle heat, root readily. they may also be raised from seed, which several of the species produce in abundance. =b. angustifolia= (narrow-leaved). a synonym of _b. scandens_. =b. longiflora= (long-flowered).* _fl._ greenish-yellow, often changing to purple, solitary; pedicels glabrous. berries blue. may to august. _l._ lanceolate, entire. van diemen's land, 1810. a very free-growing and profuse-flowering species. syn. _b. ovalis_. see fig. 251. (b. m. 1507.) [illustration: fig. 251. fruiting portion of billardiera longiflora.] =b. mutabilis= (changeable). a synonym of _b. scandens_. =b. ovalis= (oval-leaved). a synonym of _b. longiflora_. =b. scandens= (climbing).* _fl._ cream-coloured, at length purplish, solitary; pedicels same length as the flower. june to september. _l._ lanceolate-linear, entire. branches, when young, villous. new holland, 1795. syns. _b. mutabilis_, _b. angustifolia_. (b. m. 1313.) =billbergia= (named after j. g. billberg, a swedish botanist). ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. a genus of handsome stove plants. flowers borne on light panicles; calyx three-parted; corolla of three convolute petals, scaly at the base; stamens inserted into the base of the perianth. leaves harsh, rigid. these require much the same treatment as recommended for _ã�chmea_. the most suitable soil is a mixture of peat, leaf soil, and loam in about equal parts, to which is added some sharp sand, to keep it open and porous. free and perfect drainage is absolutely necessary for the successful culture of this class of plants, and a layer of moss should be placed over the crocks previous to filling the pots with soil. although fond of heat, billbergias will, when in flower, bear removal to a cooler house than a stove; and, if they are kept a little dry at the same time, the change will greatly prolong their blooming period. the stronger growing kinds thrive well in rich, well-drained loam and leaf mould. propagation is effected by carefully taking off the suckers which form at the base, after the plants have done flowering; but, before doing this, they should be allowed to attain a good size. the suckers grow quickly when attached to the parent stem, from which they derive their strength, and feel the check less when severed; besides which, they become more mature, and are in better condition for rooting. the best method to adopt is as follows: take the sucker in the hand and gently twist it off the stem; next trim the base by the removal of a few of the lower leaves, and then insert each sucker separately in a small pot, in sharp soil. a bottom heat of about 80deg. will greatly facilitate new root-growth; failing this, they will root freely in the temperature of a stove if placed in a shaded position for two or three weeks, after which they will bear increased light and sunshine during the later part of the day. _see also_ =ã�chmea= and =androlepis=. =b. amå�na= (pleasing). _fl._ greenish-white, tipped with blue, loosely panicled; bracts rose-coloured. july to winter. _l._ ligulate, abruptly acuminate, slightly spiny. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1817. (b. r. 344.) =b. baraquiniana= (baraquin's).* _fl._ green; spikes long, the upper portion pendulous, bearing four or five large, oblong-lanceolate, bright scarlet bracts at the base of the flowers; the stem above the bracts is hoary white. early spring. _l._ ligulate, tapering to a point, where, as well as at the edges, they are armed with sharp reddish spines, arched, transversely variegated with white scurfy bars. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1865. (i. h. 1864, 421.) =b. chlorosticta= (green-spotted). synonymous with _b. saundersii_. =b. iridifolia= (iris-leaved).* _fl._ red and yellow, tipped with blue, in drooping spikes; rachis and bracts crimson. march. _l._ lanceolate, ensiform, 1-1/2ft., grey beneath. _h._ 1ft. rio de janeiro, 1825. (b. r. 1068.) =b. liboniana= (libon's).* _fl._, outer perianth segments beautiful coral red, about half as long as the inner ones, which are whitish at the base, and a splendid purple upwards. winter. _l._ in a dense rosette. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1858. (b. m. 5090.) =b. lietzei= (lietz's).* _fl._ in loose terminal racemes, each subtended by lanceolate pink bracts; sepals rosy pink, half as long as the greenish corolla. _l._ tufted, ligulate, acute; margin spiny. brazil, 1881. a double-flowered variety, with petaloid stamens, is mentioned by m. morren, which is interesting in being the first double-flowered bromeliad yet recorded. (b. h. 1881, 97.) =b. marmorata= (marbled).* _fl._ deep blue; calyces green, tipped with blue; bracts very large, leafy, oblong, bright scarlet; panicles erect, branched, much longer than the leaves. _l._ broadly ligulate, sheathing at the base, truncate-mucronate at the apex; edges very regularly toothed, deep green, freely blotched and barred with dull reddish-brown. (i. h. 2, 48.) =b. moreli= (morel's).* _fl._, sepals red, densely woolly, less than half as long as the purplish-violet petals; spike dense, drooping; bracts large, deep rosy red, much longer than the solitary sessile flowers. february. _l._ arching, lanceolate, shining green on both surfaces; marginal spines few and weak, _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1848. an excellent basket plant. syn. _b. moreliana_. (b. h. 1873, 1, 2.) =b. moreliana= (morel's). synonymous with _b. moreli_. [illustration: fig. 252. flowers of billbergia nutans.] =b. nutans= (nodding). _fl._, sepals reddish; petals yellowish-green, both with a blue margin; scapes slender, nodding, with a few large rosy bracts, terminating in a short drooping spike. winter. _l._ numerous, long, narrow, ensiform, remotely spiny. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1868. see fig. 252. (b. m. 6423.) =b. pallescens= (pallid). _fl._ greenish-white; ovary deeply grooved; spike pendulous; bracts lanceolate, of a beautiful rose-pink. winter. _l._ dark green, and spotted on the upper surface, paler beneath, with transverse bars. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1856. syns. _b. pallida_ and _b. wioti_. =b. pallida= (pale). synonymous with _b. pallescens_. =b. pyramidalis= (pyramidal). _fl._ red, with purple margin, in erect spikes; bracts lanceolate, rosy. february. _l._ curved, ligulate-lanceolate, with white bands beneath. _h._ 1ft. peru, 1822. (b. h. 1873, 16.) =b. quesneliana= (quesnel's).* _fl._ deep purple; bracts flesh-coloured; upper ones variegated with white. _h._ 6ft. guiana, 1874. an erect growing species, possessing the same habit as _b. rosea-marginata_, but having the leaves more acuminate, and deep green in colour. syn. _quesnelia rufa_. (f. d. s. 10, 1026.) =b. rosea-marginata= (rose-margined).* _fl._, inflorescence a dense oblong spike of light blue, subtended by large, broad, deep, rose-coloured bracts, with scarious margins. january. _l._ sheathing at the base, about 2ft. long, channelled, spiny on the margin, and marked with transverse mealy bands. _h._ 1-1/2ft. tropical america, 1880. syns. _b. rubro-marginata_ and _quesnelia roseo-marginata_. =b. rubro-marginata= (red-margined). synonymous with _b. rosea-marginata_. =b. saundersii= (saunders').* _fl._ about 2in. long, disposed in a loose pendulous inflorescence; sepals crimson, half the length of the petals, which are yellow outside and blue within. _l._ tufted, ligulate, rounded at the apex, terminated by a short mucro, saw-toothed, green above, purple beneath, and spotted white on both surfaces. brazil, 1868. syn. (according to morren) _b. chlorosticta_. (f. m. n. s. 106.) =b. thyrsoidea= (thyrsoid). _fl._ dense, in thyrsoid spikes, almost without bracts. june. _l._ green, ligulate, shortly acuminate, the margin toothed. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1850. (b. m. 4756.) =b. vittata= (striped). _fl._ indigo blue, with crimson calyces and bracts; racemes nodding. _l._ banded, ligulate, elongate, shining. _h._ 1-1/2ft. brazil, 1843. (b. h. 1871, 14, 15.) =b. wioti= (wiot's). synonymous with _b. pallescens_ =b. zebrina= (zebra-streaked).* _fl._ greenish; scape clothed with large, pale, salmon-coloured bracts; inflorescence gracefully curved downwards. early spring. _l._ sheathing for about half their length, forming thus a sort of tube, deep green, with zones of grey, the whole deepening with age. _h._ 1-1/2ft. south america, 1826. syn. _helicodea zebrina_. (l. b. c. 1912.) =bilobate.= two-lobed. =binate.= in pairs. =binding.= the process of securing a graft or bud in its place by means of raffia or bast. the same term is applied to hard clay or other soil impervious to water, in summer. =bindweed.= _see_ =convolvulus=. =biophytum= (from _bios_, life, and _phyton_, a plant; the leaves of one species being sensitive to the touch). tribe _oxalideã¦_ of order _geraniaceã¦_. a genus of pretty and interesting perennials, differing from _oxalis_, in which genus it has been included, in the valves of the capsule being patent and separate to the base. they will thrive in a mixture of loam and peat. propagated by seeds, which should be sown in spring, on a hotbed. probably the only species in cultivation is the following: =b. sensitivum= (sensitive). _fl._ yellow, small. july. _l._, leaflets oblong, obtuse, mucronate. _h._ 6in. india and china, 1823. the leaves of this plant contract on the slightest touch. syn. _oxalis sensitiva_. (b. r. 31, 68.) =biota.= _see_ =thuja=. =biotia.= _see_ =aster corymbosus=. =bipartite.= divided into two nearly to the base. =bipinnate.= twice pinnate. =bipinnatifid=, or =bipinnatiparted=. having both primary and secondary segments of a leaf divided, but not to the base. =biplicate.= having two folds or plaits. =birch.= _see_ =betula=. =bird-cherry.= _see_ =cerasus padus=. =birdlime.= a preparation made from mistletoe berries and holly bark. it is used for catching birds. =bird-pepper.= _see_ =capsicum baccatum=. =birds.= as a class, birds are very much more useful than hurtful in gardens. owls are of great use in catching mice, and night-jars in catching night-flying insects. rooks are very useful in lessening the numbers of wire-worms, and of hurtful insects in general; but, if very numerous, they may be driven to eat potatoes and other vegetable food, and may then do harm. the same may be said of starlings. blackbirds and thrushes feed much on snails and worms, but they also feed on the ripe fruits in gardens. as a rule, slender-billed birds feed almost wholly on insects or other animals, and are to be encouraged in gardens at all seasons. among these may be enumerated the tree-creeper, wryneck, warblers, and wrens of various kinds, chats, hedge-sparrow, larks, redstart, robin, titmice, and wagtails. swifts, swallows, and martins, are also great destroyers of insects. the finches feed, in part, on insects, but also eat large quantities of seeds, and often do considerable damage among plants grown for seed, _e.g._, cabbages, and in the seed-beds. sparrows are about the most troublesome, though they are often assisted by buntings, chaffinches, linnets, and others. when seed-beds or fruits have to be protected, this may be done by nets; or, more simply, by threads tied to sticks a few inches above the surface of the ground, or in front of the trees. =bird's-eye primrose.= _see_ =primula farinosa=. =bird's-foot.= _see_ =ornithopus=. =bird's-foot fern.= _see_ =pellã¦a ornithopus=. =bird's-nest fern.= _see_ =asplenium nidus=. =birthwort.= _see_ =aristolochia=. =biscutella= (from _bis_, double, and _scutella_, a saucer; in allusion to the form of the silicles). buckler mustard. ord. _cruciferã¦_. perennial or annual herbaceous plants, usually hispid, but sometimes downy or smoothish. flowers yellow, scentless; pedicels filiform, bractless. leaves oblong, entire, toothed or pinnatifid, somewhat radical or cauline. stems round, erect, usually corymbosely branched at the top by racemes, which, when in flower, are short, but elongated at the time of fruiting. all the species produce seeds freely. the annuals should be sown in the open borders. some of the perennial kinds are well adapted for ornamenting rockwork, in a dry, sunny situation. of the annuals, _columnã¦_, _lyrata_, _maritima_, and _obovata_, are best. of the perennials, _coronopifolia_, _lã¦vigata_, and _sempervirens_ are the most desirable, but none are worth cultivation outside botanical collections. =biserial=, or =biseriate=. arranged in two parallel rows. =biserrate.= toothed in a saw-like manner, but with the primary teeth again serrated. =bisulcate.= doubly furrowed. =biternate.= twice ternate. =bitter almond.= _see_ =amygdalus communis amara=. =bitter apple.= _see_ =cucumis colocynthis=. =bitter-sweet.= _see_ =solanum dulcamara=. =bitter vetch.= _see_ =orobus=. =bituminous.= clammy, adhesive. =bivonã�a= (named after antonio bivona-bernardi, a sicilian botanist, author of "sicularum plantarum centuria i. et ii.," palermo, 1806). ord. _cruciferã¦_. a pretty little monotypic genus, well adapted for ornamenting rockwork or the front of flower borders. a dry sandy soil is most suitable for its culture. propagated by seeds, sown in spring where the plants are intended to remain, thinning-out being necessary to ensure full growth. =b. lutea= (yellow).* _fl._ yellow, small; racemes terminal, elongated as they grow; pedicels filiform, bractless. april. _l._ alternate, lower ones stalked, the rest sessile, cordate, stem-clasping at the base, ovate, toothed, bluntish. stem filiform, sparingly branched. _h._ 3in. to 6in. sicily, 1823. an annual. =bixa= (its south american name). arnatto. ord. _bixineã¦_. stove evergreen trees, with dichotomous panicles of large reddish flowers, broad cordate leaves, and prickly capsules. a compost of loam and peat is well adapted to their culture. propagated by seed, sown when ripe in bottom heat; or by cuttings, which root freely in sand, under a hand glass, in heat; the latter is the better method. if grown from seed, the trees attain a large size before they flower; whereas cuttings, taken from a flowering plant and struck, may be brought to flower when small plants. =b. orellana= (orellana). _fl._ pale peach-coloured; corymbs terminal, panicled; peduncles two, three, and four-flowered. may to august. _l._ cordate, ovate, acuminated, entire or angular, smooth on both surfaces. the drug called arnatto is prepared from the red pulp which covers the seed of this species. it is used in the preparation of chocolate, and by farmers for colouring cheese, and also as an orange or yellow dye for silks. _h._ 30ft. west indian islands, 1690. see fig. 253. (b. m. 1456.) =bixineã�.= an order of smoothish tropical trees or shrubs, not remarkable for any particular beauty. flowers with or without petals, when present five and sepal-like; stamens indefinite in number, inserted in the receptacle or at the bottom of the calyx; peduncle axillary or terminal, bracteate, one or many-flowered, usually forming terminal panicles. fruit fleshy or dry. leaves alternate, simple, entire, or slightly lobed, generally full of pellucid dots. the genera best known are _azara_, _bixa_, and _flacourtia_. [illustration: fig. 253. flowering branch of bixa orellana.] =black bearberry.= _see_ =arctostaphylos alpina=. =black beetles.= _see_ =cockroaches=. =black bryony.= _see_ =tamus communis=. =black bullace.= _see_ =prunus insititia=. =blackburnia.= _see_ =xanthoxylum=. =black fly or bean fly= (_aphis rumicis_), also called collier and black dolphin. this fly (see fig. 254) is found on many herbaceous plants. it is very injurious to beans; hence, immediate means of destruction must be employed directly the insect appears. its extermination is an extremely difficult matter; but the following remedies are very effectual: _tobacco water._ this, made and applied as recommended for aphides (which _see_) is a good remedy; but it is rendered more certain by the employment of soapsuds, instead of clear water, in its manufacture. [illustration: fig. 254. the bean fly. _a_, female, magnified; _b_, male, natural size, and magnified.] _paris green_ (arseniate of copper). owing to its poisonous nature, this should not be used where there is fruit on the trees or vegetables under them; but there is no better destroyer of hard-dying insects. its application is very simple. mix 1lb. of the green with 30gals. of water, and well wet the infested parts of the trees, using a fine-rosed watercan or garden engine for the purpose. the operator's hands should be free from sores and scratches, or dangerous ulcerations may ensue. _gas liquor._ if this can be obtained from a gas-house, it should be diluted with twice its bulk of water, and applied in the same manner as paris green, being washed off with clean water in a few hours. if the process be repeated on two or three consecutive nights, it will be found certain in its effects; moreover, it is not very poisonous. the finger or thumb, or the aphis brush, applied early, will often exterminate these obnoxious insects at once. the first of the methods above described is perhaps the most accessible and the safest to use. poisonous insecticides are more or less dangerous, especially in the hands of the inexperienced. black fly is, however, one of the most difficult insects to eradicate, especially if allowed to multiply. a syringing of clean water should follow either of the above applications. _see also_ =aphides=. =black jack oak.= _see_ =quercus nigra=. =black maidenhair spleenwort.= _see_ =asplenium adiantum-nigrum=. =black pine.= _see_ =pinus austriaca=. =blackthorn.= _see_ =prunus spinosa=. =black varnish tree.= _see_ =melanorrhå�a=. =black wattle.= _see_ =callicoma serratifolia=. =bladder catchfly.= _see_ =silene inflata=. =bladder ketmia.= _see_ =hibiscus trionum=. =bladder nut.= _see_ =staphylea=. =bladder senna.= _see_ =colutea=. =bladder wort.= _see_ =utricularia=. =blade.= the lamina or expanded part of a leaf. =blã�ria= (named after patrick blair, m.d., f.r.s., who practised medicine at boston, in lincolnshire, and was author of "miscellaneous observations," 1718; "botanic essays," 1820, &c.). ord. _ericaceã¦_. pretty little greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of southern and tropical africa. flowers terminal, glomerate; corolla short-tubular, with a four-cleft limb, very freely branched. leaves verticillate, with revolute margins. for culture, _see_ =erica=. =b. articulata= (jointed).* _fl._ reddish; heads drooping. may. _l._ four in a whorl, ovate or linear, glabrous, and shining; bracts solitary. _h._ 1ft. 1795. =b. ericoides= (heath-like). _fl._ purplish-red. august. _l._ four in a whorl, oblong, obtuse, ringed; bracts three, length of the calyx. _h._ 2ft. 1774. syn. _erica orbicularis_. (l. b. c. 153.) =b. purpurea= (purple). _fl._ purple; heads drooping. june. _l._ four in a whorl, ovate, sub-ciliated. stem flexuous, erect. _h._ 2ft. 1791. =blakea= (named after martin blake, of antigua, a great promoter of useful knowledge). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. handsome stove evergreen shrubs or trees. flowers red, large, showy; peduncles axillary, terete, one-flowered, naked, opposite or solitary, shorter than the leaves, usually with brown tomentum. leaves petiolate, three to five-nerved, coriaceous, glabrous above and shining, but usually densely clothed with rusty tomentum beneath. they thrive well in peat, or a mixture of loam and peat, and require to be liberally supplied with water, particularly in spring and summer. cuttings root freely if taken from shoots that are quite ripe (otherwise they are apt to rot), planted in a pot of sand, and plunged in a moist heat, under a hand glass. =b. quinquenervia= (five-nerved). _fl._ flesh-coloured, large, with white disks; peduncles twin, shorter than the petioles. june. _l._ elliptic, acuminated, naked, and shining on both surfaces, five-nerved. _h._ 10ft. to 16ft. guiana, 1820. (a. g. 210.) =b. trinervia= (three-nerved). _fl._ rose colour, large; peduncles solitary, longer than the petioles. june. _l._ oval-oblong, three-nerved, glabrous and shining on both surfaces in the adult state, and when young serrulated; petioles and branchlets clothed with rusty tomentum. roots issuing from the branches and stems. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. jamaica, 1789. (b. m. 451.) =blanching.= this process is effected for the purpose of obtaining crispness, and for converting what would, under ordinary circumstances, be a dangerous plant--in the case of celery especially so--into a highly popular delicacy. blanching can only be accomplished by entirely excluding the light from the plants, thus depriving the colouring matters of their power to decompose water and carbonic acid gas. it is also termed etiolation. =blandfordia= (named after george, marquis of blandford). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a very beautiful genus of greenhouse bulbous plants, natives of australia. flowers solitary, on recurved pedicels; perianth funnel-shaped, six-cleft; stamens six. leaves linear, elongate, striate; radical ones dilated, and somewhat sheathing at the base; others shorter and more distant, appearing on the flower-stem. the best soil in which to grow them is loam and peat in equal proportions, with a little rough silver sand added. they should be repotted moderately firm in the autumn, allowing good drainage, and should then be placed under the greenhouse stage, or in any other position where they will be free from water drippings. water must only be given when dry, until they commence to grow, when it may be gradually increased, and they may be introduced into a higher temperature, if necessary, there to remain till after flowering. when the foliage is ripened off, they may be stored away until the time for repotting. propagated by seeds and offsets, or by division of the old plants, which must be done when repotting. =b. aurea= (golden).* _fl._ 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; scape bearing an umbellate cluster of three to five pure golden-yellow drooping bell-shaped flowers. summer. _l._ narrow, linear, keeled or channelled, from the base of which the flower-scape arises. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new south wales, 1870. (b. m. 5809.) =b. cunninghamii= (cunningham's).* _fl._ rich coppery red, the upper part yellow; about 2in. long, bell-shaped, pendulous; from twelve to twenty, terminating in a stout scape 3ft. high. june. _l._ linear, slightly keeled at the back, about 1/3in. broad. new south wales. this magnificent species should have a little charcoal mixed with the soil already mentioned. (b. m. 5734.) =b. c. hybrida= (hybrid). _fl._ red, margined with clear yellow, bell-shaped, in a dense drooping umbel. =b. flammea= (fiery).* _fl._ dullish yellow, in dense umbel-like clusters; bracts ovate-lanceolate, stiff; perianth inversely conical. june. _l._ linear, bluntly keeled. _h._ 2ft. australia, 1849. =b. f. elegans= (elegant).* _fl._ crimson, tipped with yellow, large, funnel-shaped. summer. _l._ long, linear-ensiform. this very handsome form is often taken for the type. =b. f. princeps= (magnificent).* _fl._ rich orange-red externally, and bright yellow within, about 3in. long, tubular, borne on a scape about 1ft. high, slightly pendulous, and arranged near the summit. summer. _l._ stiff, sub-erect, long, bright green, disposed in a distichous manner. this is a very splendid greenhouse plant, and should be in every collection. australia, 1873. syn. _b. princeps_. see fig. 255. (b. m. 6209.) =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ crimson, very large; bracts as long as the pedicels, the inner much the shortest. july. _h._ 2ft. new south wales, 1812. (b. r. 924.) =b. intermedia= (intermediate). _fl._ yellow, pendulous, funnel-shaped, in sixteen to twenty-flowered racemes; bracts leaf-formed. september. _l._ channelled, acutely keeled, scabrous on the margins. _h._ 1-1/2ft. australia. =b. marginata= (margined). _fl._ orange-red, conical, in long pendulous racemes; bracts narrow, foliaceous, about equalling in length the pedicels. july. _l._ stiff, sub-erect, with scabrous margins. _h._ 2ft. tasmania, 1842. (b. r. 31, 18.) =b. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._ orange with yellow margins, on long pedicels, drooping, disposed in a terminal raceme; bracts twice as short as the pedicels. july. _l._ very narrow. _h._ 2ft. new south wales, 1803. (b. m. 2003.) =b. princeps= (magnificent). synonymous with _b. flammea princeps_. =blatta.= _see_ =cockroaches=. =bleaberry.= _see_ =vaccinium myrtillus=. =bleaching powder.= _see_ =chloride of lime=. =blechnum= (from _blechnon_, the greek name of a fern). ord. _filices_. a very attractive genus of stove and greenhouse ferns, thriving in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. sori linear, continuous, or nearly so, parallel with, and usually contiguous to, the midrib. involucre distinct from the edge of the frond. fronds uniform, generally pinnate or pinnatifid. veins usually free. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =b. australe= (southern).* _cau._ stout, creeping, scaly; _sti._ erect, 4in. to 6in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, and from 2in. to 3in. broad, lanceolate, narrowed towards both ends; pinnã¦ numerous, the barren ones 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, linear, hastate-cordate, or auricled at the base, especially on the upper side, with a very coriaceous texture; fertile pinnã¦ narrower. _sori_ in a continuous or slightly broken line, close, but not contiguous, to the midrib. south africa, &c., 1691. greenhouse species. =b. boreale.= _see_ =lomaria spicant=. =b. braziliense= (brazilian).* _cau._ erect, stout, sub-arborescent, 1ft. or more long, densely clothed at the crown with dark brown scales. _sti._ short, stout, densely scaly. _fronds_ oblong-lanceolate, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 6in. to 16in. broad, narrowing downwards very gradually; pinnã¦ close, linear, 4in. to 8in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, finely toothed or undulated, connected at the base. brazil and peru, 1820. see fig. 256. (h. s. f. 3, 157.) there is a very pretty variety met with in gardens under the name of _corcovadense crispum_, which is not quite so strong-growing as the type, with wavy, crispy edges. they will all thrive in the cool of a stove fernery. [illustration: fig. 255. blandfordia flammea princeps.] =b. cartilagineum= (cartilaginous). _cau._ oblique, densely scaly at top. _sti._ strong, erect, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly, muricated in the lower part. _fronds_ ovate-oblong, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, linear, 4in. to 6in. long, about 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, margin finely toothed, dilated, and connected at the base. _sori_ in a broad line close to the midrib. temperate australia, 1820. greenhouse species. =b. hastatum= (halbert-shaped).* _rhiz._ short, stout, scaly. _sti._ 4in. to 6in. long, nearly naked. _fronds_ from 9in. to 18in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate, with twenty to forty pinnã¦ on each side; the barren ones 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, lanceolate, falcate, narrowed gradually to a point, the lower side slightly truncate, and slightly lobed, the upper cordate, with a large hastate auricle; fertile pinnã¦ narrower. _sori_ midway between the midrib and margin; rachis and surfaces naked or slightly pubescent; texture coriaceous. temperate south america, 1841. greenhouse species. [illustration: fig. 256. blechnum braziliense.] =b. lanceola= (lance-leaved). _rhiz._ slender, creeping, stoloniferous. _sti._ slender, erect, 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ lanceolate, undivided, 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. broad, or less, narrowed gradually from the centre towards each end. tropical america, 1820. stove species. =b. l. trifoliatum= (three-leaved). _fronds_ furnished with one or two pairs of small oblong-obtuse lateral pinnã¦ at the base of the large terminal one. stove variety. (h. s. f. 3, 94.) =b. longifolium= (long-leaved).* _rhiz._ slender, creeping. _sti._ firm, erect, nearly naked, 6in. to 12in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, with a terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 5in. long, and 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point. _sori_ in broad lines close to the midrib; texture coriaceous. tropical america, 1820. _b. l. fraxineum_ is a variety found in gardens under the name of _b. fraxiniifolium_, with a habit more close than the type; pinnã¦ six to eight on a side, sometimes 1in. broad. _b. intermedium_ (link.) and _b. gracile_ (kaulf.), often seen in gardens, are slender-growing varieties of this rather variable stove species. =b. nitidum= (shining).* _sti._ stout, erect, naked, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ oblong-lanceolate, 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, sub-falcate, linear, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, dilated and connected at the base; edge undulate-dentate; texture coriaceous; both surfaces smooth. stove species. the variety _contractum_, often seen in gardens, has its pinnã¦ contracted, and the edge much undulated. brazil. (h. s. f. 3, 55.) =b. occidentale= (western).* _cau._ stout, erect, scaly at the top. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect, scaly below. _fronds_ ovate-acuminate, 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four linear pinnã¦ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, and about 3/4in. broad, narrowed gradually to a point, truncate or cordate; texture coriaceous. west indies, southwards to chili and south brazil, 1823. a very handsome stove or greenhouse fern. =b. o. multifidum= (much-cut).* a pretty variety, said to have been introduced from dominica; the apices of the pinnã¦ are copiously crested and tasselled, rendering it very desirable. stove variety. =b. orientale= (oriental).* _cau._ stout, erect, clothed at the crown with dark brown scales. _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long, strong, erect, scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate, with very numerous nearly contiguous pinnã¦ on each side, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about 3/4in. broad, narrowed to a long point. australia, northwards to south china and the himalayas. greenhouse. =b. polypodioides= (polypodium-like). a synonym of _b. unilaterale_. =b. serrulatum= (saw-edged).* _cau._ elongated, stout, ascending. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, smooth, nearly naked. _fronds_ oblong-acuminate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to twenty-four pairs of quite distinct articulated linear oblong pinnã¦ on each side, which are about 4in. to 5in. long, 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, and downwards to a narrow base, the margins finely incised. florida, &c., 1819. stove or greenhouse. syn. _b. striatum_. (h. s. f. 3, 159.) =b. striatum= (striped). a synonym of _b. serrulatum_. =b. unilaterale= (one-sided).* _cau._ elongated, densely scaly at the crown. _sti._ slender, erect, 1in. to 4in. long, slightly scaly below. _fronds_ lanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnã¦ numerous, spreading horizontally, linear, 3/4in. to 1in. long, central ones 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, point usually mucronate; edge entire, or nearly so, the lower part dilated to a broad base. _sori_ in a line close to the midrib. tropical america, 1829. widely distributed. stove or greenhouse species. syn. _b. polypodioides_, under which name it is usually found in gardens. =blechum= (a greek name for an unknown plant, supposed to resemble marjoram). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. stove herbaceous perennials. for culture, &c., _see_ =justicia=. =b. brownei= (browne's). _fl._ white, in a dense bracteated spike, which is four-cornered; bracts ovate, downy. summer. _l._ ovate elliptical, somewhat toothed. _h._ 2ft. west indies, 1780. the other species introduced are: _angustifolium_, blue; _braziliense_, blue; and _laxiflorum_, white. =blepharis= (from _blepharis_, the eyelash; in reference to the fringed bracts of the calyx). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. dwarf shrubs or herbs, often spiny and woody, allied to _acanthus_. flowers in bracteate spikes; calyx cruciately four-parted, bracteate; upper segment entire, three-nerved; lower, two-nerved; corolla-tube very short; lip five-lobed, three lobes often much larger than the others; stamens four, sub-didynamous. for culture, &c., _see_ =acanthus=. =b. boerhaaviã¦folia= (boerhaavia-leaved). _fl._ blue. july. _l._ usually four in a whorl, elliptic, toothed. _h._ 1ft. india, 1829. stove annual. =b. capensis= (cape colony).* _fl._ blue. july. _l._ narrow, lanceolate, spinose. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1816. greenhouse biennial. =b. furcata= (forked-spined). _fl._ blue. july. _l._ lanceolate, entire or spiny; bracts large, strongly spinose. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1846. greenhouse evergreen shrub. =b. linearifolia= (narrow-leaved). _fl._ blue. july. _l._ long, entire, linear, glabrous or hairy, not spiny. _h._ 2ft. guinea, 1823. stove annual. =b. procumbens= (trailing).* _fl._ blue. july. _l._ linear lanceolate, spiny. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1825. greenhouse evergreen trailer. =blephilia= (from _blepharis_, the eyelash; in allusion to the ciliated bracts). ord. _labiatã¦_. ornamental hardy perennials, closely allied to _monarda_, but differing from it in the calyx tube having thirteen instead of fifteen nerves, and being naked in the throat, while the corollas are much smaller and more dilated. they are of easy culture in ordinary soil. increased readily by dividing the roots in early spring. =b. ciliata= (ciliated). _fl._ blue; whorls all distinct; bracts ciliated, reddish at top. july. _l._ almost sessile, ovate-oblong, narrowed at the base, canescent beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. north america, 1798. =b. hirsuta= (hairy). _fl._ purple or blue; whorls more numerous than in the preceding; upper ones approximate. july. _l._ petiolate, ovate, roundly cordate at the base, hairy on both surfaces. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. virginia, 1798. habit more branched and loose than in _b. ciliata_. =blessed thistle.= _see_ =cnicus benedictus=, properly =carbenia benedicta=. =bletia= (in honour of don louis blet, a spanish botanist). ord. _orchideã¦_. a large genus of, for the most part, stove terrestrial orchids. flowers purple or whitish, in terminal racemes. leaves narrow, grass-like. pseudo-bulbs round, flattened. the flowers are freely produced when the plants are thoroughly established, and are valuable for bouquets, as well for their pleasing colour as for the time they last in perfection. bletias thrive best in a compost of loam and leaf mould. about 2in. of crocks, covered with a layer of moss, should be placed in the bottom of the pot, which should be filled to within 1in. of the top with soil. the bulbs should then be inserted, and just covered. a good supply of water during the growing season is necessary, and only a moderate amount of heat. after growth has ceased, a period of rest is required, during which time very little water should be given. propagation is effected by divisions, which should be made after the plants have finished flowering, or previous to their starting into growth. =b. campanulata= (bell-shaped). _fl._ deep purple, with a white centre, lasting a considerable time in perfection. mexico. =b. florida= (florid).* _fl._ pale rose-coloured; lip not spurred. july and august. _h._ 2ft. west indies, 1786. a very pretty species. (b. r. 1401.) =b. gracilis= (slender). _fl._ pale greenish-white; sepals and petals nearly equal, lanceolate, acuminate; lip red and yellow; scape simple. _l._ oblong, lanceolate, plicate. _h._ 1-1/2in. mexico, 1830. (b. r. 1681.) =b. hyacinthina= (hyacinth-like).* _fl._ purple, racemose; lip not spurred, beardless; scape about as long as the leaves. march to june. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. china, 1802. this pretty species has proved to be quite hardy. (garden, nov., 1879.) =b. patula= (spreading-flowered). _fl._ purple, spreading; scape tall, branched. march. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. hayti, 1830. (b. m., 3518.) =b. shepherdii= (shepherd's).* _fl._ on branching spikes, purple, marked down the centre of the lip with yellow. winter. _l._ long, lanceolate, dark green. jamaica, 1825. (b. m. 3319.) =b. sherrattiana= (sherratt's).* _fl._ about a dozen on a spike, rich rosy purple; petals very broad, twice the breadth of the sepals; lip deep purple in front, marked with white and yellow down the centre. _l._ three to four-plicate. pseudo-bulbs depressed. new grenada, 1867. (b. m. 5646.) =b. verecunda= (modest). _fl._ purple; lip not spurred. january. _h._ 3ft. west indies, mexico, &c., 1733. (b. m. 930.) =blighia sapida.= the akee tree. this is now included under the genus =cupania= (which _see_). =blight=, or =blast=. applied to various diseases of plants which are caused or accelerated either by the presence of parasitic fungi or insects, or by atmospheric influence. blight generally proves fatal to the whole or part of the subject attacked. =blind.= a term applied to plants which fail to produce central buds. the defect is frequently noticeable in the cabbage, and other plants of the _brassica_ tribe; and is, perhaps, mainly due to the attacks of insects in a very early stage. great care should therefore be exercised in keeping the seed beds clear of insect pests, by the application of ashes, lime, and soot, or spent hops. =blood flower.= _see_ =hã¦manthus=. =bloodroot.= _see_ =sanguinaria canadensis=. =bloom.= a fine powder-like substance found on grapes, cucumbers, plums, &c., and varying in colour in the different subjects. it should be carefully protected, as it improves the appearance of the fruit. the term is also generally used-â�although incorrectly-â�as the plural of blossom. =blossom.= the flower of a plant, or the essential organs of reproduction, with their appendages. =blue-bells.= _see_ =campanula rotundifolia= and =scilla nutans=. =blue-bottle.= _see_ =centaurea cyanus=. =blue gum tree.= _see_ =eucalyptus globulus=. =bluets.= the french name for _centaurea cyanus_. _see also_ =houstonia cå�rulea= and =vaccinium angustifolium=. =blumenbachia= (in honour of john frederick blumenbach, m.d., professor of medicine at gã¶ttingen, and distinguished as a comparative anatomist). ord. _loasaceã¦_. elegant branched, climbing or trailing, annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, generally covered with stinging hairs, which are very objectionable. flowers axillary, solitary, bracteate, very pretty and interesting. leaves opposite, lobed. they are of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. propagated by seeds, which should be sown in pots, in spring, and placed in a gentle heat, where they will germinate in about a fortnight. when the seedlings are large enough, and after having been previously hardened off, they may be planted out in their blooming quarters, or potted on and trained to a trellis. [illustration: fig. 257. blumenbachia chuquitensis.] =b. chuquitensis= (chuquitan).* _fl._ solitary, axillary, with five to ten boat-shaped red petals, which are yellow within. september. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, pinnate; segments pinnatifidly lobed. peru, 1863. half-hardy climbing perennial. see fig. 257. (b. m. 6143.) =b. contorta= (twisted).* _fl._ orange-red, with cup-shaped green scales within. july. _l._ oblong-ovate, pinnatifid; lobes incisely toothed. peru. greenhouse climber, but may be grown against a wall, out of doors, during the summer. (b. m. 6134.) [illustration: fig. 258. flower of blumenbachia coronata.] =b. coronata= (crowned).* _fl._ of pure glossy whiteness, quadrangular, crown-shaped, 2in. in diameter each way. june. _l._ narrow, bipinnatifid, cut into small segments. _h._ 1-1/2ft. chili, 1872. this is an elegant dwarf, tufted, erect biennial, with the pure white blooms imbedded in the metallic lustrous foliage. syn. _caiophora coronata_. see fig. 258. =b. insignis= (remarkable).* _fl._ with whitish petals and reddish-yellow scales, axillary, on long peduncles, about 1in. in diameter. july. _l._, lower ones five to seven-lobed; upper ones deeply bipinnatifid. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1826. hardy annual trailer. syn. _loasa palmata_. (b. m. 2865.) =bobartia= (named after jacob bobart, professor of botany at oxford in the seventeenth century). ord. _irideã¦_. a small genus of greenhouse or hardy bulbous plants, closely allied to _sisyrinchium_. the species in cultivation are very pretty hardy plants, but require protection from severe frosts and excessive rains. they thrive best in a warm, light soil, and make pretty plants for rockwork. propagated by separating the offsets during autumn. this genus has been much misunderstood. among the plants which have been referred to it are some which now find places in the genera _aristea_, _sisyrinchium_, _homeria_, _marica_, _morã¦a_, &c., &c. =b. aurantiaca.= _see_ =homeria aurantiaca=. =b. gladiata= (sword-shaped). _fl._ yellow, thinly sprinkled with purple dots near the centre, handsome, nearly 2in. across. _l._ linear, ensiform, narrow, slightly glaucous, 1ft. or more in length. 1817. syn. _marica gladiata_. (b. r. 229.) =b. spathacea= (rush-like). _l._ rush-like, several feet in length; flower-stem as long as leaves, bearing near extremity a cluster of pale yellow flowers, with narrow segments. each flower lasts but one day; as a good many, however, are developed in each spathe, there is a succession which lasts some time. 1832. syn. _xyris altissima_. (l. b. c. 1900.) [illustration: fig. 259. bocconia cordata, showing habit and flower.] =bocconia= (named after paolo bocconi, m.d., a sicilian botanist, author of the "museum des plantes," and "histoire naturelle de l'ile de corse," &c.). ord. _papaveraceã¦_. two of the species are greenhouse or half-hardy shrubs. flowers inconspicuous, in terminal panicles, with the branches and branchlets each furnished with one bract. leaves stalked, glaucous, large, lobed. this genus does not well agree with the rest of _papaveraceã¦_, from its having one-seeded capsules and apetalous flowers. _b. cordata_ is a handsome, hardy, herbaceous plant, with a stately habit and finely-cut foliage, and, where bold subjects are desired, few will be found superior to it. as an isolated specimen on the lawn, or by frequented walks, where it will not be too closely surrounded by tall plants, it may be grown with marked effect. it also forms a good subject for pot culture, and is largely used for sub-tropical bedding. the soil most suitable for its culture is a good fat loam, of considerable depth. propagated by cuttings, taken from the axils of the larger leaves, during early summer; or by young suckers, taken from established plants, during summer, as they will then flower the following season. if the former method is employed, the cuttings should be pushed on, so that there are plenty of roots before the winter sets in. the other two species require greenhouse culture; but both are eminently suited for sub-tropical gardening, in any light rich soil, or well-drained and airy situation. they are best propagated by seeds, sown in a hotbed in spring, the seedlings being placed out from june to september. =b. cordata= (cordate).* _fl._ buff-coloured, very numerous, borne in very large terminal panicles; individually they are not showy, but the fully grown inflorescence has a very distinct and pleasing appearance. summer. _l._ large, reflexed, deeply-veined, roundish-cordate; margins lobed or sinuated. stems growing rather close together, thickly set with leaves. _h._ 5ft. to 8ft. china, 1795, and 1866. mr. robinson recommends its being grown in the angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east. it runs quickly at the roots, and the suckers may be cut off to the benefit of the parent plant; each sucker will form a strong plant in a year's time. syns. _b. japonica_ and _macleaya yedoã«nsis_. see fig. 259. (b. m. 1905.) =b. frutescens= (shrubby).* _fl._ greenish. october. _l._ large, sea-green, oval-oblong, cuneated at the base, pinnatifid. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. mexico, 1739. (l. b. c. 83.) =b. integrifolia= (entire-leaved). _fl._ greenish; panicle crowded. _l._ flat, oblong, tapering towards each end, entire, or scarcely crenated. _h._ 9ft. peru, 1822. =b. japonica= (japanese). synonymous with _b. cordata_. =bå�bera= (named after bå�ber, a russian botanist). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of evergreen greenhouse shrubs, now generally referred to _dysodia_. they are of easy culture, thriving in ordinary garden soil. propagated by cuttings, made of young, rather firm, shoots, and placed in sand, under a glass. there are several other species besides the one given below, but they are not of much horticultural value. =b. incana= (hoary).* _fl.-heads_ golden; peduncles one-headed. november. _l._ pinnate, rather hairy; leaflets linear acute, channelled, some entire, and some trifid. stem hairy. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mexico, 1828. (b. r. 1602.) =bå�hmeria= (named after george rudolph bå�hmer, a german botanist). ord. _urticaceã¦_. a genus of shrubs or herbaceous plants, allied to _urtica_, from which it is distinguished in not having stinging hairs. _b. nivea_ is the only species having any horticultural value. this thrives best in a warm, sandy soil; and is increased by divisions. =b. nivea= (snowy). _fl._ greenish, disposed in spikes. _l._ broadly cordate, about 6in. long by 4in. broad, terminating in a long slender point; edges serrate, covered on the under side with a dense coating of white down. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. china. a shrub-like perennial, rather more curious than beautiful. =bog bean.= _see_ =menyanthes trifoliata=. =bog-earth.= _see_ =peat=. [illustration: fig. 260. vertical section of cylinder boiler. a a, wrought-iron boiler, the shaded space showing the waterway; b, ashpit inside the cast base of boiler; c, fire-bars; d, flue; e, domed top; f, feeding lid; g, flow, and h, return pipe sockets. ] =boilers.= these are very important articles in all gardens where there are glass houses, and the best should always be selected. they are made in cast and wrought iron, both of which have their special advantages and disadvantages. the former are less liable to burn through when encrusted with any deposit from the water, but will crack with sudden changes of temperature, by reason of the granular form of the metal not allowing gradual contraction; the latter may burn through where there is any deposit of mud or other matter, but they will not crack, and will stand a greater pressure than those made of cast metal. it is, however, the better plan to use boilers of wrought iron, as, with careful usage, they are less liable to break down in hard frosts than are the others. as the value of the plants, as well as that of the boiler, has to be considered, should such a contingency occur, it is certainly advisable to reduce all risks to a minimum; and as the average life of a boiler is from ten to fifteen years, a slightly larger first cost is not of very serious moment. the forms of boilers are very diverse, and, in some of the patented forms, complicated. but, whatever the shape, the following points are essential: a clear and unrestricted waterway of not less than 2in. in thickness; the greatest exposure of surface to the direct action of the fire; a sufficient fire space; and a fire-bar area calculated to supply enough fresh air to the fire to support thorough combustion. the forms generally used for horticultural work are the following, or some modifications of them; and, however grand the name, their chief value consists in the attested heating capacity at a given cost: the saddle boiler, which is made of various sizes, with or without check ends, cross tubes, and other devices for increasing the heating surface, and also of a tubular form; the upright cylinder (a vertical section of which is shown in fig. 260); the upright tubular cylinder; the horizontal tubular; and the cornish or horizontal cylinder. combinations of the various forms, and complicated patterns of different kinds, are made for particular purposes; but in no case should large boilers be used, unless they are recommended, by one competent to judge, as suitable for the purpose they are needed to fulfil. in every case, it is necessary that the boiler should be fixed in a proper manner. it is also good policy to have boilers about 30, or even 50 per cent., more powerful than is actually required, when they are new, as, from various causes, their heating power falls off in a year or two in many places; and, under ordinary work, it is not desirable to stimulate the action in order to command sufficient heat. there is no doubt that, for general purposes, some modification of the saddle or cylinder boiler is by far the best, all things duly considered; but it is impossible to give any practical advice without a thorough knowledge of the requirements of any particular place. gas boilers are also useful for small places. these are made in many forms, and are, as a rule, in the shape of a cylinder, with a coned inside, against which the flames play. some gas boilers have also a superheater attached; this exhausts the heat from the air which has passed through the boiler. another good form is made of horizontal tubes, which contain the water, the flames playing over and amongst them. an atmospheric burner of approved construction should be used where gas is the heating power. a sufficient supply of gas should be assured by using supply pipes of a good size. care should be taken to keep these pipes free from water, and protected from frost by silicate cotton lagging, or some other good non-conductor. except for very small places, however, gas apparatus is almost useless, and will never supersede fuel boilers. for other particulars regarding boilers, _see_ =heating= and =stoking=. =bois-perdrix.= _see_ =heisteria=. =bolbophyllum.= _see_ =bulbophyllum=. =boletus= (from _bolos_, a mass; in reference to its massy or globular form). ord. _fungi_. the only species of this rather large genus demanding mention is _b. edulis_ (see fig. 261), which is considered an excellent article of food. it is easily distinguished, and is often of large size and somewhat unshapely; the pileus is usually of a dusky yellow or brownish hue, but sometimes brighter and more of a chestnut colour; the flesh is white, and does not change to a blue colour when cut (this is a very important characteristic, and should always be noticed). it is a species common in most districts, usually growing in woods, and appearing chiefly in the autumn. [illustration: fig. 261. common boletus (boletus edulis).] =boleum= (from _bolos_, a ball; in reference to the shape of the seed-pods). ord. _cruciferã¦_. an ornamental, hardy, evergreen shrub, well adapted for rockwork, in ordinary soil. it requires slight protection in winter if planted in very exposed situations. propagated by seed, sown in a pot, in spring, and placed in a frame, or in the open border during summer. =b. asperum= (rough).* _fl._ cream-coloured; racemes erect, elongated; pedicels very short, the lower ones bracteate. april. _l._ alternate, oblong, linear; lower ones somewhat divided. a suffruticose, erect, branched plant, hispid from stiff hairs. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. france. 1818. =bollea.= _see_ =zygopetalum=. =bolted.= a term used in reference to plants that have prematurely run to seed. =boltonia= (named after j. b. bolton, an english professor of botany). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of rather pretty hardy herbaceous perennials. flower-heads with white or purplish rays. leaves pale green, lanceolate, sessile. they thrive in common garden soil. propagated by divisions of the roots, in march. =b. asteroides= (aster-like).* _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured, stellate, disposed in a rather large terminal panicle. august. _l._ all entire, somewhat broadly lanceolate, narrowed at both ends. _h._ 2ft. north america, 1758. (b. m. 2554.) =b. glastifolia= (woad-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ pink. september. _l._, lower ones serrated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. north america, 1758. (b. m. 2381.) [illustration: fig. 262. flowers of bomarea carderi.] =bomarea= (derivation of name doubtful). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. a genus of handsome half-hardy twiners, closely allied to _alstrã¶meria_, from which it is chiefly distinguished by its twining habit and some difference in the capsule. they are of comparatively easy culture, thriving in a compost of peat, leaf mould, loam, and sand, with good drainage. manure water should be given during the season of growth. although they make fine pot plants, their full beauty is only developed when planted out in the conservatory or greenhouse border. propagated by seeds, or by careful divisions of the underground stem. in making a division, it is necessary to observe that the part taken has some roots by which to live till new ones are formed. it should be potted at first, and may, when established, be planted out or shifted on. seeds may be raised in a warm house without difficulty. they germinate in a few weeks; and when the young plants are 2in. or 3in. high, they should be placed separately in small pots, shifting them on as necessary, or planting them out. in favoured southern localities, several species have proved hardy, but they are much the best when grown in a greenhouse. =b. acutifolia ehrenbergiana= (ehrenberg's acute-leaved). _fl._ undulate, outer segments deep orange, the inner ones paler and spotted. spring. _l._ lanceolate acute, smooth. mexico, 1878. (b. m. 6444). =b. caldasiana= (caldas's).* _fl._ orange yellow, spotted crimson. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acute. peruvian andes, 1863. =b. carderi= (carder's).* _fl._ 2-1/2in. long by 1-1/8in. in breadth at the widest part, regularly bell-shaped, with six segments, the three outer rose-coloured, the three inner nearly equal in length, crenulate, and spotted with purplish-brown; inflorescence pendulous, and consisting of a large terminal umbellate cyme, surrounded at the base by a series of crowded leaves. _l._ oblong lanceolate, acuminate, about 7in. by 2-3/4in. columbia, 1876. see fig. 262, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =b. chontalensis= (chontalese). _fl._ 1-1/2in. long, sub-campanulate, obtusely trigonous; outer segments thick, fleshy, wavy, rose-red, with a few brown spots round the margin at the tip, very convex; inner segments a little shorter, pale yellow blotched with brown; umbels surrounded by a whorl of leaves, and composed of several peduncles, each bearing four to six nodding flowers. august. _l._ lanceolate or ovate oblong, acuminate. nicaragua, 1871. (b. m. 5927). =b. conferta= (dense-flowered).* a synonym of _b. patococensis_. =b. edulis= (edible). _fl._, outer segments rose, green tipped; inner spotted with rose. st. domingo, &c. one of the oldest species in cultivation. the tubers are said by tussac to be eaten in st. domingo, like those of the jerusalem artichoke. see fig. 263. =b. frondea= (leafy). _fl._ 2in. long, tubulate-campanulate; outer segments narrow, oblong, yellow; inner segments 1/2in. longer than the outer ones, canary yellow, spotted with red; cymes umbellate, many-flowered, about 8in. across, base leafy. _l._ lanceolate, acuminate. bogota, 1881. (g. c. n. s. 17, p. 669.) =b. oligantha= (few-flowered).* _fl._ regularly funnel-shaped, about 1in. long; outer segments slightly shorter than the inner, oblanceolate, under 1/4in. abroad, obtuse, unspotted, reddish on the outside, yellow within; one or two to an umbel, on simple, flexuous, glabrous pedicels, about 1in. long. _l._ long, acute, about 2in. long, bright green on the upper surface, ciliated on the ribs beneath. peru, 1877. see fig. 264. [illustration: fig. 263. flowering branch of bomarea edulis.] =b. patococensis= (patococha). _fl._ 2in. to 2-1/2in. long, elongate-funnel-shaped; the three outer segments ovate lanceolate, about one-fourth shorter than the inner segments, both of a rich crimson colour; numerously borne in drooping, contracted tufts at the ends of the shoots; peduncles about 2in. to 2-1/2in. long, intermixed at the base with broadly ovate-acute, leafy bracts. august and september. _l._ scattered, shortly stalked, broadly lanceolate, tail pointed. bogota, 1881. (g. c. n. s. 17, p. 187.) [illustration: fig. 264. flowering branch of bomarea oligantha.] =b. salsilla= (salsilla). _fl._ purple, about 1/2in. long, the two inner segments having a darker spot at the base, and all of them tinged with green towards the points; collected into a terminal umbel. june. _l._ few, lanceolate. south america, 1806. this has proved quite hardy under various conditions. =b. shuttleworthii= (shuttleworth's).* _fl._, perianth about 2in. long, funnel-shaped or elongate bell-shaped; segments nearly equal, oblong acute, outer ones orange vermilion, slightly tinged with green and dotted with small dark spots at the tips; inner ones more acutely pointed, canary yellow, with a red midrib, and green with dark spots at the tips; cymes umbellate, pendulous. _l._ ovate lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. by 2in., glabrous. bogota, 1881. (g. c. n. s. 17, p. 77.) =b. williamsii= (williams's).* _fl._ rose-coloured, about 2in. long, elongate funnel shape; disposed in a compound umbellate cyme. _l._ lanceolate, very acute, and tapering to a very short twisted petiole. new grenada, 1882. =bombaceã�.= a division of _sterculiaceã¦_. =bombax= (from _bombax_, one of the greek names for cotton; the pods are filled with a fine silky substance like cotton, but which it is impossible to spin into thread, in consequence of the edges being perfectly smooth). silk cotton tree. ord. _malvaceã¦_. a genus of large soft-wooded stove trees. flowers scarlet or white, large, usually rising laterally from the trunk or branches, either singly or in clusters. they grow best in a rich loamy soil. cuttings, not too ripe, taken off at a joint, placed in sand under a bell glass, in moist heat, will root readily; but plants raised from seeds brought from their natural habitats make finer trees. =b. ceiba= (ceiba). _fl._ pale red, large. _l._ palmate, with five leaflets. _fr._ turbinate, concave at the apex. _h._ 100ft. south america, 1692. =bombyx neustria.= _see_ =lackey moth=. =bona-nox.= _see_ =ipomã¦a bona-nox=. =bonapartea.= _see_ =tillandsia=. =bonapartea juncea.= a synonym of _agave geminiflora_. =bonatea.= (in honour of m. bonato, a distinguished italian botanist, and a professor of botany at padua). ord. _orchideã¦_. a handsome terrestrial stove orchid, allied to _habenaria_, and requiring similar culture. =b. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._ white, galeate; petals bipartite; raceme many-flowered, compact; bracts cucullate, acuminate. august. _l._ oblong, sub-undulate. stem leafy. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1820. (b. m. 2926; l. b. c. 284.) =bongardia.= (named after heinrich gustav bongard, a german botanist). ord. _berberideã¦_. a very pretty hardy tuberous-rooted perennial, requiring a sandy soil, and good drainage, with protection at all seasons from excessive wet, otherwise it will rot. it should be carefully planted in a compost of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, and covered with a handlight. =b. rauwolfii= (rauwolf's). _fl._ golden yellow, on pyramidal branched panicles; stamens and petals nearly equal in length. may. _l._ radical, pinnate; leaflets sessile, oval-oblong, three to five-cleft at the apex, glaucous, each with a dark purple blotch at the base. _h._ 6in. syria, persia, 1740. syn. _leontice chrysogonum_. (b. m. 6244.) =bonnaya= (named after bonnay, a german botanist). ord. _scrophulariaceã¦_. a small genus of usually glabrous, rarely pilose, slender, creeping or erect, annual, biennial, or perennial stove plants, almost unknown in cultivation. flowers axillary, opposite, or alternate from abortion, usually pedicellate, the upper ones sometimes racemose, pinkish, or blue. leaves opposite, quite entire, or toothed. they thrive in a rich sandy loam. the annual species are propagated by seeds, the others by divisions and cuttings. =bonnetia= (commemorative of charles bonnet, a french naturalist, who wrote some botanical papers in 1754). ord. _ternstrå�miaceã¦_. a genus of elegant middle-sized stove trees or shrubs. flowers large, terminal; peduncles one or many-flowered. leaves scattered, exstipulate, coriaceous, entire, one-nerved, marked with transverse veins, sub-sessile, narrowed to the base. they thrive well in a mixture of loam and peat. cuttings of firm young shoots will root if placed in sand under a hand glass, in a moderate heat. =b. sessilis= (stalkless). _fl._ purplish, terminal. _l._ oblong, coriaceous, entire. _h._ 15ft. guiana, 1819. =borage.= _see_ =borago officinalis=. =boraginaceã�.= a large order of herbs or shrubs, having spirally-coiled inflorescence; corolla usually regular and five-lobed, with an imbricated ã¦stivation; throat generally hairy; stamens five, inserted in the corolla. leaves alternate, rough. among other genera belonging to this order may be named _anchusa_, _borago_, _cynoglossum_, _echium_, _lithospermum_, and _myosotis_. =borago= (derivation very uncertain; probably a corruption of some eastern name). borage. ord. _boraginaceã¦_. a genus of hardy herbaceous perennials or annuals, excellently adapted for naturalising in dry stony places. flowers blue, panicled, drooping; corolla rotate; throat furnished with emarginate vaulted processes; anthers distinct, oblong or lanceolate, awned, fixed by the inner side, conniving into a cone. nuts four, one-celled, turbinate, fixed to the bottom of the calyx. leaves oblong or lanceolate. all the species are easily cultivated, thriving in any common soil. propagated by divisions, in spring, or by striking the young cuttings in a cold frame. they may also be raised from seed, which should be sown from march to may, in any good garden soil, and the plants, when large enough, thinned out to 1ft. or more apart. in hot weather, borage is generally in demand for claret cup and other drinks. =b. laxiflora= (loose-flowered).* _fl._ on long pedicels, racemose, drooping; corolla pale blue; segments ovate, bluntish, erectly spreading. may to august. _l._ oblong, and rough from strigã¦; radical ones rosulate; cauline ones half stem-clasping. stem decumbent, many from the same root, hispid from retrograde bristles. corsica, 1813. (b. m. 1789.) =b. longifolia= (long-leaved).* _fl._ disposed in a terminal bracteate panicle; corolla blue; segments ovate, acute, spreading. july and august. _l._ linear-lanceolate, scabrous and downy beneath; cauline ones half stem-clasping. _h._ 1ft. numidia, 1825. [illustration: fig. 265. flower of borago officinalis.] =b. officinalis= (officinal).* common borage. _fl._ blue, purple, or white; segments of the corolla limb ovate, acute, spreading. june to september. _l._, lower ones obovate, attenuated at the base; cauline ones oblong, sessile, sub-cordate at the base. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. britain. this is the kind most cultivated in gardens for flavouring. see fig. 265. (sy. en. b. 36.) =borassus= (a name applied by linnã¦us to the spathe of the date palm). ord. _palmaceã¦_. a very small genus of stove trees, containing two noble species, which are distinguished by unisexual flowers, produced upon distinct plants, the males being borne in dense branching catkins, and the females on simple, or, more rarely, slightly branched spikes. fruit very large, brown, three-seeded. leaves fan-shaped, with spiny petioles. trunks unarmed, often 70ft. high. they may be grown in good fibrous loam, leaf mould, and sand, mainly the former. increased by seeds only, which require to be sown in strong bottom heat. rarely seen in cultivation. =b. ã¦thiopicum= (african). _l._ nearly circular, and plaited, supported upon stout petioles, 6ft. to 7ft. long. western tropical africa. this handsome, but rare, species is remarkable for the bulging out or swelling in its stem, near the middle, or about two-thirds of its height from the ground. =b. flabelliformis= (fan-shaped).* _l._ nearly circular, and plaited like a partially-open fan, with about seventy ribs, which radiate from a common centre. _h._ 30ft. india, 1771. =borbonia= (named after gaston de bourbon, duke of orleans, son of henry iv. of france, a great lover and patron of botany). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of very ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of the cape of good hope. flowers yellow, disposed in terminal heads, axillary. leaves simple, amplexicaul, alternate, exstipulate, pungent. they thrive well in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, with good drainage. cuttings, half-ripened, obtained in april, will root freely in sandy soil if placed under a bell glass, in a cool house. =b. barbata= (bearded).* _fl._ sessile, villous on the outside. july. _l._ narrow, lanceolate, many-nerved, complicated, ciliately-bearded, and very much acuminated; branches diverging. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. 1823. =b. cordata= (heart-shaped). _fl._, corolla densely villous, with the vexillum obcordate. july. _l._ cordate, many-nerved, quite entire, glabrous. branches villous. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. 1759. =b. crenata= (crenated).* _fl._ less villous than in the rest of the species. july. _l._ cordate, roundish, acute, denticulated, many nerved and reticulated between the nerves, and are, as well as the branches, glabrous. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. 1774. (b. m. 274.) =b. lanceolata= (lance-shaped). _fl._ densely villous. july. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, pungent, many nerved, quite entire, sessile, glabrous, as well as the stem. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. 1752. (l. b. c. 81.) =b. ruscifolia= (ruscus-leaved). _fl._ sparingly villous. july. _l._ cordate, many-nerved, minutely ciliated, but are otherwise glabrous as well as the branches. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. 1790. (b. m. 2128.) =borders, flower.= small beds, or a continuous bed, of greater length than width, skirting a wall or shrubbery, and containing plants of a heterogeneous character. they should be slightly raised above the surrounding level, and thoroughly drained. in the first preparation of the border, it is most essential to deeply dig or trench the ground, thoroughly incorporating a large amount of well-bodied manure; and if the soil is very stiff, wood ashes or coarse sand should be well worked in with the manure. the best time to plant such borders is in early autumn or in march. where, as is frequently the case, the borders are only 2ft. or 3ft. wide, not more than two rows of plants, either in groups or singly, will be allowable. the tall plants or shrubs should constitute the background, with dwarfer subjects in front; but formal arrangements must be avoided. the object should be to secure a continuous succession of flowers. this would entail some little trouble at first, which, however, would be amply repaid by results. no hard-and-fast rules can be laid down as to the arrangement of the plants, which depends on individual taste and means; but the best results are obtained when the border is mainly made up of hardy herbaceous perennials, as permanent occupants, assisted by liberal quantities of summer bedding plants, such as dahlias, fuchsias, geraniums, heliotrope, tropã¦olums, &c., as well as many hardy annuals and biennials. by this means, a very varied and beautiful display may be maintained, especially if bulbs are used for early spring effect, such as narcissi, scillas, snowdrops, tulips, &c. of course, the herbaceous perennials should be selected with much care, all weedy subjects being avoided, and variety in colour and time of flowering secured. anything like a full list of these would occupy too much space for repetition here, but the following will be found very showy and useful: achilleas, aconitums, anemones, aquilegias, armerias, asters, campanulas, carnations and picotees, delphiniums, dodecatheons, doronicums, fritillarias, funkias, gaillardias, geraniums, geums, hollyhocks, iberises, irises, liliums, pã¦onies, papavers, pyrethrums, double and single, ranunculus, trolliuses, &c. =borders, fruit.= these should be well drained, and if not naturally so, the soil should be excavated from 3ft. to 5ft. deep, in order to form a bottom of stones, pieces of brick, clinkers, &c. where it is convenient, draining pipes should be added, if an outfall in the vicinity can be secured. the base of the border should be sloped to the front, where the pipes should be laid, and the bottom covered with draining material, thereby effectually preventing the fruit trees rooting deep, which is detrimental to healthy growth. gross-feeding vegetables or flowers should not be grown on the surface, but shallow-rooting crops will generally do no harm. many advocate the surface being kept free from crops of any sort, simply letting it be freely exposed; whilst others equally as strenuously condemn this plan. where necessary, chalk or some other mineral constituent of good soil which is naturally absent, may be added; but much animal manure is rarely required. the depth and width of border may vary for different fruit trees, but efficient drainage is in all cases important. =borecole= (_brassica oleracea fimbriata_). an important division of the brassica tribe, often cultivated in gardens under the name of kale. it comes in very useful when hard weather has rendered cabbages, &c., unfit for use, as it endures cold better than most other green vegetables. some are also grown as ornamental foliaged plants. like all other plants of a similar description, they require rich soil, and they should be put out in june or early in july, as it is almost useless to plant this kind of vegetable after the middle of the latter month. to obtain the best results, the ground should be deeply dug and well manured; but it must not be full of crude manure at planting time, or it will make the plants too tender and succulent in wet seasons, with the result that the first sharp frost would cause them to rot. good hard-stemmed plants are the kinds most needed, especially for crops required in spring, when green vegetables are scarce. cultivation: early in april, and again a month later for succession, the seeds should be sown thinly in nursery beds, not covering them too deeply. the soil should be in a friable condition, and it is an advantage if the first beds be made under a south wall. as soon as the seedlings appear, if they are too thick, they should be thinned, as those which are drawn up weak and spindly are useless. when large enough, they should be carefully planted out, choosing showery weather, if possible, for the operation. if it is necessary to plant them in dry weather, they must be well watered-in. the rows should be from 2ft. to 3ft. apart, according to the variety, and the plants 2ft. apart in the rows; or, if potatoes are planted wide apart, the borecole may be arranged between them. dead leaves must be cleared away from time to time, but no green ones should be broken off. when the tops are cut for use, the stems should not be denuded of foliage, as they will soon break again and form successional crops. the plants must be kept free from weeds. after april, the kales are of little use; the stems may therefore be pulled up, and the ground planted with some other crop. they all require the same treatment, and at their various seasons come in equally useful. _sorts._ the distinct forms are somewhat limited, but being largely cultivated on the continent as well as all parts of britain on account of its hardy nature, the varieties of borecole receive a large number of names that are either synonymous with, or indistinct from, a few well-known types. dwarf green curled or scotch is probably the best and most grown; other good hardy sorts are asparagus kale (this name is applied to several different kinds, the best one being in use very late in spring), buda, cottagers', dwarf purple, imperial hearting, ragged jack, and tall green curled. melville's variegated and variegated borecole, amongst others, have fine ornamental foliage. =boronia= (named after francis boroni, an italian servant of dr. sibthorp, who perished from an accident at athens; he collected specimens of many of those plants which are figured in the "flora grã¦ca"). ord. _rutaceã¦_. very elegant and useful shrubs, requiring similar treatment to ordinary greenhouse hard-wooded subjects, and much aided with a little extra heat in spring, when breaking into growth. flowers pretty, pink-purplish, or white; peduncles terminal, but usually axillary on the extreme branches, one to many-flowered; pedicels furnished at the base and middle with two opposite, short bracts, jointed, commonly dilated under the calyx. leaves opposite, simple, or impari-pinnate, entire, or a little serrulated, full of pellucid dots. they should be placed out of doors from july to the middle of september; the most convenient place for them is in pits, as there are then greater facilities for protecting them from heavy rains and thunderstorms. when first put out, boronias should not be fully exposed, but in the course of a week they may remain open to the full influence of both sun and air. potting should be performed once a year, as soon as the top growth ceases, as the roots then extend themselves in preparation for their next year's functions. the best compost for them is one of peat and maiden loam in equal parts, and about one-sixth sharp silver sand. many cultivators, however, prefer a compost consisting of good fibry peat and silver sand, together with some pieces of charcoal, smaller or larger, according to the size of the pots used. the soil should be rammed firmly in the pots, which must be well drained. the leading shoots should be pinched, to ensure good bushy specimens. propagation may be effected by young cuttings, or those made from the half-ripened wood; these should be put into a thoroughly drained pot of sandy soil, with 1in. of sand on the surface, and covered with a bell glass, which must be frequently taken off and wiped dry. when in the cutting state, water must be very carefully given around the rim of the pot, without taking off the glass. if placed in a temperature of about 50deg., and shaded from bright noonday sun, they soon root, when they may be potted off singly into small pots, and plunged in sawdust, or cocoa-nut fibre refuse, in which situation but little water is needed. pinching repeatedly, when young, is the only means to secure good ultimate growth. air must be given on all possible opportunities. =b. alata= (winged). _fl._ pale rose-colour, small; peduncles dichotomous, usually three-flowered; bracts fringed. may. _l._, leaflets three to five pairs, or more, crenate, revolute, pilose on the nerves beneath, as well as the rachis. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. new holland, 1823. (l. b. c. 1833.) =b. anemonifolia= (anemone-leaved). _fl._ pink; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. may. _l._ stalked, trifid; segments narrow, wedge-shaped, furnished with two or three teeth at the apex, or quite entire. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. new holland, 1824. (p. m. b. 9, 123.) =b. crenulata= (crenulate).* _fl._ red, small, with a fringed calyx; pedicels axillary and terminal, one-flowered. july. _l._ obovate, mucronulate, crenulated. _h._ 1ft. to 4ft. king george's sound. (b. m. 3915.) =b. denticulata= (finely-toothed). _fl._ rose-coloured; bracts deciduous; peduncles corymbose. march to august. _l._ linear, retuse, toothleted, terminated by a small point. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. king george's sound, 1823. (b. r. 1000.) =b. drummondi= (drummond's).* _fl._ pretty rosy pink, freely produced during spring and summer. _l._ pinnatifid. _h._ 2ft. new holland. a very pretty species, with a slender but compact habit of growth. there is a white-flowered variety of this species (f. d. s. 9, 881.) =b. elatior= (tallest).* _fl._ pendulous, rosy carmine, very fragrant, disposed in long dense clusters along the ends of the branches. may. _l._ very prettily pinnately cut into linear segments. _h._ 4ft. western australia, 1874. (b. m. 6285.) =b. ledifolia= (ledum-leaved). _fl._ red; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, each bearing two bracts in the middle. march. _l._ linear-lanceolate, quite entire, downy beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. new holland, 1814. (p. m. b. 8, 123.) [illustration: fig. 266. flowering branches of boronia megastigma.] =b. megastigma= (large-stigma).* _fl._ numerous, axillary, fragrant, drooping, 1/2in. in diameter, sub-globose, campanulate; petals nearly orbicular, concave, maroon purple outside, and yellow within. _l._ sessile, pinnate, with three to five narrow linear rigid leaflets. _h._ 1ft. of slender habit, with twiggy branches. south-western australia, 1873. see fig. 266. =b. pinnata= (pinnate).* _fl._ pink, with a scent like that of hawthorn; peduncles dichotomous. february to may. _l._, leaflets two, three or four pairs, linear, acute, quite smooth. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. new holland, 1794. (b. m. 1763.) =b. polygalã¦folia= (polygala-leaved). _fl._ red; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered. march to july. _l._ linear-lanceolate, quite entire, opposite, alternate, and three in a whorl. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. port jackson, 1824. =b. serrulata= (serrulate).* _fl._ of a deep rose colour, very fragrant; peduncles aggregate, terminal. july. _l._ trapeziform, acute, serrulated in front, smooth, full of glandular dots. _h._ 1ft. to 6ft. port jackson, 1816. (b. r. 842.) =b. tetrandra= (four-stamened). _fl._ pale purple; pedicels short, one-flowered. may. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets four to five pairs, linear, obtuse, smooth; branches pilose. _h._ 1ft. to 4ft. new holland, 1824. (p. m. b. 16, 227.) =borreria= (named after william borrer, f.l.s., a profound botanist and cryptogamist). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. a large genus of stove herbs or sub-shrubs, now referred to _spermacoce_. flowers small, white, rarely blue, disposed in verticillate heads, in the axils of the leaves, or on the tops of the branches, rarely cymose or corymbose. leaves opposite, or the young ones disposed in fascicles in the axils of the old ones, and therefore appearing verticillate; stipules joining with the petioles, more or less sheathing, fringed by many bristles. stems and branches usually tetragonal. the species are of easy culture, thriving in a light soil. cuttings of the perennial kinds strike root readily in the same kind of soil, in heat. the annual kinds require a similar treatment to other tender annuals. =b. stricta= (straight). a dwarf shrub, but closely allied to the next species. porto rico. =b. verticillata= (whorled-flowered). _fl._ white. july. _l._ linear lanceolate, acuminated, opposite, but appearing verticillate from the fascicles of young leaves in the axils. _h._ 2ft. west indies, 1732. =boscia= (named after louis bosc, a french professor of agriculture). syn. _podoria_. ord. _capparidaceã¦_. a small genus of stove plants, requiring a soil of lumpy, fibry loam and peat. propagated by cuttings of firm wood, placed in sand, under a glass, in heat. =b. senegalensis= (senegal). _fl._ white, small, apetalous, corymbose. _h._ 3ft. senegal, 1824. an unarmed evergreen shrub. (l. e. m. 395.) =bossiã�a= (named after m. bossier lamartiniã¨re, a french botanist, who accompanied the unfortunate la peyrouse round the world). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of elegant australian greenhouse shrubs. flowers yellow, axillary and solitary, the base of the vexillum or the keel generally blotched or veined with purple. leaves simple, of various forms. a mixture of turfy loam, leaf mould, peat, and sand, with very free drainage, suits these plants best. half-ripened cuttings will root freely if placed in a pot of sand with a bell glass over them, in a cool house. seeds should be sown, in march, on a slight hotbed. =b. cinerea= (ashy-grey). _fl._ yellow, the vexillum furnished with a purple circle at the base, and the keel dark purple. may. _l._ nearly sessile, cordate acute, ending in a spiny mucrone, scabrous above, but pilose on the nerves beneath, with recurved margins. branches terete, crowded with leaves, vinous. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1824. syns. _b. cordifolia_, _b. tenuicaulis_. (b. m. 3895.) =b. cordifolia= (heart-leaved). a synonym of _b. cinerea_. =b. disticha= (two-ranked).* _fl._ yellowish-red; peduncles solitary, axillary, one-flowered, longer than the leaves. march to may. _l._ distichous, ovate, obtuse. young branches terete. _h._ 1-1/2ft. swan river, 1840. (b. r. 1841, 55.) =b. ensata= (sword-shaped). _fl._ yellowish, with the back and base of the vexillum of a brownish orange-purple colour; keel brownish-purple. april. branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, the teeth bearing the flowers; upper bracts distant from the lower ones, shorter than the pedicel. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1825. (s. f. a. 51.) =b. foliosa= (leafy). _fl._ yellow and orange. may to june. _l._ alternate, small, orbicular, retuse, scabrous, with revolute margins, silky beneath; stipules permanent, hooked, longer than the petioles. branches straight, terete, villous. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1824. =b. lenticularis= (lentil-leaved). a synonym of _b. rhombifolia_. =b. linnã¦oides= (linnã¦a-like).* _fl._ yellow; keel dark brown; corolla about twice the length of the calyx; pedicels solitary one-flowered, elongated. may. _l._ elliptic, mucronate. branches terete, prostrate, puberulous. 1824. a procumbent shrub. =b. linophylla= (flax-leaved).* _fl._ orange and purple. july to august. _l._ linear, with recurved margins. branches compressed, leafy. _h._ 1ft. to 4ft. 1803. (b. m. 2491.) =b. microphylla= (small-leaved). _l._ cuneiformly obcordate, glabrous. branches terete, leafy, spinescent; young branches rather compressed and pubescent. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1803. (l. b. c. 656.) =b. rhombifolia= (diamond-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, the vexillum having a dark red zonate mark at the base; wings red at the base; keel brownish-purple. april. _l._ rhomboidal-orbicular, somewhat emarginate and mucronate. branches terete; branchlets compressed, leafy. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. 1820. syn. _b. lenticularis_. (l. b. c. 1238.) =b. rotundifolia= (round-leaved). _l._ roundish, or broadly obovate, somewhat mucronate, flat, four to five lines long and five to six broad. branches and branchlets leafy, compressed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. 1824. =b. scolopendrium= (plank-plant). _fl._ yellow, with the back of the vexillum and keel brownish-red. may. _l._ (when present) ovate and smooth. branches flat, linear, leafless, toothed, with the teeth bearing the flowers; keel naked; superior bracts permanent, imbricate, equal in length to the peduncles. _h._ 3ft. to 10ft. 1792. (b. m. 1235.) =b. tenuicaulis= (slender-stemmed). synonymous with _b. cinerea_. =boswellia= (named after dr. boswell, formerly of edinburgh). olibanum tree. ord. _burseraceã¦_. ornamental and economic evergreen stove trees. flowers hermaphrodite; calyx five-toothed, permanent; petals five, obovate-oblong, spreading, with the margins incumbent in ã¦stivation; disk cup-shaped, crenate; stamens ten; capsule trigonal. they are of easy culture, thriving well in loam and peat soil. cuttings root readily if placed in sand under a glass. =b. glabra= (glabrous). _fl._ white, small, with a red nectary and yellow anthers; racemes aggregate, simple, terminal, shorter than the leaves. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets broad, lanceolate, blunt, serrated, smooth. _h._ 30ft. coromandel, 1823. (b. f. s. 124.) =b. serrata= (saw-edged-leaved).* _fl._ whitish-yellow; racemes axillary, simple. _l._ impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate-oblong, taper-pointed, serrated, pubescent. _h._ 20ft. india, 1820. (t. l. s. xv., 4.) =botany bay gum.= _see_ =xanthorrhã¦a arborea=. =botany bay tea= (and =tree=). _see_ =smilax glycyphylla=. =bothy.= a residence for under-gardeners, usually built behind the hothouses, or some high wall, in what is called a back shed. the place is too frequently a cramped, ill-ventilated hovel. a bothy proper should be an independent structure, and fitted with modern conveniences; for, of all people, gardeners are the most susceptible to colds, &c. a library of standard horticultural and botanical works, as well as a few on other scientific subjects, and a moderate number of high-class books of fiction, one or more weekly gardening and other papers, should be supplied by the employer. during the winter months, for mutual improvement, lectures should be delivered, or papers read, by each gardener, on various subjects, after which a free discussion should take place upon the paper or lecture, by which means a great amount of good would be accomplished. =botrychium= (from _botrys_, a bunch; in reference to the bunch-like disposition of the indusia). moonwort. ord. _filices_. a genus of very interesting and pretty little hardy ferns. capsules sessile, arranged in two rows on the face of spikes which form a compound panicle. they require a compost of sandy loam; perfect drainage is most essential. for general culture, _see_ =ferns=. =b. australe= (southern). a variety of _b. ternatum_. =b. daucifolium= (daucus-leaved). _sti._ stout, 6in. to 12in. long; petiole of sterile segments 1in. to 6in. long, the latter 6in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, tripinnatifid or tripinnate, the lower pinnã¦ largest; segments lanceolate-oblong, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, finely toothed. _fertile peduncle_ equalling the sterile segments when mature; panicle 2in. to 4in. long; tripinnate, not very close. himalayas, &c. greenhouse species. syn. _b. subcarnosum_. =b. lunaria.= common moonwort.* _sti._ 1in. to 4in. long. _sterile segments_ sessile, or nearly so, 1in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, base much broader than the middle, cut down to a flattened rachis into several distinct, close, entire, or notched cuneate-flabellate pinnã¦ on both sides. _fertile peduncle_ equalling or exceeding the sterile portion; panicle close, 1in. to 2in. long. england, &c. hardy. see fig. 267. [illustration: fig. 267. botrychium lunaria, showing habit, capsule, and spores.] =b. lunarioides= (lunaria-like). a variety of _b. ternatum_. =b. obliquum= (oblique). a variety of _b. ternatum_. =b. subcarnosum= (sub-fleshy). a synonym of _b. daucifolium_. =b. ternatum= (ternate).* _sti._ 1in. to 2in. long. _petiole_ of the sterile segments 2in. to 4in. long, the latter 3in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, trior quadripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ much the largest. _fertile peduncle_ 6in. to 9in. long; panicle 1in. to 6in. long; deltoid, very compound. nootka and hudson's bay territory. several so-called species come very close to this, including _australe_, _lunarioides_, and _obliquum_, which are only geographical varieties. greenhouse species. =b. virginianum= (virginian).* _sti._ 3in. to 18in. long. _sterile segments_ sessile, 4in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, quadripinnatifid; lower pinnã¦ much the largest; pinnules oval-oblong, close, cut down to the rachis into finely cut linear-oblong segments. _fertile peduncle_ equalling or exceeding the sterile part of the plant when mature; panicle 1in. to 4in. long, loose, oblong. oregon, and north united states, 1790. a hardy species in sheltered places. (h. g. f. 29.) =bottle-gourd.= _see_ =lagenaria=. =bottle-tree.= _see_ =sterculia rupestris=. =bottom heat.= this is usually secured by passing hot-water pipes through an air chamber, or a water tank, beneath a bed of plunging material. the covering of the tank or chamber is best made of slate. the heat must be regulated according to the requirements of the subjects grown; this is easily accomplished by using the valve. a thermometer should be placed in the tank or bed. bottom-heat is indispensable for propagating plants from seeds and cuttings, especially in spring. _see_ =heating= and =hotbeds=. =boucerosia= (from _boukeros_, furnished with buffaloes' horns; in reference to the curved lobes of the corona) ord. _asclepiadaceã¦_. a genus of greenhouse succulent perennials, allied to _stapelia_, and requiring the same culture. flowers numerous, terminal, umbellate; corolla sub-campanulate, five-cleft; segments broadly triangular, with acute recesses; stramineous corona fifteen-lobed; lobes disposed in a double series; the five inner ones opposite the stamens and lying upon the anthers; the rest exterior, erect, or a little incurved at apex, adhering to the back of the inner ones. branches and stems tetragonal, with toothed angles. [illustration: fig. 268 boucerosia europã�a.] =b. europã¦a= (european). _fl._ purple-brown, yellow. summer. _h._ 4in. sicily, 1833. syns. _apteranthes_ and _stapelia gussoniana_. see fig. 268. (b. r. 1731.) =b. maroccana= (morocco).* _fl._ dark red purple, with yellow concentric lines. summer. _l._ minute, trowel-shaped, deflexed at tip of stem angles. _h._ 4in. morocco, 1875. (b. m. 6137.) =bouchea= (named after c. and p. bouche, german naturalists). ord. _verbenaceã¦_. a small genus of stove or greenhouse evergreen herbs or sub-shrubs. flowers sub-sessile, in spicate racemes, which are either terminal or in the forking of two branches; corolla funnel-shaped. leaves opposite, toothed. they thrive in a well-drained compost of loam and sandy peat. propagated by cuttings, placed in sand, under a glass, and in a gentle heat, during spring. =b. cuneifolia= (wedge-shaped-leaved). _fl._ white. april. _h._ 4ft. cape of good hope, 1821. a greenhouse evergreen shrub. syn. _chascanum cuneifolium_. =b. pseudogervao= (false-gervaã´). _fl._ purplish, with white throat; spike terminal, 6in. to 10in. long, slender. september. _l._ opposite, ovate, or elliptic-ovate, acuminate, serrated. stems tetragonous. _h._ 2ft. to 5ft. brazil, 1874. a stove perennial. (b. m. 6221). =bougainvillea= (named after de bougainville, a french navigator). ord. _nyctagineã¦_. gorgeous warm greenhouse or conservatory plants, comprising some of the most showy climbers in cultivation. their beauty lies in the bracts, which envelop the small greenish flowers. _b. glabra_ may be grown in pots, or planted out in the greenhouse borders; the others are best planted out, as they root very freely, and plenty of space would be occupied if allowed, but it is best to limit it, as they bloom much better. strict training and pinching are not desirable, being prejudicial to the free production of bloom; indeed, the best plan is to allow the plants to ramble freely over the roof of a moderately high house, or along the upper portion of a back wall; they will then bloom profusely for several months in the year, provided proper attention be paid to watering, and that the plants are in a well-drained situation. in preparing a border for their reception, the first point to be considered is the drainage, which must be perfect. this is best effected by placing a layer of brick rubbish, 6in. to 9in. in thickness, communicating with the drain, by which means all sourness and stagnancy of the soil will be obviated. the bed should be excavated to a depth of 18in. or 2ft. three parts turfy loam, and one part leaf soil, with the admixture of a liberal quantity of sharp gritty sand, will form a suitable compost for the culture of bougainvilleas. the amount of sand incorporated must depend upon the quality of the other components, heavy loam requiring more than that which is more friable. the occasional incorporation of manure in the compost is not to be recommended; but a liberal application of liquid manure will be of material advantage, especially if the root space is limited. when the plants cease blooming each yearâ�-about november or decemberâ�-they should be dried off and rested; and in february they should be closely spurred in, the same as with vines, and all weak leaders removed, so that strong wood only is left. when grown in pots, they must be started in brisk heat. they are easily increased by cuttings prepared from the half-ripened wood; these should be placed in sandy soil, in a brisk bottom heat, when they will soon root. scale, red spider, and mealy bug are the only insects likely to infest the plants, and recipes for their destruction will be found under each individual name. [illustration: fig. 269. flowering branch of bougainvillea spectabilis.] =b. glabra= (smooth).* _fl._, inflorescence panicled, smaller than that of _b. speciosa_, each branchlet producing cordate-ovate acute rosy bracts, in threes. summer. _l._ bright green, smooth. brazil, 1861. this is by far the best species for pot culture, and forms a very showy plant when well grown. =b. speciosa= (beautiful).* _fl._, bracts large, cordate, delicate lilac rose, produced in immense panicles, which, in well grown specimens, are so freely produced as to entirely shroud the whole plant. march to june. _l._ ovate, very dark green, covered on the upper surface with small hairs. stems branched, abundantly furnished with large recurved spines. brazil, 1861. (f. m. i., 62.) =b. spectabilis= (showy). _fl._, bracts of a dull brick-red, shaded with scarlet. south america, 1829. it is very difficult to obtain bloom on this plant; and when flowers are produced, they are extremely ephemeral. the species is, for all practical purposes, much inferior to either of the foregoing. syn. _josepha augusta_. see fig. 269. =bourbon palm.= _see_ =latania=. =boussingaultia= (named after boussingault, a celebrated chemist). ord. _chenopodiaceã¦_. very pretty half-hardy, tuberous-rooted plants, requiring a rich vegetable sandy soil, and a well-drained sunny aspect, under which conditions the first-mentioned species develops into a very luxuriant trailing plant, attaining a length of 20in. or more. propagated freely by means of the tubercles of the stem; these are, however, extremely brittle. =b. baselloides= (basella-like).* _fl._ white, ultimately becoming black, fragrant, small, disposed in clusters, 2in. to 4in. long, which are axillary at the ends of the branches. late autumn. _l._ alternate, cordate, smooth, shining, fleshy, slightly wavy. stems very twining, tinged red, very quick-growing, producing tubercles. south america, 1835. (b. m. 3620.) =b. lachaumei= (lachaume's). _fl._ rose, constantly in perfection. cuba, 1872. a stove species. [illustration: fig. 270. flowering branch of bouvardia.] =bouvardia= (named after dr. charles bouvard, formerly superintendent of the jardin du roi, at paris). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. handsome greenhouse evergreen shrubs. peduncles terminal, three-flowered, or trichotomous and corymbose; corolla funnel-shaped, tubular, elongated, beset with velvety papillã¦ outside, and a four-parted, spreading, short limb. leaves opposite, or in whorls; stipules narrow, acute, adnate to the petioles on both sides. these extensively cultivated plants are among the most useful for conservatory or greenhouse decoration (see fig. 270. for which we are indebted to messrs. cannell and sons), and the flowers are largely employed in a cut state. perhaps only two are fragrant, viz., _jasminiflora_ and _humboldtii_. cultivation: presuming the grower to be commencing with young rooted cuttings, these should be potted off into a mixture of good fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, to which may be added a small quantity of peat; they should then be placed in a temperature of from 70deg. to 80deg. until fully established in the small pots. it is necessary at this stage to stop the young plants back to the first joint, and as they continue to make fresh breaks, to keep on pinching them back during the whole period of cultivation, or until sufficiently bushy plants are produced. many growers neglect stopping far too much, the result being ill-shaped and almost flowerless plants. the pinching, of course, can be regulated by the time the plants are required to flower; and it is unwise, in most cases, to stop them after the end of august. when the small pots are well filled with roots, the plants should be shifted into the flowering pots, viz., large 48-sized, which are quite commodious enough to grow very fine plants, a similar compost as in the first potting, with a little standen's manure added, being used, and good drainage provided. a cool greenhouse, with a damp bottom for the pots to rest upon, and with a moist atmosphere, is the most suitable place in which to grow them during late spring and early summer, the moist air being very desirable as an effectual check to red spider, a pest very fond of the foliage, which it permanently disfigures. a cold pit or close frame is better during the summer months, as a moist atmosphere and cool bottom are then certain. ventilation may be effected during the greater part of the day by tilting the lights below, and on fine nights they may be removed altogether. during bright sunshine, shading will be beneficial. all through the period of active growth, it is absolutely necessary that the plants should receive plenty of water, or they will surely suffer; and when the pots are filled with roots, occasional doses of manure water will be beneficial. many cultivators plant them out about the end of june, in favoured situations, or in spent hotbeds, when they make very vigorous growth; and, if carefully pinched and watered, fine specimens are obtained. these are lifted in early autumn, with a good ball, potted, and kept shaded for a few days until the roots are again active, when they are taken to the house in which they are intended to bloom, and an enormous supply of flowers is secured. we have also seen bouvardias planted out permanently in beds, in prepared pits, in which the winter temperature was not less than 55deg., with very satisfactory results; the quantity of bloom being very great. of course, with the last-named treatment, it is essential to give the plants a rest and hardening-off after flowering, and when they are started into fresh growth to keep them well pinched and watered. bouvardias are liable to the attacks of red spider and green fly. the former stands little chance of existence if the plants are kept well supplied with moisture; the latter may be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco. mealy bug are also troublesome, and should be sponged off with a solution of gishurst's compound. propagation: after flowering, and a slight rest and hardening-off, the old plants should be cut back, placed in heat, in a stove or cucumber pit, and freely syringed, which will cause them to break freely, and produce a good supply of cuttings. when the young shoots are from 1-1/2in. to 2in. long., they are in the best condition for striking. it is not necessary that they should be cut off at a joint, as they will root from any surface of the stem; and, working economically, it is wiser to cut them off just above the first joint, as other shoots will speedily break out, which may, in their turn, be taken. pots about 5in. across should have previously been prepared for the cuttings, by being well drained and filled with a mixture of good fibrous loam, leaf soil, and coarse sand, in equal parts, with a copious supply of sand upon the surface, into which the cuttings should be dibbled pretty thickly. a good watering must be given without wetting, and thereby injuring, the foliage. the pots should be plunged in the cutting case, or in any bottom heat of about 70deg. or 80deg., and covered with a bell glass. all that is then necessary is to keep them moist and shady during sunshine, until they are rooted, which, as a rule, is effected in three weeks' time. when well established, they may be removed from the case, gradually hardened off, and finally potted singly into small thumb pots. =b. angustifolia= (narrow-leaved).* _fl._ pale red; corymbs somewhat trichotomous. september. _l._ three in a whorl, lanceolate, with revolute edges, glabrous above, but beset with fine hairs beneath. branches terete, smoothish. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1838. (p. m. b. 7, 99.) =b. cavanillesii= (cavanilles's). _fl._ red; peduncles terminal, trifid, three-flowered. may. _l._ opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, rather villous beneath. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mexico, 1846. syn. _b. multiflora_. (j. h. s. 3, 246.) =b. flava= (yellow).* _fl._ yellow, drooping; racemes three to five-flowered; pedicels downy, slender. march. _l._ opposite, ovate-lanceolate, ciliated; stipules setaceous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mexico, 1845. (b. r. 32, 32.) =b. hirtella= (hairy). _fl._ pale red or flesh-coloured, corymbose. _l._ whorled, lanceolate, with revoluted edges, hairy on both surfaces. branches terete. mexico. =b. humboldtii corymbiflora= (humboldt's corymb-flowered).* _fl._ white, large, fragrant, disposed in terminal racemes; tubes long. autumn and winter. _l._ ovate, oblong-acuminate, dark green. 1874. one of the finest kinds in cultivation. (g. c. 1873, 717.) =b. jacquini= (jacquin's). a synonym of _b. triphylla_. =b. jasminiflora= (jasmine-flowered).* _fl._ white, fragrant, in compound cymes; very floriferous. winter. _l._ opposite, elliptic-acuminate. south america, 1869. a very charming and largely grown species. (g. c. 1872, 215.) [illustration: fig. 271. bouvardia leiantha.] =b. leiantha= (smooth-flowered).* _fl._ scarlet; corymbs sub-trichotomous. july to november. _l._ ternate, ovate-acuminate, slightly hairy above, downy-villous beneath. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1850. see fig. 271. (b. h. 2, 6.) =b. longiflora= (long-flowered).* _fl._ white, terminal, solitary, sessile, with the tube 2in. or 3in. long. _l._ opposite, oblong, acute, cuneated at the base, glabrous. branches compressedly tetragonal, glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. mexico, 1827. (b. m. 4223.) =b. multiflora= (many-flowered). a synonym of _b. cavanillesii_. =b. triphylla= (three-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet, nearly 1in. long; corymbs somewhat trichotomous. july. _l._ smoothish above, hairy beneath, three in a whorl, oblong. branchlets trigonal, hairy. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. mexico, 1794. there are numerous varieties of this species. syn. _b. jacquini_. (b. m. 1854.) =b. versicolor= (various-coloured). _fl._, corolla with a scarlet tube, which is 3/4in. long, but having the limb yellowish inside; corymbs three-flowered, trichotomous, drooping. july to september. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, ciliated. branches terete, glabrous, velvety while young. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. south america, 1814. (b. r. 245.) the garden hybrids are very handsome. a selection is given below: alfred neuner, flowers double, white, or slightly tinged with rose (see fig. 272); brilliant, flowers bright crimson, numerous, freely branching habit, and strong constitution; dazzler,* habit very bushy and compact, extremely floriferous, flowers rich scarlet, in dense clusters; hogarth, brilliant scarlet, very fine; longiflora flammea,* flowers long-tubed, blush-rose; maiden's blush,* very free and floriferous, blush-rose; president garfield, rich double, red-pink, very fine; queen of roses, rosy-pink, the tubes tinted with crimson, habit dwarf and very free; vreelandi (=davidsoni), flowers pure white, produced in great abundance; one of the most useful of them all, and grown very extensively. [illustration: fig. 272. bouvardia alfred neuner.] =bowenia= (commemorative of sir g. bowen, governor of queensland). ord. _cycadaceã¦_. a remarkable and handsome greenhouse fern-like plant, closely allied to _zamia_, from which it is distinguished by having the leaflets decurrent to the petiole, instead of articulated, as in that genus. for culture, _see_ =cycas=. =b. spectabilis= (showy).* _fl._, male cones small, ovoid, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long; female oblong-globose, 3-3/4in. long. _l._ bipinnatisect, on tall, slender petioles; leaflets falcate-lanceolate, decurrent; stem short, thick, cylindrical. queensland, australia, 1863. (b. m. 5398 and 6008.) =b. s. serrulata= (finely-toothed).* this differs from the type in having the margins distinctly toothed or serrated. rockingham bay, 1863. =bowiea= (named after j. bowie, a botanical collector for the royal gardens, kew). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a very interesting greenhouse or half-hardy twining bulbous perennial, thriving in a sunny border, under the wall of a greenhouse, where it will require protection during winter. it does well in any light well drained soil, and may be propagated by seeds or offsets. [illustration: fig. 273. bowiea volubilis, showing habit, flower, and fruit.] =b. volubilis= (twining). _fl._ few, remote, pedicellate; perianth six-partite, persistent; segments equal, green, lanceolate, 1/4in. long, at length reflexed. october. true leaves are frequently not developed for years; but the green, fleshy, mostly abortive inflorescence performs their functions. south africa, 1866. see fig. 273. =box.= _see_ =buxus=. =box elder.= _see_ =negundo=. =box thorn.= _see_ =lycium=. =brabeium= (from _brabeion_, a sceptre; in reference to the racemosed flowers). african almond. ord. _proteaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse evergreen tree. for culture, &c., _see_ =banksia=. =b. stellatifolium= (star-leaved). _fl._ white, sweet-scented, disposed in elegant, axillary, spiked racemes. august. _l._ whorled, simple, serrate. _h._ 15ft. cape of good hope, 1731. =brachychiton= (from _brachys_, short, and _chiton_, a coat of mail; plants covered with imbricated hairs and scales). ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. a genus of tropical or sub-tropical australian trees or shrubs, allied to _sterculia_, from which it differs in very minor points. they are of easy culture in a loamy soil. propagated by young cuttings, planted in sandy soil, in gentle heat. =b. acerifolium= (acer-leaved). _fl._ bright red. _l._ long-stalked, deeply five to seven-lobed. _h._ from 60ft. to 120ft. =b. bidwillii= (bidwill's).* _fl._ bright red, arranged in axillary bunches. _l._ stalked, heart-shaped, entire, or three-lobed, and covered with a soft pubescence. 1851. (b. m. 5133.) =b. diversifolium= (various-leaved). _l._ coriaceous, obtuse, lanceolate, entire, or three-lobed, glabrous; lobes acuminate. _h._ 20ft. to 60ft. 1824. =brachycome= (from _brachys_, short, and _kome_, hair). swan river daisy. ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of beautiful little half-hardy perennials or annuals, closely resembling _bellis_ in structure. involucral bracts membranous at the margin; receptacle pitted, naked. fruit compressed, surmounted by a very short bristly pappus. _b. iberidifolia_ is one of the prettiest of summer annuals, and in the open border it flowers profusely, if in a dry, sunny spot. towards the autumn, it may be removed to the greenhouse, where it will still continue flowering for several weeks. seeds may be sown in a gentle hotbed, early in the spring, and, when large enough, planted out in borders or beds, 6in. apart; or they may be sown thinly out of doors, late in april, and thinned out, when they will flower a month later than those sown in the hotbed. =b. iberidifolia= (iberis-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ blue or white, with a dark centre, about 1in. in diameter. summer and autumn. _l._ pinnate; segments linear. plant erect, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. swan river, 1843. see fig. 274. [illustration: fig. 274. brachycome iberidifolia, showing habit and flowering branch.] =brachylã�na= (from _brachys_, short, and _lã¦na_, a cloak or covering; referring to the shortness of the involucre). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of south african evergreen greenhouse shrubs, nearly allied to _baccharis_. they thrive in a compost of peat and loam. propagated by cuttings, made of half-ripened shoots, placed in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell glass. =b. dentata= (toothed). _fl.-heads_ yellow. _l._ lanceolate, acute, entire, rusty beneath when young, when adult quite glabrous. =b. nerifolia= (nerium-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, in branching racemes or panicles. august to november. _l._ lanceolate, serrated with one or two teeth forward. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope, 1752. =brachyotum= (from _brachys_, short, and _otos_, the ear; in reference to the short appendages at the base of the anthers). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. a handsome greenhouse evergreen shrub, with a bushy habit. allied, and requiring similar culture, to _pleroma_ (which _see_). =b. confertum= (crowded).* _fl._ purple, terminal, nodding, with cream-coloured bracts. november. _l._ oblong or ovate, small, three-nerved, with adpressed hairs. andes, peru, 1873. (b. m. 6018.) =brachysema= (from _brachys_, short, and _sema_, a standard; the standard of the flower is very short). ord. _leguminosã¦_. elegant procumbent or climbing greenhouse, evergreen shrubs. racemes axillary and terminal, few-flowered. leaves alternate, oval or ovate, entire, mucronate, silky on the under surface. they thrive in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam, in equal proportions, made porous, if necessary, by the addition of sand. increased by cuttings, made of half-ripened shoots in summer, placed in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a gentle bottom heat; or by layers. seeds may be sown in march, in heat. brachysemas require thorough drainage, whether grown in pots or planted out. _b. latifolium_ does best under the latter treatment, when it forms a magnificent climber for pillars or the roof. [illustration: the giant water lily (victoria regia).] =b. lanceolatum= (lanceolate-leaved). _fl._ rich scarlet, with the margin of the vexillum white, red at the disk, with a large yellow spot in the centre, each about 1in. long, disposed in axillary, sub-compound racemes. _l._ opposite, rarely alternate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, entire, silky white beneath. _h._ 3ft. swan river, 1848. (b. m. 4652.) =b. latifolium= (broad-leaved).* _fl._ crimson-scarlet, large; vexillum oblong-ovate. april. _l._ ovate, flat, silky beneath. new holland, 1803. a handsome climber. (b. r. 118.) =b. melanopetalum= (black-petaled). synonymous with _b. undulatum_. =b. undulatum= (undulated).* _fl._ deep violet-maroon, solitary or twin; vexillum oblong, cordate, convolute, and bluntish above. march. _l._ oblong-ovate, mucronate, undulated. new south wales, 1820. a tall subscandent plant. syn. _b. melanopetalum_. (b. r. 642.) =brachyspatha= (from _brachys_, short, and _spatha_, a spathe; the spathe is much shorter than the spadix). ord. _aroideã¦_. stove tuberous perennial, allied to, and requiring the same cultivation as, _amorphophallus_ (which _see_). =b. variabilis= (variable).* _fl._ exhaling an abominable få�tor, which is, however, of very short duration; spathe much shorter than the spadix, greenish-purple, sharply acuminate, and many-nerved; spadix whitish, with female flower at the base, and above contiguous to them are the males without any intermediate neutral flowers; anthers orange red; the naked apex of the spadix is very long, wrinkled, and pitted on the surface. _l._ solitary, 18in. across; the spotted petiole divides at the top into three main divisions, each of which is again forked and deeply pinnately cut; the segments alternate, sessile, or decurrent, very unequal in size, ovate or oval-lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, shining. _h._ 3ft. india, 1876. (g. c. 1876, 129.) =brachystelma= (from _brachys_, short, and _stelma_, a crown; in reference to the short coronal processes of the flowers). ord. _asclepiadaceã¦_. extremely curious little suffruticose, tuberous, twining, greenhouse perennials. corolla campanulate, having angular sinuses; corona simple, five-cleft, lobes opposite the anthers, simple on the back. leaves opposite, membranous. they thrive best in fibry loam. propagated by cuttings, which will root in sandy soil, in heat; also by divisions of the root. =b. arnotti= (arnott's). _fl._ brown, green. _l._ in opposite pairs, nearly sessile, crisped, ovate, dull green above, densely grey, pubescent beneath. _h._ 4in. south africa, 1868. (ref. b. i., 9.) =b. barberã¦= (mrs. barber's). _fl._ dingy purple, speckled with yellow. august. _l._ large, linear-oblong, acute. _h._ 6in. south africa, 1866. (b. m. 5607.) =b. ovata= (ovate-leaved). _fl._ yellowish-green. _l._ ovate, shortly-stalked, pubescent. _h._ 1ft. south africa, 1872. (ref. b. 226.) =b. spathulatum= (spathulate-leaved). _fl._ green. june. _l._ spathulate, oblong, hairy. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1826. (b. r. 1113.) =b. tuborosum= (tuberous). _fl._ purple. june. _l._ linear-lanceolate, ciliate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. cape of good hope, 1821. (b. m. 2343.) =bracken=, or =brake fern=. see =pteris aquilina=. =bracteate.= having bracts. =bracteolate.= having secondary bracts between the true bracts and the flowers. =bracts.= modified leaves placed near the calyx on the peduncle or pedicel. =brahea= (named after tycho brahe, the celebrated astronomer). ord. _palmeã¦_. a small genus of dwarf palms, with fan-shaped leaves, and hermaphrodite, greenish flowers. they require rich light loam and fibrous peat, in equal parts, to which may be added a good portion of washed sand; thorough drainage and liberal supplies of water are also absolutely necessary. propagated by seeds. during summer, they may be removed to the greenhouse, and can be employed with much success for sub-tropical gardening. =b. dulcis= (sweet).* _l._ nearly circular, bright shining green; petioles clothed with woolly tomentum, armed at the edges with small close-set spines, and enveloped at the base in a network of brown fibre. stem stout. mexico, 1865. a rare and slow developing species. =b. filamentosa= (filamentose). a synonym of _washingtonia filifera_. =brainea= (commemorative of c. j. braine, esq., of hong kong, china). ord. _filices_. sori continuous along transverse veins, near the midrib, and also produced along the veins in the direction of the edge of the frond. =b. insignis= (remarkable), which is the only species, has a _trunk_ 3in. to 4in. thick; scales linear, nearly 1in. long. _sti._ firm, 3in. to 4in. long, scaly only at the base. _fronds_ 2ft to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnã¦ close, numerous, linear, finely serrated. hong kong, 1856. a very handsome and interesting greenhouse tree fern, requiring a soil of loam and peat, in equal parts, with the addition of some sharp sand, and thorough drainage. =bramble.= _see_ =rubus=. =brassavola= (named in honour of a. m. brassavola, a venetian botanist). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of epiphytal orchids, requiring the heat of an intermediate house. flowers large, usually with narrow acuminate greenish petals and sepals, and a white lip, which is sometimes broad; column having a pair of great falcate ears on each side of the front, and eight pollen masses. leaves solitary, succulent. they are of easy culture on blocks of wood, with a little moss, suspended from the roof. water should be plentifully given during the growing season; at other times, a very small quantity will suffice. about seventeen or eighteen species have been introduced, of which the following only are worth growing: =b. acaulis= (stemless). _fl._ large; sepals and petals long, narrow, greenish and creamy-white; lip large, heart-shaped, and pure white; base of tube spotted with dull rose. september. _l._ very narrow, rush-like. _h._ 4in. central america, 1852. (p. f. g. ii., 152.) =b. digbyana= (digby's).* _fl._ solitary, 4in. across, produced from the top of the bulb; sepals and petals creamy-white; lip same colour, streaked with purple down the centre, and beautifully fringed. winter. _h._ 9in. honduras, 1844. a compact-growing evergreen. (b. m. 4474.) =b. gibbsiana= (gibbs's).* _fl._ white, spotted with chocolate, large, three on each spike. _l._ rather broad and very thick. this rare, erect-growing species must be potted in peat and sphagnum. =b. glauca= (glaucous).* _fl._ solitary, produced from a sheath at the top of the bulb; sepals and petals yellow; lip orange, with a white throat. early spring. _l._ of a milky-green. _h._ 1ft. vera cruz, 1837. a very handsome fragrant species, somewhat difficult to flower, but this obstacle may be overcome by liberally growing during the proper season, and giving it a severe dry rest. (b. m. 4033.) =b. lineata= (lined).* _fl._ large, very fragrant; sepals and petals creamy-white; lip large, pure white. _l._ long, terete, channelled above, tapering to a point, very deep green. south america, 1850. (b. m. 4734.) =b. venosa= (veined).* _fl._ small and compact; sepals and petals cream-coloured; lip white, strongly veined. a pretty free flowering species. honduras, 1839. (b. r. 26, 39.) =brassia= (named after mr. william brass, who was sent by sir joseph banks to cape coast and the neighbouring districts as a botanical collector, at the end of the last century). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of tropical american orchids, very nearly allied to _oncidium_, with which, indeed, reichenbach unites it. from this genus, however, _brassia_ may be distinguished by its simple inflorescence, elongated tail-like sepals, and short column, which is quite destitute of the side lobes or ears that form a marked feature in the species of _oncidium_. there are about seventeen species, of which many are not sufficiently attractive to deserve the cultivator's attention. they will succeed either in pots or in baskets, the drainage of which must be perfect. they require to be potted in good fibrous peat, broken in pieces not less in size than a walnut, placed in the warm end of a cattleya or brazilian house, and supplied liberally with water during summer. in winter, they must still be kept in a tolerably warm place, and given sufficient water to keep the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling. it is useless to dry off until shrivelling takes place, for experience assures us that when a plant shrivels it is generally safe to assume that it has been tried beyond its powers of endurance, and that its constitution has given way. propagated by dividing the plants, when growth has commenced. =b. antherotes= (brilliant).* _fl._ 7in. in diameter from tip to tip of the sepals; sepals and petals yellow, brownish-black at the base, narrow, 1/8in. broad, tapering; petals 1-1/2in. long; lip triangular, yellow, barred with brown; spike strong, about 2ft. in length. tropical america, 1879. =b. caudata= (tailed).* _fl._, sepals and petals yellow, barred with brown, from 4in. to 6in. long; lip broad and yellow, spotted with greenish-brown. when the plant is large and healthy, it produces numerous drooping spikes, 18in. long, and many-flowered. _h._ 1ft. west indies, 1823 (b. r. 832.) =b. gireoudiana= (gireoud's). _fl._, sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted and blotched with deep red, produced in many-flowered scapes of singular and beautiful flowers during spring and early summer. this species much resembles _b. lanceana_, but has larger flowers. costa rica. (r. x. o. 1, 32.) [illustration: fig. 275. single flower of brassia lanceana.] =b. lanceana= (lance's).* _fl._, sepals and petals lanceolate and tapering, bright yellow, blotched with brown, or sometimes with deep red; lip wholly yellow, slightly spotted at the base, and much waved, deliciously fragrant; scapes radical, many-flowered. in the typical species, the lip is rather more than half as long as the sepals. _l._ rich dark green. _h._ 9in. surinam, 1843. see fig. 275. (b. r. 1754.) =b. l. macrostachya= (large-spiked).* _fl._, sepals and petals bright rich yellow, sparingly spotted with brown, as in the type; sepals lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which are sometimes nearly 5in. in length; lip wholly of a clear pale yellow. demerara. =b. l. pumila= (dwarf). _fl._, sepals pale yellow, without spots or markings; petals of the same colour, tinged with purple near the base; lip about half the length of the sepals, slightly contracted in the middle, yellow, with a brownish-yellow base. caracas. =b. lawrenceana= (lawrence's).* _fl._ large, sweet-scented; sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted with cinnamon and green; lip yellow, tinged with green. june to august. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1839. (b. r. 27, 18.) =b. l. longissima= (long-sepaled).* _fl._, sepals deep orange-yellow, blotched and spotted, especially towards the base, with reddish-purple, and lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which, in well-grown examples, measure 7in. in length; petals about 2-1/2in. long and 1/4in. broad at the base, marked in the same manner as the sepals; lip about 3in. long, pale yellow, dotted and spotted towards the base with purple. august and september. costa rica, 1868. a magnificent variety. =b. maculata= (spotted).* _fl._ large; sepals and petals pale yellow, irregularly spotted with brown; the former being short compared with those of the other species; lip white, spotted about and below the centre with brown and purple. spring and early summer. jamaica, 1806. see fig. 276. (b. m. 1691.) =b. m. guttata= (spotted).* _fl._ on spikes 2ft. or 3ft. long; sepals and petals yellowish-green, blotched with brown; lip broad, yellow, spotted with brown. may to august. guatemala, 1842. syn. _b. wrayã¦_. (b. m. 4003.) =b. verrucosa= (warty-lipped).* _fl._ large; sepals and petals greenish, blotched with blackish-purple; lip white, ornamented with numerous little green protuberances or warts, hence the specific name; scape many-flowered. may and june. guatemala. =b. v. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ twice the size of, and a lighter colour than, the type. this variety is very rare, and is said to be the best of the genus. =b. wrayã¦= (wray's).* a synonym of _b. maculata guttata_. =brassica= (old latin name used by pliny; from _bresic_, the celtic name for cabbage). cabbage. ord. _cruciferã¦_. herbaceous, usually biennial, rarely annual or perennial, or suffrutescent plants, usually with a short caudex. flowers yellow, rarely white, but never purple nor veined. radical leaves usually stalked, lyrate, or pinnatifid; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire; racemes elongated; pedicels bractless, filiform. full cultural details will be found under the popular garden name of each variety. =b. oleracea= (herb-like). _fl._ pale yellow, large. may and june. _l._ glaucous, waved, lobed, smooth. root-stem cylindrical, fleshy. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. england. biennial. =b. o. acephala= (headless). borecole or kale. stem round, elongated. _l._ expanded, racemes panicled. =b. o. botrytis asparagoides= (asparagus-like). the broccoli. _fl._ abortive. stem taller than that of the cauliflower. _l._ greyish-glaucous, elongated. branchlets fleshy, bearing small flower-buds at the top. =b. o. b. cauliflora= (cauliflower). heads of flower-buds thick, terminal. stem short. _l._ oblong, of a greyish-glaucous colour. =b. o. bullata gemmifera= (bud-bearing). brussels sprouts. heads small, numerous, rising from the axils of the leaves along an elongated stem. =b. o. b. major= (larger). savoy cabbage. heads of leaves loose, thick, terminal, roundish. _l._ blistered. =b. o. capitata= (headed). the cabbage. stem round, short. _l._ concave, not blistered, crowded into a head before flowering; racemes panicled. =b. o. caulo-rapa= (kohl-rabi). stem tumid and somewhat globose at the origin of the leaves. =b. rapa= (rape). the turnip. radical leaves lyrate, destitute of glaucous bloom, green, covered with bristly hairs; middle cauline ones cut; upper ones quite entire, smooth. [illustration: fig. 276. single flower of brassia maculata.] =brassicaceã�.= _see_ =cruciferã¦=. =bravoa= (named after bravo, a mexican botanist). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. a pretty little graceful bulbous plant, hardy in very sheltered positions, but in exposed situations requiring a slight protection in winter. it is an admirable plant for cool-house culture, and delights in a compost of light rich loam, leaf mould, and sand. propagated by offsets, which are obtainable in autumn; or by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. =b. geminiflora= (twin-flowered).* twin flower. _fl._ rich orange-red, tubular, drooping, disposed in the upper part of the flower-stems, which are sometimes 2ft. long. july. _l._ linear, ensiform, pale green. mexico, 1841. (b. m. 4741.) =brazilian tea.= _see_ =ilex paraguariensis= and =stachytarpheta jamaicensis=. =brazil nut.= _see_ =bertholletia=. =brazil wood.= _see_ =cã¦salpinia brasiliensis=. =bread fruit.= _see_ =artocarpus=. =bread nut.= _see_ =brosimum=. =bredia= (named in honour of professor j. g. s. van bred). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse shrub, thriving in rich light loam, leaf soil, and peat. propagated by cuttings of the ripened shoots, inserted in sandy loam, under a hand glass, in heat; or by seeds. =b. hirsuta= (hairy).* _fl._ rose-pink, about 1/2in. across, disposed in loose, terminal, many-flowered cymes. autumn. _l._ ovate acuminate, hairy. japan, 1870. (b. m. 6647.) =breeze.= the small particles or refuse of gas coke. it constitutes a very cheap fuel, but, unless mixed with good coke, is only suitable for boilers of the saddle type, having a good draught. breeze must not, however, be confounded with coke-dust. =brevoortia coccinea.= _see_ =brodiã¦a coccinea=. [illustration: fig. 277. flowering branch of brexia madagascariensis.] =brexia= (from _brexis_, rain; the large leaves afford protection against rain). ord. _saxifrageã¦_. excellent stove trees. flowers green, in axillary umbels, surrounded by bracts on the outside. leaves alternate, simple, dotless, and furnished with minute stipules. stems nearly simple. they require a compost of two parts loam and one of peat, with the addition of a little sand, to keep the whole open. a liberal supply of water must be given at all seasons. cuttings, with their leaves not shortened, strike readily in sand under a hand glass, in heat; or a leaf taken off with a bud attached will grow. leaves as in accompanying illustration (fig. 277), and long, narrow, spiny-toothed ones, are often produced on the same plant. probably the two species enumerated below are simply forms of one. well hardened off, strong growing plants of _b. madagascariensis_ are very suitable for sub-tropical gardening. =b. madagascariensis= (madagascar).* _l._ obovate or oblong, entire, while young minutely gland-toothed. _h._ 20ft. madagascar, 1812. see fig. 277. =b. spinosa= (spiny). _l._ lanceolate, 20in. long, 2in. broad, spiny-toothed. _h._ 20ft. madagascar, 1820. =brexiaceã�.= a section of _saxifrageã¦_. =briar.= _see_ =rosa=. =bricks.= in england, the standard thickness of brick walls is a brick and a-half, that is, the length of one brick and the breadth of another. thirty-two paving bricks, laid flat, will form one square yard of flooring; if set on edge, eighty-four will be required for the same space. the best bricks for walls are those termed stocks, which are well burnt. grizzells and place bricks, being only partially burnt, are soft and not durable. in various parts of the kingdom, different clays and methods of manufacture cause a disparity in the weight and appearance of the finished article. several forms are made to suit various purposes, but the standard size is 9in. long by 4-1/2in. wide, by 2-1/2in. thick, although, since the remission of the duty, some slight variations occur, owing to shrinkage and other causes. fire bricks are made of a particular kind of clay, which will stand intense heat when once burnt, and are used in furnaces and other places where durability under great heat is a desideratum. fire-clay should always be used in place of mortar in building with these. =brillantaisia= (named after m. brillant). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. a very small genus of erect, branching, stove evergreen shrubs. flowers large, in terminal panicles; corolla ringent; upper lip falcate and overarching, with a trifid apex, the lower one large, spreading, shortly trifid. leaves ovate-cordate, on long petioles. for culture, _see_ =barleria=. =b. owariensis= (owarian).* _fl._ violet-blue; cymes sub-sessile, loose; panicles terminal. march. _l._ large, opposite, petiolate. _h._ 3ft. western africa, 1853. this plant, in its habit of growth, resembles some of the largest species of _salvia_. (b. m. 4717.) =bristles.= stiff hairs. =bristly.= covered with stiff hairs. =bristly-toothed.= furnished with teeth like bristles, or with the teeth ending each in a bristle. =briza= (from _briza_, to nod). quaking grass. ord. _gramineã¦_. a genus of ornamental hardy grasses. panicle loose; calyx two-valved; corolla two-valved, awnless; exterior one ventricose, interior small and flat. fruit adnate with the corolla. these extremely graceful plants delight in a soil composed of loam, leaf soil, and peat. seeds may be sown in spring or autumn. for decorative purposes, the branches should be gathered as soon as full grown, and loosely placed in flower-stands, to dry. tufts of these plants look extremely pretty on the rockery, or amongst hardy ferns. =b. gracilis= (graceful). synonymous with _b. minor_. =b. maxima= (greatest).* _fl._, spikelets oblong-cordate, thirteen to seventeen-flowered; panicle nodding at the end. june and july. _l._ long, linear-acuminate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. south europe, 1633. see fig. 278. [illustration: fig. 278. briza maxima, showing habit and single flower.] =b. media= (middle).* common quaking grass. _fl._, spikelets broadly ovate, of about seven florets (calyx shorter than the florets), tremulous with the slightest breeze, very smooth, shining purple. branches of the panicle thread-shaped, divaricating, purple. june. _l._ short, linear acuminate. _h._ 1ft. britain. (s. e. b. 1774.) =b. minima= (least). synonymous with _b. minor_. [illustration: fig. 279. briza minor, showing habit and small panicle of flowers.] =b. minor= (small).* little quaking grass. _fl._, spikelets triangular, seven-flowered; glumes longer than the flowers; panicle with hair-like branches. june and july. _l._ pale green, short, narrow. _h._ 8in. england (but very rare). an exceedingly pretty little annual or perennial grass. syns. _b. gracilis_ and _b. minima_. see fig. 279. (s. e. b. 1775.) =b. spicata= (spiked). a recent introduction from brazil, described as being very graceful and quite distinct, having erect spikes about 8in. in height. =broadcast.= a method of sowing seeds by means of the hand, scattering them over the surface of the ground as equally as possible. it is now superseded, for the majority of garden and field crops, by drilling, which not only economises the quantity of seed used, but greatly facilitates subsequent weeding and thinning out. =broccoli= (_brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides_). a cultivated variety of the cabbage, having the young inflorescence condensed into a fleshy, edible head (see fig. 280). to grow this popular vegetable successfully, it is necessary to have rich soil of a good depth, in an open situation, where the plants can have plenty of sun and air to keep them sturdy. they succeed the autumn cauliflower, and are in season from november till may. _soil._ in preparing ground for broccoli, trench, in the autumn, to the depth of from 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., and during the process work in a liberal dressing of rotten farmyard manure. ground which has carried a crop of celery is very suitable for the strong-growing kinds, as, by planting where the celery rows have been, the necessity of trenching is, to a great extent, obviated. smaller kinds, however, need to be planted closer in order to obtain a profitable crop. _cultivation._ at the beginning of may, prepare seed beds on a south border, and sow the earlier and sprouting kinds. the later varieties would, perhaps, be best sown in april, but they must not be put in early and allowed to remain too long in the seed bed. sow thinly, to get the plants as sturdy as possible; and, to prevent clubbing, work in a little soot or wood ashes on the surface of the beds. care must also be taken to pick off the club excrescences at planting time, should there be any, and to destroy the grub inside. clubbing is not so frequent in ground which has been well trenched, and where the plants are not allowed to suffer from drought. showery weather should be selected for transferring them to their permanent quarters. if it is desired that they should succeed potatoes, they may be planted between every two alternate rows, and the latter crop can be removed when ready. broccoli succeed best where the ground is firm, and not recently dug or manured. planting with a crowbar is preferable to digging the ground afresh. if grown by themselves, a distance of from 2ft. to 3ft. should be allowed between the rows, and an equal distance from plant to plant. some of the early varieties will, in favourable seasons, follow the later cauliflowers, while the latest will not be fit for use until the following spring. the heads should be cut as soon as they are large enough; they will keep good for a week in a cold place, while a day or two might open them too much if allowed to remain on the plants. broccoli which have to stand the winter are liable to injury from severe frosts, and some method of protection is necessary. two plans are recommended for both large and small gardens, and either or both may be adopted, as found convenient. the first is to apply a covering of fern or other dry protective material, not using too much, but giving sufficient to break the rays of the sun, which, perhaps, do as much harm as the actual frost. the other plan is to take up the plants as soon as the flowers can be seen, and lay them in under a hedge or wall until required for use. in sheltered positions, or where there are trees to break the force of the wind, the covering with dry litter during severe weather will generally be found sufficient; still, a little precaution in lifting will frequently save a valuable crop. broccoli should never follow a crop of any other kind of cruciferous plants, particularly cabbage. [illustration: fig. 280. broccoli.] _sorts._ veitch's self-protecting autumn, purple and white cape, grange's early white, and snow's winter white. these are the best for autumn and mid-winter supplies. a good selection for spring and late purposes is mitchinson's penzance, knight's protecting, cooling's matchless, purple sprouting, model, willcove, leamington, and cattell's eclipse. =brodiã�a= (named after j. j. brodie, a scotch cryptogamist). syn. _hookera_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. pretty, slender, hardy, or in some positions only half-hardy, bulbs. the flowers are usually borne in large clusters or umbels; the prevailing colour is blue; _coccinea_ is, however, an exception, the flowers being scarlet. the scape is usually straight and slender, but strong. leaves from two to four in number, enveloping the part of the scape beneath the surface, and procumbent thereon. most of them are of easy culture in rich sandy loam; if grown in pots, a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand, suits them well. increased freely by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when they may be divided and replanted in autumn. =b. capitata= (headed).* _fl._ deep violet-blue, funnel-shaped, disposed in a compact, many-flowered umbel; valves of the spathe also deep violet. may. _l._ narrow, linear. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. california, 1871. [illustration: fig. 281. brodiã�a coccinea, showing flower and habit.] =b. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ 1-1/2in. long, tubular, rich blood-red below, the apex of the tube and the segments yellowish-green; umbels composed of five to fifteen drooping flowers. june. _l._ linear, loose, shorter than the scape. _h._ 1-1/2ft. california, 1870. very handsome, distinct from all other species, requiring a warm, well-drained, and sunny position, and to remain undisturbed. syn. _brevoortia coccinea_. see fig. 281. (b. m. 5857.) =b. congesta= (close-headed).* _fl._ blue, with the crown paler; segments cleft at the top; umbel bearing six to eight blooms. the stamens in this species are metamorphosed into fleshy scales, which adhere to the mouth of the perianth. summer. _l._ few, long, slender, channelled on the inside. bulb small, roundish, and much wrinkled. _h._ 1ft. georgia, &c., 1806. a very free-growing and rapidly increasing species. =b. c. alba= (white).* _fl._ white; in other respects like the type, but not so vigorous. =b. gracilis= (graceful).* _fl._ deep yellow, with brown nerves, 1/2in. or rather more long, in few-flowered umbels. july. _l._ solitary, about 1/4in. broad, longer than the scape. _h._ 3in. to 4in. california, 1876. a scarce and rather tender little species, but very pretty. =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ bluish-purple, with entire pointed segments; umbels bearing two to seven somewhat scattered blooms. summer. _l._ two to three or more, linear, pointed, slender, grooved on the inside, furnished with a few membranous scales. bulb small, roundish, dry and wrinkled. _h._ 1-1/2ft. north america, 1806. syn. _hookera coronaria_. (b. r. 1183.) =b. howellii= (howell's).* _fl._ purplish-blue, about 3/4in. across, sub-bell-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. july and august. _l._ narrow acute, grooved, shorter than the scape. _h._ 18in. to 24in. california, 1880. =b. ixioides= (ixia-like). _see_ =calliprora lutea=. =b. lactea= (milky-white).* _fl._ white, usually with green midribs, 1/2in. to 3/4in. across, saucer-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. june and july. _l._ linear, acute, nearly as long as the scape. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. california, 1833. syns. _hesperoscordum lacteum_, _milla hyacinthina_. =b. multiflora= (many-flowered).* _fl._ blue-purple, very numerous, in sub-globose heads. may. _l._ linear, elongate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, rather fleshy. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. california, 1872. (b. m. 5989.) =b. volubilis= (twining). _fl._ rose-coloured, in dense umbels, each containing fifteen to thirty blooms; scape twining, sometimes 12ft. long. july. _l._ narrow, linear-lanceolate, 1ft. long, synanthous. california, 1874. half-hardy bulb. (b. m. 6123.) =bromelia= (named after bromel, a swedish botanist). ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. a genus of stove herbaceous perennials, allied to the pineapple. flowers, corolla three-petaled, convolute, erect, or spreading at the top. leaves densely packed, rigid, lanceolate, with spiny margins. stems short. these plants require much the same treatment as _billbergia_. allied genera are _ã�chmea_, _ananassa_, _billbergia_, _disteganthus_, _greigia_, _karatas_, _ruckia_ (which _see_). =b. antiacantha= (opposite-spined). _fl._ purple, scarlet. brazil, 1864. syn. _b. sceptrum_. =b. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ scarlet, in a close central sessile head. march. _l._ numerous, narrow, ensiform, outer green, central crimson; elegantly radiate. chili, 1872. syns. _b. joinvillei_, _b. pitcairniã¦folia_. (b. h. 14.) =b. bracteata= (red-bracted).* _fl._ pink; scape elongated; raceme compound; bracts red, ovate-lanceolate. september. _l._ serrate, spiny. _h._ 2ft. jamaica, 1785. =b. fernandã¦= (fernanda's).* _fl._ yellowish, in ovoid heads; bracts orange-red. july. _l._ linear-ligulate, 24in. to 30in. long, recurved, spiny-edged. para, 1872. =b. joinvillei= (joinville's). a synonym of _b. bicolor_. =b. karatas.= _see_ =karatas plumieri=. =b. pitcairniã¦folia= (pitcairnia-leaved). a synonym of _b. bicolor_. =b. sceptrum= (sceptre-like). a synonym of _b. antiacantha_ and _karatas plumieri_. =bromeliaceã�.= an extensive order of stemless or short-stemmed plants, having rigid, channelled, and usually spiny leaves. flowers very showy; outer perianth three-cleft, persistent, inner one of three withering segments; stamens six, inserted in the tube of the perianth. to this order belongs the pineapple. the genera best known in gardens are _ananassa_, _ã�chmea_, _billbergia_, _bromelia_, and _tillandsia_. =bromheadia= (in honour of sir edward finch bromhead). ord. _orchideã¦_. a small genus of stove orchids, comprising a couple of species, with erect stems, large flowers, and cucullate lip, which is parallel with the column. for culture, _see_ =ansellia=. =b. palustris= (marsh).* _fl._, sepals and calyx white; lip white externally, within streaked with purple, and having a yellow blotch in centre; spike terminal, distichous, flexuous, many-flowered, on a long peduncle; bracts short, stiff, tooth-like. june. _l._ distichous, oblong-linear, emarginate. _h._ 2ft. singapore, 1840. (b. r. 30, 18.) [illustration: fig. 282. bromus brizã�formis.] =bromus= (from _bromos_, the greek name for a wild oat). _ord._ _gramineã¦_. _b. brizã¦formis_ (see fig. 282) is an elegant biennial grass, with drooping panicles of spikelets, about as large as those of _briza maxima_. it grows about 2ft. high, and is of very easy culture in common garden soil. sow seeds outside in patches, in july, thinning out the plants when necessary. there are numerous other species belonging to this genus, but the above-mentioned is the only one worth growing in gardens. it forms a beautiful object in the mixed border, or among ferns. =brongniartia= (in honour of adolphe brongniart, a distinguished botanist, and one of the editors of "annales des sciences naturelles"). ord. _leguminosã¦_. handsome greenhouse evergreen sub-shrubs, clothed with silky villi. flowers large, purple; pedicels twin, axillary, one-flowered. leaves impari-pinnate, with many pairs of leaflets, the terminal one not remote from the rest. they require a compost of sandy loam, leaf soil, and fibry peat, with perfect drainage. cuttings of the young shoots, if firm at the base, will root if dibbled in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house. =b. podalyrioides= (podalyria-like).* _fl._ purple, large. september. _l._ with two to five pairs of leaflets; leaflets elliptic-oblong, rounded, and mucronate at the apex, clothed with adpressed hairs on both surfaces, but silky when young. _h._ 1ft. new spain, 1827. =b. sericea= (silky).* _fl._ purple. september. _h._ 1ft. _l._, leaflets ovate-oblong, acute, very silky on both surfaces. mexico, 1843. =brook-lime.= _see_ =veronica beccabunga=. =broom.= _see_ =besom=. =broom.= _see_ =cytisus scoparius=. =broom rape.= _see_ =orobanche=. =broom, spanish.= _see_ =spartium junceum=. =brosimum= (from _brosimos_, edible; fruit edible). bread nut. ord. _urticaceã¦_. a genus of stove evergreen shrubs or trees, principally of economic value in their native countries. male and female flowers generally in a globular head, but sometimes borne on separate trees; calyx and corolla wanting. leaves entire. they generally thrive in a rich fibry loam. cuttings of ripe wood, with their leaves on, root if placed in sand, in moist heat. =b. alicastrum.= _fl._, catkins globose, stalked, twin, axillary. _fr._ coated. _l._ ovate-lanceolate. _h._ 6ft. jamaica, 1776. =broughtonia= (named after mr. arthur broughton, an english botanist). ord. _orchideã¦_. a very compact-growing stove evergreen, allied to _lã¦lia_, succeeding best if suspended from the roof on a block of wood, with a little moss; it requires a free supply of heat and water when in a growing state. propagated by dividing the plant. the colour of the flowers is very distinct. =b. sanguinea= (blood-coloured).* _fl._ blood-coloured, rather large, disposed in a terminal panicle; scape divided; column distinct, or at the very base united with the unguiculate lip, which is lengthened at the base into a tube, connate with the ovarium. summer. _l._ twin, oblong, seated on a pseudo-bulb. _h._ 1-1/2ft. jamaica, 1793. (b. m. 3076.) =broussonetia= (named after p. n. v. broussonet, a french naturalist, who wrote numerous works on natural history). ord. _urticaceã¦_. ornamental fast-growing, deciduous, mulberry-like trees. they require rather good open garden soil, and prove hardy in situations which are not very exposed. propagated by suckers and cuttings of ripened wood, inserted in autumn, in a cool house; and by seeds, sown when ripe, or kept till the following april. =b. papyrifera= (paper-bearing).* the paper mulberry. _fl._ greenish, diå�cious; males in pendulous, cylindrical catkins, each flower in the axil of a bract; females in peduncled, axillary, upright globular heads. may. _l._ simple, alternate, exstipulate, variously lobed or entire, hairy, large. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. china, 1751. there are several varieties, differing in the shape and character of the leaves. (b. m. 2358). =browallia= (named in honour of john browall, bishop of abo, who defended the sexual system of linnã¦us against siegesbeck, in a book entitled "examen epicriseos," &c., 1739). ord. _scrophularineã¦_. a genus of handsome shrubs or herbs. flowers blue or white, axillary and terminal; corolla salver-shaped, resupinate from the contortion of the peduncle; tube fifteen-nerved, ventricose at top. leaves alternate, stalked, ovate in outline. they thrive best in a rich, open, sandy soil. to have strong plants in bloom by christmas and after, seeds should be sown in july, in pans or pots of light rich sandy soil, and kept in a close frame, or hand light, where they can be shaded till germination takes place. when large enough to handle, the seedlings may either be pricked out, three in a pot, or potted singly, according to the size of the specimens required. in the former way, they form fine masses for conservatory or greenhouse decoration, or to cut from; and in the latter, they are very suitable for window recesses, &c. after potting, they should be stood in a pit or frame, and syringed every morning and evening, to ward off attacks of insect pests. an abundance of well-diluted liquid manure is required as soon as the flower-buds appear. to keep the plants dwarf and bushy, it will be needful to stop them about three times during the remainder of the summer and autumn, keeping as near the glass as possible; they should be housed by the end of september. these elegant little greenhouse annuals are unrivalled for affording choice, neat sprays for bouquets during the winter and early spring months, or for growing as pot plants, to furnish warm greenhouses or sitting-room windows. many of the species and varieties are largely employed for summer decoration of the flower garden, with highly satisfactory results; for this purpose, seeds should be sown in gentle heat early in spring, and the plants transferred to the flower borders late in june, or early in july, having been previously encouraged in pots, and well hardened off. =b. abbreviata= (shortened). _fl._ light red; pedicels shorter than the calyx; calyx campanulate, with teeth as long as the tube. _l._ oval, hairy when young, quite glabrous when mature. 1852. (r. g. 94.) =b. demissa= (low).* _fl._ of a bright but pale blue colour, sometimes red or purple; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, downy. june. _l._ ovate-oblong, acuminated, oblique at the base. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. panama, 1735. (b. m. 1136.) [illustration: fig. 283. browallia elata, showing habit and flower.] =b. elata= (tall).* _fl._ deep blue; calyx beset with glandular hairs; peduncles axillary, one or many-flowered. july. _l._ oval, acuminated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. peru, 1768. of this extensively-grown species there are two varieties, one with white flowers, and the other, _grandiflora_, with pale blue, both of which are well worth growing. see fig. 283. (b. m. 34.) =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._, corolla with a greenish-yellow tube, which is clothed with glandular villi, and a white or very pale lilac limb; peduncles one-flowered, axillary, racemose at the tops of the branches. july. _l._ ovate, acute, attenuated into the petioles at the base. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. peru, 1829. (b. m. 3069.) =b. jamesoni= (jameson's).* _fl._ bright orange, with lighter-coloured throat, tubular. june. _h._ 4ft. new grenada, 1850. this species has been recently re-introduced, after having been lost to cultivation for over thirty years. (b. m. 4605.) =b. roezli= (roezl's). _fl._ large, either of a delicate azure blue, or white, with a yellow tube. spring to autumn. _l._ shining green. an exceedingly pretty species, having flowers double the size of any other, and forming a dense compact bush, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. in height. rocky mountains. =brownea= (named after patrick browne, m.d., author of a history of jamaica). ord. _leguminosã¦_. very handsome stove evergreen trees or shrubs, allied to _amherstia_. flowers of a rose-scarlet colour, rising in fascicled heads from the axillary buds. leaves abruptly-pinnate, when young flaccid, and with the leaflets revolute at the edges; leaf-bud long and stipulaceous. all the species are well worthy of the most extensive cultivation. a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, is a soil well adapted for them, and great care should be taken not to over-water the plants in winter, as too great a supply will be sure to kill them. propagated by cuttings, taken from ripened wood, planted in a pot of sand, and placed under a hand glass, in a moist heat. =b. ariza= (ariza).* _fl._ richest scarlet, produced in a large, globular, drooping head of immense size. summer. _l._ pinnate, usually with six or eight pairs of pinnã¦, which are oblong-lanceolate, and sharply tapered to a point. _h._ 20ft. to 40ft. columbia, 1843. this noble tree requires a large house to fully perfect its beauty. syn. _b. princeps_. (b. m. 6459.) =b. birschellii= (birschell's). _fl._ rose-coloured, in drooping racemes. april to july. _l._ pinnate; leaflets oblanceolate, 6in. long. _h._ 10ft. to 20ft. la guayra, 1872. (b. m. 5998.) =b. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet, fascicled. july to august. _l._ with two to three pairs of oval-oblong, acuminated leaflets. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. venezuela, 1793. (b. m. 3964.) =b. grandiceps= (large-headed).* _fl._ red, in dense capitate spikes. july. _l._ with usually twelve pairs of oblong-lanceolate glandless leaflets, ending in a long cuspidate acumen; branches and petioles pubescent. _h._ (in its native home) 60ft. caraccas, 1829. (b. m. 4859.) =b. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ red, in dense fascicles; involucre tomentose. _l._ with one to three pairs of ovate or obovate-cuspidate leaflets. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. caraccas, 1824. =b. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _fl._ orange-scarlet, in dense heads, often measuring nearly 3ft. in circumference. central america, 1879. (g. c. 1873, p. 779.) =b. princeps= (chief). a synonym of _b. ariza_. =b. racemosa= (clustered).* _fl._ rose-coloured, racemose; involucre and calyx clothed with fine tomentum. _l._ with four pairs of unequal-sided, oblong, or oblong-lanceolate, cuspidately-acuminated leaflets, which are glanduliferous at the base. _h._ 4ft. caraccas, 1826. =b. rosa del monte.= _fl._ scarlet, in dense heads; leaflets of the involucre roundish, imbricated, and, when in a young state, rather velvety. june. _l._ with two to three pairs of oval-oblong acuminated leaflets; branches and petioles glabrous. _h._ 8ft. south america, 1820. (b. r. 1472.) =brownlowia= (named in honour of lady brownlow, daughter of sir abraham hume, and a great patroness of botany). ord. _tiliaceã¦_. very handsome greenhouse evergreen trees, thriving well in a mixture of loam and peat. cuttings of ripe shoots will root if placed in sand, under a hand glass, in heat. =b. elata= (tall).* _fl._ yellow; panicle terminal, conical, spreading. may. _l._ large, cordate, acute, seven-nerved, smooth. _h._ 60ft. india, 1823. (b. r. 1472.) =brucea= (commemorative of james bruce, the celebrated african traveller). ord. _simarubeã¦_. ornamental stove evergreen shrubs. flowers small, purplish inside, disposed in interrupted glomerate spikes, or racemes. leaves impari-pinnate, with six pairs of opposite, entire or serrated leaflets, without dots. branches, peduncles, petioles, and nerves of leaves, clothed with rufescent down. they thrive in a loamy soil; and cuttings from ripened wood strike freely, in a pot of sand, under a hand glass, in a moderate heat. =b. antidysenterica= (antidysenteric). _fl._, racemes simple, spike-like. may. _l._, leaflets quite entire, clothed with rusty villi on the nerves beneath. _h._ 8ft. abyssinia, 1775. =b. sumatrana= (sumatra).* _fl._ dark purple; racemes usually compound. may. _l._, leaflets serrated, villous beneath. _h._ 20ft. sumatra, 1822. =bruchus granarius.= _see_ =bean beetle=. =bruchus pisi.= _see_ =pea weevil=. =brugmansia.= _see_ =datura=. =brunfelsia= (named after otto brunfels, of mentz, first a carthusian monk, and afterwards a physician; he published the first good figures of plants in 1530). syn. _franciscea_. ord. _scrophularineã¦_. elegant free-flowering stove evergreens. flowers sweet-scented; corolla large, funnel or salver-shaped, with a long tube, and a flat, five-lobed, obtuse, nearly equal limb. a light rich soil, or a compost of loam, leaf soil, and peat, is necessary to grow these plants successfully. propagated by cuttings, planted in sand, and placed under bell glasses, in a moderate heat. when rooted, they should be placed in small pots, in a compost somewhat more sandy than that already mentioned. while growing, they require to be kept in a moist stove temperature, and should be hardened by placing them in a drier, and somewhat cooler, temperature after each growth is completed; the pots should be changed as often as the roots become thick around the ball of earth. the larger plants flower freely, and should be slightly pruned in annually, before commencing their new growth, thus securing neat and compact specimens. repotting should be effected directly they have done flowering. the plants should then be placed in a temperature ranging from 60deg. to 68deg., and both the roots and foliage liberally supplied with water. when flowers appear--about october or november--the syringing must be less frequently performed. at this period, if it be desirable to prolong the flowering season, the plants should be removed to a temperature of about 48deg. a few administrations of weak liquid manure during the growing season are of great value. =b. acuminata= (taper-pointed-leaved).* _fl._ bluish-violet, few, sub-cymose, terminal. april. _l._ oblong, acuminated, attenuated a little at the base, glabrous; bracts lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. rio janeiro, 1840. (b. m. 4189.) =b. americana= (american).* _fl._ first yellow, then white, very sweet-scented; axillary flowers solitary, terminal ones numerous. june. _l._ obovate, elliptic, acuminated, longer than the petioles. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. west indies, 1735. there are narrow and broad-leaved varieties of this species. (b. m. 393.) [illustration: fig. 284. flower of brunia nodiflora.] =b. calycina= (cup-shaped).* _fl._ purple, disposed in large trusses, which are produced in succession throughout the whole year. _l._ large, lanceolate, shining light green. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1850. one of the largest-flowered species grown. (b. m. 4583.) =b. confertiflora= (dense-flowered). _fl._ soft blue, cymosely crowded, terminal. january to june. _l._ nearly sessile, oblong-acute, attenuated at the base, rather pilose, ciliated, yellowish-green above; bracteoles oblong, attenuated at the base, and are, as well as the calyces, clothed with rusty hairs. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. brazil. =b. eximia= (choice).* _fl._ produced from the points of the shoots, upwards of 2in. in diameter, deep purple. january to july. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, dark green, but not glossy. _h._ 2-1/2ft. brazil, 1847. (b. m. 4790.) =b. grandiflora= (large-flowered). _fl._ greenish; limb of corolla 2in. in diameter, corymbose, terminal. june. _l._ elliptic-oblong, acuminated. branches twiggy. _h._ 3ft. peru. =b. hydrangeã¦formis= (hydrangea-like).* _fl._ beautiful bluish-violet; cymes terminal, hemispherical, large. april. _l._ oblong, acute, cuneiform at base, quite glabrous, 1ft. long; bracts lanceolate, aggregate. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. brazil, 1840. this is one of the most elegant species of the genus. (b. m. 4209.) =b. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ at first lavender-colour, with a distinct white eye, eventually becoming almost white; deliciously fragrant, sub-cymose, terminal. winter to early spring. _l._ broad-elliptic, acutish, greyish-white, 6in. to 7in. long, and 2in. to 2-3/4in. broad. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. brazil, 1840. (b. m. 3907.) =b. lindeniana= (linden's).* _fl._ rich purple, with a light eye. _l._ ovate-acuminate, dark green. brazil, 1865. (b. h. 1865, 226.) =b. uniflora= (one-flowered). _fl._ solitary; corolla with a whitish tube, and a bluish-violet or purple limb. winter. _l._ elliptic, acute; branches greenish, hoary, diffuse, spreading. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. brazil, 1826. (l. b. c. 1332.) =brunia= (named after corneille de bruin, better known under the name of le brun, a dutchman, a traveller in the levant). ord. _bruniaceã¦_. elegant little greenhouse evergreen heath-like shrubs, more or less branched, with the branches in whorls, erect or spreading. flowers capitate, furnished with three bracts each, or sometimes deficient of the two lateral ones. leaves small, closely imbricate. they require a compost of peat and sand, with a little leaf soil added, firm potting and good drainage. cuttings of young shoots root freely in sand, under a hand light, in summer. =b. nodiflora= (knot-flowered).* _fl._ white; heads globose, size of a cherry, on the tops of the branches. july. _l._ lanceolate, awl-shaped, trigonal, acute, smooth, closely imbricate, not ustulate at the apex. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. cape of good hope, 1786. see fig. 284. =bruniaceã�.= an order of much-branched heath-like shrubs, usually having small leaves, which are crowded and entire. flowers in terminal heads; petals five, alternating with the lobes of the calyx. the typical genus is _brunia_. =brunonia= (named after robert brown, the most eminent botanist of his time). ord. _goodenoviã¦_. a stemless greenhouse perennial herb, with the habit of _scabiosa_, downy from glandless simple hairs. flowers distinct, with a whorl of five membranous bracts; corolla blue, marcescent. radical leaves quite entire, spathulate; scapes undivided, each bearing one head; head hemispherical, lobate; lobes involucrated by foliaceous bracts. it thrives in a compost of decayed manure, or leaf soil and peat, with a little loam added; thorough drainage is necessary. propagated by divisions, in early spring, previous to repotting. =b. australis= (southern)* is the only species known to be in cultivation. _h._ 1ft. new holland, 1834. (b. r. 1833.) =brunsvigia= (named after the noble house of brunswick). ord. _amaryllideã¦_. very showy greenhouse bulbous plants, from the cape of good hope. flowers red, on very long pedicels. bulbs large. leaves broad, horizontal; perianth with an evident longer or shorter tube, curving upwards, funnel-shaped, deeply six-parted, deciduous; segments sub-equal, many-nerved, flat, and recurved at the apex; stamens on the tube much curved upwards; scape appearing in summer without the leaves; umbels many-flowered. propagation is effected by offsets, of which the large bulbs produce but few. these, when secured, may be removed after reaching some considerable size, carefully potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with good drainage, and kept tolerably warm and close until established; water must be given but sparingly until root-action has commenced. the best place for growing the offsets into a flowering size is on a shelf near the glass, in a temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg. with an abundance of water while growing, and kept dry while semi-dormant, thus allowing them a rest, the bulbs will speedily increase in size; but it may be years before flowers are produced. culture: this may be divided into two periodsâ�-one of growth, and one of rest. after the latter period, they should be allowed to start into fresh growth, without stimulation, and, as soon as started, liberal supplies of water should be given, and a genial temperature of from 60deg. to 65deg. maintained, to make them grow vigorously. good-sized pots are also necessary, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in equal parts. they are usually confined to the greenhouse, or warm conservatory, but are sometimes successfully grown in a south border at the base of a wall, planted out in a pit, upon which the lights may be placed in winter, and matted if necessary, as they cannot endure frost. a good depth of soil, consisting of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, in equal proportions, with good drainage, should be prepared. in all cases, the bulbs should be planted somewhat deeply. one of the most satisfactory methods of ensuring the flowering of these plants consists in subjecting the bulbs, when at rest, to a hot dry heat of 70deg. or more, which thoroughly ripens them; but, after this treatment, it will be necessary to encourage the after-growth to the fullest possible extent. =b. ciliaris= (hair-fringed). _fl._ dull purple. _l._ strongly fringed with white hairs. _h._ 1ft. 1752. (b. r. 1153.) =b. cooperi= (cooper's).* _fl._ sulphur-coloured, edged with red; umbels twelve to sixteen-flowered. _l._ ligulate-obtuse, bifarious, fleshy. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1872. (ref. b. 330.) =b. falcata= (sickle-leaved).* _fl._ red. may. _l._ sickle-shaped, with a muricated, discoloured, cartilaginous edge. _h._ 9in. 1774. (b. m. 1443.) syn. _ammocharis falcata_. =b. josephineã¦= (josephine's).* _fl._ scarlet; scape twice as long as the rays of the many-flowered umbel. _l._ strap-shaped, erect, spreading, glaucous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. this handsome species is much grown. 1814. (b. m. 2578.) _minor_ and _striata_ are varieties. =b. multiflora= (many-flowered).* _fl._ red, loosely umbellate. june. _l._ linguiform, smooth, lying on the ground. _h._ 1ft. 1752. (b. m. 1619.) =b. toxicaria= (poison-bulb).* _fl._ pink; umbel hemispherical, many-flowered. september to october. _l._ many, erect, oblique, glaucous. _h._ 1ft. 1774. (b. r. 567.) _b. coranica_ is a variety of this. 1815. (b. r. 139.) [illustration: fig. 285. brussels sprouts.] =brussels sprouts= (_brassica oleracea bullata gemmifera_). a cultivated variety of the cabbage (fig. 285). leaves blistered. stems covered with small, close heads. to secure this vegetable in its best form, it must be grown on deeply-worked and rich ground. in addition, the seeds should be obtained from a good source, as there are many spurious stocks in cultivation. plenty of room must be allowed the plants to develop, and the tops and leaves should not be removed till after the sprouts are gathered; dead leaves, of course, excepted. it is a bad plan to plant brussels sprouts amongst potatoes or other crops, as they become unduly weakened, and never give such good returns as when grown by themselves. [illustration: fig. 286. bryonia laciniosa.] _soil and cultivation._ in february, and early in march, sow thinly in a cold frame, or carefully prepare seed beds on a warm south border. as soon as the plants are large enough, prick them off into prepared soil, to grow on; about the end of april, transplant into a piece of rich ground, which has been previously prepared for them, setting in rows from 2ft. to 3ft. asunder, and 2ft. apart in the rows. the earlier the plants are put out, the better; and they should be watered-in when planted, so that they receive as little a check as possible. they must be kept clear of weeds, and earthed up as soon an they get a good size. during severe frost, some light dry litter may with advantage be thrown over them for protection; and the less they are interfered with when frozen, the better. _sorts._ the imported is the best strain for general use; other good sorts are: sutton's matchless, the aigburth, and scrymger's giant. =brya= (from _bryo_, to sprout; the seeds germinate before falling from the tree). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a small genus of stove shrubs or small trees, furnished with stipular spines, and solitary, or clustered, or pinnate leaves. the undermentioned species thrives in a rich fibry loam. propagated by seeds, or by cuttings, placed in a hotbed. =b. ebenus= (ebony). jamaica ebony. _fl._ bright yellow; peduncles two to three together, axillary, one to two-flowered, shorter than the leaves. july and august. _l._, leaflets aggregate, obovate. _h._ 12ft. to 14ft. west indies, 1713. (b. m. 4670.) =bryanthus= (from _bryon_, a moss, and _anthos_, a flower). ord. _ericaceã¦_. a genus of small trailing shrubs, allied to _loiseleuria_. flowers terminal, somewhat racemose; calyx five-leaved, imbricate; corolla deeply five-parted, spreading. leaves crowded, spreading, flattish. for culture, _see_ =menziesia=. =b. empetriformis= (crowberry-leaved). _fl._ reddish-purple, clustered near the extremities of the branches. _l._ crowded, linear, on short adpressed petioles. _h._ 6in. north-west america, 1829. syn. _menziesia empetrifolia_. (b. m. 3176.) =b. erectus= (erect). _fl._ red, pentamerous, broadly campanulate. _l._ linear, obtuse, obscurely serrated. _h._ about 1ft. siberia. trailer. (l. & p. f. g. 1, 19.) =b. gmelini= (gmelin's). _fl._ red; peduncles glandular, many-flowered. _l._ with denticulated margins. _h._ 2in. or 3in. kamtschatka and behring's island. =bryonia= (from _bryo_, to sprout; in allusion to the annual growth from the tuber). bryony. ord. _cucurbitaceã¦_. tuberous-rooted perennial herbaceous plants, producing annual climbing stems. the native species is well worth growing over unsightly hedges, fences, &c., and in the wild garden; it is a rapid grower, and of extremely easy culture. the stove perennial species should be grown in pots, and the stems trained up the rafters. rich loam is the soil most suitable for their cultivation. propagated by seeds, or by divisions of the tuber. =b. dioica= (diå�cious). _fl._ greenish-white, racemose, diå�cious. _fr._ globose, red. may to september. _l._ cordate, palmately five-lobed, toothed, scabrous, from callous points. england. (sy. en. b. 517.) =b. laciniosa= (cut-leaved). _fl._ yellow, solitary; corollas hairy inside, smooth outside. _fr._ size of a cherry, striated with white. july. _l._ palmately five-parted, cordate, rough, and blistered, with oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, serrated segments; petioles muricated. ceylon, 1710. stove species. syn. _bryonopsis laciniosa_. see fig. 286. =bryony.= _see_ =bryonia=. =bryophyllum= (from _bryo_, to sprout, and _phyllon_, a leaf; plants spring from the notches on the edges of the leaves when taken off the plant, and placed in a moist situation). ord. _crassulaceã¦_. this very curious stove succulent thrives in pots of rich loamy soil; perfect drainage is essential, and but little water is at any time needed. =b. calycinum= (large-cupped). _fl._ yellowish-red; cymes panicled, terminal. april. _l._ opposite, thick, petiolate; some impari-pinnate, with one or two pairs of segments, the terminal one large; others solitary; all ovate and crenated. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. india, 1806. a fleshy, erect, branched evergreen shrub, grown chiefly for curiosity. =bucco.= _see_ =agathosma=. =bucida.= _see_ =terminalia=. =buckbean.= _see_ =menyanthes=. =bucklandia= (named after dr. buckland, a former dean of westminster, and professor of geology at oxford). ord. _hamamelideã¦_. a handsome greenhouse tree, allied to _liquidambar_. it thrives in rich sandy loam, peat, and leaf mould; or peat may be left out if the leaf soil is good; perfect drainage is also essential. cuttings of ripened shoots will strike in sandy loam, under a hand glass, with moderate heat. they must be watered carefully, or they are liable to rot off. =b. populnea= (poplar-like). _l._ pale green, large, leathery, cordate, ovate-acute, on long stalks, pinkish when young; stipules very curious, large red, consisting of two leafy oblong plates, placed face to face in an erect position between the leafstalk and the stem. _h._ 100ft. himalayas, 1875. (b. m. 6507.) =buckler mustard.= _see_ =biscutella=. =buckthorn.= _see_ =rhamnus=. =buckwheat.= _see_ =fagopyrum esculentum=. =buckwheat-tree.= _see_ =mylocaryum=. =budding.= this process consists of taking an eye or bud attached to a portion of the bark, and transferring it to another and different plant; it is an operation almost confined to woody plants, but has been practised with more or less success upon herbaceous perennials. the stock should not be budded unless the sap is in circulation, which is assured if the bark will detach itself easily, when gently lifted, from the wood. there are many ways of performing the different systems, in preparing and inserting the buds, &c., and all may prove more or less successful if undertaken when the buds and stock are both in a suitable condition. the principal methods are shield or t-budding, including the circular, square, and inverted forms; flute or tube-budding, and annular or ring-budding. the first-named method, which is fully described below, is very extensively practised for propagating roses and stone fruits. it is also coming more in use for the propagation of many other fruit trees, including apples and pears, especially new or scarce varieties, as the great advantage of making use of many more of the eyes, to form separate trees, is thereby attained. in large nurseries, where skilful propagators are employed, thousands of trees are annually budded, the majority of them with very successful results. it is, in most cases, preferable to purchase established fruit trees, as cultivators require the produce much quicker than they could get it by propagating trees themselves. the same system of budding is, however, applicable for increasing roses; and this may be adopted with every chance of success by even a cottager, if he takes the necessary care in performing the work. rare varieties of ornamental deciduous trees are largely propagated in this way; for instance, many of the acers, elms, horse chestnuts, &c. evergreen shrubs, such as rhododendrons and hollies, are also rapidly increased in some establishments by this means. in the case of fruit-frees, plump wood buds must be selected, from medium-sized branches. on some sorts these are scarce, the majority being flower-buds, and it is rather difficult to distinguish between them at the budding season. the best time for the operation is from june to the end of august; but surrounding influences, condition of buds, stocks, &c., must be taken into account. clean cuts, with gentle and skilful handling, are even more important in the budding of stone fruits than of roses or other plants, and the ties should be lightly but firmly made. in all cases, the operation must be performed as quickly as possible, as both bud and bark are injured if exposed to the air for any length of time. [illustration: fig. 287.] [illustration: fig. 288.] to proceed with the ordinary system of shield-budding, the stock (see fig. 287 _a_) should first have a longitudinal and a transverse incision made in the bark, the former about 1in. long. next, the bud should be prepared, removing half the leaf (see fig. 288). hold the branch with the left hand, and pass the knife from about 1/2in. below, gradually upwards and inwards under the bud, bringing it out in a similar way at a somewhat shorter distance above. a portion of wood will also be taken out, and this is generally removed the opposite way to that in which the bud has been cut. by skilful budders, it is removed by a sort of twitch from either end. great care must be taken not to pull out the base or root of the bud at the same time, as this would render it useless. should the whole come out together, leaving a hollow place under the eye of the bud, it must be thrown away, and another prepared. the bud being ready, loosen the bark at the point where the incisions meet, with the ivory knife handle, and insert it by means of the piece of leaf attached. it must then be tied in with soft matting or bast, to exclude air, but not tight enough to injure the bark. shading from bright sun is advisable for a few days afterwards, and, as soon as the union takes place, the ties must be frequently examined, and loosened if necessary. some prefer budding late in the season, in order that the bud may remain dormant during the winter, and breaking stronger the following spring. occasionally, they are inserted in spring, just at the commencement of growth. the stocks of the summer-budded trees should only be allowed a moderate amount of foliage during the autumn, and should be cut back to the established bud before growth commences in spring. _square and circular shield-budding_ consists in cutting out a piece of bark of either shape from the stock, and inserting another piece of exactly the same size, containing a bud, and covering with a bandage, or piece of sticking plaster, all except the eye. this mode is seldom made use of. inverted t or shield-budding is preferred in the south of france for propagating orange-trees, but is not otherwise much used. the only difference is that the transverse incision is made below, instead of above, the other, and the bud inserted upwards, making it fit with the bark at the point where the stock is cut across. [illustration: fig. 289.] _flute-budding_ is sometimes used, and answers well for some trees (see fig. 289). a cylinder of bark is removed from the stock, and one of a similar size from the scion. containing buds, is fitted in its place, being carefully made air-tight by means of a bandage or grafting wax. some prefer splitting the hark, as shown in the illustration. and laying it over the tube or cylinder; but the parts cannot be fitted so well as when it is removed. _ring budding._ by this mode, it is not necessary to cut off the top of the stock. a ring of bark may be removed from any convenient part (see fig. 290 _b_) and replaced with one containing eyes (see fig. 290 _a_). the latter should be taken from a little larger branch than the stock, as the bark could then be made to fit better. as in flute-budding, air must be excluded by means of adhesive paper and bandages or grafting wax. budding operations may be performed at any time during the season; but dull cloudy weather, and morning or evening, are most suitable. if the branch, containing buds, cannot be obtained as required for use, the ends may be placed in water, to keep them fresh; but unnecessary delay should be avoided. [illustration: fig. 290.] [illustration: fig. 291.] _stocks for budding upon._ for the cherry, the wild gean, and seedlings from the morello. make capital stocks for tall trees and those of moderate growth; and the mahaleb, or perfumed cherry, for small trees for pots, bushes, pyramids, or cordons. for the plum, the mussel, mirabelle, magnum bonum, st. julian, &c., are mostly used for stocks, the mirabelle being best for small trees. peaches and nectarines are generally budded on the mussel, st. julian, or mirabelle plums; the last are best for dwarfs. the apricot is budded on the mussel or mirabelle plums, for small plants; and the st. julian plum for standards. in france, the damas noir, or black damask, and the cerisette, are also used. they should all be raised from seeds, and not from suckers. seeds for raising plants for stocks may be sown as soon as ripe; but where quantities are used, the stones are thrown into heaps, so as to slightly ferment during winter. in the spring, they are sown in drills or beds, and transplanted the next year in rows 2ft. or 3ft. apart. and 10in. or 12in. from plant to plant. the dwarfs are generally budded the second year, and the standards the third or fourth. dwarf trees are budded from within a few inches of the ground to 1ft. above; standards and riders from 3ft. to 9ft.; cordons, pyramids, &c., can hardly be budded too low. _rose budding._ propagation of roses by budding is very extensively practised both with standard trees and dwarf plants. it is perhaps easier and more certain to succeed with these than with fruit trees; but the mode adopted is precisely the same--that of the shield-shaped bud with the core, or root, and the bark attached. for standards, the common briar of the dog rose is the best. the earlier these are obtained and planted in november, the better, as roots are then formed at once. for dwarf plants, the manetti stock is mostly used, being easily obtained and had in proper condition almost at any time when buds are ready. plants on this stock do not succeed in all soils, and suckers are also very liable to be produced. budding on the seedling briar is attended with good results, and is practised more than hitherto. the de la grifferaie stock is also used, more for tea roses than others, and is considered by some to produce better plants than the manetti. the shoots on standard briars should be reduced to about three of the strongest, selected as close together as possible, and near the top, the briars having been previously cut back the desired height at planting time. two buds are sufficient for a good head; but, for certainty, three may be inserted. fig. 291 represents a tall briar with three shoots; _a_ shows the shoot slit for the bud; _b_, the bud inserted; _c_, the bud tied in. fig. 292 is a branch showing buds, the lowest ones of which are most suitable, being in firmer wood. those at the top are often useless. fig. 293 represents a bud taken from fig. 292, _a_, _b_, and fig. 294 gives an idea of how the wood is removed. as previously remarked when describing the system, experienced budders remove the wood from either end. fig. 294 shows its removal from the lower end. [illustration: fig. 292.] [illustration: fig. 293. fig. 294.] budding as close as possible to the main stem is most desirable. raffia grass is superior in every way for tying, which should be performed as soon after the bud is inserted as possible. it requires much care, and, of course, the bud itself must be entirely free. as soon as the buds swell, the tying material should be loosened, and the top of the stock cut back to the level of the budded shoot. by budding late, the buds lie dormant till the next spring, and the necessity of tying the young shoots is dispensed with for that season. the shoots of the briar in advance of the rose buds must be cut back, as shown in fig. 295, so soon as the buds are safely established. the manetti and other dwarf stocks are budded on the main shoot nearly close to, or underneath the ground, and if low enough to cover part of the rose stem when grown, the latter often roots as well and assists the stock. being small, they may be grown in pots and removed to the required position at any time. [illustration: fig. 295.] dog roses, used for standards, are usually collected from hedgerows, and sold at about 8s. per hundred. manetti stocks are increased by cuttings, which, after making one season's good growth, will be fit for use. briars are raised from seed, which may be collected from hedges, and sown in the autumn, in drills. the seedlings should be transplanted the first year after sowing, and the following season they will be ready for working. =budding knives.= the best budding knives are those manufactured by messrs. saynor and co., and messrs. g. hall and son. they are made with handles of ivory, shaped in different ways at the end, for the purpose of opening the bark, in order to insert the bud. some of the blades are made with the edge rounded at the point, so as to cut the bark without the knife entering the wood underneath (see figs. 296 and 297). others, which may be used for budding, and are much better for ordinary use for cutting flowers, &c., are made with the edge of the blade carried to a point, as in ordinary knives (see figs. 298 and 299). another form has the handle made of some other material, and a piece of ivory inserted for opening the bark; this is represented in fig. 300. the first-named is the best, if required for budding only; the second is the most useful for ordinary purposes, and answers admirably for budding as well. none of the other shapes have any material advantages over these. [illustration: fig. 296. fig. 297. fig. 298. fig. 299. fig. 300. =budding knives.=] =buddleia= (named after adam buddle, who is so often mentioned in ray's "synopsis"; his collection of dried british plants is preserved in the british museum). ord. _loganiaceã¦_. a large genus of stove, greenhouse, or half-hardy shrubs. flowers small, often tomentose, axillary, spicate, capitate, or thyrsoid; calyx equally four-toothed; corolla tubular-campanulate, regular; limb spreading, four-toothed. leaves opposite, reticulately veined. branches quadrangular. the species most extensively grown is _b. globosa_, which, among all our other shrubs, is quite unique; but it is only in the southern or favoured counties of england where it can be fairly termed hardy. it is readily propagated by cuttings or by seeds. the latter should be sown in a gentle heat the spring following the ripening, when they will vegetate pretty freely. with careful treatment and nurturing in pots for the first winter, in a frost-proof pit or house, they may soon be grown into elegant plants. cuttings of the ripened wood, put in under bell glasses or hand lights, in a cool but frost-proof pit, will root slowly during the winter. they will root all the surer and quicker if each cutting has a heel of older wood attached to that of the current year's growth. they are best inserted in fine sand or in very sandy soil, and require but little water until rooted. as soon as fairly calloused over or rooted, their further progress may be much advanced by potting them off, and plunging them in a bottom-heat of 60deg. or 65deg. this is by no means an essential to secure success, but it hastens it, and promotes growth in an extraordinary manner. the surface temperature should range about the same as the bottom-heat. under such treatment, the plants will be quite fit to place out about the middle of july. a warm, sheltered situation should be chosen, and a light, rich soil prepared for them; and if dry weather ensues, they only require water. south or west walls are, without doubt, the best situations for them. in all cool or unfavourable localities, much may be done to ensure success by planting on a dry bottom, and on poorish soil. a loose, free-and-easy style of training suits the plants best. this enables them to yield a great number of their peculiarly formed, distinct, and beautiful flowers; whereas, anything like a close, trim course of pruning or of training reduces the flowers to the lowest number. throughout the southern parts of england, and, indeed, in many places in the north, _b. globosa_ makes an excellent bush for the shrubbery. it is only during severe winters that it gets badly cut. for the other presumably hardy species much the same plan as the foregoing may be adopted. the greenhouse and stove kinds may have the same routine of culture usually employed with plants requiring similar temperatures. stove species, except where specified otherwise. =b. americana= (american). _fl._ yellow; spikes disposed in a terminal panicle, nearly 1ft. long; glomerules nearly globose, size of a sloe, on short peduncles. august. _l._ ovate, acuminated, narrowed at the base, serrately crenated. _h._ 8ft. to 12ft. peru, 1826. =b. asiatica= (asiatic).* _fl._ white, small, disposed in long, dense racemes. _l._ lanceolate, finely serrated. _h._ 3ft. india, 1874. a graceful and sweet-scented shrub. syn. _b. neemda_. (b. m. 6323.) =b. crispa= (curled). _fl._ lilac, with a white eye; numerously produced in long terminal branching spikes, forming a pyramidal head about 5in. long. march. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, crenately curled; lower ones cordate at the base; superior ones rounded, all thick and wrinkled, clothed with soft tomentum on both surfaces. _h._ 13ft. western himalayas. half-hardy. (b. m. 4793.) =b. globosa= (globose).* _fl._ orange, or honey-colour; heads large, terminal, globose, pedunculate. may. _l._ lanceolate, acuminated, petiolate, crenated, 6in. long. branches sub-tetragonal, clothed with hoary tomentum, as well as the under side of the leaves. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. chili, 1774. hardy in most places. (b. m. 174.) =b. lindleyana= (lindley's). _fl._ purplish-red, hairy; disposed in terminal racemose spikes. september. _l._ ovate, shortly petiolate, serrate. branches angular, glabrous. _h._ 6ft. china, 1844. half-hardy. (b. r. 32, 4.) =b. neemda= (neemda). a synonym of _b. asiatica_. =buds, flower.= these are developed like leaf-buds, from which they differ chiefly in containing one or more incipient flowers within the leaves--the flowers being wrapped up in their own floral-leaves, within the ordinary leaves, which have their outer covering of scales. if a bud be gathered from a lilac or horse-chestnut very early in spring, all the rudiments of the future flowers and leaves will be found within it, though the bud itself may not be more than half-an-inch long, and the flowers not larger than the points of the smallest pins. =buds, leaf.= these consist of rudimentary leaves, surrounding a growing vital point, and appear like a collection of scales arranged symmetrically one above the other. leaf-buds universally originate in the horizontal or cellular system, and are formed under the bark at the extremity of the medullary rays, and at the margin or on the surface of leaves, whether perfect or rudimentary. deciduous trees lose their leaves, but in the axil of each a little bud previously forms, from which fresh leaves expand the following spring. in some cases, as in the horse-chestnut, the buds are covered with a gummy exudation. in privet-trees, leaf-buds are generally smaller and more elongated than flower-buds. =buettneria= (named after david sigismund augustus byttner, once a professor of botany in the university of gã¶ttingen). ord. _sterculiaceã¦_. erect or scandent stove or greenhouse shrubs. flowers small, usually dark purple; calyx and corolla valvate; umbels simple, disposed in something like racemes or panicles, rarely in corymbs. leaves simple. all are of easy culture in a compost of loam and peat. _b. dasyphylla_, _hermanniã¦-folia_, _microphylla_, and _scabra_, are occasionally met with, but they are hardly worth growing. =buettnerieã�.= a section of _sterculiaceã¦_. =buff-tip moth= (_pygã¦ra bucephala_). this large and beautiful moth is very common in many districts; it is easily recognised by the buff-coloured tips of the fore-wings--whence its common name; the head, and body between the wings and abdomen, are ochreous. according to newman's "british moths," "the caterpillars, when full grown, are about an inch and three-quarters long, and sprinkled with silky hairs; the general colour yellow, with black head, black lines running from the head to the tail, interrupted by a transverse orange band on each ring, and a black horny plate above the tail segment." they feed on the leaves of the lime, elm, and oak, among other trees, and apparently the only remedy is that generally adopted in exterminating caterpillars, viz., to shake the branches which are infested, when the pest will be quickly dislodged, and fall to the ground. miss ormerod is of opinion that "as the caterpillars come down the tree to the ground for their change to chrysalids, it might be worth while to throw a few spadefuls of gas-lime, or of anything they would not cross, in a circle at about a yard from the tree; or a rough band of any material soaked in tar, or tar and oil, which would keep wet longer, would stop them from straying off ... and they might be cleared in sufficient numbers so as to considerably lessen future attack." this plan of prevention deserves a trial in any place where the destructive caterpillars of these moths abound. it is almost a hopeless task to destroy them altogether when once established on the trees, such specimens as large oaks being often almost or wholly denuded of foliage. =bugle.= _see_ =ajuga=. =buglossum barrelieri.= _see_ =anchusa barrelieri=. =bugwort.= _see_ =cimicifuga=. =bulbiferous.= bearing bulbs. =bulbine= (from _bolbos_, a bulb). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a genus of rather pretty hardy, or nearly hardy, herbaceous or bulbous plants, allied to _anthericum_. flowers showy, fragrant; perianth with spreading segments. leaves somewhat fleshy, narrow. stems short. they are all of easy culture in a compost of sandy loam. the bulbous-rooted species are increased by offsets, and the herbaceous sorts by suckers and divisions. the only species which can be grown satisfactorily in the open air is _b. annua._ all the others should be grown in the greenhouse, but may be placed in the open during the summer months. =b. alooides= (aloe-like).* _fl._ yellow, disposed in a terminal panicle. april. _l._ fleshy, tongue-shaped, lanceolate, flat on both sides. _h._ 1ft. cape of good hope, 1732. syn. _anthericum alooides_. (b. m. 1317.) =b. annua= (annual). _fl._ yellow; scape racemose. may, june. _l._ fleshy, subulate, rounded. _h._ 9in. cape of good hope, 1731. an annual species, the seeds of which should be sown in a gentle heat during spring, and the seedlings may be transplanted to the open when large enough to handle. syn. _anthericum annuum_. (b. m. 1451.) =b. caulescens= (caulescent).* _fl._ yellow. march. _l._ fleshy, rounded. stem shrubby, erect, branched. _h._ 2ft. cape of good hope. 1702. a shrubby species, which should be propagated by cuttings, placed under a hand glass. syn. _b. frutescens_. (b. m. 816.) =b. frutescens= (shrubby). synonymous with _b. caulescens_. =bulbocodium= (from _bolbos_, a bulb, and _kodion_, wool; referring to the woolly covering of the bulbs). ord. _liliaceã¦_. tribe _colchiceã¦_. a very pretty little bulbous plant, much resembling the _crocus_, from which it differs principally in having a superior ovary and six stamens. it is amongst the earliest of spring-flowering plants, the flowers preceding the foliage; and, like the majority of bulbs, delights in rich sandy loam. in such positions, they multiply rapidly from offsets. it is a good plan to take up the bulbs, divide, and replant them every second year, selecting in autumn, and renewing the soil or planting in new positions. few plants prove more welcome in the garden, in february, than _b. vernum_, either in beds, patches, or masses. =b. aitchisoni= (aitchison's). a synonym of _merendera aitchisoni_. =b. eichleri= (eichler's). a synonym of _merendera caucasica_. =b. trigynum.= a synonym of _merendera caucasica_. [illustration: fig. 301. bulbocodium vernum.] =b. vernum= (spring).* _fl._ violet-purple, with a white spot on the claw; long, tubular, funnel-shaped, two to three from each bulb; preceding the appearance of the leaves. very early spring. _l._ usually three in number, broadly strap-shaped, concave, and surrounded at the base by well-developed sheaths. bulb black, oblong. _h._ 4in. to 6in. spain, 1649. see fig. 301. there is a variety with the leaves striped white, which is also desirable. =bulbophyllum= (from _bulbos_, a bulb, and _phyllon_, a leaf; referring to the leaves issuing from the apex of the pseudo-bulbs). syns. _anisopetalum_, _bolbophyllum_, _tri-brachium_. ord. _orchideã¦_. of this rather large genus of orchids but few are worth cultivating except as curiosities. racemes long or spike-like, very rarely one-flowered or sub-umbellate; sepals usually nearly equal and free; lip jointed to the foot of the column. they are of easy culture when grown on small blocks of wood with a little moss, and suspended in a warm part of the house; the roots require a good supply of water. propagated by dividing the pseudo-bulbs. the following comparative few of the aggregate number of species already introduced are really all that are worth the cultivator's attention; what the botanist often regards as being very pretty, &c., does not always appear such in the eyes of the grower. =b. barbigerum= (bearded).* _fl._, sepals and petals greenish-brown; lip covered with dark-coloured hair, and so loosely attached at the base as to be moved with the slightest breath. sierra leone, 1835. a curious dwarf-growing plant, with dark green leaves and pseudo-bulbs. (b. r. 1942.) =b. beccarii= (beccari's). _fl._ light brownish and painted with violet; lip brown, with a violet hue, proceeding from a rhizome at the base of the leaf (just below the small pseudo-bulb), and at once turning downwards; racemes dense, cylindrical, nodding. _l._ three, 25in. long, 18in, across, very thick. rhizome 20in. long. brazil, 1879. a remarkable and gigantic climbing species; the odour of this plant is intolerably få�tid and the leaves are larger than those of any other known orchid. this species requires plenty of heat. (b. m. 6517.) =b. lobbi= (lobb's).* _fl._ large; sepals and petals yellow, the upper part spotted with purple; solitary, on radical scapes. summer. java, 1845. (b. m. 4532.) =b. maculatum= (spotted). _fl._ prettily spotted, _l._ long, obtuse, bright green. india. =b. reticulatum= (netted-leaved).* _fl._ in pairs, white, striped inside with purple; lip spotted with the same colour. _l._ somewhat heart-shaped, with the nerves of a deeper green than the rest of the leaf, giving it a beautifully reticulated appearance. brazil, 1866. perhaps the handsomest of the genus. (b. m. 5605.) =b. saltatorum= (dancing). _fl._ greenish-brown, lasting some time in perfection. winter. _h._ 6in. sierra leone, 1835. (b. r. 1970.) =b. siamense= (siamese).* _fl._ pale yellow, striped with purple; lip yellow, streaked with purplish lines. a very pretty species, closely allied to _b. lobbi_, but with longer and stouter leaves. pseudo-bulbs ovate. siam, 1867. should be grown in a pot of peat and sphagnum. =bulbostyles= (from _bolbos_, a bulb, and _stylos_, the style). ord. _compositã¦_. a. small genus of stove evergreen plants, now referred to _eupatorium_. =bulbs.= a bulb is formed upon or beneath the ground, and is a swollen stock, consisting, in the first place, of a more or less fleshy disk, which below gives rise to the roots; secondly, of more or less fleshy coats, or scales, borne on the disk; thirdly, of a more or less central shoot, equally borne by the disk, protected by the coats or scales already mentioned, and formed of rudimentary leaves and flowers. in some instances, small bulbs, called cloves, are formed at the base of the scales of the original bulb; these are destined to reproduce the plant. shallot and garlic are good examples. bulbs are, in fact, storehouses, husbanding the strength and energy acquired by the plant during one season, for the exigencies of the next. they are classified under two sections--scaly and tunicated. in the former, the scales of the bulb are imbricated, as in the lily; in the latter, they form continuous coatings, one within the other, as in the hyacinth, &c. in several lilies, young bulbs are found growing in the axils of the leaves, when they are known as bulbils. bulbs is also a popular term given to dutch flower roots, mostly arriving here in the autumn for spring flowering. crocus, colchicum, cyclamen, gladiolus, and several others, are not bulbs, but corms. the flowering season varies according to the different sorts of bulbs. the majority may be lifted and kept tolerably dry during the resting period; but they wither and become exhausted if not replanted at the proper time, thereby causing many failures. dutch bulbs generally arrive in september, and the best results are obtained from those potted or planted at once, although some for succession may be kept in reserve up till the beginning of november. the failure in cultivating imported liliums and other bulbs may be often caused by their long-continued confinement in a dry atmosphere, whereby their vitality is often almost lost. the roots of some bulbs are nearly always, more or less, in action, and these, especially, should not be kept out of the ground for any length of time. =bullace.= _see_ =prunus insititia=. =bullace=, or =muscadine=. _see_ =vitis vulpina=. =bullate.= blistered or puckered. =bulrush=, or =club-rush=. _see_ =typha=. =bunchosia= (from _bunchos_, the arabic name for coffee; in allusion to the similarity between the seeds of this genus and those of coffee). ord. _malpighiaceã¦_. ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs, nearly allied to _malpighia_, but having the racemes of flowers axillary. fruit fleshy, indehiscent, externally smooth, and containing two or three seeds. they thrive best in a compost of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in about equal proportions. cuttings of ripened shoots will root in sand under a bell glass, in moist bottom heat, taking several weeks to do so. good drainage is essential, both in striking cuttings and in the cultivation of the plants. [illustration: fig. 302. burbidgea nitida.] =b. argentea= (silvery).* _fl._ yellow; racemes opposite, simple, pubescent. july. _l._ lanceolate, silvery beneath. branches puberulous. _h._ 10ft. caraccas, 1810. =b. glandulifera= (gland-bearing). _fl._ yellow; racemes simple, axillary. march to may. _l._ elliptical-ovate, on short petioles, wavy, pubescent on both surfaces, furnished with four glands beneath at the base. _h._ 10ft. caraccas, 1806. =b. nitida= (shining). _fl._ yellow; racemes elongated, almost the length of the leaves. july. _fr._ large, red; it is much eaten by turkeys and other large fowl. _l._ 4in. long, oblong, acuminated, smooth, glandless. _h._ 4ft. jamaica, 1800. =b. odorata= (fragrant).* _fl._ yellow, sweet-scented; racemes opposite. may. _l._ ovate, emarginate, downy on both surfaces. _h._ 7ft. carthagena, 1806. =buphthalmum= (from _bous_, an ox, and _ophthalmos_, the eye; the disk of the flower being ox-eye-like). oxeye. ord. _compositã¦_. very showy and ornamental hardy perennial plants, thriving freely in common garden soil. they are propagated by divisions, made in autumn or spring. =b. grandiflorum= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, large; involucre naked. june to october. _l._ alternate-lanceolate, somewhat toothleted, smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft. austria, 1722. hardy herbaceous perennial. =b. salicifolium= (willow-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, solitary, rather large, terminal; involucre naked. june. _l._ alternate, oblong-lanceolate, sub-serrated, three-nerved, villous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. austria, 1759. hardy herbaceous perennial. =b. speciosissimum= (showiest).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. july. _h._ 2ft. south europe, 1826. hardy herbaceous perennial. syn. _telekia speciosissima_. =bupleurum= (derivation not satisfactorily explained). hare's-ear. ord. _umbelliferã¦_. a somewhat extensive genus of quite glabrous shrubs or herbaceous plants. flowers yellowish; umbels compound. leaves mostly quite entire. but few of this genus are worth growing, and all are of the easiest culture in common garden soil. seeds of the annuals may be sown out of doors in march or april; divisions of the herbaceous perennials made in autumn or spring; and cutting or divisions of the greenhouse species, in march or april. =b. fruticescens= (shrubby).* _fl._, umbels small, three to five-rayed; involucre of three to five, very short, subulate leaves. august. _l._ linear-subulate, stiff, striated, five to seven-nerved. branches slender, elongated, erect. _h._ 1ft. spain, 1752. hardy and evergreen. =b. fruticosum= (shrubby).* leaves of involucre oblong. july. _l._ of a sea-green colour; oblong, attenuated at the base, coriaceous, one-nerved, quite entire, sessile. bark of branches purplish. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. spain, 1596. hardy. this is nearly the only species grown. (w. d. b. 1, 14.) =b. gibraltarica= (gibraltar). _fl._ yellow. june. _l._ lanceolate, one-nerved, coriaceous. _h._ 3ft. gibraltar, 1784. evergreen, half-hardy. =b. graminifolium= (grass-leaved).* _fl._ green-yellow. june. _l._ linear, grass-like. _h._ 6in. switzerland, 1768. hardy perennial. =b. longifolium= (long-leaved). _fl._ green-yellow. june. _l._ ovate-oblong; radical ones stalked; cauline ones amplexicaul. _h._ 3ft. switzerland, 1713. hardy perennial. =bur.= _see_ =centotheca lappacea=. =burbidgea= (named after f. w. burbidge, the discoverer of the genus, a traveller in borneo, and author of several horticultural works). ord. _scitamineã¦_. a very large, brilliant-flowered stove herbaceous perennial, allied to _hedychium_. for culture, _see_ =alpinia=. =b. nitida= (shining).* _fl._, perianth-tube 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, slender; outer segments 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter, bright orange-scarlet; panicle terminal, 4in. to 6in. long, many-flowered. summer. _l._ 4in. to 6in. long, elliptic-lanceolate, cordate-acuminate, rather fleshy, bright green above. stems tufted, 2ft. to 4ft. high, slender, terete, leafy. n. w. borneo, 1879. see fig. 302, for which we are indebted to messrs. veitch and sons. (b. m. 6403.) =burchardia= (named after h. burchard, m.d., a botanical author). ord. _liliaceã¦_. an ornamental greenhouse herbaceous perennial, allied to _androcymbium_. it thrives best in sandy peat, or peat mixed with a little loam. propagated by offsets or divisions, made just previous to potting, in spring. it is best to repot annually. good drainage should be allowed, and the plant must not be potted too firmly. =b. umbellata= (umbelled). _fl._ white, green. august. _h._ 2ft. new holland, 1820. =burchchellia= (named after w. burchell, a botanical traveller in the cape of good hope, and in brazil). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. a stove evergreen shrub from the cape of good hope. flowers scarlet, disposed in heads at the tops of the branches, sessile upon a villous receptacle, intermixed with small distinct bracteoles; and each head is propped up by the ultimate pair of leaves; corolla of a clavate-funnel-shape. leaves ovate, acute, a little cordate at the base, petiolate; stipules interpetiolar, broad, cuspidate at the apex, deciduous. it grows well in a rich light soil, or a mixture of turfy loam, turfy peat, and sand. cuttings, not too ripe, root readily if planted in sand, and placed under a hand glass, in a gentle heat. =b. bubalina= (buffalo). a synonym of _b. capensis_. =b. capensis= (cape).* _fl._ deep scarlet, nearly 1in. long. march. _l._ ovate, acute, clothed with hispid pubescence; stipules very broad, and very short. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft.; 12ft. to 14ft. in a wild state. syn. _b. bubalina_. (b. m. 2339.) =burlingtonia= (named after the "amiable and accomplished" countess of burlington). ord. _orchideã¦_. a small genus of epiphytal orchids, all of which are beautiful and eminently well worth growing. they may be grown upon small blocks of wood, or in rustic baskets, suspended from the roof of the plant stove, where, if liberally treated with water, and a genial moisture in the air during the growing season, very little else will be required to ensure health and vigour. in the dull days of winter, they should be watered less frequently, but the plants must not be allowed to exhibit the slightest signs of distress from drought, or the consequences may be fatal to their health. when fastening these plants to blocks of wood, a little sphagnum should be used, for experience proves that they thrive best when their thin white roots can escape and hang exposed to the air. if growing them in baskets, it is preferable first to fasten them securely upon small pieces of bare cork, then to fill the basket, and finally to cover the whole thinly with a layer of sphagnum. [illustration: fig. 303. flower-spike, pseudo-bulb, and leaf of burlingtonia decora.] generally speaking, this genus is not a difficult one to cultivate; its great enemy is a small white scale, which secretes itself in the sheathing bases of the leaves. here it rapidly multiplies, to the great detriment of the plants; the leaves soon turn yellow at the base, and drop off; the whole plant looks sickly, and soon dies, or else requires a very long time and much trouble to achieve its recovery to health. to prevent this, the bases of the leaves must be carefully looked into every time the plants are taken down to be dipped in water; and, should the slightest sign of this pest appear, a thorough washing with soft soap and tepid water must be given, repeating the operation every day until all traces of the insect are removed. red thrip are also apt to work much mischief with these plants. they take up their abode in the same way as the white scale, and if not speedily removed or destroyed, soon make sad havoc. to put a stop to the ravages of this pest, a wash should be given, as before recommended, and after the soap has been rinsed out of the base of the leaf, a little tobacco powder should be sprinkled into the hollows, and allowed to remain for a day or two before brushing it off. this process will, however, cause a somewhat dirty appearance, but it will ensure ultimate health and vigour. propagated by dividing the plants. =b. batemanni= (bateman's).* _fl._ white, deliciously-scented; lip beautiful mauve. a very pretty south american species, resembling _b. candida_. =b. candida= (white).* _fl._ snowy-white, with a slight stain of yellow on the upper part of the lip, in substance and appearance like white satin, trimmed with gold; large, sweet-scented, in gracefully drooping three to four-blossomed racemes, produced from the axils of the leaves. april and may, lasting about three weeks in perfection, and sometimes having a second flowering season. _l._ one or two in number, dark green, and firm in texture. _h._ 1ft. demerara, 1834. a very compact species, well suited for basket culture; it should never be allowed to get dry. it may be distinguished from other species by having a single row of tubercles, forming a ridge upon each side of the slightly hastate lip. (b. r. 1927.) =b. decora= (comely).* _fl._ white or rose-coloured, spotted with red; lip pure white; scapes erect, five to ten-flowered. winter. brazil, 1852. this species differs entirely from _b. candida_, inasmuch as it possesses a long slender-rooting stem, from different parts of which arise small oval pseudo-bulbs, each bearing a leaf; a lesser leaf appears at the base of a bulb, and from the axil of this the scape springs. it is a rather straggling but nevertheless beautiful species, and is best grown fastened upon long strips of cork, a little sphagnum being used in the operation; whilst, to prevent the plant getting too much "away from home," the young growths should be twisted back as they advance, and the practice continued until the pseudo-bulb is ultimately left near the centre, or in any spot which may appear bare. it likes strong heat and a very moist atmosphere, when growing; but during the period of rest, it should be kept cool and dry. see fig. 303. (b. m. 4834.) =b. d. picta= (painted).* a beautiful variety, differing from the type in having shorter and more acute leaves; flowers produced in greater profusion, rose-coloured, beautifully mottled and blotched with dark purple. october. brazil. (b. m. 5419.) =b. fragrans= (fragrant).* _fl._ very gratefully fragrant, disposed in erect racemes. april, remaining in perfection about three weeks. _l._ long, rigid, dark green. habit compact. brazil, 1850. =b. pubescens= (downy). _fl._, sepals and petals snow-white; distinguished by the somewhat hastate lip, which has three yellow ridges on each side, and also by the downy column. november. _h._ 6in. brazil, 1850. =b. rigida= (rigid).* _fl._ purplish-white, spotted with pink on the lip; produced in heads. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1838. a handsome plant, but difficult to flower. (l. s. o. 36.) =b. venusta= (charming).* _fl._ white, slightly tinted with pink; produced in heavy pendulous clusters at various seasons of the year; lip stained with yellow. _l._ rigid, dark green. brazil, 1840. it forms a compact mass, and requires less heat than the kinds previously described. it is often confounded with _b. pubescens_, from which it may be distinguished by its larger and more loosely arranged flowers, by its smooth column, by the lip not being hastate in shape, and by the numerous shallow ridges borne near the base upon each side. (l. s. o. 2.) =bur marigold.= _see_ =bidens=. =burnet= (_poterium sanguisorba_; from _poterion_, a cup; being used in cooling drinks). ord. _rosaceã¦_. a native perennial. the leaves are sometimes used in soups, and with borage in cooling drinks; they are also put in salads. the foliage only being useful, keep the flower-spikes removed, as this tends to increase the luxuriance of the plants. it thrives in any light soil. propagated by division. =burnet saxifrage.= _see_ =pimpinella=. =burning bush.= _see_ =euonymus atropurpureus= and =e. americanus=. =burn onion.= _see_ =potato onion=. =bur reed.= _see_ =sparganium=. =bursaria= (from _bursa_, a pouch; the capsules very much resemble those of the shepherd's purse). ord. _pittosporaceã¦_. a handsome, much-branched, greenhouse evergreen shrub, forming a very pretty object when covered all over with its elegant white blossoms. it thrives well in a compost of sandy loam and peat, in equal proportions. young cuttings will root freely in sand, under a bell glass, with a little bottom heat. =b. spinosa= (thorny).* _fl._ white, small, disposed either in lateral or terminal panicles. july to december. _l._ small, oblong-cuneated, entire. _h._ 10ft. new holland, 1793. (b. m. 1767.) =bursera= (named after joachim burser, a disciple of caspar bauhin). ord. _burseraceã¦_. stove balsam-bearing trees. flowers polygamous, or hermaphrodite; calyx small, four to six-toothed; petals four to six, spreading, generally valvate in ã¦stivation; stamens eight to twelve; disk annular, with usually six to ten teeth; drupe oblong, covered by a three-valved succulent rind, containing three to five nuts. they thrive in a compost of loam and peat. propagated by cuttings, placed under a glass, with bottom heat. =b. gummifera= (gum-bearing). _fl._ whitish, hexandrous; racemes terminal and axillary. _l._ deciduous, usually impari-pinnate; leaflets ovate, acute, membranous. _h._ 60ft. west indies, 1690. =b. serrata= (serrate).* _fl._ whitish, decandrous; panicles axillary, shorter than the leaves. _l._ impari-pinnate, with three to five pairs of broad-lanceolate, bluntly-acuminated, serrulated leaflets; petioles and pedicels pubescent. _h._ 25ft. india, 1818. =burseraceã�.= an order of shrubs or trees, abounding in resinous juice; with opposite compound leaves, full of pellucid dots, and axillary and terminal fascicles of flowers. fruit indehiscent, somewhat drupaceous. the genera best known are _amyris_, _balsamodendron_, _boswellia_, _bursera_, and _canarium_. =burtonia= (named after d. burton, a plant collector for kew gardens). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of handsome greenhouse dwarf heath-like shrubs, natives of west australia. flowers axillary, often thickly gathered at the ends of the branches; corollas rich purple; keel generally of a deeper colour, and the standard having sometimes a yellow blotch at its base. leaves simple or trifoliolate, sessile, usually awl-shaped. they thrive well in a mixture of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, with thorough drainage; but care must be taken not to give them too much water, as they require to be kept moderately dry, and are difficult to preserve in a living state. young cuttings root freely in a pot of sandy soil, in a cool house, with a bell glass placed over them; but some of the species produce seed in abundance, which are the best means of increasing them. =b. conferta= (cluster-flowered).* _fl._ violet. july. _l._ simple, very much crowded, six to eight lines long, linear-subulate, with revolute margins, and are, as well as the branches, smooth. _h._ 2ft. 1830. (b. r. 1600.) =b. minor= (smaller). a synonym of _gompholobium minus_. =b. pulchella= (beautiful). a synonym of _b. scabra_. =b. scabra= (rough).* _fl._ purple; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. april. _l._, leaflets glabrous, linear-mucronate. branches puberulous. _h._ 2ft. 1846. syn. _b. pulchella_. (b. m. 5000.) =b. villosa= (villose). _fl._ purple, large; peduncles axillary, bi-bracteate. may. _l._, leaflets linear-subulate, bluntish, scabrid. _h._ 2ft. 1846. (b. m. 4410.) =bushel.= _see_ =measures=. =butcher's broom.= _see_ =ruscus aculeatus=. =butea= (commemorative of john, earl of bute, once a munificent patron of botany). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of very ornamental stove evergreen unarmed trees. racemes many-flowered; flowers three together, on short pedicels, and furnished with two bracteoles each, under the calyx; corolla deep scarlet; down on the calyces usually black and velvety. leaves pinnately-trifoliate; leaflets large, ovate, roundish, stipellate. for culture, &c., _see_ =erythrina=. =b. frondosa= (leafy). _fl._ 2in. long. _l._, leaflets roundish, obtuse, or emarginate, rather velvety beneath. branches pubescent. _h._ 40ft. india, 1796. (b. f. s. 176.) =b. superba= (superb).* _l._, leaflets roundish, obtuse, velvety beneath. branches glabrous. coromandel, 1798. this approaches the preceding species, from which it differs mainly by its scandent habit, and not by any botanical characters. (b. f. f. 143.) =butomaceã�.= an order of aquatic plants, now usually included under _alismaceã¦_. =butomus= (from _bous_, an ox, and _temno_, to cut; in reference to the sharp leaves, which injure the mouths of cattle that browze upon them). flowering rush. ord. _alismaceã¦_. a very handsome hardy perennial aquatic, of extremely easy culture on the margins of ponds or muddy banks. propagated by divisions of the roots, in spring. [illustration: fig. 304. butomus umbellatus, showing habit and single flower.] =b. umbellatus= (umbelled).* _fl._ rose-coloured, umbellate; pedicels with scariose sheathing bracts at the base; scape naked, terete, longer than the leaves. summer. _l._ all radical, 2ft. to 3ft. long, linear, acuminate, triquetrous. ditches and ponds; frequent in england, and rare in ireland. see fig. 304. =butter and eggs.= the double-flowered variety of =narcissus aurantius= (which _see_). =butter and tallow tree.= _see_ =pentadesma=. =butter-bur.= _see_ =petasites vulgaris=. =buttercups.= _see_ =ranunculus=. =butterfly orchis.= _see_ =habenaria bifolia= and =h. chlorantha=. =butterfly plant.= _see_ =oncidium papilio=. =butter nut.= _see_ =caryocar= and =juglans cinerea=. =butterwort.= _see_ =pinguicula=. =button flower.= _see_ =gomphia=. =button-tree.= _see_ =conocarpus=. =button-wood.= _see_ =cephalanthus=. =buxus= (from _pyknos_, dense; referring to the hardness of the wood). box tree. ord. _euphorbiaceã¦_. a genus of hardy evergreen shrubs or small trees. flowers unisexual, monå�cious; male flowers, calyx of four minute segments, stamens four, inserted under the rudiment of a pistil; female flowers singly, at the tips of groups of male ones. fruit, a regma, leathery, beaked with the styles. leaves simple, opposite, exstipulate, evergreen. these well-known plants thrive in any light, well-drained soil. seeds should be sown in similar situations as soon as ripe. cuttings, made of the young shoots, from 4in. to 6in. in length, inserted in a shady place, in august or september, root readily. layers of either young or old wood, made in autumn or early spring, will make good plants. they can also be increased by suckers and division. =b. balearica= (balearic).* _l._ yellowish-green, oblong-elliptical, emarginate, coriaceous, about 2in. long, with a cartilaginous margin. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. south europe, 1780. this is a handsome species. the cuttings will require a shelter in winter, and in exposed situations it will be better to afford the plants protection. =b. sempervirens= (evergreen).* common box. _l._ oval-oblong, retuse, convex, coriaceous, shining; stalks slightly hairy. _h._ various. england. there are numerous forms of this popular shrub: _argentea_, silver-variegated; _aurea_ has its leaves variegated with a golden colour; _marginata_ has leaves with a golden margin; _myrtifolia_ has small, oblong, narrowish leaves; _obcordate-variegata_ is a variegated variety, with obcordate leaves, from japan; _suffruticosa_ is the form usually cultivated for edgings, its leaves are small, obovate, this is readily increased by divisions, and requires to be planted firmly, in order to keep it dwarf. =byrsonima= (from _byrsa_, a hide, and _nimius_, much used; because the bark of some of the species is used in tanning, in brazil). ord. _malpighiaceã¦_. ornamental stove evergreen trees or shrubs. flowers racemose, terminal, simple or branched. all the species thrive very well in any light soil, or a mixture of loam and peat. cuttings made of half-ripened shoots will root freely in sand, under a hand glass, in a moist bottom heat. =b. altissima= (tallest).* _fl._ white; racemes clothed with rufous hairs. july. _l._ ovate-oblong, covered with rufous down beneath, but beset with bristles above, which are fixed by the centre. _h._ 60ft. guiana, 1820. =b. chrysophylla= (golden-leaved).* _fl._ yellow; racemes simple. august. _l._ oblong, short, acuminated, acute at the base, rather wavy on the margin, and revolute, smooth above, clothed beneath with silky down, which is of a rusty golden colour. _h._ 14ft. south america, 1823. =b. coriacea= (leathery-leaved). _fl._ yellow, sweet-scented; racemes densely spiked, pubescent, erect. may. _l._ ovate, acute, quite entire and smooth. _h._ 30ft. jamaica, 1814. =b. crassifolia= (thick-leaved). _fl._ yellow; racemes erect, elongated, brownish-velvety. july. _l._ ovate, acute at both ends, at length smooth above, but clothed with brownish down beneath. _h._ 6ft. guiana, 1793. =b. lucida= (shining).* _fl._ pink; petals hastately kidney-shaped; pedicels hispid; racemes spiked, erect, short, smooth. may. _l._ obovate, cuneiform, obtuse, or mucronate, smooth, veinless, shining. _h._ 8ft. caribbee islands, 1759. described as "a beautiful shrub." =b. verbascifolia= (verbascum-leaved). _fl._ yellow; racemes terminal. july. _l._ lanceolate-obovate, quite entire, downy on both surfaces. _h._ 6ft. guiana, 1810. =bystropogon= (from _byo_, to close, and _pogon_, a beard; in reference to the throat of the flower being closed up with hairs). ord. _labiatã¦_. greenhouse evergreen sub-shrubs, nearly allied to _mentha_. flowers small, in dichotomous, sub-corymbose, or panicled cymes; or else disposed in dense spicate whorls. bracts lanceolate or subulate. this genus contains easily cultivated species, which are, however, of no value for garden purposes. =caa-cuys.= _see_ =ilex paraguariensis=. =caa-mini.= _see_ =ilex paraguariensis=. =caapeba.= _see_ =cissampelos pareira=. =caapim de angola.= _see_ =panicum spectabile=. =caa-quazu.= _see_ =ilex paraguariensis=. =cabaret.= the french name of _asarum europã¦um_. =cabbage.= the common name for _brassica_; but especially applied to the plain-leaved hearting garden varieties of _brassica oleracea_. to obtain good tender cabbages in early spring and throughout the summer, it is necessary that they should be planted on rich, deeply-trenched ground, in a position free from the shade of fruit or other trees. stable dung or good farmyard manure is best for this crop, and should be applied when trenching is being done, burying the manure a spit below the surface. cabbages should not be planted successionally on the same ground, nor should they follow any of the other species of _brassica_, if it can be avoided. a warmer position, not too much sheltered to make the plants tender, will be found beneficial for the earliest spring crop. this should not be planted too soon in autumn, as the plants are more subject to run to seed, especially if the winter be mild. the several forms of cabbage are well known, being so much cultivated by cottagers as well as gardeners. none of those forming close hearts will bear severe frost, but the savoys are improved by a little in the early autumn. the coleworts are very useful in winter, being perhaps the hardiest of all; and, as the hearts do not get so close and hard as the savoy and other cabbages, the frost, unless it is very severe, does not injure them so much. _cultivation._ the crop obtained in april and may is usually the most important one, young cabbages being then much appreciated by everyone. the time for seed-sowing varies in different localities, from the third week in july to the middle of august. the first date would probably prove suitable for the northern parts of the country; and the latter would be early enough for the south. the seed should be sown thinly in beds of rather light, well pulverised soil, afterwards covering these with netting, to protect the seed from birds. the plants will be ready, in most cases, for placing out during september, or as soon as the ground can be cleared of other crops and prepared for their reception. the early battersea, or one of its many allied sorts, is best for sowing at this season; and, when planting out, an allowance of 2ft. apart each way will be sufficient. seed should again be sown on a mild hotbed in february, and occasionally afterwards, for succession; and a second crop may be obtained from the plants put out in autumn if they are allowed to remain. drumhead and other strong-growing sorts, sown in spring, will require from 6in. to 1ft. more space when planted out. these are not, however, of such good quality as the smaller-growing varieties. _savoys._ the seed of these should be sown in march or april, according to the locality, in the same way as described above, in seed beds; and the after treatment is also very similar. the young plants must not be allowed to starve in the seed bed, but should be kept watered, and planted out in june and july, choosing dull weather for the operation. the ground should occasionally be hoed between the plants, to keep the surface open and destroy weeds. distances of from 15in. to 30in. between the plants, according to the variety, must be allowed. see fig. 305. [illustration: fig. 305. savoy cabbage.] _coleworts._ seed of these should be sown about the end of june, and planted out 1ft. apart on a sheltered border, when large enough. rosette is one of the best varieties; but the early cabbages are often grown and used as coleworts before they have had time to form close hearts. [illustration: fig. 306. early york cabbage.] _pickling cabbage._ the red dutch is the variety generally grown for pickling, and is probably the best to keep its colour when so treated. seed should be sown in august, to stand the winter, and again in february for a succession; only a few plants will, in the majority of cases, be required, as, if liberally treated, they grow to a good size. [illustration: fig. 307. oxheart cabbage.] _sorts of white cabbage._ these are extremely numerous, and selections or improved forms are of annual appearance. some of the old types are, however, still much cultivated. the following are a selection of the best sorts for general purposes: atkins' matchless, carter's heartwell, early battersea, early york (see fig. 306), ellam's early dwarf, enfield market, little pixie, oxheart (see fig. 307), st. john's day (see fig. 308), sugarloaf, wheeler's imperial, and portugal or couve tronchuda. the last-named variety was introduced from portugal some years ago, where it is much grown. it has a large midrib, and does not form very close hearts. it is very tender when cooked, and is only suitable for culture in summer. under the name of gilbert's cabbage broccoli, or chou de burghley, a variety of cabbage was recently distributed which produces, if left long enough, hearts resembling broccoli. although there are different opinions as to its merits, it is said to be very tender when cooked, and is considered a decided acquisition. of savoys, the best are: drumhead, dwarf green curled, early ulm, large late green, and tom thumb. [illustration: fig. 308. st. john's day cabbage.] _insects, &c._ the majority of the cabbage tribe is attacked by a very large number of different caterpillars and other pests, both above and below ground. the plants in their young stages are always a prey for snails and slugs, and often require a dusting of soot and lime as a protection. when planting out, many of the plants are often found with a protuberance at the root, caused by an insect, and termed "clubbing." those so injured should be thrown away if they can possibly be spared, and the others dipped in a thick solution of soot water. this is the worst kind of disease the cabbage tribe is subject to. the caterpillars of several moths and butterflies are very destructive in summer, often eating through the hearts of cabbages and cauliflowers, and so rendering them totally unfit for use. hand-picking, or dusting with lime, is apparently the only means of diminishing the numbers of these pests. =cabbage caterpillars.= _large cabbage white_ (_pieris brassicã¦_). from may to july, and again in september and october, this, the most common of our butterflies, may be seen in great numbers, frequenting gardens, lanes, and fields, being especially numerous where cabbages are growing. their beautiful yellow eggs are laid singly on the under surface of the leaves, and securely fastened by a natural glue; from these, in due time, issue the small, but destructive, "green caterpillars." shortly after birth, they become quite green in front and yellow behind. they then get hairy and dotted over with black; they have eight pairs of feet, of which the three front ones only are "true" legs, or those which ultimately develop into the legs of the butterfly. they change their skin several times, and at each moult become larger in size. when full grown, they are about 1-1/2in. long, of a light green or bluish hue above, and yellow beneath; along the back of the adult caterpillar is a conspicuous yellow line, edged on each side with black dots. [illustration: fig. 309. caterpillar and chrysalis of large cabbage butterfly.] the chrysalis, or pupa, is commonly found on window-ledges, palings, walls, and similar places; but is sometimes attached to the plant (see fig. 309). it is a rather curious object, of the colour of stone, and prettily chiselled. it is fastened to the plant by the tail and by a belt of silk round the middle. [illustration: fig. 310. large white cabbage butterfly.] [illustration: fig. 311. small white cabbage butterfly and caterpillar.] the perfect male insect has the body black and wings white on the upper side, except the tips of the fore-wings, which are black and crescent-shaped; and on the upper edge of the hinder wings there is a black spot. on the under side, the fore wings are white with yellow tips, and two black patches on each; the hind wings are yellow, with small black markings. the antennã¦ are alternately black and yellow, with the club black above and yellow beneath. the female (see fig. 310) differs from the male in having two large black spots on each of the fore or upper wings, and a spot on the inner margin. _the small white_ (_pieris rapã¦_, see fig. 311) has two broods in the year, the first batch about april, and the second in july. the eggs are always placed on the upper side of the leaf, and are hatched in from ten to thirteen days, the caterpillars becoming full grown in about three weeks after emerging. the colour of the caterpillar is dark green, with a fine line of yellow, and a row of yellow spots down the sides. the chrysalis is attached by the tail and a band of silk to the place selected by the caterpillar, and varies greatly in colour, although generally it is of a whitish-brown. _cabbage moth_ (_mamestra brassicã¦_). newman, in his "british moths," thus describes the cabbage moth: "the antennã¦ are rather long and slender, and scarcely ciliated in either sex; the fore-wings are dark, smoky, grey brown, mottled and marbled with confused markings, both darker and paler; the orbicular spot is inconspicuous, but decidedly to be traced; the reniform stigma is delicately outlined with white or whitish-grey, and has a pale anterior disc, in which the same pale grey colour predominates; the hind wings are dark, smoky brown with rather pale base, and rather darker crescentic discoidal spot and wing-rays; the head, thorax, and body have the same colour as the fore and hind wings." the eggs are laid on cabbages, or similar plants, and are hatched in a few days. the caterpillars are very voracious, feeding by day and night, and, what is worse, they spoil with their excrement, in the case of cabbages, more than they eat. they are of a dark colour, with a kind of marbling, more or less distinct, on the back, the effect being produced by a triangular mark containing two white dots on each of their segments. on being disturbed, they roll themselves into a tight ring, and so remain until they suppose that danger is over. they descend into the earth for change to smooth red-brown chrysalids, and remain there till the following spring. if the chrysalids were collected and destroyed during the autumn and winter digging, much injury would be obviated through the succeeding spring and summer. the destruction of these pests is a very troublesome matter, as the grubs of the last-named kind bore into the heart of the cabbage. hand-picking is the only sure method. anything emitting a distasteful odour will also keep them at bay. miss ormerod recommends throwing gas-lime over the plants, but it must be previously weakened by a few months' exposure. the following remedy may also be recommended: _paraffin_, or _coal oil_. mix one ounce of oil with a gallon of soapsuds, and water the plants with the mixture before the caterpillars appear. if any have appeared, an application at the rate of two ounces to the gallon will generally clear them off. of course, this operation must not be performed less than a month previous to cutting the cabbages, on account of the smell. soapsuds alone will also clear caterpillars from most smooth-leaved subjects if frequently applied. =cabbage fly= (_anthomyia brassicã¦_). among the injurious insects which infest cabbages, none commit greater havoc to both stem and root, than the maggots of the cabbage fly. "they are whitish, cylindrical, and legless, tapering to the head, and blunt at the tail, which has short teeth on the lower margin, and two brown tubercles in the middle. when full grown, they are about 1/3in. long. they then leave the plants, and turn, in the earth, to pupã¦, with a few black spots at the head, and short teeth at the tail, inside which the flies form, and emerge in about a fortnight or three weeks. the fly is of an ashen-grey colour, and smaller than the onion fly, which it much resembles. the male is of a darker grey, and has a short black stripe along the back between the wings, with a curved one on each side of it, and one black stripe along the abdomen" (ormerod). the presence of these maggots may be easily detected by the flagging and change of colour of the leaves. the infested plants should be immediately removed and destroyed. the following remedy will be found beneficial: _lime._ hot lime should be soaked in water for about twenty-four hours. when clear, the infested cabbages should be well washed with the liquid. superphosphate of lime may also be applied with advantage. =cabbage gall weevil= (_ceutorrhynchus sulcicollis_). this is a pretty little beetle, about three-quarters of a line or one line in length. its colour is dark, but the insect is really of a coppery hue; on the thorax and head are rather large depressions; the wing-cases vary in colour from green to greenish-blue, or even black, and along the entire length of the elytra are parallel lines or holes, as may be seen with the aid of an ordinary lens. this insect, which causes much damage to plants of the _brassica_ family, is, in some places, very difficult to eradicate. it is also very destructive to other crops, and, therefore, any effectual remedy is valuable. the following methods may be recommended: _carbolic acid._ mix 1oz. calvert's no. 5 carbolic acid with two gallons of soapsuds, and add sufficient loam or clay to make a thin paste. dip the roots of the whole of the plants into this before they are set out. well stir the mixture, and put the plants out in a damp soil, so that watering will not be necessary. _paraffin_, or _coal oil_. this, applied in the same manner as recommended for carbolic acid, is also very good. _guano, superphosphate of lime, and nitrate of soda._ a good dressing of either of these, given after the ground is dug, and in wet weather, about a month before the plants are put out, has been found very beneficial; but, although preventatives, they do not totally clear the crop from insects for the season. _soot and lime._ take equal parts of air-slaked lime and soot, and mix together. set the plants with a trowel, and, having placed some soil over the roots, throw in a little of the mixture, filling up the hole with soil. =cabbage moth.= _see_ =cabbage caterpillars=. =cabbage palm.= _see_ =euterpe oleracea=. =cabbage powdered-wing= (_aleyrodes brassicã¦_). a small four-winged powdery fly, closely allied to the aphides. as implied by its name, this pest infests the various sorts of cabbages. it is more particularly prevalent in autumn. its presence may be readily detected by the partial discoloration of the leaves attacked. the head and body between the wings are black, with yellow variegation; abdomen yellow or rosy; wings white and mealy (whence its common name), the upper pair each having a darker spot, near the centre. its destructive power resides in the rostrum, or sucking-tube, with which its head is furnished. _remedies._ the only effectual means of exterminating this pest is to destroy the leaves, preferably by burning. if its presence is detected early, an application of tobacco water, or diluted soft soap, may prove beneficial. =cabbage root-eating fly.= _see_ =root-eating fly=. =cabbage-tree.= _see_ =euterpe oleracea=. =cabbage weevil.= _see_ =cabbage gall weevil=. =cabomba= (the native name in guiana). ord. _nymphã¦aceã¦_. sub. ord. _cabombeã¦_. small and very interesting aquatics. they thrive well in a cistern 1ft. deep, with 2in. of loam in the bottom, for the plants to root in, then filled up with water, and placed in a warm part of the greenhouse during summer, being allowed a rest in a cool part of the stove in winter. propagation may be effected by root division. =c. aquatica= (water-loving). _fl._ yellow, small; peduncles long, axillary, solitary, one-flowered. july. submerged leaves opposite, stalked, cut into five divisions even to the petiole; segments multifid; floating leaves alternate, on long petioles, peltate, orbicular, entire. guiana, 1823. syn. _nectris aquatica_. =c. caroliniana= (carolina) is somewhat similar to _c. aquatica_. it is a native of the southern united states. =cacalia= (from _kakalia_, a name used by dioscorides). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, here treated as distinct from _senecio_, of which genus, from a botanical point of view, it is but a section. heads five to many-flowered; florets all tubular and perfect; scales of the involucre in a single row; receptacle naked; pappus of numerous capillary bristles. for culture, _see_ =senecio=. =c. atriplicifolia= (atriplex-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white. august. _l._, lower ones triangular-kidney shaped, or slightly cordate; the upper rhomboid, toothed. stem terete. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. united states of america. =c. hastata= (hastate). _fl.-heads_ white, nodding, racemose. autumn. _l._ stalked, three-lobed, hastate, serrate. _h._ 1ft. siberia, 1780. =c. reniformis= (reniform). _fl.-heads_ white, disposed in large corymbs. august. _l._ dilated, fan-shaped, 1ft. to 2ft. broad, repandly-toothed and angled, petiolate. stem grooved and angled. _h._ 4ft. to 9ft. new jersey, 1801. =c. suaveolens= (sweet-scented).* _fl.-heads_ white. autumn. _l._ triangular-lanceolate, halbert-shaped, pointed, serrate; those of the stem on winged petioles. stem grooved. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. north america, 1752. =c. tuberosa= (tuberous).* _fl.-heads_ whitish. june. _l._ thick; lower ones lanceolate or oval, nearly entire, tapering into long petioles; upper ones on short margined petioles, sometimes toothed at the apex. stem angled and grooved. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. north america. =cacoucia= (its name in guiana). ord. _combretaceã¦_. a small genus of stove twining or climbing shrubs. flowers large, showy, racemose. leaves opposite, oblong or ovate-elliptical. for culture, _see_ =combretum=. =c. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet, alternate, bracteate at the base, disposed in long terminal racemes. may. _l._ ovate, acuminated, shortly petiolate. guiana. (a. g. i., 179.). a handsome stove climber. =cacteã�.= a large order of succulent plants, with remarkable spines clustered on the cylindrical, angular, two-edged, or leafy stems. flowers very variable, showy or minute, usually solitary, sessile, rarely in fascicles, ephemeral; petals disposed in two or more series, hardly distinguishable from the inner sepals, and sometimes united with them; sepals numerous, united and adnate a great length to the ovarium. fruit fleshy, one-celled, many-seeded. well-known genera are _cereus_, _melocactus_, _mammillaria_, _opuntia_, _pereskia_, and _rhipsalis_. =cactus= (from _kaktos_, a name used by theophrastus to describe a spiny plant). this generic term is popularly applied to all members of the extensive family _cacteã¦_, which order may be distinguished by the following characteristics: calyx composed of many sepals, usually indefinite in number, the inner series not readily distinguishable from the petals, united and adnate a great length to the ovary; with the tube smooth in the genera _mammillaria_, _melocactus_, and _rhipsalis_; or with the lobes of the sepals crowning the fruit, and having the tube scaly, as in the genera _cereus_, _opuntia_, and _pereskia_. petals disposed in two or more series, hardly distinguishable from the inner sepals, and somewhat united to them; sometimes irregular, and disposed in a long tube at the base, but distinct at the apex, as in the genera _mammillaria_, _melocactus_, and _cereus_; sometimes equal and distinct to the very base, forming a rotate corolla, as in the genera _opuntia_, _pereskia_, and _rhipsalis_. stamens indefinite, disposed in many series, more or less cohering with the petals or inner sepals; filaments slender, filiform; anthers ovate, versatile, two-celled. ovarium obovate, fleshy, one-celled. fruit fleshy, one-celled, many seeded, either smooth and crowned by the calyx, or covered with scales, scars, or tubercles, and umbilicate at the apex. this order contains fleshy or succulent shrubs, very variable in habit and size. flowers very variable, showy, or minute, usually solitary, sessile, rarely in fascicles, ephemeral, expanding by night or day. leaves usually wanting, but, when present, small, caducous, and terete, rarely flat and expanded, sometimes alternate and disposed in a spiral order, always glabrous and fleshy. prickles or bristles disposed in fascicles, rising from the axils of the leaves. in the leafless genera, the fascicles of spines are disposed on the angles of the stem, rising from tubercles. stems usually angular, winged, or regularly beset with tubercles, rarely terete, usually jointed; joints compressed. a group of cacti is shown at fig. 312, for which we are indebted to herr fr. ad. haage, jun., of erfurt, germany. _see_ =cereus=, =disocactus=, =echinocactus=, =epiphyllum=, =leuchtenbergia=, =mammillaria=, =melocactus=, =nopalea=, =opuntia=, =pelecyphora=, =pereskia=, =phyllocactus=, and =rhipsalis=. _cultivation._ perhaps no class of plants more easily accommodate themselves to a general system of treatment, than do these; although certain genera would undoubtedly thrive better than when subjected to the lower temperature, suited to the requirements of those coming from cooler regions. notwithstanding that nearly all the species are natives of the western hemisphere, they occur in various geographical and altitudinal areas, in which the temperature is proportionately lessened or increased, as the case may be; yet, presuming a special house is set apart for their culture, the majority of the species may be happily suited therein. the warmest end of the structure should be selected for the tropical kinds; while those found in cooler regions may be grown in the other portions of the house; even those which are hardy in our climate are really best wintered in a house or frame. granted that several species will endure our winter outside, it is yet necessary to give them the shelter of a friendly ledge of the rockery, or frame, or to cover them in their permanent position with a hand light, or sheet of glass, in order to prevent the ill-effects of excessive moisture. generally, a winter temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg., and a summer one of from 70deg. to 80deg. during shade, or in sunshine up to 90deg., will be found advantageous. when thus treated, it will be necessary to keep the tropical species, on the whole, very dry during the winter. as regards soil, potting, and general treatment, all may be treated alike, except _epiphyllum_, _disocactus_, and _pereskia_ (which _see_). some growers give them the protection of a house in winter, and stand them outside during the summer, which is not, however, a very commendable plan, as, in consequence of the very variable character of our climate being especially prejudicial to several of the tender and more delicate species, the often excessive amount of moisture they would receive, will produce a weakly state of health in many, while others will be lost. it is far better if their culture is attempted at all, to give them the proper treatment. the numerous species and varieties found on the rocky mountains are a most interesting series, and may be well managed in a cold frame facing south, arranging them on shelves as close to the glass as possible, and keeping them very dry through the winter. if the weather is very severe, the lights should be matted. one of the best collections of these in the country, is in the possession of e. g. loder, esq., floore house, weedon, northampton, where a great number are admirably grown in frames, and under a large ledge of the rockery outside. amateurs may grow quantities of handsome cacti either in dwelling rooms near the window, or in small frames or greenhouses. as they are slow growing, not much space will be occupied; at the same time, a great deal of interest will be centred in their culture. as regards watering and insect pests, they are but little trouble. miniature cacti, of numerous kinds, are now often sold in small pots, and most attractive little subjects they prove. [illustration: 1. opuntia. 2. cereus. 3. opuntia streptacantha. 4. cereus candicans. 5. mammillaria. 6. cereus peruvianus monstrosus. 7. echinocereus electracanthus. 8. mammillaria. 9. echinopsis formosa. 10 echinocactus visnaga. 11. cereus peruvianus var. 12. opuntia candelabriformis. 13. cereus strictus. 14. pilocereus senilis. 15. cereus tweedii. 16. cereus chilensis. fig. 312. group of cacti.] _soil, drainage, and potting._ good ordinary fibrous loam should form about one-half of the compost, the other half should be made up of sand, broken bricks, and lime rubbish in equal quantities; the whole to be carefully mixed together, and not used until it is moderately dry. it is absolutely necessary to ensure perfect drainage; a good "stopper" should, therefore, be placed over the hole at the bottom of the pot, and about one-third of its depth filled with draining material. the best time for potting is during february and march. turn out the plants, and remove nearly all the old soil from the roots, taking away any dead or decaying roots which may be observable. place some of the roughest soil next the crocks, and gradually fill the pots with the finer material, well working the same amongst the roots; finally press the soil moderately firm. do not water for a few days after potting, but syringe every evening, especially if the weather be fine; a little extra heat may be given after potting, to excite new, healthy growth. it will not be necessary every year to repot specimens in large vessels. a good top-dressing, with an occasional dose of weak liquid manure, is all they will require for several seasons. _watering._ this must be discriminately managed, especially during the winter; for, whatever their treatment as regards temperature during that season, they must be studiously watered, and anything like a saturated condition of the soil should be avoided. if the temperature is brisk, a little water may be given once a week, or perhaps not quite so often. if the plants are subjected to very cool treatment, water must be sparingly administered during november, december, and january; after which, they should be examined weekly, and very carefully attended to. during the summer months, when in active growth, they will not suffer if watered twice a week; and, on bright afternoons, light syringings may be advantageously given. _propagation._ three methods are adopted, viz., by cuttings or offsets, grafting, and seeds; the former is the plan generally adopted. the cuttings or offsets should be removed with a sharp cut, and laid upon a sunny shelf until the wound is healed and roots are emitted, when they should be potted in sandy soil, and placed with the others. they will thrive freely if kept syringed. grafting is resorted to with delicate kinds, which, from some reason or another, will not grow freely except upon the stock of a stronger species; and, by this means also, such delicate kinds can be kept from the damp soil, which frequently causes incipient decay. the stocks usually employed are those of _cereus tortuosus_, _c. peruvianus_, &c., according to the species intended for working; they readily unite with each other. if the scion and stock are both slender, wedge-grafting should be adopted; if both are broad, it is best to make horizontal sections, placing them together and securing in proper position by tying with matting, but not too tightly, or the surface may be injured. propagation by seeds is not often adopted, as it is a very slow method; they should be sown in very sandy soil, and placed in a semi-shady position until germination commences, when they may be exposed, and very carefully watered. =cactus dahlia.= _see_ =dahlia juarezii=. =caducous.= falling off soon; deciduous. =cã�nopteris.= _see_ =asplenium=. =cã�salpinia.= (in honour of andreas cã¦salpinus, a celebrated italian botanist, 1519-1603). brasiletto. ord. _leguminosã¦_. an ornamental genus of stove evergreen trees or shrubs, not much grown, on account of the space required and the time the species take to flower. flowers yellow or red, produced in racemes, having a top-shaped calyx, divided at the end into five parts, the lowest larger than the others; petals five, unequal-stalked, upper one shortest; stamens ten. a mixture of loam and leaf mould suits them best. cuttings are somewhat difficult to root, but sometimes will succeed if taken off from the mother plant in a growing state and planted in sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in heat. =c. alternifolia= (alternate-leaved). _fl._ orange, clustered. _l._ alternate, very elegant, compound. central america, 1868. =c. brasiliensis= (brazilian). brazil wood. _fl._ orange; racemes rather panicled. _l._ with seven to nine pairs of pinnã¦, each pinna bearing about fifteen or sixteen pairs of oval-oblong, obtuse, glabrous leaflets. brazil, 1739. plant unarmed. =c. sappan= (sappan). _fl._ yellow, panicled. _l._ with ten to twelve pairs of plane, each pinna bearing ten to twelve pairs of unequal-sided, obliquely oval-oblong leaflets, which are emarginate at the apex. _h._ 40ft. tropical asia, 1773. this tree furnishes the sappan-wood of commerce. =c. sepiaria= (hedge). _fl._ yellow. april. _l._ compound; pinnã¦ with about ten pairs of pinnules. _h._ 60ft. india, 1857. syn. _biancea scandens_. =cã�sious.= lavender-colour, bluish-grey. =cã�spitose.= growing in tufts. =caffer bread.= _see_ =encephalartos caffra=. =caffer tea.= _see_ =helichrysum nudifolium=. =cafta.= _see_ =catha edulis=. =cahoun nuts.= a name applied to the fruits of _attalea cohune_, which yield a valuable oil. =caiophora.= _see_ =blumenbachia= and =loasa=. =cajan.= _see_ =cajanus=. =cajanus= (_catjang_ is the amboyna name). cajan. ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of erect stove evergreen shrubs, clothed with velvety pubescence. flowers yellow, distinctly peduncled, corymbose, racemose; standard sometimes beautifully veined with red. leaves pinnately trifoliate. a light rich soil suits these plants well. young cuttings will root in sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in heat; but plants are usually raised from seeds, obtained from the west indian islands and india. =c. indicus= (indian).* pigeon pea. _fl._ yellow, or purple-spotted, in axillary racemes. july. _l._ pinnately trifoliate; leaflets lanceolate. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. india. (b. m. 6440.) =c. i. bicolor= (two-coloured). _fl._ yellow. july. _h._ 4ft. india, 1800. (b. r. 31, 31.) =c. i. flavus= (yellow). _fl._ yellow. july. _h._ 4ft. india, 1687. =cajuput oil= and =cajuput-tree=. _see_ =melaleuca leucadendron minor=. =cakile= (derived from the arabic). sea rocket. ord. _cruciferã¦_. a pretty hardy annual, frequently found on sea-shores. it is of easy culture in most sandy soils. propagated by seed, sown in spring. =c. maritima= (sea). _fl._ lilac, large, densely corymbose. summer and autumn. _fr._ a succulent pod, divided, when mature, by a horizontal partition into two cells, the upper containing a single erect seed, the lower a pendulous one. _l._ oblong, deeply lobed, fleshy. stem much branched. _h._ 1ft. sea-shores of europe and north america. =calabash nutmeg.= _see_ =monodora myristica=. =calabash, sweet.= _see_ =passiflora maliformis=. =calabash-tree.= _see_ =crescentia cujete=. =calaba-tree.= _see_ =calophyllum calaba=. =caladenia= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _aden_, a gland; in reference to the disk of the labellum being finely beset with glands). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of pretty greenhouse terrestrial orchids from new zealand and australia. they should be kept in a cool frame or greenhouse, and carefully watered, when not in a growing state. a compost of peat, loam, and sand, in equal parts, suits them well. over thirty species are enumerated, but probably none are seen out of botanic gardens. =caladium= (derivation of name doubtful; probably of indian origin). ord. _aroideã¦_. stove perennials, chiefly grown for the great beauty and varied hue of their leaves. spathe hood-like, rolled round at the base; spadix, upper portion entirely covered with stamens, but ultimately becoming bare at the extreme top, provided with blunt glands or sterile stamens in the middle, and ovaries beneath; anthers shield-shaped and one-celled; ovaries numerous, two-celled, with from two to four ascending ovules in each cell. leaves upon long petioles, more or less sagittate, ovate, and usually very richly coloured. fruit a one or two-celled berry, with few seeds. they are all of easy culture, and grow freely in a humid atmosphere. in march, when the tubers have been kept dry or rested for some time, they may be started into growth again, in small pots, placed in a stove or pit, where a night temperature of from 60deg. to 65deg. is maintained, and syringed daily once or twice at least. as soon as indications of activity are presented, they may be shifted into 4in., 5in., or 6in. pots, or larger ones may be used if good sized specimens are required. if the tubers should be in large pots, it is best to turn them out, dividing if necessary, and placing all the crowns in small pots, from which they can be removed when root action and growth are resumed, and they require more room. large tubers, if sound, may be divided, and the pieces placed in pots of such sizes as it is desired to grow them in. _soil._ turfy loam, leaf mould, turfy peat, and a little well decomposed manure, in equal parts (not broken up too fine), with a good sprinkling of sharp sand, form an excellent compost, the whole being well incorporated together. thorough drainage must be insured, as these plants require an abundance of water. after potting, they should be placed in a stove temperature, and kept well moistened by syringing two or three times daily. if accommodated with mild bottom heat at this time, they will make much freer and more vigorous growth than if otherwise treated. water sparingly at first, but as soon as the leaves expand, increase the supply; and, when the pots are well filled with roots, apply clear liquid manure at every other time of watering. as the season advances, the temperature and humidity of the house should be increased. during bright sunshine, caladiums should be slightly shaded for a few hours in the middle of the day, with some thin material, just to break the fierceness of the sun's rays; but the more they are exposed to the light at other times during growth, the brighter, richer, and more beautiful will the foliage be. as soon as the plants have attained a good size, some of them should be placed in the coolest part of the house, and partially hardened off; they may then be taken to the conservatory, allowing them a situation free from currents of cold air, and giving water only when really necessary. they may remain here for some time, but care must be taken to return them to the stove before they suffer from cold. small neatly grown specimens make beautiful ornaments for table decoration, and their suitability for exhibition purposes is well known, and largely taken advantage of. towards autumn, and as the foliage begins to fade, the supply of water should be gradually lessened, until all the leaves die down; the pots should then be placed under the stage in the stove, where they can be looked to now and then, and a little water given if required. by no means allow the tubers to get dried up, as is often done; for, if so, they will frequently rot away inside; whereas, kept in a semi-moist condition, even the most delicate can be preserved. in this state, they may remain until the following season. caladiums will not endure a very low temperature; from 55deg. to 60deg. is as low as they can be safely kept. very few of those known as "true species" are grown, being superseded, for general decorative purposes, by the numerous hybrids which have been raised of late, principally from _c. bicolor_. [illustration: fig. 313. caladium chantinii.] =c. argyrites= (silvery).* _l._ small, sagittate, round colour light green; centre and margins white, with many irregular white blotches scattered over the remaining portion. para, 1858. one of the smallest and most elegant of the genus, and much esteemed for table decoration. (i. h. 1858, 185.) =c. baraquinii= (baraquin's). _l._ from 20in. to 30in. long; centre deep red; margin dark green. para, 1858. (i. h. 1850, 257.) =c. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._, spadix shorter than the hooded spathe, which is contracted in the middle. june. _l._ peltate-cordate, sagittate, coloured in the disk. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1773. (b. m. 820.) =c. cannartii= (cannart's). _l._ green, with pale blotches; veins deep red. para, 1863. =c. chantinii= (chantin's).* _l._ chiefly brilliant crimson, irregularly blotched with white, and margined with dark green. para, 1858. see fig. 313. =c. devosianum= (devosie's).* _l._ angular, blotched white and pink. para, 1862. =c. esculentum= (edible). synonymous with _colocasia esculenta_. =c. hardii= (hardy's). _l._ red-tinged, slightly spotted with white. para, 1862. =c. kochii= (koch's).* _l._ spotted with white. para, 1862. =c. lemaireanum= (lemaire's). _l._ green, with whitish venation. brazil, 1861. (i. h. 1862, 311.) =c. leopoldi= (prince leopold's).* _l._ green, marbled with red, and blotched with pink. para, 1864. =c. macrophyllum= (large-leaved).* _l._ large, palish green, blotched with greenish-white. para, 1862. [illustration: fig. 314. caladium maculatum.] =c. maculatum= (spotted).* _l._ oblong, acuminate, cuspidate, cordate at base, finely spotted with clear white. plant erect, caulescent. south america, 1820. see fig. 314. =c. marmoratum= (marbled).* _l._ broad, peltate, upwards of 1ft. long, sagittate-ovate, acute or shortly acuminate, the two basal lobes being slightly divergent, dark bottle-green, variegated with greyish or silvery angular spots and blotches; petioles terete, greenish, mottled with purple. guayaquil. syn. _alocasia roezlii_. the variety _costata_ differs from the type in having the midrib (or costa) marked out by a tapering band of silver grey. =c. rougieri= (rougier's). _l._ green, with white spots; the centre pale green, with red veins. para, 1864. =c. rubronervium= (red-nerved). a synonym of _c. rubrovenium_. =c. rubrovenium= (red-veined).* _l._ greyish-green in the centre, with red veins. para, 1862. syn. _c. rubronervium_. =c. sanguinolentum= (blood-red blotched).* _l._ with a white midrib, blotched with red. amazons, 1872. =c. schoelleri= (schoeller's). a synonym of _c. schomburgkii_. =c. schomburgkii= (schomburgk's).* _l._ green, with white veins. brazil, 1861. syns. _c. schoelleri_ and _alocasia argyroneura_. =c. s. schmitzii= (schmitz's). _l._, centre whitish, with green network; midrib and veins red. 1861. syn. _alocasia erythrã¦a_. =c. sub-rotundum= (half-round). _l._ roundish, spotted with red and white. brazil. 1858. =c. verschaffeltii= (verschaffelt's).* _l._ somewhat heart-shaped; ground colour brilliant green, entire surface irregularly spotted with bright red. para. =c. wallisii= (wallis's). _l._ dark olive green, with large irregular shaped spots and blotches of the purest white, and the veins all yellowish-white. para, 1864. the following descriptive list of hybrid varieties is, for the most part, a selection from mr. bull's catalogue, and contains all of importance: adolphe adams, green leaf-ground, densely speckled with white, and rose-coloured midribs; adolphe audrien,* a very attractive variety, with fine large richly-coloured foliage; agrippine dimitry, leaves large, with white ground, narrow green margin and veins, and pink centre; alcibiade,* crimson-rayed centre, surrounded with pale green, and blotched with pure white, green margin; alfred bleu, leaves rich green, with pure white spots, and flesh-coloured centre; alfred mame,* carmine-red, bordered with white, and profusely spotted with rose; alphand, green, spotted with red, crimson centre; alphonse karr, rosy-carmine centre and red spots; aristide, light green, with crimson centre; auguste lemonier,* fine large leaves, with soft green centre, and rosy-crimson ribs and veins; auguste riviere, white centre and rays upon a light green ground, with crimson spots; barillet,* bright rosy-crimson centre, and ribs on green ground, with broad margin of rich green; baron de rothschild, rich blood-red centre, and spots, on mottled green leaf-ground; baronne james de rothschild,* young leaves of a bright rose colour, the more matured foliage soft rose, with red veins; barral, bright green, with a fine red centre, and large spots of rose; beethoven,* ground colour white, intersected and veined with green, centre rib delicate rose; belleymei,* fine white variegated leaves; bellini, mottled pale green ground, with rosy centre and spots; blanquã�rti, dark green, with grey veins and white spots; burel, dark bluish-green, veined bright rose, marked with rosy-violet, and spotted orange-red; chantinii fulgens,* rich dark metallic-green, with attractive crimson centre and white spots; chelsoni,* bright glossy green, suffused with brilliant red, and blotched with crimson; clio, ground colour deep rose, shaded white, green ribs and narrow green margin; de candolle,* rich green, with beautiful rose-coloured spots and creamy white centre rays; de humboldt, a fine variety, having glossy green leaves, spotted with scarlet; devinck, leaves heart-shaped, delicate pink centre ribs, interspersed with white spots; dr. boisduval, centre rayed crimson, snow-white blotches on a green ground; dr. lindley,* crimson centre, the green ground marked with rose blotches; duc de cleveland, deep red centre, surrounded with pea-green, largely spotted with red; duc de morny,* deep green leaf borders, with large crimson-rayed centre; duc de nassau,* brilliant red centre and ribs, white spot on emerald green leaf borders; duc de ratibor, green ground, with red midribs marked with white spots; duchartre, leaf-ground white, flushed rose, green veins and red spots; edouard andre, crimson centre, and rose blotches; edouard moreaux, mottled green ground, with lake centre; edouard rodrigues,* deep carmine, margined with light green, and spotted with rose; e. g. henderson,* green, with transparent rose spots and mottled crimson rays and centre; elvina, bright green, blotched with red, grey centre and veins; emilie verdier,* leaves of a light transparent rose colour, spotted with red; etoile d'argent,* bright green, midribs and veins creamy-white, shaded with grey; eucharis, rose centre, with violet reflections, margined with bright green, very fresh and bright looking; felicien david,* centre of leaf dark carmine, surrounded with white and beautifully veined with red on a light green ground; golden queen, leaves large, pale golden yellow, uniform in colour; gretry, carmine centre, with white spots on a dark green ground; helevy, white midribs and marked with crimson blotches, on a green ground; herold,* dark carmine veins, surrounded by light green, blotched with pure white, and margined dark green; ibis rose,* a magnificent variety, with beautiful rich rose-coloured foliage, extremely attractive; isadora leroy, rich metallic green, with crimson-red centre rays; jules duplessis, bright rose centre, shaded with rich red and bordered with green; jules putzeys, rich green, with crimson midrib and veins, centre mottled grey, and the whole surface blotched with red; laingii,* reddish-carmine centre, surrounded with yellowish-green, the whole of the leaf sprinkled with white; lamartine, deep crimson centre, with white and red spots; la perle du brã�sil,* exceedingly attractive, large leaves, white, delicately tinted with rose, midrib and veins dark green; leplay, leaves attractively marked with white, and beautifully veined with rosy-violet; louise duplessis, red rays and veins on a white ground, green margin; luddemannii,* deep crimson ribs, the leaf blotched with magenta and white, border pea green; madame alfred bleu, deep green, with large white blotches, and broad crimson-scarlet veins; madame alfred mame, light green, covered with large white spots, rosy-carmine centre; madame de la devansaye, leaves white, shaded rose, and veined with red and green; madame dombrain,* centre and ribs pale yellowish-green, shaded rose, surface covered with large white and rose spots; madame fritz kå�chlin,* white ground, with violet-rose ribs and green veins, a beautiful dwarf-growing variety; madame heine,* silvery white, stained and edged with pale green, distinct; madame hunnebelle, leaves veined with light garnet colour on a white ground, and margined with green veins; madame jules mã�noreau, fine large leaves, with white centre tinted rose, veined rich bright rose, and margined green; madame laforge, centre and ribs reddish-crimson, with green margin; madame marjolin scheffer,* a beautiful variety, with white foliage, charmingly veined and netted with pure rosy-lake; madame willaume, a charming variety, with transparent leaves, of a delicate salmon-rose colour; marquis de caux, red centre and veins, with rose blotches on margins; marterstyginum, crimson centre and white spots; mercadante, pale copper-coloured centre and veins, bordered with green; meyerbeer,* white leaf-ground, green veins, and red midribs; minerve,* silvery white midrib and rays, surrounded with greyish white, green margin, with snowy white spots; mithridate, ground colour crimson-lake, with darker ribs, and dark bronze-green margin; monsieur a. hardy, rich reddish-carmine veins on white ground, tinted with rose and spotted with green; monsieur j. linden,* a fine large whitish leaf, with metallic reflections, coral-rose veins, and reticulated green border; mrs. laing,* white ground, deep rose centre and veins, green margin; murillo,* centre and veins metallic-red, with large crimson blotches, broad margin of lustrous bronzy-green; napoleon iii.,* flamed crimson centre, with forked rays, and carmine spots on green ground; onslow, deep rosy-crimson centre, with broad green margin, spotted with rose; paillet, crimson centre, broad green margin, splashed with crimson, and dotted with white; paul veronesse, large leaves, with pinkish-white centre, deep scarlet ribs, and broad green margin; philippe herbert, deep mottled crimson rays, and clear white margin, spotted with crimson; pictum, green blotched, and spotted with white; prince albert,* dark emerald green, rich crimson midrib, radiating from centre to margins, the intervening spaces spotted with white; prince of wales,* a very handsome variety, with large golden-yellow leaves; princess alexandra,* rosy-salmon leaf, green centre rib, bordered with magenta-crimson, green margin, with light pink chain; princess of teck,* ground colour bright orange-yellow, the veins suffused with deep red; princess royal, leaves of a golden ground, with crimson centre; pyrrhus, centre and ribs deep crimson, pea-green margins; quadricolor, centre of leaf pale yellowish-green, ribs white, edged rosy-crimson, and margined green; ramsau, centre and ribs deep reddish-crimson, surface covered with white blotches, shaded red; raulinii, rich red centre and veins, finely spotted with white; regale, silvery grey centre, rosy-red ribs, spotted with vermilion-red; reine marie de portugal,* violet-rose centre, with red veins, dark maroon zone, and green border, very handsome; reine victoria,* green veins and margins, spotted or marbled with white and rich crimson; rossini, large leaf, with pale centre, pink midribs, and red blotches; rouillard, glossy green margin, pale green centre, midrib and rays rich violet-plum, the whole leaf spotted crimson; sanchonianthon, crimson centre, deep glossy crimson ribs, and pea-green margin; sieboldii, rich green, with fiery-red crimson-rayed centre, green spaces, spotted with claret red; souvenir de madame e. andre,* large deep green leaves, marbled with pure white, veins fine rosy crimson; spontini, pea-green, with white spots, and rosy-pink ribs and veins; thibautii, fine large leaf, with rich crimson veins on a red ground; tricolor, edges of leaves grey-green, intersected with dark green, centre red-lake, carmine midribs; triomphe de l'exposition,* crimson centre, with red ribs, and green border; verdi, crimson-lake centre with small green zone and apple-green margin; vesta, greenish-white veins, surrounded with crimson, the whole of the leaf spotted bright rose; vicomtesse de la roque-ordan, red midrib, and rays bordered with white, the margin beautiful emerald green; ville de mulhouse, a beautiful variety, with greenish-white leaves, shaded rose, and rich green centre; virginale,* clear shining white, veined with dark bluish-green, a handsome variety. =calais.= _see_ =microseris=. =calamagrostis= (from _calamos_, a reed, and _agrostis_, grass). ord. _gramineã¦_. an extensive genus of grasses, for the most part hardy. panicle more or less spreading; spikelets compressed, one-flowered; empty glumes two, sub-equal, lanceolate, pointed, keeled, awnless. they thrive in any ordinary garden soil. seeds may be sown during autumn. =c. lanceolata= (lanceolate). _fl._ purple, spreading in all directions; panicle erect, loose, much branched. july. culms about 3ft. high, smooth, slender. britain (moist woods and hedges). (sy. en. b. 1724.) =c. stricta= (upright). _fl._ brown, spreading in all directions; panicle erect, close. june. culm about 2ft. high, very slender, smooth. england, &c. (bogs and marshes), but very rare. (sy. en. b. 1725.) =calamander wood.= _see_ =diospyros quå�sita=. =calamint.= _see_ =calamintha=. =calamintha= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _mintha_, mint). calamint. ord. _labiatã¦_. a genus of hardy herbaceous plants, having the following essential characters: calyx two-lipped; stamens diverging; upper lip of corolla nearly flat; tube straight. rather pretty plants, with thyme-like flowers, well suited for furnishing rock gardens. they grow in almost any garden soil. increased by seeds, cuttings, or divisions of the roots, in spring. =c. acinos= (acinos). basil thyme. _fl._ bluish-purple, variegated with white and dark purple, disposed in whorls, one on each flower-stalk. july and august. _l._ acute, serrate. stems branched, ascending, leafy. _h._ 6in. england. annual. syns. _acinos vulgaris_ and _thymus acinos_. (sy. en. b. 1048.) =c. alpina= (alpine). _fl._ purplish, almost sessile, four to six in a whorl, june to september. _l._ petiolate, roundish or ovate, slightly serrated. _h._ 6in. s. europe, 1731. a freely branched, tufted plant. =c. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ purplish, 1-1/2in. long, in loose racemes; throat much inflated. june. _l._ petiolate, ovate, acute, coarsely toothed, rounded at the base, 2in. to 3in. long. herbaceous stems branched at the base, and decumbent. _h._ 1ft. 1596. =c. patavina= (paduan). _fl._ pale or purplish-red, rather large. june. _l._ petiolate, ovate, acute, pubescent. _h._ 6in. to 9in. s. europe, 1776. =calampelis.= _see_ =eccremocarpus=. =calamus= (from _kalamos_, a reed; old greek name used by theophrastus). ord. _palmeã¦_. an elegant genus of stove palms. flowers small, usually of a rose or greenish colour, clustered upon branching spikes, each branch having a separate spathe, which is not large enough to enclose it. fruit one-seeded, and covered with smooth, shining scales. leaves pinnate. stems reed-like, 1in. to 2in. in thickness. when in a young state, these palms are most effective as drawing or diningroom decorations; and, when in a more mature condition, they are excellent as stove ornaments and for exhibition purposes. they are all of slender growth, and of easy culture in a compost of equal parts loam and vegetable mould; a copious supply of water being needed to keep them in a flourishing state. propagated by seeds. _c. rotang_, _c. viminalis_, and several other species furnish the canes usually employed in this country for the bottoms of chairs, couches, &c. =c. accedens= (yielding). _l._ long, arching, dark green, pinnate; pinnã¦ long, narrow, closely set; petioles with slender black spines. india. a rare, but elegant, slender-growing, miniature tree. =c. adspersus= (scattered). _l._ pinnate; pinnã¦ 6in. to 8in. long, narrow, deep green; petioles about 6in. in length, sheathing at the base, clothed with long, slender, black spines. stem not much stouter than a large wheat straw. _h._ 20ft. java, 1866. =c. asperrimus= (very rough).* _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 12ft. long; pinnã¦ 1ft. to 2ft. in length, 1in. in breadth, pendent, light green, upper side with two rows of hair-like spines; petioles broadly sheathing at the base, densely armed with long, stout, black spines. java, 1877. a beautiful species, which attains a considerable size. (i. h. 275.) =c. ciliaris= (fringed).* _l._ pinnate, clothed with a quantity of soft hair-like bristles; petioles sheathing at the base. stem erect and slender. india, 1869. from the plume-like habit of the leaves, it makes a splendid plant for table decoration, as well as being a beautiful specimen for exhibition. =c. draco= (dragon). _l._ 4ft. to 6ft. in length, beautifully arched, pinnate; pinnã¦ 12in. to 18in. long, narrow, slightly pendent, dark green; petioles sheathing at base, armed with long, flat, black spines. _h._ 20ft. to 30ft. india, 1819. a very handsome species, with a robust constitution. =c. fissus= (cleft). _l._ ovate in outline, pinnate, when young bright cinnamon; leaflets pendent, dark green, bearing on the upper side a few black hair-like bristles; petioles armed with dark, stout spines. borneo. a very ornamental species. =c. flagellum= (whip-like). _l._ 6ft. to 8ft. in length when fully grown, pinnate; pinnã¦ pendent, about 1ft. in length and 1in. in breadth, dark green, furnished on the upper side with two rows of long, white, hair-like spines; petioles sheathing, copiously armed with stout white spines, much swollen at the base, and tipped with black. stem slender. =c. hystrix= (bristly). _l._ pinnate; petioles spiny. a compact-growing and very graceful species. =c. jenkinsianus= (jenkins's). _l._ pinnate, gracefully arched, 2ft. to 6ft. long; pinnã¦ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. broad, rich dark green; petioles slightly sheathing at the base, armed with long flat spines. sikkim. =c. leptospadix= (slender-spadix).* _l._ pinnate; pinnules about 1/3in. wide, and from 6in. to 12in. long, subulately acuminate; upper surface with three bristle-bearing ribs; a few smaller bristles are disposed along the midrib underneath; margins finely and regularly toothed with small ascending bristles; petiole channelled, tomentose towards the base, bearing three or four solitary needle-like spines, about 1in. long. india. a rare species, and described as one of the most graceful. =c. lewisianus= (lewis's).* _l._ ultimately spreading, 2ft. to 6ft. long, pinnate: pinnã¦ equidistant, 1/2in. broad, and front 13in. to 15in. long: veins on the upper surface bristled, under surface smooth; margins rough, with appressed bristles; petioles white, with a broad, sheathing, blackish-brown base, densely armed with long, flat, black spines. india. a fine, but somewhat rare, species. =c. rotang= (rotang). _l._ pinnate, from 3ft. to 4ft. in length. very gracefully arched; pinnã¦ 6in. to 12in. long, less than 1in. broad; upper side dark green, with two rows of hair-like spines; petioles and stems armed sparingly with stout, slightly reversed spines. stems slender. india. when young, especially, this plant is very handsome. =c. royleanus= (royle's).* _l._ pinnate, arching; pinnã¦ very numerous, narrow, pendent, deep green; petioles with few spines, dark green. north-west himalayas. =c. spectabilis= (showy).* _l._ pinnate, with a few pairs of smooth linear-lanceolate, three-ribbed leaflets, measuring 6in. to 8in. long; petioles green, furnished with numerous short conical white spines, tipped with brown. malacca. a slender-growing species. =c. verticillaris= (whorled). _l._ pinnate, with a very ornamental plume-like appearance; pinnã¦ long, broad, drooping; petioles with the spines arranged verticillately. malacca. this beautiful species is extremely rare. =c. viminalis= (twiggy).* _l._ 1ft. to 2ft. long, pinnate; pinnã¦ about 6in. long, narrow, light green; petioles sheathing, densely armed with long flat white spines. when only 3ft. or 4ft. in height, its spiny whip-like spikes of flowers are often produced. stem slender. _h_. 50ft. java, 1847. the following are other, but less-known, species: _australis_, _elegans_, _micranthus_, _niger_, _oblongus_, and _tenuis_. =calamus aromaticus.= an old name of =acorus calamus= (which _see_). =calamus odoratus.= an old name of =andropogon schå�nanthus= (which _see_). [illustration: fig. 315. calandrinia menziesii, showing flower and habit.] =calandrinia= (in honour of l. calandrini, an italian botanist, who lived in the beginning of the eighteenth century). ord. _portulaceã¦_. a rather large genus of fleshy, glabrous, annual or perennial, herbaceous plants, some fourteen or fifteen species growing in australia, the rest occurring in the new world. flowers usually rose or purple, solitary, or in terminal umbels or racemes. leaves quite entire, radical or alternate. only four or five species are cultivated in this country; these are treated as half-hardy annuals--with the exception of _c. umbellata_, which is best treated as a biennial--and as such they are extensively grown in small gardens, with most satisfactory results. they should be sown in the spots where they are intended to flower, as transplantation, unless performed with more than ordinary care, will considerably check their growth or result in loss. their flowers only expand during bright sunshine, and, consequently, they are less grown than they otherwise would be. the plants thrive in a light sandy soil. _c. umbellata_ may be sown in a pan, placed in a cold frame, in may or june; and when the plants are large enough to handle, they should be potted off, or placed out in colonies where they are to bloom. =c. discolor= (two-coloured). _fl._ bright rose, with a yellow tuft of stamens in the centre, 1-1/2in. across; raceme long. july, august. _l._ fleshy, obovate, attenuated at the base, pale green above, purple beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. chili, 1834. (b. m. 3357.) =c. grandiflora= (large.flowered).* _fl._ rosy, about 2in. across; calyx spotted; raceme simple, loose. summer. _l._ fleshy, rhomboid, acute, petiolate. stem suffruticose. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1826. (b. r. 1194.) =c. menziesii= (menzies').* fl. deep purple-crimson, from 1/2in. to 1in. across, terminal and axillary, solitary. june to september. _l._ elongated, spathulate, much attenuated at the base. stems much branched, prostrate. california, 1831. syn. _c. speciosa_. see fig. 315. (b. r. 1598.) =c. nitida= (shining). _fl._ rose-coloured, about 2in. across; raceme leafy, many-flowered. summer. _l._ oblong-spathulate, sub-acute, glabrous, attenuated at the base, 1in. to 2in. in length. _h._ 6in. chili, 1837. a very pretty hardy annual, forming a tuft from 4in. to 6in. across. =c. speciosa= (showy). a synonym of _c. menziesii_. [illustration: fig. 316. calandrinia umbellata, showing flower and habit.] =c. umbellata= (umbellate).* _fl._ of a dazzling magenta-crimson, about as large as a sixpence; corymb cymose, terminal, many-flowered. summer. _l._ radical, linear, acute, pilose. _h._ 6in. peru, 1826. a very charming half-hardy biennial. see fig. 316. (p. m. b. 12, 271.) other species occasionally met with are: _compressa_, _micrantha_, and _procumbens_; they are, however, inferior to those described above. =calanthe= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _anthos_, a flower). ord. _orchideã¦_. sec. _vandã¦_. a very handsome genus of stove terrestrial orchids. they may be characterised as robust-growing plants, producing large, broad, many-ribbed, or plaited leaves, which are, with one or two exceptions, evergreen, and long spikes, bearing many flowers, distinguished by their calcarate lip, which is attached to the column, and by the eight thick, waxy pollen masses adhering to a separate gland. calanthes should be special favourites with amateurs, as, in the first place, they produce an abundance of showy flowers, which last a long time in perfection; and, secondly, because they are so easily managed. in potting these plants, it will be necessary to depart from the usual style of potting orchids, and, instead of elevating them above the rim of the pot upon a cone of peat and sphagnum, they must be kept below the rim, as in potting ordinary plants. in place of the usual soil and moss, these plants should have a mixture of loam, leaf mould, and peat, broken up rough, to which may be added some silver sand and dried cow manure. during the growing season, they require abundant supply of water, and in winter even this element must be administered freely to the evergreen kinds; whilst the deciduous ones, on the contrary, enjoy a thorough rest after blooming. good drainage is essential to all. little more need be said upon the cultivation of calanthes during the summer months. when growing, they enjoy strong heat and plenty of moisture; but, when growth is complete, a cooler situation is most beneficial. they are subject to the attacks of various insects, which must be continually searched for, and, when found, destroyed; for, if neglected in this particular, the bold and handsome leaves will be much disfigured, and rendered far from ornamental. propagated by suckers and divisions. about forty species are known, of which the following are a selection: =c. curculigoides= (curculigo-like). _fl._ beautiful orange-yellow, disposed in an erect spike. summer and autumn. _l._ large, evergreen, plaited. _h._ 2ft. malacca, 1844. (b. r. 33, 8.) =c. dominyi= (dominy's).* _fl._, sepals and petals lilac; lip deep purple. this fine hybrid is a cross between _c. masuca_ and _c. veratrifolia_. (b. m. 5042.) =c. furcata= (forked). _fl._ creamy white, very freely produced; spikes erect, 3ft. long. june to august. luzon isles, 1836. an excellent exhibition plant. =c. masuca= (masuca).* _fl._, sepals and petals deep violet colour, with an intense violet-purple lip; numerously produced on spikes 2ft. long. june to august. india, 1838. (b. m. 4541). the variety _grandiflora_ differs from the type in its greater size both of spike and individual flower; the gigantic spikes are from 3ft. to 4ft. high, and continue blooming for three months. =c. petri= (peter veitch's).* _fl._ whitish-yellow. said to be very like _c. veratrifolia_, but bearing leaves a little narrower, and a system of five curious sulcate yellowish calli on the base of the lip, without the single lamella and teeth which are proper to that species. polynesia, 1880. =c. pleiochroma= (many-coloured). _fl._ whitish, purplish, ochre, orange. japan, 1871. =c. regnieri= (regnier's). _fl._, sepals and petals white; lip rosy-pink; middle lobe short, wedge-shaped, and emarginate. pseudo-bulbs jointed, cochin china. _fausta_ is a fine variety, with the base of the tip and column a warm crimson. =c. sieboldii= (siebold's).* _fl._ yellow, large; spikes erect. _l._ broad, dark green, plaited. _h._ 1ft. japan, 1837. an elegant evergreen dwarf-growing species. (r. h. 1855, 20.) =c. textori= (textor's). _fl._ cream-white, washed with violet on the petals and column, as well as on the base of lip, where the calli are brick-red, changing later on to ochre-colour, excepting the white-lilac base of sepals and petals and the column; lip very narrow. japan, 1877. [illustration: fig. 317. single flower of calanthe veitchii.] =c. veitchii= (veitch's).* _fl._ rich bright rose, with a white throat; spikes often attaining a height of 3ft., and bearing an immense quantity of flowers. winter. _l._ large, plaited, light green, deciduous. pseudo-bulbs flask-shaped. this very beautiful hybrid is the result of a cross between _c. vestita_ and _c. rosea_ (syn. _limatodes rosea_). see fig. 317. (b. m. 5375.) =c. veratrifolia= (veratrum-leaved).* _fl._ pure white, except the green tips of the sepals and the golden papillã¦ on the disk of the labellum; spikes 2ft. to 3ft. high, freely produced on well-grown plants. may to july. _l._ 2ft. or more long, dark green, broad, many-ribbed, with wavy margins. india, 1819. see fig. 318. (b. m. 2615.) [illustration: fig. 318. single flower of calanthe veratrifolia.] =c. vestita= (clothed).* _fl._, sepals and petals pure white, numerously produced in a many-flowered, nodding spike. _l._ deciduous. pseudo-bulbs large, whitish, _h._ 2-1/2ft. burmah. (b. m. 4671.) the varieties of this species are very numerous. =c. v. igneo-oculata= (fire-eyed).* _fl._, base of the column purplish, over which is a dazzling fire-colour, the blotch in the base of the lip of the same colour. borneo, 1876. =c. v. nivalis= (snowy).* _fl._ pure white, entirely destitute of any colour on the lip. java, 1868. =c. v. rubro-oculata= (red-eyed).* _fl._ delicate white, with a blotch of rich crimson in the centre; upwards of 2in. across; spikes long, drooping, having a white downy covering, and rising from the base of the silvery-green pseudo-bulbs, when the latter are without leaves. october to february. =c. v. turneri= (turner's).* _fl._ pure white, with rose-coloured eye, larger, and produced on longer flower-spikes than the other kinds; form of flowers more compact. java. this is considered by some authorities, to be a distinct species. =calathea= (from _kalathos_, a basket; in reference to the basket-shaped stigma, or to the leaves being worked into baskets in south america). ord. _scitamineã¦_. this genus of very ornamental-leaved stove plants is distinguished from _maranta_ by mere botanical characters; and the two genera are often confounded. flowers in terminal spikes, bracteate; perianth six-cleft, outer segments lanceolate, inner ones blunt and irregular; stamens three, petal-like. leaves large, springing from the contracted stem, near the root. they delight in a rich, loose, open soil, consisting of peat, loam, and leaf soil, in about equal proportions, with the addition of a good sprinkling of sand, to keep it open and porous. the mixture should be used in a rough, lumpy state, so that the roots, which are of large size, may be able to travel with freedom. nearly all the species admit of easy increase by division. july is a favourable time to set about it, or it may be carried out any time between that and the spring months. in order to make the necessary separation without damaging the roots, the plants should be shaken out from the soil, when they may be divided into as many pieces as there are separate crowns. whether an increased stock be desired or not, calatheas require fresh soil annually; and, if not reduced by division, they become much too thickly foliaged to properly develop, unless they are shifted into larger-sized pots, which can always be done if large specimens are required. when making divisions, see that each crown is well furnished with roots, so that they may at once commence sending up fresh young foliage. although calatheas require an abundant supply of water while growing, a stagnant moisture is most injurious; good drainage is, therefore, essential. to have the leaves in fine, healthy condition, plenty of atmospheric moisture must be maintained during their growth; and, if syringing is resorted to for the purpose of securing this, clear soft water should be used, or an unsightly deposit will be the result, by which the beauty of the plants, unless they are frequently sponged, will be spoiled. these plants require, in addition to plenty of moisture, moderate shade during the summer, as they dislike strong sunshine, and may, therefore, be grown among ferns, under creepers, in situations that would be of little use for other purposes. calatheas are not subject to insects if properly supplied with water while growing, and a sufficiently moist atmosphere is at all times maintained; but, if either of these are lacking, red spider soon put in an appearance, and quickly disfigure the leaves. =c. applicata= (inclined). _fl._ white. brazil, 1875. syn. _maranta pinnato-picta_. (b. h. 1875, 18.) =c. arrecta= (erect).* _l._ rich satin-green on the upper side, and heavy ruby colour on the under side. ecuador, 1872. a fine species, with a very elegant growth. (i. h. 1871, 77.) =c. bachemiana= (bachem's). _l._ silvery, with green lines and blotches. brazil, 1875. =c. baraquinii= (baraquin's).* _l._ ovate-lanceolate; ground colour bright green, relieved by beautiful bands of silvery white. amazons, 1868. =c. bella= (handsome).* _l._ greyish-green, with the margins and two series of central patches deep green. brazil, 1875. syn. _maranta tessellata kegeljani_. =c. crocata= (saffron-coloured). _fl._ orange. brazil, 1875. =c. eximia= (choice). 1857. syn. _phrynium eximium_. (r. g. 686.) =c. fasciata= (banded).* _l._ 8in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 8in. wide, broadly cordate; ground colour bright green, with broad bands of white running across from midrib to the margin; the under side pale green, tinged with purple. _h._ 1ft. brazil, 1859. (r. g. 255.) =c. hieroglyphica= (hieroglyphic). _l._ broadly obovate, obtuse; ground colour rich dark velvety green, which, towards the midrib, shades off into light emerald green; primary veins oblique, and the spaces between them ornamented with irregular streaks and bars of silvery white; under surface of a uniform dark vinous purple. columbia, 1873. dwarf and distinct. (i. h. 1873, 122.) =c. illustris= (bright).* _l._ somewhat obovate; upper surface of a bright pea-green, streaked with transverse bands of a deeper green; midrib pink, with two irregular blotches of white traversing the leaves from base to point, midway between the margin and costa; under surface deep purple. ecuador, 1866. =c. kerchoviana= (kerchove's).* _l._ cordate, oblong, obtuse, shortly and abruptly acuminate, greyish-green, with a row of purplish blotches on each side of the midrib. _h._ 6in. brazil, 1879. syn. _maranta leuconeura kerchoviana_. =c. legrelliana= (le grell's). _l._ very dark green, relieved by a feathery band of white, extending the whole length between the midrib and margin. ecuador, 1867. =c. leitzei= (leitze's). _l._ oblong-lanceolate, deep metallic green, and shining on the upper surface, with feather-like markings of deeper colour, purplish-violet beneath. brazil, 1875. (r. g. 935.) =c. leopardina= (leopard).* _l._ oblong, pale or yellowish-green, marked on each side of the costa with several oblong acuminate blotches of deep green. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1875. (r. g. 893.) =c. leuconeura= (white-nerved). a synonym of _maranta leuconeura_. =c. leucostachys= (white-spiked). _h._ 1ft. a fine species, allied to _c. warscewiczii_. costa rica, 1874. (b. m. 6205.) =c. lindeni= (linden's).* _l._ oblong, 6in. to 12in. long, deep green, with blotches of yellowish-green on each side of the midrib; under surface purplish-rose, through which the markings of the upper side are visible. peru, 1866. very handsome and free-growing. (i. h. 1871, 82.) =c. luciani= (lucian's). _l._ shining green, the midrib festooned with silvery white. tropical america, 1872. =c. makoyana= (makoy's).* _l._ oblong, somewhat unequal-sided, 6in. to 8in. long, upwards of 4in. broad; outer margin deep green, the central portion semi-transparent, beautifully blotched with creamy-yellow and white; the central part is also ornamented between the transverse veins with oblong blotches of deep green; petioles slender, purplish-red. tropical america, 1872. syn. _c. olivaris_. (g. c. 1872, p. 1589.) =c. massangeana= (massange's).* _l._ beautifully covered with rich marking, presenting a somewhat similar appearance to the wings of certain butterflies. the outer portion is olive-green; the middle, on both sides of the costa, of a delicate silvery-grey colour, from which the whitish side veins run out in a well-defined and regular manner; the portion of the leaf surrounding the silvery centre is ornamented with large blotches of dark velvety purplish-maroon, occasionally shaded with brownish-crimson; the whole of the leaf being marked with silky and sparkling reflections. brazil, 1875. it is of neat habit, growing in close tufts, its ample foliage covering the ground. =c. medio-picta= (middle painted). _l._ oblong-acute, tapering to the base, dark green, with a feathered white central stripe. brazil, 1878. =c. micans= (glittering).* _l._ oblong-acuminate, 2in. to 3in. long, a little over 1in. in breadth, dark shining green, with a white feathery stripe down the centre. tropical america. the smallest species of the genus with a spreading habit, and quickly forming dense and beautiful tufts. there is a variety of this named _amabilis_. brazil. =c. nitens= (shining).* _l._ oblong, green, with a bright glossy surface, marked on each side of the midrib with a series of oblong acute bars, alternating with numerous lines of a dark green on a pale bright green ground. brazil, 1880. an elegant and small-growing plant. =c. olivaris= (olive-green). synonymous with _c. makoyana_. =c. ornata= (ornamented).* _l._ oblong acuminate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. or more broad, yellowish-green, relieved by broad transverse bands of dark olive-green; under side tinged with purple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. columbia, 1849. =c. o. albo-lineata= (white-lined). columbia, 1848. syn. _maranta albo-lineata_. =c. o. majestica= (majestic). rio purus, 1866. syn. _maranta majestica_. =c. o. regalis= (royal). peru, 1856. syns. _maranta regalis_ and _m. coriifolia_. =c. o. roseo-lineata= (rosy-lined).* _h._ 1ft. 1848. syn. _maranta roseo-lineata_. =c. pacifica= (pacific). _l._ oblong ovate, of a fine dark green on the upper surface, olive-brown beneath. eastern peru, 1871. [illustration: fig. 319. calathea veitchii.] =c. pardina= (leopard).* _fl._ yellow, large, handsome, produced in great abundance. _l._ 10in. to 18in. long, 5in. to 6in. wide, ovate, pale green, with dark brown blotches on each side the midrib, and which occur at regular intervals the whole length of the leaf. new grenada. (f. d. s. ii., 1101.) =c. prasina= (leek-green). _l._ with a yellow-green central band. brazil, 1875. =c. princeps= (magnificent).* _l._ 12in. to 18in. long; centre rich dark green, broadly margined with yellowish-green, purple beneath. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. peru, 1869. a superb large-growing species. =c. pulchella= (pretty). _l._ bright green, with two series of deep green blotches, alternately large and small. brazil, 1859. this much resembles _c. zebrina_ in general appearance, but is not so strong a grower, and the leaves are not so dark. =c. rosea-picta= (rose-coloured). _l._ somewhat orbicular, of a rich glossy green; midrib of a lovely rose-colour, between the margin and midrib are two irregular bands of the same colour, traversing the entire length of the leaf. upper amazon, 1866. (r. g. 610.) =c. seemanni= (seemann's). _l._ about 1ft. long, 6in. broad, satiny emerald-green; midrib whitish. nicaragua, 1872. =c. splendida= (splendid). _l._ large, oblong-lanceolate, deflexed, 10in. to 18in. long, rich dark olive-green, with distinct blotches of greenish-yellow. brazil, 1864. =c. tubispatha= (tube-spathed).* _l._ somewhat obovate, obtuse, 6in. to 12in. long, pale greenish-yellow, beautifully relieved by a row of rich brown oblong blotches, set in pairs on each side of the midrib, throughout the entire length of the leaf. west tropical america, 1865. an elegant species. (b. m. 5542.) =c. vanden heckei= (van den heck's).* _l._ rich dark glossy green, shaded with transverse bands of a lighter green; midrib broadly margined with silvery-white, two bands of the same colour traverse the leaf from base to apex, midway between midrib and margin; under side of a uniform purplish-crimson. brazil, 1865. very distinct and handsome. =c. veitchii= (veitch's).* _l._ large, ovate elliptic, over 1ft. long, very rich glossy green, marked along each side the midrib with crescent-shaped blotches of yellow, softened by shades of green and white; under surface light purple. _h._ 3ft. w. tropical america, 1865. probably the handsomest of the genus. see fig. 319. =c. virginalis= (virginal). _l._ large, broadly ovate, light green; midrib white, also with a white band on each side; the under side of a greyish-green. amazons, 1857. habit dwarf and compact. =c vittata= (striped). _l._ ovate-acuminate, 9in. long, very light green, with narrow transverse bars of white on each side of the midrib. brazil, 1857. =c. wallisii= (wallis's).* _l._ rather large, of a rich and pleasing light green, beautifully relieved with a ray of rich dark green. south america, 1867. a handsome and distinct sort, but somewhat rare. =c. w. discolor= (two-coloured). _l._ bright velvety green, with the centre and margins grey. south america, 1871. =c. warscewiczii= (warscewicz's).* _l._ 2ft. long, about 8in. wide, deep velvety green in colour, relieved by a feathery stripe of yellowish-green on either side the midrib, and extending from the base to the apex. _h._ 3ft. tropical america, 1879. a fine sort. (r. g. 515.) =c. wioti= (wiot's). _l._ bright green, with two series of olive-green blotches. brazil, 1875. [illustration: fig. 320. calathea zebrina.] =c. zebrina= (zebra).* _l._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 8in. wide, beautiful velvety light green on the upper side, barred with greenish-purple; under side of a dull greenish-purple. _h._ 2ft. brazil, 1815. this is a very old inhabitant of our stoves, and, for general usefulness is not much surpassed. see fig. 320. (b. r. 385.) =calathian violet.= _see_ =gentiana pneumonanthe=. =calcarate.= spurred, or having a spur. =calceolaria= (from _calceolus_, a little slipper, in allusion to the form of the corolla; the form _calceolarius_, shoemaker, probably chosen to include a reference to f. calceolari, an italian botanist of the sixteenth century). slipperwort. ord. _scrophularineã¦_. a genus of hardy or half-hardy shrubs, sub-shrubs or herbs. peduncles one or many-flowered, axillary or terminal, corymbose; corolla with a very short tube; limb bilabiate; upper lip short, truncately rounded, entire; lower lip large, concave, slipper-shaped. leaves opposite, sometimes three in a whorl, rarely alternate. shrubby section. in addition to the widely-known utility of this class for bedding purposes, they are fine decorative plants when well grown, and useful alike in conservatory or dwelling house. it will be found more convenient to grow these in a pit or frame, as in such places they are less liable to the attacks of fly, and make sturdier growth. if large plants are required, cuttings should be taken in august, placed in a cold frame facing the north, in sandy soil, and, when rooted, potted off into 3in. pots. they should then be placed in a light sunny frame, where they may remain until the middle of february. the points should then be pinched out. when the plants break, they must be shifted into 48-sized pots. if there are from four to six breaks to each plant, it will be sufficient; but, should such not be the case, the plants must be stopped again, when the requisite number will probably be obtained. directly the roots touch the pots, the plants should be transferred to 7in. or 8in. pots, in which they will flower, and the shoots must be tied out so as to develop fully. every effort should be exerted to keep the foliage green to the base of the plants, and they should be fumigated on the first appearance of green fly. as the flower-spikes are thrown up, weak liquid manure, applied two or three times a week, will prove beneficial. for potting, the following compost is most suitable: one-half good fibrous loam, one-eighth thoroughly rotted manure, and the remainder leaf soil, with enough sharp sand to keep the whole open. during frosty weather, of course, it will be necessary to protect the frames with mats, and to water judiciously, to avoid damping. those plants intended for bedding will not require to be repotted, but should be inserted, about 3in. apart, in sandy soil, in a cold frame. the tops must be taken off early in march; and from the middle of april to the middle of may, they may be planted out where they are to remain. should frosty weather, accompanied by drying winds, ensue, the plants will require the protection of inverted flower-pots, with pieces of slate or crock placed over the holes. a good soil, abundantly enriched with rotten manure, is most desirable for them. [illustration: fig. 321. herbaceous calceolaria.] _varieties._ these are very numerous. the best of them are the following: bijou, dark red, very free; gaine's yellow, rich deep yellow, extremely free; general havelock, crimson-scarlet, very fine; golden gem, bright yellow, perhaps the best; sparkler, crimson-gold, dwarf; victoria, dark maroon, very attractive. herbaceous section. these, like the preceding, are very useful, both for house and conservatory decoration (see fig. 321). a packet of seed from a first-class firm will, if properly managed, produce a good percentage of excellent flowers. the seed may be sown from june to august, when large batches are required (when only one sowing is made, july will be the best month), on pans of light, sandy soil, which should be soaked with water before sowing. care must be taken to make the surface of the soil level, and also to sow the seed as evenly as possible. it is better not to cover with soil, but a sheet of glass should be laid over the pan, which must be placed in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold frame until the young plants show the first leaf. the glass can then be gradually removed. when large enough to handle, the seedlings must be pricked out, about 2in. asunder, in pans or boxes, and placed in a close, shaded situation. as soon as of sufficient size, they must be placed singly in 3in. pots, returned to the frame, kept close for a few days, and as near the glass as possible, to make them sturdy. when necessary, they should be shifted into 5in. pots, in which they may be kept through the winter; or the later batches may be placed in small pots. by the end of october or early in november, the plants will be strong and fit for wintering; at this stage, the best place for them is in a dry, frost-proof pit, or on an airy shelf of the greenhouse, giving them sufficient water to prevent flagging. all dead leaves must be removed. on the first appearance of green fly, the plants should be fumigated with tobacco. from the end of january onwards, in order to encourage growth, the plants should be removed into 7in. or 8in. pots, giving plenty of drainage, and a compost consisting of one-half good light fibrous loam, one-fourth thoroughly decayed sheep manure, and one-fourth leaf soil, to which must be added sufficient coarse sand to keep the whole open. after potting, the plants must be again placed in the same position, and, as they require it, plenty of room given. careful attention to watering is necessary, as they must not be allowed to get dry. air must be given on all suitable occasions. the flower-stems, as they require it, should be supported with small neat sticks. about may, the plants will commence to bloom, and continue to do so for a couple of months. the best flowers should be selected, and cross-fertilised with a camel-hair pencil, in order to produce a good strain of seed for future sowing. the attention of horticulturists appears to be almost wholly confined to the innumerable hybrids raised from _amplexicaulis_, _arachnoidea_, _corymbosa_, _integrifolia_, _purpurea_, _thyrsiflora_, and a few others. very few pure species are seen in cultivation, although most of them are well worth growing. =c. alba= (white). _fl._ white; peduncles elongated, racemose, dichotomous. june. _l._ linear, remotely serrated. plant suffruticose, clammy, and resinous. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1844. shrubby. (b. m. 4157.) =c. amplexicaulis= (stem-clasping).* _fl._ yellow, umbellately fascicled; corymbs terminal; pedicels pilose. _l._ stem-clasping, ovate-oblong, acuminated, cordate, crenately-serrated, pilose. _h._ 1-1/2ft. peru, 1845. half-hardy, herbaceous. (b. m. 4300.) =c. arachnoidea= (cobwebby).* _fl._ purple; peduncles terminal, twin, elongated, dichotomous. june to september. _l._ lingulately-oblong, a little toothed, narrowing downwards into long winged petioles, which are connate at the base; about 5in. long, wrinkled. stem herbaceous, branched, spreading, clothed with white cobwebbed wool, as well as the leaves and other parts, except the corolla. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1827. (b. m. 2874.) =c. bicolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ in large terminal cymes; upper lip yellow, small; lower lip large, gaping, conchiform, the front clear yellow, the back white. july to november. _l._ broadly-ovate, sub-acute, coarsely crenated, wrinkled. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. stem much branched, woody at the base. peru, 1829. syn. _c. diffusa_. (b. r. 1374.) =c. burbidgei= (burbidge's).* _fl._ rich yellow, with large lower lip. autumn and winter. _l._ ovate, distinctly obtusely biserrate, sub-acute, with a narrow wing running down the petiole; both surfaces downy. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. this is a handsome hybrid between _c. pavonii_ and _c. fuchsiã¦folia_, raised by f. w. burbidge, esq., trinity college botanic gardens, dublin, 1882. =c. chelidonioides= (chelidonium-like). _fl._ yellow. june. _h._ 1ft. peru, 1852. annual. =c. corymbosa= (corymbose). _fl._ yellow, marked with purple dots and lines, corymbose. may to october. _l._, radical ones ovate and cordate, petiolate, doubly crenated, white beneath; cauline ones few, cordate, half amplexicaul. stems herbaceous, leafless at bottom, but dichotomous and leafy at top. plant hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. chili, 1822. (b. r. 723.) =c. deflexa= (bending). synonymous with _c. fuchsiã¦folia_. =c. diffusa= (spreading). a synonym of _c. bicolor_. =c. flexuosa= (flexuose). _fl._, corolla yellow; lower lip large, ventricose; peduncles axillary and terminal, many-flowered; pedicels umbellate. _l._ cordate, unequally and bluntly crenated, petiolate, remote. plant shrubby, rough, beset with glandular hairs. _h._ 3ft. peru, 1847. (b. m. 5154.) =c fothergillii= (fothergill's).* _fl._, upper lip of corolla yellowish; lower lip sulphur colour, having the margins spotted with red, four times the size of the upper one; peduncles scape-formed, one-flowered. may to august. _l._ spathulate, quite entire, pilose above, about 1in. long. stem herbaceous, a little divided near the root. _h._ 3in. to 6in. falkland islands, 1777. (b. m. 348.) [illustration: fig. 322. calceolaria violacea.] =c. fuchsiã¦folia= (fuchsia-leaved).* _fl._ yellow, disposed in terminal panicles; upper lip nearly as large as the lower one. spring. _l._ lanceolate, glandless. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. peru, 1878. this is a very handsome winter-flowering shrubby species, but it is difficult to keep the foliage in anything like good condition. syn. _c. deflexa_. (garden, march, 1879.) =c. henrici= (anderson-henry's). _fl._ yellow, disposed in terminal corymbose cymes; both lips of corolla much inflated, so as to entirely close the mouth. _l._ rather large, elongate-lanceolate, downy beneath. _h._ 2ft. andes of cuenca, 1865. shrubby evergreen. (b. m. 5772.) =c. hyssopifolia= (hyssop-leaved).* _fl._ in terminal cymes; upper lip clear yellow, about half the width of the lower, and meeting closely to it; lower lip clear canary-yellow above, nearly white beneath. may to august. _l._ sessile, linear-lanceolate, sub-acute, entire. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. chili. shrubby. (b. m. 5548.) =c. integrifolia= (entire-leaved). synonymous with _c. rugosa_. =c. lobata= (lobed). _fl._ yellow, disposed in erect, loosely-branched cymes; lip curiously folded on itself, and spotted on the inner surface. _l._ palmately lobed. _h._ 9in. peru, 1877. herbaceous species. (b. m. 6330.) =c. pavonii= (pavon's).* _fl._ rich yellow and brown, in large terminal clusters; upper lip small; lower lip large, widely gaping. _l._ perfoliate, the petioles connected by a broad wing, running all their length; blade broadly ovate, coarsely serrate-dentate; both sides covered with soft down. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. herbaceous. (b. m. 4525.) =c. pinnata= (pinnate). _fl._ sulphur-coloured; peduncles twin or tern, panicled. july to september. _l._ pinnate; leaflets or segments toothed, lower ones pinnatifidly toothed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. peru, 1773. annual, clothed with clammy hairs. (b. m. 41.) =c. pisacomensis= (pisacomanese). _fl._ rich orange-red, large; lower lip of corolla so bent upwards as to close the mouth; cymes produced from all the upper axils, forming long leafy panicles. _l._ ovate, obtuse, coarsely crenate. _h._ 3ft. peru, 1868. a sub-shrubby perennial, of strong, erect habit. =c. plantaginea= (plantain-like).* _fl._ yellow; lower lip of corolla large, hemispherical; upper one small, bifid; scapes generally two to three-flowered, pilose. august. _l._ radical, ovate, rhomboid, rosulate, serrated. plant herbaceous, stemless, pubescent. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1826. (b. m. 2805.) =c. purpurea= (purple). _fl._, corolla of an uniform reddish-violet, rather small; corymbs terminal, many-flowered. july to september. _l._ wrinkled, hispid; radical ones cuneate-spathulate, serrated, quite entire behind, petiolate, acutish; cauline ones cordate, decussate, with a few long scattered hairs on their surfaces. stems herbaceous, many from the same root. _h._ 1ft. chili, 1826. there are several hybrids between this and other species. (b. m. 2775.) =c. rugosa= (wrinkled). _fl._ yellow; panicles terminal, corymbose, pedunculate. august. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, or lanceolate, denticulated, wrinkled, opaque, rusty beneath; petioles winged, connate. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. chili, 1822. shrubby species. syn. _c. integrifolia_. (b. r. 744.) two varieties of this are _angustifolia_, and _viscosissima_. =c. scabiosã¦folia= (scabious-leaved).* _fl._, corolla pale yellow; lower lip large, ventricose; peduncles terminal, corymbose. may to october. _l._, lower ones pinnate; superior ones pinnatifid, three-lobed, or simple, the terminal segment always the largest. plant rather hairy. peru, 1822. evergreen trailer. (b. m. 2405.) =c. tenella= (small). _fl._ golden yellow, with orange-red spots within the lower lip; corymbs few-flowered. _l._ opposite, ovate, acuminated. _h._ 6in. chili, 1873. hardy, herbaceous. (b. m. 6231.) =c. thyrsiflora= (thyrse-flowered). _fl._ yellow, downy inside; thyrse terminal, crowded; peduncles compound, umbellate. june. _l._ linear, attenuated at both ends, serrate-toothed, sessile, 2in. long, and two lines broad. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. chili, 1827. shrubby, clammy. (b. m. 2915.) =c. violacea= (violet).* _fl._, corolla pale violet, spotted with deeper violet beneath; lip spreading in a campanulate manner; peduncles terminal by threes, corymbose; pedicels one to two-flowered. june. _l._ petiolate, ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrated, white beneath. _h._ 2ft. chili, 1853. shrubby. (b. m. 4929.) see fig. 322. =calceolate.= shaped like a slipper or round-toed shoe. =caldasia.= _see_ =galipea heterophylla=. =caldcluvia= (named after alexander caldcleugh, f.r.s. and f.l.s., who collected and sent to this country many plants from chili). ord. _saxifrageã¦_. a greenhouse evergreen tree. flowers panicled, terminal. leaves opposite, simple, serrate, glabrous; pedicels jointless; stipules twin, sub-falcate, toothed, caducous. it thrives well in a compost of peat and loam, and may be propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots, planted in sand, under a hand glass, and placed in a very gentle bottom heat. =c. paniculata= (panicled). _fl._ white. june. chili, 1831. =calea= (from _kalos_, beautiful; referring to the flowers). ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of stove evergreen herbs or small shrubs. pappus hairy; receptacle paleaceous; involucre imbricated. they thrive in a compost of peat and loam. side shoots root readily, if placed in sand, under glass, and with bottom heat; seeds may be sown in march. warmer parts of new world. =caleana= (named after g. caley, superintendent of the botanical garden, st. vincent). ord. _orchideã¦_. a genus of greenhouse terrestrial orchids, natives of australia. flowers few, greenish-brown; column broad, thin, concave; sepals and petals narrow, reflexed; lip posticous, peltate, unguiculate, highly irritable. in fine weather, or if left undisturbed, this lip bends back, leaving the column uncovered; but in wet weather, or if the plant is shaken, the lip falls over the column, securely fastening it. leaves solitary, radical. they are of easy culture, in a compost of fibry peat, lumpy loam, and a little charcoal. =b. major= (greater). _fl._ green-brown. june. 1810. =c. minor= (less). _fl._ green-brown. june. 1822. =c. nigrita= (blackish-flowered). _fl._ dark. =calectasia= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _ektasis_, extension; in allusion to the star-like perianth segments). ord. _juncaceã¦_. an elegant greenhouse suffruticose perennial, with dry, permanent, starry flowers. it thrives best in a compost of peat and loam. propagated by divisions. =c. cyanea= (blue). _fl._ bright blue, solitary, on short terminal branches. june. _l._ needle-shaped, sheathing at the base. australia, 1840. (b. m. 3834.) =calendula= (from _calendã¦_, the first day of the month; in allusion to the almost perpetual flowering). marigold. ord. _compositã¦_. a genus of showy greenhouse and hardy annuals, and some few greenhouse shrubby species. pappus none; receptacle naked; involucre of one or two series of sub-equal, acuminate, generally scarious-edged bracts. the shrubby species are propagated by cuttings, and thrive best in a compost of loam and peat.. for culture of the annuals, _see_ =marigold=. [illustration: fig. 323. flowers of calendula officinalis.] =c. arvensis= (field). _fl.-heads_ yellow. pericarps urceolate, obovate, smooth; outer lanceolate-subulate, muricated at back. _h._ 2ft. europe, 1597. hardy annual. =c. maderensis= (madeira).* _fl.-heads_ orange. pericarps cymbiform, incurved, muricated; outer five ovate-lanceolate, membranous, toothed at edge. _h._ 2ft. madeira, 1795. hardy. syn. _c. stellata_. =c. officinalis= (officinal).* common marigold. _fl.-heads_ orange. june to september. pericarps cymbiform, all incurved, muricated. _h._ 3ft. south europe, 1573. hardy annual. see fig. 323. =c. o. prolifera= (proliferous). a garden form, analogous to the hen and chickens daisy. see fig. 324. =c. stellata= (stellate). a synonym of _c. maderensis_. [illustration: fig. 324. flower of calendula officinalis prolifera.] =calico bush.= _see_ =kalmia latifolia=. =californian evergreen redwood.= _see_ =sequoia sempervirens=. =californian maybush.= _see_ =photinia arbutifolia=. =californian pepper-tree.= _see_ =schinus molle=. =californian poppy.= _see_ =platystemon californicus=. =caliphruria= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _phroura_, prison; from the handsome spathe inclosing the flowers). ord. _amaryllideã¦_. pretty half-hardy greenhouse bulbs. tube of perianth narrow, funnel-shaped, nearly straight; limb regular, stellate; stamens furnished with a bristle on each side. they thrive best in a compost of sandy loam, a little peat, leaf soil, and sand. propagated by offsets. after flowering, the plants should have a slight heat; and, when starting into new growth, should be repotted. =c. hartwegiana= (hartweg's).* _fl._ greenish-white; umbels seven-flowered; scape nearly terete, glaucous. may. _l._ petiolate, depressed, ovate, sub-plicate, green. _h._ 1ft. new grenada, 1843. (b. m. 6259.) [illustration: fig. 325. caliphruria subedentata.] =c. subedentata= (rarely-toothed).* _fl._ white, funnel-shaped, disposed in a truss, on a long scape. winter. _l._ stalked, ovate-oblong. _h._ 1-1/2ft. columbia, 1876. see fig. 325. (b. m. 6289.) =calisaya bark.= _see_ =cinchona calisaya=. [illustration: fig. 326. calla palustris, showing habit and detached inflorescence.] =calla= (from _kallos_, beauty). syn. _provenzalia_. ord. _aroideã¦_ (_araceã¦_). a monotypic genus. the species is a native of central and northern europe and north america, has creeping or floating stems, and cordate entire leaves. _c. palustris_ is sometimes grown in collections of aquatics or bog plants; and, although, perhaps, hardly worth cultivating as a pot plant, is well worth a place in open ornamental waters. _richardia ã¦thiopica_ is frequently erroneously called _calla ã¦thiopica_. =c. palustris= (marsh). _fl._, spadix protected by a flat white spathe, upper ones female, lower hermaphrodite, with numerous thread-like stamens. _l._ stalked, emerging from a sheath. _h._ 6in. hardy aquatic, naturalised here and there in britain. see fig. 326. =calli.= small callosities, or little protuberances. =calliandra= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _andros_, a stamen; referring to the elegant long, silky, purple or white stamens). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of beautiful stove evergreen shrubs. flowers usually borne on stalked globose heads; corollas small, hidden by the numerous filaments of the stamens. leaves bipinnate; leaflets varying in size and number. they thrive in a compost of peat and loam. propagated by cuttings of rather firm young wood, inserted in sand, under a hand glass, in heat. =c. harrisii= (harris's). _fl._ pink; peduncles axillary, fascicled, glandularly downy. february. _l._ bipinnate; leaflets obovate, falcate, downy; stipules small, falcate. branches puberulous. _h._ 10ft. mexico, 1838. (b. m. 4238.) =c. tweediei= (tweedie's).* _fl._ red; peduncles longer than the petioles; bracts linear. march and april. _l._ with three or four pairs of pinnã¦; leaflets numerous, oblong-linear, acutish, ciliated, pilose beneath; stipules ovate, acuminate. branches and petioles pilose. _h._ 6ft. brazil, 1840. (b. m. 4188.) =callicarpa= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _karpos_, fruit; referring to the beautiful berries). syn. _porphyra_. ord. _verbenaceã¦_. a genus of stove, greenhouse, or nearly hardy evergreen shrubs, closely allied to _petrã¦a_. flowers inconspicuous, disposed in axillary cymes; corolla-tube short, with the limb four-lobed. fruit a very ornamental small juicy berry or drupe. the following mode of culture has been recommended: "after the old plants have been cut back in the spring, and started into growth, the young shoots will strike as readily as a fuchsia, and with exactly the same treatment. in order to make good plants, short-jointed cuttings should be selected; and, as soon as these are struck, they should be potted into 2-1/2in. pots, using a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with a little charcoal and river sand. when they commence to grow, after being potted, remove to a pit or house with a temperature ranging from 60deg. to 75deg. pinch out the tops of the plants as soon as they have three pairs of leaves, and whenever each of the laterals has made two pairs of leaves, pinch out their points, and continue this operation with all the rest of the shoots till the beginning of august, at the same time keeping off all the flower-buds. the next shift will be into 4in. or 5in. pots. they should always have plenty of light and air, but more especially after they come into flower." =c. americana= (american). _fl._ red, small, in axillary cymes. berries violet-coloured. _l._ ovate-oblong, toothed, silvery beneath, with a scurf of tomentum. _h._ 6ft. south america, 1724. greenhouse. =c. japonica= (japanese). _fl._ pink. august. _l._ stalked, ovate, oblong, acuminate, serrate. _h._ 3ft. japan, 1850. stove. (l. & p. f. g. ii., p. 165.) =c. lanata= (woolly). _fl._ purplish. june. berries purple. _l._ sessile, ovate, acuminate, serrate, hairy beneath. _h._ 3ft. india, 1788. stove. (s. f. d. j. 1861, p. 96.) =c. purpurea= (purple). _fl._ insignificant, borne in cymose clusters, upon axillary footstalks. berries very numerous, bright glossy deep violet coloured. _l._ opposite, ovate, acuminate; edges serrated; profusely clothed, as well as the stem, with hairs. _h._ 3ft. india, 1822. stove. (garden, june, 1833.) =c. rubella= (reddish). _fl._ red. may. _l._ sessile, obovate, acuminate, cordate at the base, hairy on both surfaces. _h._ 2ft. china, 1822. half-hardy. (b. r. 883.) =callichroa= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _chroa_, colour; referring to the bright yellow colour of the flowers). ord. _compositã¦_. this genus is now usually included under _layia_. hardy annual, of easy culture in common garden soil. seeds may be sown in march, on a slight hotbed, and transplanted to the open border early in may; or if sown out of doors in april, it will flower in the autumn. =c. platyglossa= (broad-tongued). _fl.-heads_ yellow, solitary, pedunculate; ray florets large, cuneate. autumn. _l._ alternate, sessile, ciliated. _h._ 1ft. california, 1836. syn. _layia platyglossa_. (b. m. 3719.) =callicoma= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _kome_, hair; in reference to the tufted heads of flowers). ord. _saxifrageã¦_. a greenhouse evergreen shrub. flowers capitate; heads terminating the tops of the branchlets, pedunculate, globose. leaves simple, coarsely serrated, stalked. stipules membranous, bidentate, caducous. it thrives well in a sandy peat soil. half ripened cuttings will root if placed in the same sort of soil, under a hand glass. =c. serratifolia= (saw-leaved). black wattle. _fl._ yellow. may to august. _l._ lanceolate, acuminate, hoary beneath, attenuated at the base. _h._ 4ft. new south wales, 1793. (b. m. 1811.) =calligonum= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _gonu_, a knee-joint; in reference to its leafless joint). ord. _polygonaceã¦_. syns. _pallasia_, _pterococcus_. a genus containing about a score species of very curious, erect, evergreen, hardy shrubs, found growing in dry, arid, sandy spots in northern africa and western asia. they will thrive in any well-drained sandy loam. cuttings will root in spring or autumn if placed under a hand glass. =c. pallasia= (pallas's). _fl._ whitish, in groups. may. _fr._ winged; wings membranous, curled and toothed, succulent, acid, edible. _l._ simple, alternate, exstipulate, deciduous, caducous, minute. shoots rush-like, smooth, green. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. caspian sea, 1780. =calliopsis.= _see_ =coreopsis=. =calliprora= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _prora_, a front; referring to the front view of the flower). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a very pretty little bulbous plant, now often referred to _brodiã¦a_. it thrives in a well-drained spot on the lower flanks of rockwork, in dry, rich, sandy soil. propagated by offsets, which should remain on the parent bulbs until they are a good size. =c. lutea= (yellow).* pretty face. _fl._, segments purplish-brown in the middle on the outside. summer. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acuminated, channelled, longer than the flower-stem; bracts sheathing, scarious, much shorter than the pedicels. _h._ 9in. north california, 1831. syns. _brodiã¦a ixioides_, _milla ixioides_. (b. m. 3588.) =callipsyche= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _psyche_, a butterfly; alluding to the handsome flowers). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. ornamental greenhouse bulbs; requiring shade, and a compost of rich sandy loam and leaf mould, with good drainage. propagated by seeds and offsets. they should have plenty of water when growing, and, during the winter, be kept moderately dry, but not dried off, so as to cause them to shrivel. as the leaves wither, water should be gradually withheld. =c. aurantiaca= (orange).* _fl._ deep golden-yellow, several in an umbel, spreading, much flattened sideways; stamens green, twice the length of the perianth; scape erect, nearly 2ft. high. _l._ few, oblong-acute, bright green, conspicuously veined, stalked, 6in. long. andes of ecuador, 1868. (ref. b. 167.) =c. eucrosiodes= (eucrosia-like).* _fl._ scarlet and green; stamens very long, incurved; scape about ten-flowered, glaucous. march. _l._ few, green, tessellated, pitted, 4in. wide. _h._ 2ft. mexico, 1843. (b. r. 1845, 45.) =c. mirabilis= (wonderful)*, _fl._ greenish-yellow, small, with stamens three times as long as the perianth, and spreading out on all sides; disposed in an umbellate head of about thirty blooms; scape 3ft. high. _l._ about two, oblong-spathulate, green, 1ft. long. peru, 1868. an extremely curious plant. (ref. b. 168.) =callipteris= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _pteris_, a fern). ord. _filices_. a genus of stove ferns, founded upon the sub-genus _diplazium_, which is now included under _asplenium_. =callirhoe= (of mythological origin, from callirhoe, a daughter of the river-god achelous). poppy-mallow. allied to _malva_. species belonging to this genus have been erroneously referred to _malva_ and _nuttallia_. ord. _malvaceã¦_. a genus of elegant annual or perennial herbs, natives of north america. they are of extremely easy cultivation, thriving in a compost of light, rich, sandy loam. propagation of the perennial species may be effected by means of both seeds and cuttings; of the annuals, by seeds only. seeds should be sown in spring, either outside, or in pans in a cold frame. young cuttings should be taken and dibbled in sandy soil in a frame. =c. digitata= (fingered).* _fl._ reddish-purple; peduncles long, axillary, one-flowered. summer. _l._ sub-peltate, six to seven-parted, with linear-entire or two-parted segments; upper ones more simple. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. 1824. perennial. (s. b. f. g. 129, under the name of _nuttallia digitata_.) =c. involucrata= (involucrate).* _fl._ crimson, nearly 2in. across, loosely panicled. summer. _l._ divided nearly to the base, three to five-parted; segments narrow, lanceolate, three to five-toothed, hairy on both surfaces. habit procumbent; stems hairy. _h._ 6in. perennial. (g. w. p. a. 26.) syn. _malva involucrata_ (b. m. 4681). =c. papaver= (poppy-like).* _fl._ violet-red; sepals ovate-acute, ciliated. summer. _l._, root leaves lobed or pedate; lower stem leaves palmato-pedate, upper digitate or simple. _h._ 3ft. louisiana, 1833. perennial. syn. _nuttallia papaver_. (b. m. 3287.) =c. pedata= (pedate-leaved). _fl._ cherry-red, panicled. august. _l._ laciniately-pedate; upper ones trifid. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. 1824. annual. (r. h. 1857, 148.) =c. triangulata= (triangular-leaved). _fl._ pale purple. august. 1836. perennial. syn. _nuttallia cordata_ (under which name it is figured in b. r. 1938). =callistachys.= _see_ =oxylobium=. =callistemma.= _see_ =callistephus=. =callistemon= (from _kallos_, beauty, and _stemon_, a stamen; in most of the species, the stamens are of a beautiful scarlet colour). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. handsome greenhouse evergreen shrubs or trees, having the inflorescence rising from the old branches in crowded spikes, as in the species of _melaleuca_, but with the stamens free, as in _metrosideros_. leaves elongated, stiff, alternate, usually lanceolate. all the species of this genus are very ornamental and neat in habit. they are well adapted for a conservatory. the soil best suited for them is a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. ripened cuttings strike root in sand, under a hand glass; seeds are frequently produced on large plants, and these may also be used to increase the stock, but they do not produce flowering plants for a considerable time; whereas plants raised from cuttings, taken from flowering plants, come into flower when small. =c. linearis= (linear-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet; calyces clothed with velvety pubescence. june. _l._ linear, stiff, acute, keeled beneath, channelled above, villous when young. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. new south wales, 1788. =c. lophanthus= (crest-flowered). synonymous with _c. salignus_. =c. salignus= (willow). _fl._ straw-coloured, distinct, spicate, nearly terminal; petals rather pubescent, ciliated; calyx pilose. june to august. _l._ lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, mucronate, one-nerved, villous when young, as well as the branches. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. australia, 1806. syn. _c. lophanthus_. (l. b. c. 1302.) =c. speciosus= (showy).* _fl._ scarlet; calyx villous. march to july. _l._ lanceolate, mucronate, flat, middle nerve rather prominent; when young, rather silky from adpressed villi, and reddish. _h._ 5ft. to 10ft. west australia, 1823. syn. _metrosideros speciosa_. see fig. 327. (b. m. 1761.) [illustration: fig. 327. callistemon speciosus.] =callistephus= (from _kallistos_, most beautiful, and _stephos_, a crown; in allusion to the appendages on the ripe fruit). china aster. syn. _callistemma_. ord. _compositã¦_. a hardy annual, requiring an open situation and a rich loamy soil. involucre of many fringed bracts; receptacle naked, pitted; pappus double. propagated by seed, sown in a hotbed in march, the seedlings being hardened off and transplanted in may. for culture of these much grown plants and their varieties, _see_ =aster=. [illustration: chrysanthemum-flowered aster. truffaut's pã¦ony-flowered aster. victoria aster. fig. 328. flower-heads of callistephus chinensis vars.] =c. chinensis= (chinese).* _fl-heads_ dark purple. july. _l._ ovate, coarsely toothed, stalked; stem ones sessile, cuneate at the base. stem hispid. branches with single heads. _h._ 2ft. china, 1731. see fig. 328. =callitris= (probably altered from _kallistos_, most beautiful; referring to the whole plant). ord. _coniferã¦_. syn. _frenela_. half-hardy evergreen shrubs or small trees, with long, very slender-jointed branches, and often very minute, scale-like, persistent leaves. flowers monå�cious. fruit globular, composed of four to six--rarely eightâ�-unequal, woody, valvate scales, with one or two seeds at the base of each. all the species are somewhat tender, in england, except in the more southern districts. they require a sandy loam compost. propagated by cuttings, inserted under a handlight in autumn, and protected by a cold pit; or by seeds. =c. quadrivalvis= (four valved). arar-tree; sandarach gum-tree. _fl._, female catkin tetragonal, with four oval valves, each furnished with a point, and two of which bear seeds. february to may. _l._ flattened, articulate. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. barbary, 1815. =callixene.= _see_ =luzuriaga=. [illustration: fig. 329. flowers and leaves of calochortus venustus.] =callose.= callous, hardened. =callously-glandular.= having hardened glands. =callously-serrated.= having hardened serratures. =calluna= (from _kalluno_, to sweep, from the use of the plant in brooms). common ling; heather. ord. _ericaceã¦_. a small hardy spreading shrub, very common throughout northern and central europe. corolla campanulate, four-lobed, shorter than the calyx. for culture, _see_ =erica=. =c. vulgaris= (common).* _fl._ disposed in long, terminal, spicate racemes. july to september. _l._ trigonal, obtuse, very short, imbricating in four rows, having the margins revolute and the base sagittate. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. britain. there are numerous very ornamental varieties of this species, which are admirably adapted for planting in borders and clumps. the white-flowered (_alba_, _serlii_, and _hammondi_), flesh-coloured (_carnea_), and double-flowered varieties (_fl.-pl._) are all well worth growing in shrubberies; _aurea_ and _argentea_, with gold and silver coloured shoots, are also very ornamental. the value of the common form can scarcely be over-estimated for planting on barren hill sides or spaces; it affords excellent shelter for game, and food for bees. =callus.= the new formation at the end of a cutting before it puts forth roots; when the callus is formed, it shows that the cutting is in a healthy state. =calochilus= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _cheilos_, a lip; referring to the beauty of the labellum or lip). ord. _orchideã¦_. interesting greenhouse terrestrial tuberous-rooted orchids, allied to _epipactis_. sepals yellowish-green; lip purple, covered with rich brown hairs. for culture, _see_ =bletia=. =c. campestris= (field). _fl._ greenish and brown. april to june. _l._ narrow, oblong, pointed. stem leafy, slender, terete. _h._ 9in. australia, 1824. (b. m. 3187.) =c. paludosus= (marsh).* _fl._ very similar in colour to those of _c. campestris_, but rather larger. may and june. _l._ rather broader. _h._ 9in. australia, 1823. (f. a. o., part 4.) =calochortus= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _chortos_, grass; referring to the leaves). mariposa lily. ord. _liliaceã¦_. handsome bulbous plants. flowers showy, on erect scapes; perianth deciduous; three outer segments sepaloid, three inner ones much larger and broader, and bearded on the inside. leaves ensiform. bulbs tunicated. these have not, hitherto, been generally grown in the open air with much success; but in warm localities and sheltered positions, they may be flowered outside. a frame, in a sunny situation, is the best possible place for their cultivation. here they may be fully exposed to the sun and air, during mild weather, through the winter; and, when expedient, they may be protected from excessive moisture, as that is the primary cause of failure, rather than cold, for they are perfectly hardy, and capable of enduring all the frost we are likely to get. from may onwards, the lights might be wholly removed. from the end of june to august, the bulbs will be in bloom, when, if necessary, the flowers should be fertilised to secure seed; and when the capsules are forming, material assistance would be given by placing the lights on again, allowing plenty of air. assuming that fresh bulbs are being planted, they should be in the soil early in the autumn, as nothing is more prejudicial than keeping them dry through the winter. a good depth of soil should be provided, composed of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sand, in equal proportions, in a well-drained position. the bulbs must be planted 3in. deep, and some sand placed about them; they may be left undisturbed for years. of course, where no frame can be provided, they may be planted in a well-drained, sunny position in the same soil. they are also easily managed in pots, but it is necessary to pot in the autumn, and keep in a frame. through the winter, they must never be allowed to get dry, until the leaves are withering in the autumn, when water may be withheld. _propagation._ this may be effected by seeds or offsets, and by the tiny bulbs frequently produced on the upper portion of the stem. sow seeds in pans, in a cool house or frame, as soon as ripe, or in the early part of the year, and keep the plants close to the glass during their early stages, as they are very liable to damp off. sow thinly, so as to enable the young plants to pass a second season in the seed pots or pans. early in the third season, pot off and plant out singly, encouraging them to grow freely. propagation by offsets is the most usual method. with liberal treatment, most of the species increase pretty freely. the offsets are best removed when the plants are in a dormant state. they may be either grown in pots or pans, or planted out in pits or frames, until they reach flowering size. during the season of rest, it is the safest plan, with those in pots, to keep them in the earth in which they were grown. =c. albus= (white).* _fl._ snow-white, with a rich blotch, bearded and ciliated, large, globose, pendent; umbels many-flowered, on stems from 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. high. california, 1832. this handsome species is rare. syn. _cyclobothra alba_. (b. r. 1661.) =c. benthami= (bentham's).* _fl._ rich yellow; petals obtuse, densely covered with yellow hairs; stem three to six-flowered. july, august. _l._ linear, much elongated. _h._ 4in. to 8in. sierra nevada. syn. _c. elã¨gans lutea_. =c. cå�ruleus= (bluish).* _fl._ lilac, more or less lined and dotted with dark blue, the petals covered and fringed with slender hairs; stem two to five-flowered. july. _l._ solitary, linear. _h._ 3in. to 6in. sierra nevada. =c. elegans= (elegant).* _fl._ greenish-white, purplish at base; stems three-flowered; petals not ciliate on the margin, or sparingly so. june. _h._ 8in. california, 1826. this is a rare species. =c. e. lutea= (yellow). a synonym of _c. benthami_. =c. gunnisoni= (gunnison's).* _fl._ light lilac, yellowish-green below the middle, with a purple band encircling the base of the perianth; large, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. rocky mountains. =c. leichtlinii= (leichtlin's). a synonym of _c. nuttallii_. =c. lilacinus= (lilac).* _fl._ pale pink, hairy below the middle, 1-1/2in. across, with three segments narrow and three broad; scape slender, leafy, bearing one to five flowers. _l._ solitary, narrow lanceolate, radical. _h._ 6in. to 8in. california, 1868. syn. _c. umbellatus_. (b. m. 5804, under the name of _c. uniflorus_.) =c. luteus= (yellow).* _fl._ terminal, two or three together; exterior segments of the perianth greenish; the inner yellow, bordered with purple hairs. september. _h._ 1ft. california, 1831. (b. r. 1567.) =c. l. oculatus= (eyed). _fl._ very charming bright yellow, with a bold eye on the inside of each petal. =c. macrocarpus= (large-capsuled). _fl._ very large, lavender-coloured, on stems 1ft. high. august. california, 1826. (b. r. 1152.) =c. maweanus= (mawe's). _fl._, sepals purplish, broadly obovate acute; petals white or bluish-purple, longer than the sepals, the surfaces more or less covered with long purplish hairs. june, july. _l._ glaucous, linear. stem three to six-flowered. _h._ 6in. to 10in. san francisco, &c. (b. m. 5976, figured under the name of _c. elegans_.) =c. nuttallii= (nuttall's).* _fl._ large, 2-1/2in. across; the three smaller segments of the perianth of a greenish colour streaked with red; the three larger segments pure white, with a purple spot at the base on the inner surface; two or three flowers on a stalk. june. _l._ linear, glaucous. _h._ 6in. california, 1869. syn. _c. leichtlinii_. (b. m. 5862.) =c. pulchellus= (beautiful).* _fl._ bright yellow, globular, drooping; umbels three to five-flowered, on stems from 10in. to 12in. high. summer. california, 1832. a lovely species. (b. r. 1662.) syn. _cyclobothra pulchella_. =c. purpureus= (purple).* _fl._, outer segments of the perianth green and purple outside and yellow within; inner segments purple outside and yellow within. august. _h._ 3ft. mexico, 1827. (s. b. f. g. ser. ii., 20.) =c. splendens= (splendid).* _fl._ clear lilac, large. august. _h._ 1-1/2ft. california, 1832. (b. r. 1676.) =c. umbellatus= (umbelled). a synonym of _c. lilacinus_. =c. venustus= (charming).* _fl._ large, white, nearly 3in. in diameter, yellow at the base, deeply stained with crimson, and blotched on each segment with crimson. _h._ 1-1/2ft. california, 1836. see fig. 329. (b. r. 1669.) there are three varieties of this species, viz., _brachysepalus_ (short-sepaled), _lilacinus_ (lilac), and _purpureus_ (purple-flowered). =calodendron= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _dendron_, a tree). ord. _rutaceã¦_. a very handsome greenhouse evergreen tree. flowers in terminal panicles. leaves large, opposite, simple, crenated. it will grow freely in a mixture of loam and peat. cuttings of half-ripened wood root in sand if placed under a bell glass, in gentle bottom heat. =c. capensis= (cape). _fl._ flesh-coloured; pedicels compressed, dilated under the flower; panicle trichotomously divided. branches opposite, or three in a whorl. _h._ 40ft. cape of good hope, 1789. this is supposed to be one of the finest trees at the cape of good hope. (g. c., 1883, xix., 217.) see fig 330, for which we are indebted to mr. bull. =calodracon.= _see_ =cordyline=. =calonyction.= _see_ =ipomå�a=. =calophaca= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _phake_, a lentil; in allusion to the beauty of the plant, and to its being one of the leguminous kind). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a hardy deciduous shrub, with axillary pedunculate racemes of yellow flowers, and impari-pinnate leaves. this is well adapted for the front of shrubberies. it is somewhat difficult to propagate, except by seeds, which, however, in fine seasons, are produced in abundance. grafted high on the common laburnum, it forms an object at once singular, picturesque, and beautiful, whether covered with blossoms, or with its fine reddish pods. =c. wolgarica= (volga).* _fl._ yellow. may, june. _l._, leaflets six or seven pairs, orbicular, velvety beneath, as well as the calyces. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia, 1786. (w. d. b. 83.) =calophanes= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _phaino_, to appear; alluding to the flowers). ord. _acanthaceã¦_. a genus of about thirty species, widely distributed, principally in the tropical regions of both hemispheres. the best garden plant is that mentioned below; it is an interesting hardy herbaceous perennial, excellent for growing in borders, in loam and peat, or sandy loam soil; and may be propagated by dividing the roots, in march. =c. oblongifolia= (oblong-leaved).* _fl._ blue; corolla funnel-shaped, throat ventricose, limb bilobed, nearly equal; tube of corolla one-half longer than the calyx; pedicels axillary. august. _l._ opposite, oblong-spathulate, entire, acuminated. _h._ 1ft. florida, &c., 1832. (s. b. f. g., ser. ii., 181.) =calophyllum= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _phyllon_, a leaf; the leaves are large, of a beautiful green, and elegantly veined). ord. _guttiferã¦_. fine stove evergreen trees. flowers disposed in axillary racemes. leaves furnished with numerous transverse, parallel nerves. they thrive in a compost of loam, sand, and peat. cuttings of half-ripened shoots will root in sand, if placed under a glass, in bottom heat. =c. calaba.= calaba-tree. _fl._ white, sweet-scented, loosely racemose; racemes lateral, very short. _fr._ green. _l._ obovate or oblong, obtuse or emarginate. _h._ 30ft. west indies, &c., 1780. =c. inophyllum= (fibrous-leaved). _fl._ snow-white, sweet-scented, loosely racemose; racemes axillary; peduncles one-flowered, usually opposite. _fr._ reddish, the size of a walnut. _l._ oblong or obovate, obtuse, but usually emarginate. branches round. tropics of the old world, 1793. a medium-sized tree. [illustration: fig. 330. calodendron capensis.] =calopogon= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _pogon_, a beard; in reference to the fringe on the lip). ord. _orchideã¦_. very pretty, hardy, tuberous-rooted orchids, admirably suited for a good shady position at the foot of the rockwork, or for an open situation in a hardy fernery. propagated by offsets, taken from the tuberous roots; but this method of increase is very uncertain. perhaps the only species in cultivation is the following: =c. pulchellus= (beautiful).* _fl._ purple, with a very pretty pale yellow beard or tuft of hairs growing from the lip; two or three to a plant. late summer. _l._ few, radical, grass-like. _h._ 1-1/2ft. north america. 1791. syn. _limodorum tuberosum_. (s. b. f. g. 115.) =calosanthes indica.= a synonym of _oroxylum indicum_. =caloscordum= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _skorodon_, garlic). ord. _liliaceã¦_. a genus of half-hardy bulbs, allied to _allium_, but now referred to _nothoscordum_. for culture, _see_ =calochortus=. =c. nerinã¦florum= (nerine-flowered).* _fl._ rose; umbels about twelve-flowered; spathe one-valved. june and july. _l._ narrow, semi-terete, channelled above. _h._ 6in. chusan, 1843. (b. r. 1847, 5.) =calostemma= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _stemma_, a crown). ord. _amaryllidaceã¦_. handsome greenhouse bulbous plants, natives of new holland. flowers funnel-shaped, irregular; perianth with the orifice surmounted by a corona; stamens erect, united by their dilated bases; ovary three-celled, many-seeded. leaves linear-lorate. =c. album= (white). _fl._ white. may. _l._ ovate, acute, 3in. to 5in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad. _h._ 1ft. 1824. =c. luteum= (yellow). _fl._ yellow. november. _l._ strap-shaped, narrow. _h._ 1ft. 1819. (b. m. 2101.) =c. purpureum= (purple). _fl._ purple. november. _l._ like those of _c. luteum_. _h._ 1ft. 1819. (b. m. 2100.) =calothamnus= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _thamnos_, a shrub; in reference to the elegance of the shrubs, from their scarlet flowers and terete leaves). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. greenhouse evergreen shrubs. flowers scarlet, axillary and solitary, sessile. leaves scattered, crowded, terete. they require much the same culture as _callistemon_. cuttings of young wood, firm at the base, will root in sand, if covered by a hand glass, which requires to be occasionally taken off and wiped, to prevent damp. =c. quadrifidus= (four-cleft). _fl._ scarlet, somewhat secund; bundles of stamens four, distinct, equal. july. _l._ glabrous (as well as the flowers). _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. west australia, 1803. (b. m. 1506.) =c. villosa= (villous). _fl._ scarlet, quinquefid; bundles of stamens equal, distinct. july to september. _l._ villous (as well as the fruit). _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. west australia, 1823. (b. r. 1099.) =calotis= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _ous_, _otos_, an ear; in reference to the chaffy scales of the pappus, or seed-head). allied to _bellium_. ord. _compositã¦_. greenhouse or half-hardy herbaceous perennials, rarely annuals, all natives of australia. receptacle naked; involucre nearly equal, many-leaved, in a single or double row. they may be grown successfully in any ordinary garden soil. propagated by divisions of the root. =c. cuneifolia= (wedge-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ blue, solitary, terminal. july and august. _l._ cuneate, cut, toothed at end. _h._ 1ft. 1819. greenhouse herbaceous perennial. (b. r. 504.) =calotropis= (from _kalos_, beautiful, and _tropis_, a keel; literally "beautifully twisted," apparently in reference to the corolla of _c. gigantea_). ord. _asclepiadeã¦_. a genus of stove evergreen shrubs, or small trees. the three species bear large handsome flowers, in interpetiolar umbels. they thrive best in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. young cuttings, thinly dibbled in a pot of sand, strike root freely under a hand glass, in heat. care must be taken that they do not receive an excess of moisture, or they will rot. =c. gigantea= (gigantic).* _fl._ very handsome, a mixture of rose and purple; corona shorter than the gynostegium, obtuse, circinately recurved at the base; umbels sometimes, though rarely, compound, surrounded by several involucral scales. july. _l._ decussate, broad, wedge-shaped, bearded on the upper side at the base, woolly-downy on the under side, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad. _h._ 6ft. to 15ft. india, &c., 1690. (b. r. i. 58.) =c. procera= (tall). _fl._ white; petals spreading, marked at the top by a purple spot. july. _l._ obovate-oblong, on short petioles, whitish from wool. _h._ 6ft. persia, 1714. (b. r. 1792.) =calpicarpum.= _see_ =kopsia=. =calpidia.= a synonym of =pisonia= (which _see_). =caltha= (a syncope of _kalathos_, a goblet; in allusion to the form of the perianth, which may be likened to a golden cup). marsh marigold. ord. _ranunculaceã¦_. hardy herbaceous perennials, of easy culture on the margin of a piece of water, or in a marshy bog, or in the ordinary border, where their showy blossoms look very brilliant. propagation is readily effected by dividing the roots, in early spring, or in summer after flowering. =c. leptosepala= (slender-sepaled).* _fl._ pure white, one to two upon erect, scape-like peduncles. may, june. _l._ radical, cordate, the margins nearly entire, or sometimes crenate. _h._ 1ft. northwestern america, 1827. (h. f. b. a. 1, 10.) [illustration: fig. 331. caltha palustris monstrosa plena.] =c. palustris= (marsh).* _fl._ golden-coloured, large; peduncles furrowed. spring. _l._ cordate, somewhat orbicular, roundly-crenate, with rounded auricles. stems dichotomous, erect. _h._ 1ft. great britain. (sy. en. b. 40.) the double forms of this species, under the names of _nana plena_ and _monstrosa plena_ (see fig. 331) are excellent plants, and, though growing best in the immediate vicinity of water, and most appropriate for rough scenery, they, like the type, do very well in ordinary well-enriched soil. a variety named _purpurascens_, from southern europe, is also showy, more erect, and branching; the shoots and pedicels purplish. =c. p. biflora= (two-flowered). a twin-flowered variety of _c. palustris_. north america, 1827. this is not quite so tall as the type, and the flowers are rather larger. =c. p. parnassifolia= (parnassia-leaved). _fl._ yellow, on few-flowered peduncles. april, may. _l._ cordate-ovate, crenated. _h._ 3in. to 4in. north america, 1815. =c. radicans= (rooting).* _fl._ bright yellow, several in small cyme. april, may. _l._ reniform-cordate, sharply crenate-serrate, spreading. _h._ 6in. scotland. (sy. en. b. 41.) =caltrops.= _see_ =tribulus=. =caltrops, water.= _see_ =trapa natans=. =calumba, false.= _see_ =coscinium fenestratum=. =calumba root.= _see_ =jateorrhiza calumba=. =calumba wood.= _see_ _coscinium fenestratum_. =calycanthaceã�.= a natural order of shrubs, with square stems, having four woody axes surrounding the central one. flowers solitary, lurid; calyx of numerous coloured sepals compounded with the petals. leaves opposite, entire, exstipulate. the two genera known are _calycanthus_ and _chimonanthus_. =calycanthus= (from _kalyx_, _kalykos_, a calyx, and _anthos_, a flower; in reference to the calyx being coloured, and appearing like a corolla). allspice. ord. _calycanthaceã¦_. a genus of hardy, deciduous, north american shrubs. flowers lurid purple, axillary, and terminal, stalked, sweet-scented; stamens numerous. leaves opposite, oval or ovate-lanceolate, entire, generally rough on the surface; sweet-scented. all are handsome and well worth growing. they thrive best in a peaty compost, but grow freely in almost any soil. increased by layers, put down in the summer; or by seed, sown as soon as ripe, or in spring, in a cold frame. =c. floridus= (floridan).* carolina allspice. _fl._ with a sweet apple scent. may. _l._ ovate, downy beneath, as well as the branchlets. branches spreading. wood and roots smelling strongly of camphor. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. carolina, 1726. see fig. 332. (b. m. 503.) there are several varieties of this species. [illustration: fig. 332. flowering branch of calycanthus floridus.] =c. glaucus= (glaucous).* _fl._ lurid purple, not strongly scented. may. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, glaucous and pubescent beneath. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. carolina, 1726. syn. _c. fertilis_. (b. r. 404.) _c. oblongifolius_ is a variety with ovate-lanceolate elongated leaves. [illustration: fig. 333. flowering branch of calycanthus lã�vigatus.] =c. lã¦vigatus= (smooth-leaved).* _fl._ lurid purple. may. _l._ oblong, thin, either blunt or taper-pointed, bright green, and glabrous, or nearly so, on both sides, or rather pale beneath. branches strictly erect. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. mountains of pennsylvania, &c., 1806. see fig. 333. (b. r. 481.) =c. macrophyllus= (large-leaved). a garden synonym of _c. occidentalis_. =c. occidentalis= (western).* _fl._ brick-red, sweet-scented, 3in. to 4in. across, each petal about 2in. long and 1/2in. broad. june to october. _l._ oblong or ovate-cordate, acuminate, slightly pubescent on the veins only beneath. _h._ 6ft. to 12ft. california, 1831. in california, this is called the sweet-scented shrub. syn. _c. macrophyllus_, of gardens. (b. m. 4808.) =calyciflorã�.= a sub-division of dicotyledonous plants, having the stamens inserted on the calyx or disk. =calyciform.= formed like a calyx. =calycine.= of, or belonging to, the calyx. =calycophyllum= (from _kalyx_, a calyx, and _phyllon_, a leaf; in allusion to one of the teeth of the calyx being expanded into a large petiolate coloured leaf). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. stove evergreen shrubs, requiring a compost of loam, peat, and a little sand and charcoal. cuttings of half ripe shoots will root in sand if placed under a bell glass, in bottom heat. =c. candidissimum= (whitest).* _fl._, corolla white, campanulate, with a bearded throat, three together, the middle one bearing a petiolate leaf, but the two lateral ones naked; corymbs terminal. _l._ ovate, bluntly acuminated, 2in. to 3in. long. _h._ 30ft. cuba, 1830. =calycotome= (from _kalyx_, _kalykos_, calyx, and _tome_, a section; lips of calyx fall off). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a small genus of hardy, divaricately-branched, spiny shrubs, formerly included as a section of _cytisus_. flowers yellow, disposed in short branched leafy fasicles. for culture, _see_ =cytisus=. =c. spinosa= (spiny). _fl._ yellow. june and july. _l._, leaflets obovate-oblong. branches angular, spiny. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. genoa, corsica, &c., 1846. (b. r. 55.) =calyculate.= having bracts so placed as to resemble an external or additional calyx. =calymmodon.= _see_ =polypodium=. =calypso= (from the beautiful nymph, _calypso_, or from greek _kalypto_, to conceal; in reference to its place of growth). ord. _orchideã¦_. an elegant terrestrial monotypic genus. it thrives well in half-shady spots on the margins of a rock garden or artificial bog, in a light, moist, vegetable soil, composed of peat, leaf soil, and sand, mulched with cocoa-nut fibre refuse in winter. propagated by offsets. =c. borealis= (northern).* _fl._ solitary, delicate rose and brown, with a yellow crest on the lip; labellum longer than the sepals, the lateral lobes cohering in their upper part over the saccate central one, which is usually bifid at the tip, resembling those of a cypripedium. summer. _l._ solitary, thin, many-nerved, ovate or cordate. stems usually thickening into pseudo-bulbs. _h._ 1ft. high latitudes of northern hemisphere, 1820. (b. m. 2763.) =calyptra.= literally an extinguisher; applied to the hood which covers the theca in mosses. =calyptranthes= (from _kalyptra_, a covering, and _anthos_, a flower; in allusion to the operculum of the flower). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. strong-growing stove evergreen shrubs or small trees. peduncles axillary, many-flowered. leaves feather-veined. they are of easy culture, in a compost of loam and peat, and may be propagated by layers, or by cuttings, placed in heat. =c. chytraculia= (chytraculia). _fl._ white, small, glomerate; peduncles axillary and terminal, trichotomous, panicled, and are, as well as the flowers, clothed with rufous velvety down. march. _l._ ovate, attenuated at the apex, stiffish, glabrous. _h._ 10ft. jamaica, 1778. (n. s. 1, 26.) =c. syzygium= (syzygium). _fl._ white, on short pedicels; peduncles axillary, trichotomous, many-flowered. may to july. _l._ ovate, obtuse, stiff. _h._ 10ft. to 12ft. jamaica, 1779. =calyptraria.= _see_ =centronia=. =calyptrate.= resembling an extinguisher. =calyptriform.= shaped like an extinguisher. =calyptrion.= _see_ =corynostylis=. =calyptrocalyx= (from _kalyptra_, an extinguisher, and _kalyx_, a calyx, in allusion to the form of the outer perianth segments). ord. _palmeã¦_. a monotypic genus of stove palms. for culture, _see_ =calamus=. =c. spicatus= (spiked). _fl._, spadices elongated, spicate, leafy at base; spathe opening longitudinally. _l._ terminal, pinnatisect; segments reduplicate, linear, acuminate, bifid at the apex; petiole fibrous at the base. caudex finally smooth. _h._ 12ft. moluccas. syns. _areca_ and _pinanga globosa_. =calyptrogyne= (from _kalyptra_, an extinguisher, and _gyne_, a woman--pistil--in allusion to the form of the pistil). including _calyptronoma_. ord. _palmeã¦_. a small genus comprising five species of handsome stove palms, allied to _geonoma_ (which _see_ for cultivation). =c. ghiesbreghtiana= (ghiesbreght's). _fl._, peduncles erect, overtopping the leaves, bearing a single cylindrical, undivided spadix, 9in. to 12in. in length. _l._ pinnate, 2ft. to 5ft. long; pinnã¦ opposite or alternate, sessile, of unequal breadth, the narrower ones one to two-nerved, the broader ones six to ten-nerved, usually from six to twelve on each side of the rachis; the intervals between the pinnã¦ vary from 1in. to 2in.; petiole broadly sheathing at the base, from a few inches to 1-1/2ft. long. stem short or absent. mexico. a very elegant dwarf-growing species. syns. _geonoma ghiesbreghtiana_, _g. magnifica_ and _g. verschaffeltii_. (b. m. 5782.) =c. spicigera= (ear-bearing). _l._ irregularly pinnate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. broad, deeply bifid at apex, rich bright green; petioles short, sheathing at the base, flat on the upper side, rounded below. stems stout. _h._ 5ft. guatemala. a very elegant species. =c. swartzii= (swartz's). _l._ equally pinnatisect; pinnã¦ deeply reduplicate at the base, bifid at the top. trunk smooth. _h._ 50ft. to 60ft. jamaica, 1878. a handsome plant when young, and useful for general decorative purposes. syn. _calyptronoma swartzii_. =calyptronoma swartzii.= _see_ =calyptrogyne swartzii=. =calystegia= (from _kalyx_, a calyx, and _stege_, a covering; in reference to the two large persistent bracts enclosing the calyx). bearbind. ord. _convolvulaceã¦_. hardy, glabrous, twining or prostrate herbs. peduncles solitary, one-flowered; corolla campanulate, five-plicate. all the species are of easy cultivation in common garden soil. propagation may be effected by dividing the plants; or by seeds, sown in spring. =c. dahurica= (dahurian).* _fl._, corolla of a rosy-purple; sepals lanceolate, acute, the two outer ones broadest; peduncles tetragonal, tomentose; bracts broad-ovate, acute, longer than the calyx. july. _l._ glabrous or hairy, oblong-cordate, having the margins and nerves on the under side tomentose. dahuria, 1826. (b. m. 2609.) =c. inflata= (inflated). synonymous with _c. sepium incarnata_. [illustration: fig. 334. flowering branch of calystegia pubescens flore-pleno.] =c. pubescens flore-pleno= (downy, double-flowered).* _fl._ 2in. to 3in. across; petals long, narrow, wavy, and reflexed, flesh-colour, but ultimately bright rose; pedicels 2-1/2in. to 3-1/2in. long. summer and autumn. _l._ alternate, hastate, downy. china, 1844. see fig. 334. =c. sepium= (hedge). common bindweed. _fl._ white, sometimes tinged with red; peduncles tetragonal, exceeding the petioles; bracts cordate, keeled, acute, longer than the calyx, but one-half shorter than the corolla. summer. _l._ sagittate or cordate, very acute; hind lobes obtuse, or truncate, entire. britain. a very troublesome weed. (sy. en. b. 924.) there is a variety named _incarnata_, with rose-coloured flowers. north america. syn. _c. inflata_. (b. m. 732.) =c. soldanella= (soldanella-like).* sea bells. _fl._ pale red, with five longitudinal, yellowish plaits, large; peduncles angular, angles winged; bracts large, ovate, blunt, mucronate, generally shorter than the calyx. june. _l._ rather fleshy, reniform, entire or a little angular. sea-shores, britain. this pretty species can only be grown with success in a very sandy soil. (sy. en. b. 925.) =calythrix= (from _kalyx_, a calyx, and _thrix_, a hair; in reference to the lobes of the calyx, which each end in a long hair). ord. _myrtaceã¦_. a genus of very pretty and interesting greenhouse heath-like shrubs, natives of australia. flowers small; bracteoles two under each flower; they are either free or joined together at the base, sometimes in the form of an operculum. leaves scattered, crowded, opposite, full of dots, axillary, solitary, almost sessile. they grow well in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, with good drainage and firm potting. cuttings, made from young shoots, will root in april or may, if placed in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house. =c. ericoides= (heath-like). a synonym of _c. tetragona_. =c. glabra= (glabrous). a synonym of _c. tetragona_. =c. tetragona= (tetragonal).* _fl._ white; bracts one-half shorter than the tube of the calyx. _l._ scattered, petiolate, glabrous; stipules deciduous. _h._ 2ft. 1825. syns. _c. ericoides_, _c. glabra_. (b. r. 409.) _c. angulata_, _aurea_, and _breviseta_ are other species which have been introduced, but are not worth house room when that described above is grown. =calyx.= the external whorl of floral leaves. =camaridium= (from _kamara_, an arched roof; in reference to the arched tip of the stigma). ord. _orchideã¦_. a pretty stove orchid, allied to _cymbidium_. it thrives best if grown in a shallow basket, or raised above the surface of the pots with sphagnum and broken pots. =c. ochroleucum= (yellowish-white).* _fl._ yellowish-white. july. _l._ ligulate. pseudo-bulbs oblong, compressed, smooth. _h._ 1ft. trinidad, 1823. syn. _cymbidium ochroleucum_. (b. m. 4141.) =camarotis.= _see_ =sarcochilus=. [illustration: fig. 335. camassia esculenta.] =camassia= (from _quamash_, so called by the north american indians, who eat the bulbs). syn. _sitocodium_. ord. _liliaceã¦_. a small genus (two species) of handsome bulbous plants. perianth of six segments, slightly connected at base, and spreading out horizontally, but not equally. leaves narrow, about 1ft. long, grooved down the inside. they thrive best in a sheltered, partially-shaded situation, but will do fairly well in almost any ordinary good garden soil. a compost of loam and leaf mould, with a liberal mixture of sharp sand, suits them best. they need not be disturbed for several years; but a top-dressing of rich soil or well-rotted manure may be given yearly. propagated by offsets and seeds. the plants are so hardy that they ripen seeds in warm situations. these may be sown as soon as ripe, or the following spring, either in a warm situation out of doors, or in pots or boxes, under glass. the young plants make rapid progress, and should remain for at least two years in the seed beds. the best time for final transplanting is in february. offsets are produced very freely, and should be removed either when in a dormant condition, or just previously to starting into fresh growth, and arranged in clumps or lines, placing a little sand about them. =c. esculenta= (edible).* camash or quamash. _fl._ blue, about 2in. across; racemes loose, ten to twenty-flowered, borne on stout scapes; perianth six-cleft, the five upper segments close together, the sixth standing by itself. summer. _l._ linear, about 1ft. high. columbia, &c., 1837. the colour of the flowers varies from a deep blue to nearly white. see fig. 335. (b. r. 1486.) the white-flowered form is figured in b. m. 2774, under the name of _scilla esculenta flore albo_. =c. e. leichtlini= (leichtlin's).* _fl._ creamy-white, larger than those of the type, with more numerous nerves in the keel of the segments of the perianth; racemes longer, and sometimes compound. spring. _h._ 2ft. columbia, 1853. this also differs from the type in its more robust habit and broader leaves. syn. _chlorogalum leichtlini_. (b. m. 6287.) =c. fraseri= (fraser's).* _fl._ pale blue, smaller than those of _c. esculenta_; pedicels and scape much more slender. _l._ narrow, acute; capsule more acutely angled. _h._ 1ft. eastern states of north america. a smaller and more slender plant. (b. m. 1574, as _scilla esculenta_.) =cambessedesia= (named after james cambessedes, coadjutor of auguste st. hilaire, in his "flora brasiliã¦ meridionalis," and author of several botanical memoirs). ord. _melastomaceã¦_. a genus of elegant, erect, or ascending, dichotomously branched stove shrubs or herbaceous plants. flowers terminal and axillary, in paniculate cymes; petals five, obovate; calyx bell-shaped. leaves sessile, opposite or verticillate, obovate, oblong or linear. they thrive best in a compost of peat and sand. propagated by half-ripened cuttings, which root freely in a similar mixture, if placed in heat and under a hand glass. there are about eight species known to science, but probably that mentioned below is the only one in cultivation. =c. paraguayensis= (paraguay). _fl._ rose-red, 2/3in. in diameter, in terminal corymbose, glandular, hairy panicles. july. _l._ nearly 1in. long, sessile, ovate, acute, three-nerved, pale green, with entire ciliate margins. stem annual, herbaceous, leafy. _h._ 10in. to 18in. 1880. (b. m. 6604.) =cambium.= the formative fluid found between the bark and wood of exogens, in spring. =cambuy fruit.= _see_ =eugenia=. =camellia= (named in honour of george joseph camellus or kamel, a moravian jesuit and traveller in asia, who wrote a history of the plants of the isle of luzon, which is inserted in the third vol. of john ray's "historia plantarum"). japanese rose. including _thea._ ord. _ternstrå�miaceã¦_. a genus of elegant hardy or nearly hardy evergreen shrubs or trees. flowers large; sepals five or six, gradually passing from bracts into petals, the latter slightly cohering at the base; stamens numerous. leaves coriaceous. by close attention to a few particulars in the management of these beautiful plants, much disappointment may be avoided, and a succession of flowers obtained from october till the following july. the fact of the buds frequently dropping off, deters many would-be growers from attempting the culture of the camellia. dryness of the atmosphere, and want of water at the roots, are generally the primary causes of failure; the remedy for these evils rests with the cultivator. the roots are apt to get matted together, compressing the earth around them into a hard ball, impervious to water; hence attention is necessary to see that the water poured into the pot thoroughly moistens all the soil. in order to form handsome plants, they should be trained with single stems to rods, and pruned, so as to make them throw out side branches from every part of the stem; they must not be placed too close to each other on the stage, or when planted out. a liberal supply of water is always necessary, but especially so during the flowering period. plants that are required to flower early may remain in the warm house till they commence to blossom, when they should be removed to a cold place, such as the back of a greenhouse, giving them plenty of light. those kept in a hothouse or vinery during summer, will flower in the beginning or middle of october; and a large plant, having from fifty to one hundred buds, will continue in flower till the month of january. those that are removed early, will blossom in january, and so succeed the others. the plants that have finished flowering should be brought back to the hothouse, where they will begin to make new wood, and be ready to come in succession next season. by thus shifting the plants from a warm to a cold situation, a regular succession will be secured from october to july. the soil should be kept constantly moist, and in the summer months the leaves occasionally syringed. camellias flower best when kept in small pots or tubs. in order to raise and exhibit these handsome plants to the best advantage, they should be grown in a separate house, of ample height, as they never look so well as when 6ft. or 8ft. high, trained in a conical form, with branches from the root upwards; and the plants should be raised near to the glass on a movable stage, which should be lowered as they grow. in summer, they may either be placed in the open air in a sheltered spot, or the glass roof of the house can be taken off. the hardier sorts, such as the double-red, blush, and pã¦ony-flowered, succeed in the bed or border of a conservatory, if the roof can be taken off in summer, so as to admit air. if this cannot be managed, they are better grown in portable pots or boxes. the most suitable time for shifting camellias is directly after flowering; they should then be put into a vinery or hothouse, where there is a little heat; or the warmest part of a greenhouse. they will soon begin to make new wood, where they should be allowed to remain, amply supplied with water, till they form their flower buds, at the extremity and sides of the young growth. a few should then be removed to a cold place, and shaded during strong sunshine. in a few weeks afterwards, others may also be transferred, so as to have a regular succession of flowering plants. _propagation._ the red camellias are generally propagated by layers, but cuttings will also succeed; the single red camellia being raised by either cuttings, layers, or seeds. this latter forms suitable stocks on which to inarch or graft the rarer kinds. the ripened shoots of the preceding summer should be taken off in august, cutting them smoothly at a joint or bud. two or three of the lower leaves should be taken off, and the cuttings planted firmly in the soil with a dibble. some growers use peat earth and sand to strike in, while others prefer a loam mixed with sand and peat. the pans containing the cuttings should be kept in a plant or cold frame, without being covered with glasses, but shaded during powerful sunshine. in the following spring, such as have struck will begin to push, when they need to be placed in a gentle heat. the following september or october, the rooted plants will be fit to pot off, and in the second or third spring they may be used as stocks. inarching or grafting is done in early spring, as soon as growth commences. when this process is completed, care must be taken to fix the pot containing the stock so that it may not be disturbed during the connection of the scion with the parent plant. the grafting being clayed over, is then covered with moss, to prevent its cracking. when independent grafting is resorted to, the mode called "side grafting" is generally employed, as in the case of orange-trees; but the operation of tongueing is generally omitted, as tending to weaken the stock. liquid or other manure is not required; nor is it desirable to apply it, as it often, sooner or later, causes the destruction of the plants. as a rule, insects do not trouble this class of plants; but scale will sometimes appear, and can easily be removed by hand. thrips occasionally put in an appearance, but a little smoke will quickly get rid of them. =c. euryoides= (eurya-like). _fl._ white; peduncles lateral, one-flowered, scaly. may to july. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, serrated, silky beneath. branches hairy. _h._ 4ft. china, 1822. (b. r. 983.) [illustration: fig. 336. flowering branch of camellia japonica.] =c. japonica= (japanese).* common camellia. _fl._ variously coloured, axillary, sessile. _l._ ovate, acuminate, acutely serrated. _h._ 20ft. japan and china, 1739. the innumerable hybrids are chiefly the offspring of this species. see fig. 336. [illustration: fig. 337. flower of camellia japonica anemonã�flora.] =c. j. anemonã¦flora= (anemone-flowered). all, or nearly all, the stamens, &c., in this variety are transformed into small petaloid bodies, and the flower has the general aspect of a double anemone. see fig. 337. (b. m. 1654.) [illustration: fig. 338. flower of camellia oleifera.] =c. oleifera= (oil-yielding).* _fl._ white, very numerous, fragrant, solitary. november. _l._ elliptic-oblong, acute, serrated, coriaceous, shining. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. china, 1820. see fig. 338. (b. r. 942.) =c. reticulata= (netted-leaved). _fl._ bright rose, large, semi-double. l. oblong, acuminated, serrated, flat, reticulated. _h._ 10ft. china, 1824. there is a form of this species with full double flowers. =c. theifera= (tea-bearing). _fl._ white, spreading, of five sepals and five petals, axillary. november to spring. _l._ elliptical-oblong, obtuse, serrated, more than twice as long as broad, dark green. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. china, japan, and india, 1780. this species varies very considerably. in different countries, it has become modified by cultivation. the green and black teas, formerly supposed to be produced by different species, are obtained from the same bushes, but subjected to different processes. less-known species are: _drupifera_, _lanceolata_, _rosã¦flora_, and _sasanqua_. the true species are rarely seen in cultivation. the following is a selection of the best forms of _c. japonica_; the list is a limited one, and is capable of great extension: alba plena,* double white; archiduchesse augusta, petals deep red, veined with blue, a white band; archiduchesse marie,* flowers bright red, banded with white, imbricated; auguste delfosse, bright reddish-orange, stripes down the centre of petals; augustina superba,* flowers clear rose, free bloomer; bealii rosea, one of the best and latest deep crimson varieties known; bicolor de la reine, white and rose; bonomiana,* ground colour white, banded with intense deep red; caryophylloides,* white, marbled with rosy-carmine, flowers very large; chandlerii elegans,* flowers large, light rose; comte de gomer,* petals soft rose, striped with crimson, beautifully imbricated; comte de paris, rich pink, large and full; contessa lavinia maggi, pure white, broadly flamed with rosy-cerise; contessa lavinia maggi rosea, flowers rich rosy-red, fine form, a superb variety; corradino, rose, veined with salmon, centre delicate blush pink; countess of derby,* beautifully imbricated, white, striped with rose; countess of ellesmere,* colour varying from pure white to flesh, streaked with carnation; countess of orkney, pure white, striped with carmine, sometimes pink, shaded with deep rose; cup of beauty,* pure white and rose, a beautifully imbricated flower; david boschi, clear pink, shaded with deep rose; de la reine, petals white, striped with carmine; donckelaarii,* large flowers, semi-double, rich crimson, marbled white; duchesse de nassau,* flowers light pink, very large, and of superb form; duchess of berry, pure white, and cupped, beautifully imbricated, one of the most beautiful of all the double whites; emperor of russia, large crimson; fanny bolis, white, striped and splashed with deep crimson; fimbriata alba,* similar to _alba plena_, outer petals notched at the edges; general cialdini, beautifully imbricated, bright carmine, flaked with red; henri favre, flowers rosy-salmon, finely imbricated; hovey, c. h.,* bright crimson, well imbricated; hovey, c. m.,* deep velvety crimson, darkly shaded, very distinct; hovey, mrs.,* delicate pink, very smooth in outline, medium size; il cygno, flowers pure white, petals ranunculi-formed and imbricated; il 22 marzo, clear rose, the petals sometimes banded with white; imbricata, deep carmine, occasionally variegated; jardin d'hiver, a fine variety, flowers beautifully imbricated, colour bright rose; jeffersonii, fine crimson; jenny lind,* flowers imbricated to the extreme centre, broad, and of good substance, white, striped and marbled with rose; jubilee,* flowers very large, with broad, round, imbricated petals, white, marbled with rose, centre pure white; lady hume's blush,* flowers flesh-colour, and of excellent form; la maestosa, rose, mottled with white; leeana superba, flowers salmon-red, very fine; leon leguay, rich crimson; madame ambroise verschaffelt,* white, shaded with blush, and dotted with red; madame lebois, bright rose, finely imbricated, and of good form; mathotiana,* flowers brilliant red, and beautifully imbricated, extra fine; mathotiana alba, flowers large, finely imbricated to the centre, pure white; montironi,* a fine pure white flower; mrs. abbey wilder, ivory-white, striped with rose, well imbricated; mrs. cope,* white, delicately shaded with pink, and striped with rose; mrs. dombrain,* shape and substance excellent, colour beautiful soft pink; napoleon iii., flowers rose, beautifully veined with deep rose, and edged with pure white; prince albert, white, beautifully flaked with carmine; princess bacciocchi,* rich velvety carmine; princess frederick william,* flowers white, tipped with bright carmine; queen of roses, flowers delicate rose; reine des beautã�s,* very delicate clear rose, fine form, extra fine variety; reine des fleurs,* finely imbricated, petals of good substance and perfect symmetry, colour vermilion-red, flaked occasionally with white; rubens, deep rose-white stripes; saccoiana,* a finely imbricated flower, colour very variable, occasionally clear rose, at other times spotted with pure white; sarah frost, flowers bright red; storyi, outer petals bright rose, centre almost white; targioni, flowers beautifully imbricated, pure white, striped with cerise; teutonia, flowers sometimes red, at other times white, but occasionally half red and half white; thomas moore,* flowers 4-1/2in. across, perfectly round, and well imbricated, petals also round, and well filled up in the centre, colour rich carmine, shaded with crimson; tricolor de mathot, flowers red, marbled with white, semidouble; tricolor imbricata plena, blush white, flaked with carmine and rose; valtevareda, colour bright rose, often spotted with snowy white; wilderii,* soft rose, of excellent form. [illustration: 1. c. lactiflora. 2. c. rotundifolia hostii. 3. c. carpathica turbinata. 4. c. carpathica alba. fig. 339. group of campanulas.] =camoensia= (named in honour of luis camoens, a celebrated portuguese poet). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus containing a couple of handsome species. _c. maxima_ is the largest-flowered leguminous plant known. it thrives well in rich loam and leaf mould. cuttings root in sandy loam, in bottom heat, if placed under a bell glass. it has not yet flowered in this country. the other species has not been introduced. =c. maxima= (greatest).* _fl._ cream-colour, yellow, 1ft. long, in short axillary racemes. angola, 1878. (t. l. s. 25, 36.) =camomile.= _see_ =chamomile=. =campanea= (from _campana_, a bell; alluding to the shape of the flowers). ord. _gesneraceã¦_. stove herbaceous climbing perennials, the only one at present introduced being _c. grandiflora_. for cultivation, _see_ =gesnera=. =c. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl._ in axillary tufts, at ends of long, axillary, and terminal peduncles; corolla white, lined and dotted with crimson. june. _l._ opposite, oval, acuminated, oblique, soft, crenated, stalked. plant hairy. _h._ 2ft. santa fã©, 1848. (r. h. 1849, 241.) =campanula= (diminutive of _campana_, a bell; in reference to the shape of the flowers). bell-flower; slipperwort. ord. _campanulaceã¦_. a genus of mostly perennial--rarely annual or biennial--herbs. flowers blue or white, for the most part pedunculate, usually racemose, rarely spicate or glomerate. radical leaves usually different in form from the cauline ones, especially in size. all the species of this genus are elegant when in flower (see fig. 339), and are very largely grown. the dwarf varieties make excellent subjects for pot culture, rockeries, or the fronts of borders. a rather rich sandy loam, with plenty of drainage, suits these plants. the forms of _c. pyramidalis_ may be kept in cold frames during the winter, and firmly repotted in summer, the crown of the plant being kept just a trifle raised above the soil, or they are at times liable to damp off, through the water lodging around the necks. during hot weather, the pots should be plunged in a bed of ashes. campanulas are easily raised from seeds, which should be sown in spring. _general culture._ as a rule, few plants are so easily cultivated as these. the strong-growing kinds may be grown with the greatest success in ordinary garden soil, well enriched with manure, while the alpine kinds are easily managed on the rockery. sow seeds of the annuals in april, and of the biennials in june, in the open, or in a cold frame. the perennials are chiefly propagated by dividing the roots, or by young cuttings, in spring--the latter is by far the best method of propagation with many of the species--or by seeds. those kinds requiring special treatment are particularised, and those suitable to the rockery are so designated. perennials, except where otherwise mentioned. =c. adami= (adam's). _fl._ bluish, nearly erect, one on the top of each stem; corolla funnel-shaped. july. _l._ slightly ciliated; radical ones on long petioles, cuneate-spathulate, coarsely toothed at the apex; cauline ones sessile, obovate or linear. _h._ 6in. caucasus, 1821. alpine. =c. allionii= (allioni's).* _fl._ usually blue, rarely white, subnutant, large, solitary. july to september. _l._, radical ones linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, ciliated; lower ones rosulate, bluntish. stem rather pilose. root creeping. _h._ 3in. to 4in. piedmontese alps, &c., 1820. a little gem, requiring a well-drained position, in rich sandy loam, with plenty of grit in it, and an abundance of moisture when growing. syns. _c. alpestris_ and _c. nana_. (b. m. 6588.) =c. alpestris= (rocky). a synonym of _c. allionii_. =c. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ deep blue, few or numerous, scattered in a pyramidal manner along the whole stem. july. _l._ linear-lanceolate, repandly-crenate, woolly; radical ones crowded, narrowed at the base. stem glabrous or woolly. _h._ 3in. to 9in. europe, 1779. rockery. (b. m. 957.) =c. americana= (american). _fl._ erect, one to three from the axil of each bract; corollas blue, a little longer than the calycine lobes. july. _l._, radical ones rosulate, ovate, acute, a little cordate, petiolate, serrated; cauline ones ovate-lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, serrulated. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. north america, 1763. borders. =c. barbata= (bearded).* _fl._ nutant, disposed in a loose, often secund raceme; pedicels one-flowered, rising from the axils of the superior leaves; corolla pale blue or white (in the variety _alba_), glabrous outside, but woolly in the mouth. june. _l._ villous, nearly entire; radical ones crowded, lanceolate; cauline ones few, ligulate. _h._ 6in. to 18in. european alps, 1752. this is best grown on the rockery. the white variety is very handsome. (b. m. 1258.) =c. barrelierii= (barrelier's). a synonym of _c. fragilis_. =c. betonicã¦folia= (betony-leaved).* _fl._ terminal and axillary, the branchlets usually bearing three; corollas purplish-blue, with a pale yellow base, tubular. may. _l._ elliptic-oblong or ovate, acute, crenate-toothed; radical ones shortly petiolate. stems much branched. plant pilose. _h._ 1-1/2ft. mount olympus in bithynia, 1820. borders. (s. f. g. 210.) =c. bononiensis= (bononian).* _fl._ bluish-violet, rather small, numerous, disposed in long racemes. july. _l._ serrulated, ovate, acuminate, dark green above, pale beneath; radical ones cordate, petiolate; upper ones stem-clasping. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. europe, 1773. borders. there is also a very showy white-flowered variety. =c. cã¦spitosa= (tufted).* _fl._ drooping, terminal, solitary, and sometimes three to four at the top of each stem; corollas deep blue or pure white (in the variety _alba_). may to august. _l._, radical ones crowded, on short petioles, ovate, glandularly toothed, shining. stems numerous, tufted. root fibrous, creeping. _h._ 4in. to 6in. temperate parts of europe, 1813. rockery, delighting in rich fibrous loam and leaf mould. [illustration: fig. 340. flowering stem of campanula carpathica.] =c. carpathica= (carpathian).* _fl._ blue, broadly campanulate, disposed in loose panicles, on long peduncles, which are elongated, naked, and terminated by an erect flower. june to august. _l._, lower ones on long petioles, ovate-roundish, cordate, toothed; upper ones on short petioles, ovate, acute. stems leafy, branched. _h._ 9in. transylvania, 1774. borders or rockery. see fig. 340. (b. m. 117.) =c. c. alba= (white).* _fl._ quite white, otherwise like the type. see fig. 339. [illustration: fig. 341. campanula carpathica pelviformis.] =c. c. pelviformis= (pelvis-formed).* _fl._ lilac, nearly 2in. across, numerously produced in lax panicles on much-branched stems, 9in. to 18in. high; fragrant. august. _l._ ovate, cordate, toothed. a distinct seedling from _c. c. turbinata_. see fig. 341. [illustration: fig. 342. campanula carpathica turbinata.] =c. c. turbinata= (top-shaped).* _fl._ nearly 2in. across, erect; corolla deep purple, campanulate. summer. _l._ ovate, rigid, greyish-green, toothed, and pointed, with cordate bases, in stiff tufts. stems short, erect. _h._ 6in. to 12in. transylvania, 1868. borders or rockery. see figs. 339 and 342. there is also a desirable variety named _pallida_, with very pale purple flowers. =c. c. t. hendersoni= (henderson's). _fl._ rich mauve, in large pyramidal racemes, rather open. july to september. _l._, lower ones cordate, or ovate cordate, slightly crenulated, on long stalks; upper ones oblong, sessile. _h._ 1ft. very handsome hybrid for borders. =c. caucasica= (caucasian). _fl._ few, terminal and axillary, drooping; corollas glabrous outside, but bearded inside, of a violaceous-blue colour. july. _l._ crenulated; lower ones obovate, obtuse, petiolate; upper ones lanceolate, sessile. stems erect, branched, terete, scabrous, pilose. _h._ 6in. to 9in. caucasus, 1804. rockery; very pretty. =c. celtidifolia= (nettle-tree-leaved).* a synonym of _c. lactiflora_. =c. cenisia= (mont cenis).* _fl._ deep blue, solitary, terminal, erect. june. _l._ entire; radical ones rosulate, obovate, obtuse; cauline ones ovate-oblong. stems numerous, glabrous, or slightly pilose. _h._ 3in. italy, &c., 1775. a rare little rockery gem, requiring a deep gritty loam and leaf soil, between stones. (a. f. p. 3, 6.) =c. cervicaria.= throatwort. _fl._ blue, pilose outside; heads terminal, round, bracteate. july. _l._ crenately serrated; radical ones linear-lanceolate, bluntish, on short petioles; cauline ones linear-acuminated. stem simple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. mountains of europe, 1768. biennial. borders. (l. b. c. 452.) =c. collina= (hill).* _fl._ deep blue, funnel-shaped, few, secund, disposed in a long raceme. july. _l._, lower ones on long petioles, ovate-oblong, crenulated; middle ones lanceolate; upper ones linear-acuminated. stems simple, rather pilose. _h._ 1ft. caucasus, 1803. borders. (b. m. 927.) =c. colorata= (coloured). _fl._ purple; corolla tubular, velvety; peduncles elongated, terminal and axillary. september. _l._ scattered, lanceolate, acute, repandly denticulated. stem branched, downy. sikkim himalayas, 1849. this requires frame protection during winter. (b. m. 4555.) =c. dichotoma= (forked). _fl._ bluish-purple, with a paler tube, drooping, terminal, solitary in the forks of the branches and stem. july. _l._, cauline ones ovate, acute, a little crenated. stem erect, with dichotomous branches. plant clothed with stiff hairs. _h._ 6in. south-western europe, 1820. annual. borders. (s. f. g. 211.) =c. drabifolia= (draba-leaved). _fl._ pedicellate, opposite the leaves; corolla inflated, with a white tube and a violaceous-blue limb. july. _l._ elliptic-oblong, toothed. stem many times forked, slightly erect. plant hispid. _h._ 3in. island of samos, 1823. annual. rockery. (s. f. g. 215.) =c. elatines= (elatine).* _fl._ scattered over the upper part of the plant, sometimes racemose, and sometimes panicled; corollas bluish-purple. june to august. _l._ cordate, coarsely and acutely toothed, ovate-acute; lower ones roundish. stem branched. plant downy. _h._ 3in. to 6in. piedmont, 1823. rockery. (a. f. p. 3, 7.) =c. erinus= (erinus).* _fl._ terminal and axillary, situated in the angles of the forks of the branches; corollas of a pale bluish-rose-colour, or white, pilose at the base, tubular. may to august. _l._ obovate or ovate, toothed. stem much branched. plant hispid. _h._ 3in. to 9in. europe, 1768. annual. rockery. (s. f. g. 214.) =c. excisa= (excised). _fl._ drooping; stem one-flowered; corollas blue, funnel-shaped. june. _l._ entire, or remotely-denticulated, linear-acuminated. stems numerous, erect, slender, simple, naked at top. _h._ 3in. to 6in. switzerland and transylvania, 1820. rockery. a rare species, requiring to be treated like _cenisia_. (l. b. c. 561.) =c. floribunda= (many-flowered). a synonym of _c. isophylla_. =c. fragilis= (fragile).* _fl._ clear lilac-purple, white in the centre, solitary or in pairs, axillary, erect, or nearly so, on spreading branches. july and august. _l._, radical ones reniform, or roundish-cordate, rather deeply lobed; cauline ones broadly-ovate, slightly cordate, all stalked. _h._ 4in. to 6in. south italy. syn. _c. barrelierii_. (b. m. 6504.) =c. garganica= (gargano).* _fl._ axillary, in fascicles; corollas blue, rotate, deeply five-lobed. may to september. _l._, radical ones reniform, on long petioles; cauline ones cordate, all crenately toothed, downy. _h._ 3in. to 6in. italy, 1832. an extremely variable species. rockery, in rich sandy loam. (b. r. 1768.) [illustration: fig. 343. flower-spike of campanula glomerata.] =c. glomerata= (clustered).* _fl._ sessile, disposed in terminal heads on the branches and stems; corollas bluish-violet or white, glabrous, except the nerves outside, funnel-shaped. may to september. _l._ serrulated; radical ones ovate, acute; bracts ovate, acuminated. stems simple, or branched. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. britain, &c. borders. see fig. 343. (sy. en. b. 866.) a double-flowered variety, and also a white-flowered form, are very desirable. there are numerous varieties of this species which are frequently described as distinct species. the following are among the number: =c. g. cervicaroides= (cervicaria-like). _fl._ bluish-violet, terminal and axillary. lower leaves on long petioles. stem flexuous, hairy. =c. g. elliptica= (elliptical). _fl._ blue, large, capitate. _l._ on long petioles, elliptic; bracts large, often longer than the flowers. =c. g. nicã¦ensis= (nice). _fl._ bluish-violet, disposed in short, dense spikes. _l._ approximate, ovate, acute, sessile. =c. g. pusilla= (diminutive).* _fl._ few, capitate. _l._ round, cordate. _h._ 1in. to 2in. in addition to these, there are _aggregata_ and _speciosa_ (= _dahurica_). the latter is an excellent variety, with large heads of deep-coloured flowers. =c. grandiflora= (large-flowered). _see_ =platycodon grandiflorum=. =c. grandis= (large).* _fl._ pale violet-blue, broadly bell-shaped, with large pointed divisions, axillary and alternate, on the upper part of the stem. june. _l._ sessile, lanceolate, serrated. stem simple, furrowed. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. siberia, 1842. borders. there is also a very showy white-flowered variety named _alba_. =c. haylodgensis= (hay lodge). _fl._ light blue, rather open, bell-shaped, few, at the ends of the stems. august. _l._, radical ones tufted, roundish-cordate, with the margins slightly indented; cauline ones ovate-cordate, conspicuously toothed, light green. _h._ 6in. to 9in. rockery. this is a hybrid, raised by mr. anderson-henry, hay lodge, edinburgh, probably between _c. carpathica_ and _c. pusilla_. =c. hederacea= (ivy-like). _see_ =wahlenbergia hederacea=. =c. hostii= (host's).* a synonym of _c. rotundifolia hostii_. =c. isophylla= (equal-leaved).* _fl._ numerous, erect, disposed in a corymb; corolla lilac-blue, with a grey centre, large, salver-shaped, deeply five-lobed. august. _l._ broadly ovate, cordate, and toothed. stems firm. north italy, 1868. borders and rockery. syn. _c. floribunda_. (b. m. 5745.) c. i. alba (white).* _fl._ pure white; in other respects like the species. it is a charming rockery plant, flowering very freely. [illustration: fig. 344. flowers of campanula laciniata.] =c. laciniata= (cut-leaved). _fl._ long-stalked, in lax panicles. stem erect, branchy, somewhat hairy. _h._ 1ft. islands in grecian archipelago, 1790. this biennial species is impatient of much moisture during winter, and is therefore best kept in a cold frame. see fig. 344. =c. lactiflora= (milk-coloured-flowered).* _fl._ in loose panicles; peduncles erect, short, usually three-flowered; corollas erect, milk-coloured, tinged with blue, or quite blue, as in the variety named _cå�rulea_. july to september. _l._ sessile. ovate-lanceolate, acutely serrated. stems branched. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. caucasus, 1814. borders. syn. _c. celtidifolia_. see fig. 339. (b. r. 241.) [illustration: fig. 345. campanula langsdorffiana.] =c. langsdorffiana= (langsdorff's). _fl._ blue, either solitary or in few-flowered panicles, not unlike those of _c. rotundifolia_. _l._ either entire or toothed. _h._ 3in. to 9in. mountains of northern asia and america. perennial. see fig. 345. =c. latifolia= (broad-leaved). _fl._ disposed in spicate racemes; peduncles erect, one-flowered; corolla blue, but sometimes white (in the variety _alba_) campanulately funnel-shaped, large. july. _l._ large, doubly serrated; radical ones petiolate, cordate, ovate-oblong; cauline ones sessile, ovate-acuminated. stems simple, smooth. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. britain. (sy. en. b. 868.) =c. l. eriocarpa= (woolly-fruited). _fl._, tube of calyx very hispid. _l._ less acuminated. stem and leaves pilose and pale. caucasus, 1823. borders. =c. l. macrantha= (large-flowered).* _fl._, corollas purplish-blue, larger than those of the type. stem and leaves rather pilose; teeth of leaves more distinct. a hybrid. borders. =c. loefflingii= (lå�ffling's). _fl._ solitary, terminating the naked branchlets, loosely panicled, drooping; corolla blue or violaceous, with a deeper-coloured zone beneath the middle, white at the base, both inside and out, funnel-shaped. july. _l._ crenulated; lower ones ovate-reniform; superior ones ovate, stem-clasping. stem much branched. annual. _h._ 6in. to 18in. south-west europe, 1818. (b. r. 29, 19.) =c. loreyi= (lorey's). a synonym of _c. ramosissima_. =c. lyrata= (lyrate). _fl._ disposed in a long, many-flowered, loose raceme; corolla blue, tubular, with rather pilose nerves. june. _l._, lower ones petiolate, cordate, ovate, acute, crenated; superior ones sessile, ovate-lanceolate, serrate-toothed. stem branched. eastern europe, levant, &c., 1823. borders. [illustration: fig. 346. campanula macrostyla.] =c. macrostyla= (large-styled). _fl._ dull purple, reticulated with violet, solitary, on stout stalks; hairy towards the base. july. _l._, lower ones ovate-oblong, acute; upper ones ovate-lanceolate, recurved, small for the size of the plant, hispid on both surfaces, and ciliated with bristles. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. taurus mountains. annual. borders. the rigid habit, bristly, almost prickly, stem and leaves, curious calyx appendages, short gaping corolla, and wonderful stigma, mark this as the most singular campanula hitherto introduced. see fig. 346. =c. medium= (middle-sized).* canterbury bells. _fl._ numerous, large, disposed in racemes; corolla blue, purple, and white, campanulate, inflated, single and double. july. _l._ sessile, ovate-lanceolate, crenately toothed. stem erect, branched. _h._ 1ft. to 4ft. south europe, 1597. see fig. 347. a well-known and very handsome biennial, of which there are numerous varieties. borders. =c. muralis= (wall).* a synonym of _c. portenschlagiana_. =c. nana= (dwarf). a synonym of _c. allionii_. =c. nitida= (shining).* _fl._ blue or white, disposed in spicate racemes; corolla campanulately rotate. summer. _l._ in rosettes, leathery, very dark and shining green, oblong, crenated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, almost entire. stem simple. _h._ 3in. to 9in. north america, 1731. borders. there are also double blue and white flowered forms of this species. syn. _c. planiflora_. =c. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._ drooping, crowded towards the ends of the branchlets; corollas reddish-violet, or white, or cream-coloured, spotted, 3in. or more long. july. _l._ hairy; lower ones petiolate, ovate, toothed; upper ones lanceolate, nearly or quite sessile. _h._ 2ft. china, 1844. borders. (b. r. 32, 65.) there is also a white-flowered variety. =c. patula= (spreading). _fl._ panicled, terminal, and axillary, on long pedicels, large, erect; corollas blue or white, funnel-shaped. july. _l._, radical ones crowded, obovate, crenated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, sessile, nearly entire. stems branched. branches diverging. europe. borders. (sy. en. b. 873.) [illustration: fig. 347. flowering branch of campanula medium.] =c. peregrina= (foreign).* _fl._ disposed in a dense spicate raceme, sessile; corollas of a dark violet colour at the base, not so deep in the middle, and paler towards the margins, funnel-shaped. july. _l._ crenated; lower ones obovate; superior ones ovate, acute. stem simple, angular. _h._ 2ft. mount lebanon, 1794. borders. (b. m. 1257.) =c. persicã¦folia= (peach-leaved).* _fl._ terminal and axillary, pedunculate, solitary, inclined, racemose; corollas blue and all the intermediate shades to white, large, broadly campanulate. july. _l._ glabrous, stiff, crenulated; radical ones lanceolate-obovate; cauline ones linear-lanceolate. stems nearly simple. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. britain. (sy. en. b. 871.) the forms of _c. persicã¦folia_ are very numerous in gardens. the following are well worth growing: _alba_, pure white, single-flowered; _alba coronata_, pure white, semi-double; _alba fl.-pl._, flowers very double and camellia-like, constituting one of the best hardy flowers for cutting; _cã¦rulea coronata_, blue, in form like the white; _cã¦rulea fl.-pl._, flowers semi-double. =c. phrygia= (phrygian). _fl._, corolla bluish-violet, spreading, having the nerves more intensely coloured. july. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, crenated; lower ones obtuse, upper acute. stem branched. branches very naked, divaricate, each terminating in a single flower. _h._ 3in. to 6in. mount olympus, 1820. rockery annual. =c. planiflora= (flat-flowered). a synonym of _c. nitida_. =c. portenschlagiana= (portenschlag's).* _fl._ light blue-purple, erect, or nearly so, bell-shaped, with spreading segments, several at the ends of the shoots, and one or two in the upper axils. june, july. _l._, radical ones broadly reniform, conspicuously but irregularly toothed, on long slender petioles; cauline ones passing from reniform to ovate. _h._ 6in. to 9in. south europe. rockery. syn. _c. muralis_. (b. r. 1995.) =c. primulã¦folia= (primula-leaved). _fl._ disposed in a spicate raceme; corolla blue or purple, with a whitish downy bottom, campanulately rotate, nearly glabrous. july. _l._ unequally and doubly crenated; radical ones lanceolate, bluntish; cauline ones ovate-oblong, acute. stem hispid, simple. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. portugal. borders. (b. m. 4879.) =c. pulla= (russet).* _fl._ terminal, large for the size of the plant; corollas violaceous-blue, campanulate. june. _l._ glabrous, crenulately toothed; lower ones on short petioles, ovate-roundish; superior ones sessile, ovate, acute. stems rarely pilose at the base. _h._ 3in. to 6in. eastern europe, 1779. rockery, in rich sandy peat and leaf soil. (l. b. c. 554.) =c. pumila= (dwarf). a synonym of _c. pusilla_. [illustration: fig. 348. upper portion of flowering stem of campanula punctata.] =c. punctata= (dotted). _fl._ whitish, spotted with red on the inner surface; large, pendulous. _l._ ovate-acute, somewhat crenate. stem simple, erect, few-flowered. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, japan, &c. border perennial. see fig. 348. =c. pusilla= (small).* _fl._ axillary and terminal at the upper part of the slender stems, pendulous, bell-shaped, passing from deep blue to white. july, august. _l._, radical ones tufted, broadly ovate or roundish, slightly cordate, obtusely serrated, on petioles longer than the laminã¦; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, distinctly toothed, sessile. _h._ 4in. to 6in. southern europe. syn. _c. pumila_. (b. m. 512.) there is a pale-coloured variety named _pallida_, and a pure white variety named _alba_, both of which, as well as the species, are most desirable for the embellishment of rockeries, or for planting in sandy soil as a front line for a border. [illustration: fig. 349. campanula pyramidalis, showing habit and flower.] =c. pyramidalis= (pyramidal).* chimney bell-flower. _fl._ very numerous, pedicellate, usually three together from the same bract, the whole disposed in a large pyramidal raceme, which is loose at the base; corollas pale blue or white, with a dark base. july. _l._ glandularly toothed; lower ones petiolate, ovate-oblong, somewhat cordate; cauline ones sessile, ovate-lanceolate. stem nearly simple, but furnished with floriferous branchlets. _h._ 4ft. to 5ft. europe, 1596. see figs. 349 and 350. there are several excellent varieties, but the light and dark blue and white are the best. borders, and for pot culture. =c. raineri= (rainer's).* _fl._ blue, erect; corolla turbinate. june. _l._ almost sessile, ovate, tomentose, remotely serrated; lower ones the smallest, obovate. stems erect, firm, branched. branches one-flowered, leafy. _h._ 2in. to 3in. switzerland, italy, &c., 1826. a beautiful little alpine, requiring a warm position in rich gritty soil; it must be religiously protected against slugs. (f. d. s. 1908.) [illustration: fig. 350. flowering branch of campanula pyramidalis.] =c. ramosissima= (much-branched). _fl._, corolla with a white base; middle part or base of the lobes pale blue, and the lobes bluish-violet; peduncles long, naked, glabrous, bearing each an erect flower at the apex. june. _l._ sessile, glaucous; lower ones obovate, crenated; middle ones ovate-lanceolate; superior ones linear, entire. stem branched. _h._ 6in. to 12in. south europe, 1824. annual. syn. _c. loreyi_. (b. m. 2581.) =c. r. flore-albo= (white-flowered) only differs from the type in having white flowers. [illustration: fig. 351. campanula rapunculus.] =c. rapunculoides= (rapunculus-like).* _fl._ drooping, solitary, disposed in spike-formed racemes, secund, but usually hanging on all sides in strong garden specimens; corollas bluish-violet, funnel-shaped, and bearded a little inside. june. _l._ scabrous, ovate, acuminated; radical ones petiolate, cordate, crenulated; cauline ones serrulated. stems glabrous or scabrous, usually branched in gardens, but simple in the wild state. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. europe. borders. (sy. en. b. 869.) =c. r. trachelioides= (trachelium-like). stem and leaves, but particularly the calyx, beset with stiff white hairs. =c. rapunculus= (little turnip).* rampion. _fl._ nearly sessile, or pedicellate, erect, forming a long raceme, which is branched at the base; corolla blue or white, funnel-shaped. july. _l._, lower ones obovate, on short petioles, nearly entire; cauline ones sessile, linear-lanceolate, entire. stem simple, but sometimes furnished with a few branches towards the top. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. europe. borders. see fig. 351. (sy. en. b. 872.) =c. rhomboidalis= (rhomboidal). _fl._ usually drooping, few, disposed in loose racemes, pedunculate; corolla blue, campanulate. july. _l._ sessile, ovate, acute, serrate. stem glabrous, or a little pilose, furnished with flower-bearing branches at top. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. europe, 1775. border. syn. _c. rhomboidea_. (l. b. c. 603.) =c. rhomboidea= (diamond-leaved). a synonym of _c. rhomboidalis_. =c. rotundifolia= (round-leaved).* blue-bell; hare-bell. _fl._ drooping, solitary, pedunculate, few on each stem; corolla deep blue, campanulate. june to august. _l._, radical ones petiolate, cordate roundish, crenately toothed; cauline ones linear or lanceolate. stems numerous. _h._ 6in. to 12in. britain. (sy. en. b. 870.) =c. r. alba= (white).* _fl._ white, the same size as those of the type. stems much more leafy. =c. r. hostii= (host's).* _fl._ rich blue, much larger than those of the type, produced on stouter profusely branched stems. july, august. _l._, radical ones roundish only in a very early state; cauline ones linear, acuminate, sometimes 3in. to 4in. long. syn. _c. hostii_. see fig. 339. there is a white-flowered form of this, not quite so vigorous as the blue-flowered form, but the flowers are equal in size. [illustration: fig. 352. flowers of campanula rotundifolia soldanellã�flora.] =c. r. soldanellã¦flora= (soldanella-flowered).* _fl._, corolla blue, semi-double, turbinate, with shallow marginal divisions, very acutely pointed. june. _l._ long, linear, acute, sessile. stem simple, slender. _h._ 1ft. 1870. (r. g. 473.) all the forms of _rotundifolia_ are pretty, and suitable for the front of borders, or the rockery; rising from the crevices of the latter, with their slender stems laden with flowers, they are especially beautiful. see fig. 352. [illustration: fig. 353. flowers and leaves of campanula sarmatica.] =c. sarmatica= (sarmatian).* _fl._ nutant, usually secund, terminal and axillary, forming a long, loose, scattered raceme; corolla pale blue, velvety outside. july. _l._ tomentose; lower ones petiolate, cordate, rather hastate, crenately toothed; superior ones sessile, ovate-lanceolate, serrate-toothed. stems simple, straight, downy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. caucasus, 1803. borders. (b. r. 237.) see fig. 353. =c. saxatilis= (rock). _fl._ three to five, disposed in a loose raceme; corolla blue, tubular, nutant. may. _l._ crenated; radical ones rosulate, somewhat spathulate; cauline ones ovate, acute. stem erect. _h._ 6in. crete, 1768. rockery. very rare. =c. scheuchzeri= (scheuchzer's).* _fl._ dark blue, pendent, on slender stems, broadly bell-shaped. july, august. _l._, lower ones similar to those of _c. pusilla_; upper ones linear. _h._ 3in. to 6in. south european alps, 1813. (l. b. c. 485.) =c. scouleri= (scouler's). _fl._ pale blue, paniculate, bell-shaped. july, august. _l._, lower ones ovate, on long petioles, coarsely serrated; cauline ones ovate-lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. north-west america, 1876. rockery. =c. sibirica= (siberian). _fl._ panicled, numerous, drooping; corollas bluish-violet, large. july. _l._ crenulated; radical ones crowded, petiolate, obovate, obtuse; cauline ones sessile, oblong-lanceolate, undulated, acuminated. plant beset with bristle-like hairs. stem branched. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. east europe, 1783. biennial. borders. (b. m. 659.) =c. s. divergens= (divergent).* _fl._ violaceous, rather large, at first erect, but drooping in the expanded state; peduncles many-flowered, and, like the stem, usually trichotomous. june. _l._, radical ones sub-spathulate, crenulated, narrowed at the base; cauline ones sessile, lanceolate, acuminated. plant pilose, panicled. _h._ 1-1/2ft. siberia, 1814. biennial. syn. _c. spathulata_. (s. b. f. g. ii., 256.) =c. spathulata= (spathulate). a synonym of _c. sibirica divergens_. =c. speciosa= (beautiful).* _fl._ pedicellate, disposed in a pyramidal raceme; corolla blue, purple or white, 1in. long, smooth outside, but often villous inside. june, july. _l._ sessile, repandly crenated; radical ones rosulate, linear-lanceolate; cauline ones linear. stem simple. _h._ 12in. to 18in. south-west europe, 1820. borders. (b. m. 2649.) =c. spicata= (spicate). _fl._ sessile, one to three from each bract; spike long, interrupted at the base; corolla blue, funnel-shaped. july. _l._ sessile, nearly entire; radical ones crowded, linear-lanceolate; cauline ones linear, acuminated. stem simple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. europe, 1786. biennial. borders. (a. f. p. 3, 46.) =c. stricta= (strict). _fl._ almost sessile, few, solitary, spicate; corolla blue, tubular. july. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, acute, serrated, pilose. stem branched, pilose. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. armenia, 1819. biennial. borders. [illustration: fig. 354. campanula thyrsoidea, showing entire plant and single flower.] =c. thyrsoidea= (thyrsoid).* _fl._ disposed in a dense pyramidal spike, sessile; corolla sulphur-coloured, oblong. july. _l._ entire, pilose; lower ones lanceolate, obtuse; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, acute. stem simple, covered with leaves and flowers. plant pilose. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. alps of europe, 1785. biennial. rockery. (b. m. 1290.) see fig. 354. =c. tommasiniana= (tommasini's).* _fl._ pale blue, tubular, slightly angled, in closely set, several-flowered, axillary cymes. july, august. _l._ nearly or quite sessile, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, distinctly serrated, there being no difference between the lower and upper ones. stems at first erect, ultimately drooping through the weight of the flowers. _h._ 9in. to 12in. italy. a very handsome alpine species. (b. m. 6590.) =c. trachelium= (throat-wort).* _fl._ drooping a little, one to four together, terminating the branchlets; corolla variously coloured, campanulate, bearded inside. july. _l._ scabrous, acuminated, coarsely and crenately toothed; radical ones petiolate, cordate. stem angular, simple or branched. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. europe. borders. (sy. en. b. 867.) there are double blue, double white, and variously shaded single forms of this species. =c. trichocalycina= (hairy-calyxed). _fl._ disposed in an almost simple terminal raceme, approximate at the top, one to three rising from each axil, at the time of flowering erect, but afterwards drooping; corolla profoundly five-cleft, funnel-shaped. july. _l._ on short petioles, ovate, acute, coarsely serrated. stem simple. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft. europe, 1823. borders. =c. van houttei= (van houtte's).* _fl._ dark blue, bell-shaped, pendulous, 2in. long, axillary and terminal. july, august. _l._, lower ones roundish-cordate, crenate on long stalks; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, sessile, serrated. _h._ 2ft. this is a very fine hybrid. differing from it only in colour and other unimportant details is _c. burghalti_, a handsome hybrid, found in gardens; the flowers are of a pale purple colour, very large, pendent. these are two of the best border bell-flowers in cultivation. =c. versicolor= (various-coloured). _fl._ disposed in long spicate racemes; corolla of a deep violaceous colour at bottom, pale in the middle, and the lobes pale violet, companulately rotate. july to september. _l._ serrated; radical ones petiolate, ovate, acute, rather cordate; cauline ones on short petioles, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated. stems erect. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. greece, 1788. borders. (s. f. g. 207.) =c. vidalii= (vidal's). _fl._ large, racemose; corolla white, wax-like, between urceolate and campanulate, pendulous; disk singularly broad, surrounded by a thick bright orange-coloured annulus. july and august. _l._ thick and fleshy, oblong spathulate, viscid, coarsely serrated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. azores, 1851. perennial. cool greenhouse or (during summer) herbaceous border. (b. m. 4748.) [illustration: fig. 355. campanula waldsteiniana.] =c. waldsteiniana= (waldstein's).* _fl._ three to four at the top of each stem, one of which is terminal, and the others from the axils of the superior leaves, always looking upwards; corollas violaceous-blue, campanulate. june. _l._ greyish, sessile, lanceolate, serrated; lower ones obtuse; superior ones long-acuminated. stems erect, flexuous, stiff, simple, numerous from the same root. _h._ 4in. to 6in. hungary, 1824. see fig. 355. =c. wanneri= (wanner's). a synonym of _symphyandra wanneri_. =c. zoysii= (zoys's).* _fl._ pedicellate, drooping; corolla pale blue, with five deeper-coloured lines, cylindrical, elongated. june. _l._ entire; radical ones crowded, petiolate, ovately obovate, obtuse; cauline ones obovate-lanceolate, and linear. plant small, tufted. _h._ 3in. carniola, 1813. a scarce little alpine gem, thriving in a sunny chink in rich gritty soil. =campanulaceã�.= a large order of herbs or sub-shrubs. flowers blue or white; corolla regular, bell-shaped, usually five-lobed. leaves alternate, exstipulate. the genus best known is _campanula_; other genera are _adenophora_, _jasione_, and _phyteuma_. =campanulate.= bell-shaped. =campanumã�a= (altered from _campanula_). ord. _campanulaceã¦_. a genus of greenhouse herbaceous, tuberous-rooted, twining perennials. flowers involucrated, solitary, on axillary and terminal peduncles. leaves opposite, petiolate, glaucescent beneath. stems and branches terete. they thrive best in a rich sandy loam, with a little peat. propagated by seeds and divisions. =c. gracilis= (graceful). _fl._ pale blue; corolla membranous, with a tubular base, dilated throat, and slightly expanded, truncated limb. _l._ on long petioles, ovate, blunt. himalayas. syn. _codonopsis gracilis_. (c. h. p. t. xvi. a.) =c. inflata= (inflated). _fl._ yellowish, with brownish veins; corolla herbaceous, ventricose; peduncles opposite the leaves, one-flowered. _l._ alternate, ovate-cordate, acute. himalayas. (c. h. p. t. xvi. c.) =c. javanica= (javan). _fl._ yellowish, with brownish veins; corolla herbaceous, very broadly campanulate, with five spreading lobes. _l._ variable, opposite and alternate, ovate-cordate, crenate. himalayas. (c. h. p. t. xvi. b.) =campeachy wood=, or =logwood=. _see_ =hã¦matoxylon campechianum=. =camphora= (camphor, commercial name of its chief product). camphor-tree. ord. _laurineã¦_. cool stove evergreen trees, now referred to _cinnamomum_. the true camphor of commerce is a product of the oil procured from the wood, branches, and leaves of this tree, by means of dry distillation. the species thrives in a compost of peat and loam, and may be propagated by cuttings. =c. officinalis= (officinal). _fl._ greenish-white. march to june. _l._ triple-nerved, lanceolate, ovate. _h._ 20ft. japan, 1727. syn. _cinnamomum camphora_. =camphor-tree.= _see_ =camphora=. =campion.= _see_ =silene=. =campion, moss.= _see_ =silene acaulis=. =campion, rose.= _see_ =lychnis=. =campsidium= (from _kampsis_, a curving). ord. _bignoniaceã¦_. a small genus, the best-known (perhaps the only) species being a handsome greenhouse climber. for culture, _see_ =bignonia=. =c. chilense= (chilian). pipil boqui. _fl._ rich orange colour; corolla tubular, almost regular; anthers parallel. _l._ pinnate, dark shining green. _h._ 30ft. to 40ft. chili. (g. c. 1870, 1182.) =campteria.= included under =pteris= (which _see_). =camptodium.= _see_ =nephrodium=. =camptopus= (from _kamptos_, curved, and _pous_, a foot; the flower-stalk is curved downwardly). ord. _rubiaceã¦_. a curious shrub, now referred to _cephaelis_. it requires a most stove temperature. cuttings will root in sandy loam, under a hand glass, in bottom heat. =c. mannii= (mann's). _fl._ white, numerously produced in subglobose, compound heads; peduncles stout, scarlet, drooping, from 12in. to 18in. long. summer. _l._ large, opposite, obovate or obovate-lanceolate, glabrous, coriaceous; midrib thick, red beneath. _h._ 15ft. fernando po, 1863. (b. m. 5755.) =camptosorus.= _see_ =scolopendrium=. =campylanthera.= a synonym of =pronaya=. =campylia.= included under =pelargonium=. =campylobotrys.= _see_ =hoffmannia=. =campyloneuron.= _see_ polypodium. =camwood.= _see_ =baphia=. =canada balsam.= _see_ =abies balsamea=. =canada rice.= _see_ =zizania aquatica=. =canada tea.= _see_ =gaultheria procumbens=. =canaliculate.= channelled, or furrowed. =canarina= (so named from its habitat). syn. _pernettya_ (of scopoli). ord. _campanulaceã¦_. a beautiful, glaucescent, greenhouse, herbaceous perennial. it thrives in a compost of loam, leaf mould, thoroughly decomposed manure, and sand, in equal parts; ample root space and perfect drainage are essential, and when new growth commences, a little extra heat will considerably accelerate the development of the flowers. water should be liberally supplied during the growing season. the plant may be propagated by divisions when repotting, in january; or by young cuttings, inserted in sandy soil, in a gentle warmth. =c. campanula= (bell-shaped).* _fl._ of a yellowish purple or orange colour, with red nerves, drooping, solitary, terminating axillary branchlets; corolla six-lobed at the apex, large, campanulate. january to march. _l._ opposite, hastately sub-cordate, irregularly toothed. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. canary islands, 1696. (b. m. 444.) =canarium= (from _canari_, its vernacular name in the malay language). ord. _burseraceã¦_. a rather large genus of stove trees. flowers small, in axillary panicles; petals usually three, valvate, or slightly imbricate in the bud. drupe ovoid or ellipsoid, often three-angled. leaves large, impari-pinnate. for culture, _see_ =boswellia=. =c. commune= (common). _fl._ white, glomerate, nearly sessile, bracteate; panicle terminal. _l._, leaflets seven to nine, on long stalks, ovate-oblong, bluntly acuminated, entire. india. the fruit has a thin olive skin, and when the nuts are mature, they contain a sweet kernel, which does not become rancid, and resembles a sweet chestnut; they are also used for various economic purposes. (b. m. pl. 61.) =canary-bird flower.= _see_ =tropã¦olum peregrinum=. =canavalia= (from _canavali_, the name of one of the species in malabar). ord. _leguminosã¦_. a genus of elegant twining or climbing stove herbs or subshrubs. flowers in racemes, produced from the axils of the leaves; calyx bell-shaped, two-lipped; corolla papilionaceous. leaves trifoliate. they are well adapted for training up the rafters in a stove or warm greenhouse. for culture, _see_ =dolichos=. =c. bonariensis= (buenos ayrean). _fl._ purple; racemes drooping, longer than the leaves. july and august. _l._, leaflets ovate, obtuse, coriaceous, glabrous. buenos ayres, 1824. (b. r. 1199.) =c. ensiformis= (ensiform).* _fl._ white, red, pendulous; racemes longer than the leaves. june. _l._, leaflets ovate, acute. india, 1790. syn. _c. gladiata_. (b. m. 4027.) =c. gladiata= (sword-podded). synonymous with _c. ensiformis_. =c. obtusifolia= (obtuse-leaved). _fl._ purple. july, august. _l._, leaflets ovate obtuse. malabar, 1820. =canbia= (named in honour of w. m. canby, of wilmington, delaware). ord. _papaveraceã¦_. a monotypic genus, remarkable for its persistent (not caducous) corolla. sepals three, caducous; petals six, barely 1/6in. in length; stamens six to nine. [illustration: fig. 356. canbia candida.] =b. candida= (glossy white). _fl._ white, solitary, on little scapes. _l._ alternate, linear, entire. _h._ about 1in. discovered in sandy soil in south-east california, in 1876. see fig. 356. =cancellate.= latticed; resembling lattice-work. =candelabrum= or =chandelier tree=. _see_ =pandanus candelabrum=. =candleberry myrtle.= _see_ =myrica cereifera=. =candleberry-tree.= _see_ =aleurites triloba=. =candle-tree.= _see_ =parmentiera cerifera=. =candollea= (named after augustus pyramus de candolle, formerly professor of botany, at geneva, and author of numerous botanical works). ord. _dilleniaceã¦_. a genus of very ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of australia. flowers yellow, sub-solitary, at the tips of the branches; sepals five, oval, mucronate; petals obovate or obcordate. they thrive in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with which sufficient sand may be mixed to render the whole porous. cuttings will root, if placed in a similar compost, under a hand glass; seeds are also sometimes obtainable. [illustration: fig. 357. flowers and buds of candollea cuneiformis.] =c. cuneiformis= (wedge-shaped).* _fl._ yellow. july. _l._ smooth, obovately cuneated, blunt at the top, entire. branches cinerous. _h._ 7ft. 1824. see fig. 357. (b. m. 2711.) =c. huegelii= (huegel's). _fl._ at tops of the branches, among the leaves, on short pedicels; sepals acuminate, hoary outside, longer than the petals. may. _l._ linear, quite entire, villous when young. _h._ 6ft. 1837. =c. tetrandra= (four-stamened). _fl._ yellow, solitary; petals emarginate. june. _l._ oblong, cuneate, toothed. _h._ 7ft. 1842. (b. r. 1843, 50.) =candytuft.= _see_ =iberis=. =cane-brake.= a common name for different species of _arundinaria_. =canella= (a diminutive of _canna_, a reed; in allusion to the rolled bark, like cinnamon). ord. _canellaceã¦_. the best-known species of this genus is a very ornamental and economically valuable stove evergreen tree, which thrives in a mixture of loam and sand. well-ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, will root in sand, under a hand glass, with bottom heat, in april or may; but care should be taken not to deprive them of any of their leaves. sweet says that large old cuttings are best. =c. alba= (white).* _fl._ violet-colour, small, growing at the tops of branches in cluster, but upon divided peduncles. _l._ alternate, obovate, cuneated at the base, white, or glaucous beneath, somewhat coriaceous, sometimes full of pellucid dots. _h._ 15ft. the whole tree is very aromatic, and, when in blossom, perfumes the neighbourhood. the flowers dried, and softened again in warm water, have a fragrant odour, nearly approaching to that of musk. the leaves have a strong smell of laurel. west indies, &c., 1735. (t. l. s. i., 8.) =canellaceã�.= a small order of tropical american aromatic shrubs, allied to _bixineã¦_, from which it differs only in having the albumen firmer, and with a smaller embryo. the genera are _canella_ and _cinnamodendron_. =canescent.= hoary, approaching to white. =canicidia.= a synonym of =rourea= (which _see_). =canistrum= (from _canistrum_, a basket; in allusion to the inflorescence resembling a basket of flowers). ord. _bromeliaceã¦_. stove epiphytes, with showy inflorescence, and requiring similar culture to =billbergia= (which _see_). =c. aurantiacum= (orange).* _fl._ orange-yellow, in a cup-shaped involucre of orange-red bracts; scapes erect. june to september. _l._ ligulate-lorate denticulate, deflexed. brazil, 1873. see fig. 358. (b. h. 1873, 15.) [illustration: fig. 358. canistrum aurantiacum.] =c. eburneum= (ivory).* _fl._ white, green, disposed in a depressed head, the white ovaries of which give an appearance as of eggs in a basket. may. _l._ tufted, mottled, the central ones cream-coloured, surrounding the flower-heads. _h._ 2ft. syns. _guzmannia fragrans_ and _nidularium lindeni_. brazil, 1876. (b. h. 1879, 13, 14.) =c. roseum= (rose-coloured). _fl._ white, green; bracts rosy. 1879. =c. viride= (green). _fl._ green. _l._ green, canaliculate, acuminate, irregularly toothed. brazil, 1875. syn. _nidularium latifolium_. (b. h. 1874, 16.) =canker.= this is a disease presenting very serious difficulties, principally in the cultivation of apples and pears. both the trees and fruits, especially of some varieties, are, in many localities, so far injured as not to be worth cultivating. what causes the disease is not at all times known; indeed, it is, in most cases, but imperfectly understood. were the causes better known, the remedy might generally be much easier found. some of the primary causes are cold and undrained soil, severe and careless pruning, extreme variations of temperature, and excessive growth, made late in the season, when it has not sufficient time to get well ripened. trees that are badly cankered may often be improved by lifting, and replanting in improved or better-drained soil. immediately the disease is detected in young trees, by the cracking of the bark or the skin of the fruits, measures should be taken to find the cause, if possible, and avert its progress. some pear-trees, in various localities, will not produce fruit without canker in the open garden, but they will do so when planted against a wall; and as such may be the very best varieties, trees should be placed in the latter position. the removal of large branches, late in spring, will sometimes produce canker, at the point where mutilation has taken place; and it may be caused by severe late pruning, which induces the growth of soft shoots that are almost certain to be injured by severe frosts. the difference in the seasons, as regards the amount of moisture, is one that can scarcely be provided against. one spring may be favourable to rapid growth, and the following may be most unfavourable, thereby arresting the natural flow of the sap until the latter part of the summer, when excessive growth will probably take place. such checks invariably produce canker. at times, the disease seems caused by the punctures of insects, in an early stage, on the stems or branches. in such instances, a thorough cleansing, and a smearing of quicklime, made into a wash, often proves successful. strong tobacco water will destroy insects, and a weak solution of sulphuric acid is also fatal to lichens and mosses, which should never be allowed to obtain a footing. the chief preventatives, therefore, are: planting in well-drained soil; avoiding the use of any rank manure, to cause excessive growth; changing the old, or adding new, soil to injured trees; careful pruning, and the encouragement of early growth in spring, and subsequent well ripening in autumn. [illustration: fig. 359. canna indica, showing habit, flowers, and leaves.] =canna= (derivation uncertain; according to some, from _cana_, the celtic name for cane, or reed). indian shot. ord. _scitamineã¦_. a large genus of stove herbaceous perennials, very extensively employed in sub-tropical and other methods of summer gardening. flowers spathaceous; anther attached to the edge of the petal-like filament. leaves very ornamental. few plants are more easily grown, or more quickly propagated. seeds of many of the finer sorts may be bought cheaply from respectable seedsmen. these should be sown in heat, in february or march. a warm house or cucumber pit is the best place for sowing the seeds, which are very hard. if soaked in tepid water for twenty-four hours, germination will be materially stimulated. a mixture of sand and leaf mould is best for them, and a covering of 1-1/2in. or 2in. of earth is not excessive. they should be sown thinly, in pans. as cannas are gross, and have somewhat brittle roots in a young state, it is a good plan to sow the seed singly in small pots. this method preserves all the roots intact, and prevents any check in potting off or dividing the plants out of seed pans or boxes. when this is not done, the plants must be potted off singly, as soon as they have formed two leaves, 3in. pots being used for the first shift. the soil can hardly be too rich and porous. equal parts rotted dung, loam, and sand, with a little peat, form a capital mixture for them. the plants must be kept in a growing temperature of 60deg. or so, during their earlier stages, and shifted as required into larger pots. under proper management, the roots will fill 6in. pots by the middle or end of may. they ought not to be planted out till the end of may or the first week in june. should fairly rich soil and a sheltered place be selected for them, they will not only grow, but flower freely during the late summer and autumn months. cannas are also very effective indoors, either for greenhouse or room decoration. for these purposes they may be grown on in 8in., 10in., or even 12in., pots, with rich soil, and placed either in a stove, intermediate house, warm or cool conservatory, window, or room. liberal supplies of manure water will be of very great benefit. propagation is also effected by means of divisions; they form a root-stock very like some of the commoner and more free-growing irises, each portion of which, with bud and roots attached, may be converted into an independent plant. the best mode of procedure is to divide the root-stock in early spring, when the pieces may be placed in 4in. pots at once; and, if plunged in a bottom heat of 60deg. or so, they will quickly resume root action and grow rapidly. they may also be propagated by division without bottom heat. those who grow large quantities seldom put their plants in pots at all. stored in pots or boxes for the winter, they are divided and placed singly in similar positions in the spring, and transferred from such vessels into the open air. the best open site for cannas is in a sheltered spot, with a good depth of rich soil, and plenty of moisture. in such a position, their noble leaves are not so much injured by rough winds. after flowering, or at the end of the season, they may be lifted and stored away in boxes, or in pots of earth, in dry, frost-proof sheds, or under greenhouse stages during winter. in warm, sheltered situations, with dry bottoms, they winter safely in the open, provided their crowns are covered with 1ft. of litter or cocoa fibre refuse. but where the soil is wet and cold, or the situation bleak and unprotected, they should be lifted and stored away, as already described. =c. achiras variegata= (variegated achiras).* _fl._ dark red. august. _l._ bright green, striped with white and yellow. better adapted for indoor culture than out. =c. annã¦i= (m. annã©e's).* _fl._ salmon-colour, large, well formed. june. _l._ large, green, glaucescent, ovate-acute, 2ft. long by 10in. wide. stems vigorous, stiff, sea-green. _h._ 6ft. (r. h. 1861, 470.) of this there are many forms, the best of which are: =c. a. discolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ rosy-yellow, few, small. late summer. _l._ lanceolate, erect, light red, 2-1/2ft. long, 10in. wide. stems dark red. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. =c. a. fulgida= (red).* _fl._ orange-red, large, well-opened. _l._ 20in. long, 6in. wide, deep purple, erect. stems small, dark red. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. =c. a. rosea= (rose).* _fl._ carmine-rose colour, small, few. late summer. _l._ 2ft. long, very narrow, pointed, erect. stems dark green, with a reddish base, numerous. _h._ 5ft. =c. auguste ferrier= (a. ferrier's).* _fl._ orange-red, medium-sized. _l._ very large, oval, erect, pointed, deep green, with narrow stripes and margins of dark purplish-red. stem green, very thick, downy. _h._ 10ft. =c. aurantiaca= (orange). _fl._, segments of perianth rose-coloured outside, reddish inside; upper lip orange, lower one yellow, dotted with orange. _l._ large, broadly lanceolate, pale green; margins slightly undulated. _h._ 6-1/2ft. brazil, 1824. =c. bihorelli= (bihorell's).* _fl._ deep crimson, produced upon branching spikes in great abundance. _l._ red when young, changing to deep bronze with age. _h._ 6ft. to 7ft. one of the best. =c. daniel hooibrenk.= _fl._ bright orange, large, freely produced. _l._ large, glaucous-green, acuminate, with bronzy margin. stalks strong, green. _h._ 6ft. =c. depute henon.=* _fl._ pure canary-colour, with a yellowish base, large; spikes numerous, rising gracefully above the foliage to a height of 1-1/2ft. _l._ ovate-acute, erect. _h._ 4ft. =c. discolor= (two-coloured).* _fl._ red. _l._ very large, broad, ovate-oblong; lower ones tinged with a blood-red hue; upper ones streaked with purple. stems stout, reddish. _h._ 6ft. south america, 1872. (b. r. 1231.) =c. edulis= (edible). _fl._ large, with purple outer segments, inner ones yellowish. _l._ broadly ovate-lanceolate, green, tinged with maroon. stems deep purple tinged. _h._ 6ft. to 7ft. peru, 1820. (b. r. 775.) =c. expansa-rubra= (red-expanded).* _fl._ large, with rounded bright purple segments. _l._ very large, sometimes over 4ft. long, and nearly 2ft. broad, ovate, obtuse, spreading horizontally, dark red. stems numerous, very thick. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. =c. flaccida= (flaccid). _fl._ yellow, very large, not very unlike those of the native _iris pseudo-acorus_. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, erect. _h._ 2-1/2ft. south america, 1788. (l. b. c. 562.) =c. gigantea= (gigantic).* _fl._ large, very ornamental, with orange-red outer, and deep purple red inner segments. summer. _l._ about 2ft. long; petioles covered with a velvety down. _h._ 6ft. south america, 1788. (b. r. 206.) =c. indica= (indian).* indian reed. _fl._ rather large, irregular; spikes erect, with light yellow and carmine-red divisions. summer. _l._ large, alternate, ovate-lanceolate. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. west indies, 1570. see fig. 359. (b. m. 454.) =c. insignis= (magnificent). _fl._ orange-red, few, small. _l._ ovate, spreading horizontally, green, rayed and margined with purplish-red. stems violet, downy. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. =c. iridiflora= (iris-flowered). _fl._ rose, with a yellow spot on the lip; spikes slightly drooping, several emanating from the same spathe. summer. _l._ broadly ovate-acuminate. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. peru, 1816. (b. r. 609.) =c. i. hybrida= (hybrid). _fl._ blood-red, very large, only properly developed when grown in a greenhouse. _l._ green, very large. stem green, downy, somewhat reddish. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. =c. limbata= (bordered).* _fl._ yellowish-red, disposed in long loose spikes; spathes glaucous. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute. _h._ 3ft. native country uncertain, 1818. (b. r. 771.) =c. l. major= (larger-bordered). _fl._ orange-red, large. _l._ large, lanceolate, 2-1/2ft. long, 8in. wide, spreading, deep green. stems downy. _h._ 5ft. to 6-1/2ft. =c. nigricans= (blackish).* _l._ coppery-red, lanceolate, acuminate, erect, 2-1/2ft. long, 10in. to 12in. broad. stems purplish-red. _h._ 4-1/2ft. to 8ft. one of the finest kinds. _c. atro-nigricans_ has leaves of a purplish shade, passing into dark red, of a deeper hue than those of _c. nigricans_. =c. premices de nice.= _fl._ bright yellow, very large. stems and leaves like those of _c. annã¦i_. =c. rendatleri= (rendatler's).* _fl._ salmon-red, numerous, large. _l._ much pointed, deep green, tinged with dark red. stems purplish-red. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. [illustration: fig. 360. flowering spike of canna speciosa.] =c. speciosa= (showy).* _fl._ sessile, in pairs; petals two, erect, bifid; lip spotted, revolute. august. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 3ft. nepaul, 1820. see fig. 360. (b. m. 2317.) =c. van-houttei= (van houtte's).* _fl._ bright scarlet, large, very abundantly produced. _l._ lanceolate, 2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, acuminated, green, rayed and margined with dark purplish-red. =c. warscewiczii= (warscewicz's).* _fl._ with brilliant scarlet inner, and purplish outer segments. _l._ ovate-elliptic, narrowed at both ends, deeply tinged with dark purple. _h._ 3ft. costa rica, 1849. (b. h. 2, 48.) there are several varieties of this species, the best two are: _chatei_, with very large dark red leaves, and _nobilis_, with deep green leaves, rayed and margined with dark red. =c. zebrina= (zebra-striped).* _fl._ orange, small. _l._ very large, ovate, erect, deep green, passing into dark red, rayed with violet-purple. stems dark violet-red. _h._ 6ft. to 8ft. =cannabinaceã�.= this order, of which the genus _cannabis_ (hemp) is the type, is now merged into _urticaceã¦_. =cannabis= (from the greek word _kannabis_, used by dioscorides, and that from sanskrit _canam_). hemp. ord. _urticaceã¦_. a small genus, of but little ornamental value. flowers racemose, diå�cious. nut two-valved, within the closed calyx. the undermentioned species is a hardy annual, of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. propagated by seeds, sown in spring. =c. sativa= (cultivated). _fl._ greenish. june. _l._ on long stalks; leaflets from five to seven, long, lanceolate, acuminated; margins serrated. _h._ 4ft. to 10ft., or even 20ft. india, &c. this plant is cultivated very extensively for the sake of its valuable fibre. well-grown plants have rather an ornamental appearance during the summer months. see fig. 361. [illustration: fig. 361. head of cannabis sativa.] =cannon-ball tree.= a common name for =couroupita guianensis= (which _see_). =canscora= (from _kansgan-cora_, the malabar name of _c. perfoliata_, as yet unintroduced). syn. _pladera_. including _phyllocyclus_. ord. _gentianeã¦_. small, erect, simple or branched, stove or greenhouse annuals. flowers stalked or sub-sessile. leaves opposite, sessile or amplexicaul. corolla funnel-shaped, with a four-cleft, unequal limb; the two outer segments equal, two lower ones combined a greater distance. stems tetragonal. _c. parishii_ requires similar treatment to =balsam=, and grows best in a soil to which chalk or limestone dã©bris is added. =c. parishii= (parish's). _fl._ white. _l._ opposite, perfectly connate, so that the united two apparently form an exactly orbicular leaf. _h._ 2ft. moulmein, 1864. greenhouse. (b. m. 5429.) =canterbury bells.= _see_ =campanula medium=. =cantharellus cibarius.= _see_ =chantarelle=. =canthium.= a synonym of =plectronia=. =cantua= (from _cantu_, the peruvian name of one of the species). syn. _periphragmos_. ord. _polemoniaceã¦_. very pretty erect, branched greenhouse evergreen shrubs. flowers in corymbs, at the termination of the branches, rarely solitary and axillary. leaves entire or almost pinnatifid, alternate, petiolate, elliptic, acuminated, or cuneate-oblong, glabrous, or downy on both surfaces when young. they are of easy culture in a compost of turfy loam, leaf-mould, and sand, if good drainage is allowed. propagated by cuttings, placed in sand, under a hand glass. in the western parts of england, these plants--particularly _c. buxifolia_--thrive remarkably well in sheltered situations. =c. bicolor= (two-coloured). _fl._ solitary; corolla with a short yellow tube and scarlet limb. may. _h._ 4ft. peru, 1846. (b. m. 4729.) =c. buxifolia= (box-leaved).* _fl._, corolla pale red, straight, funnel-shaped, with a very long tube; corymbs few-flowered; peduncles tomentose. april. _l._ cuneate-oblong, mucronulate, quite entire. _h._ 4ft. peruvian andes, 1849. an elegant plant, having the tops of branches, calyces, and young leaves, downy. syn. _c. dependens_. see fig. 362. (b. m. 4582.) =c. dependens= (hanging). synonymous with _c. buxifolia_. =c. pyrifolia= (pyrus-leaved).* _fl._, corolla yellowish-white, curved; stamens twice as long as the corolla; corymbs terminal, dense-flowered. march. _l._ elliptic or obovate acute, entire or sinuate-dentate. _h._ 3ft. peru, 1846. (b. m. 4386.) =caoutchouc.= the elastic gummy substance known as indiarubber, which is the inspissated juice of various plants growing in tropical climates in different parts of the world; such as _castilloa_, _ficus elastica_, _hevea_, various species of _landolphia_, _manihot_, &c., &c. =cape everlasting.= _see_ =helichrysum=. =cape gooseberry.= _see_ =physalis peruviana=. [illustration: fig. 362. flowering branch of cantua buxifolia.] =cape gum.= the gum of _acacia karroo_ or _a. capensis_. =cape jessamine.= _see_ =gardenia florida=. =caper-tree.= _see_ =capparis=. =capillary.= very slender; resembling a hair. =capitate.= growing in a head. =capitulate.= growing in small heads. =capitulum.= a close head of flowers; the inflorescence of composites. =capparideã�.= an order of herbs or shrubs, rarely trees. flowers clustered, or solitary; sepals four to eight, imbricate or valvate; petals four, arranged crosswise, sometimes, but rarely, five, or eight, rarely absent. leaves alternate, very rarely opposite, stipulate or exstipulate. the order is distributed throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of both hemispheres, the frutescent species being largely represented in america. there are about twenty-three genera--the best-known being _capparis_, _cleome_, and _cratã¦va_--and about 300 species. =capparis= (_kapparis_, old greek name used by dioscorides, from persian _kabar_, capers). caper-tree. ord. _capparideã¦_. greenhouse or stove evergreen shrubs, of considerable beauty. calyx four-parted; petals four; stamens numerous; succeeded by a berry. they thrive best in a compost of well-drained sandy loam. cuttings of ripe shoots will root in sand, under a hand glass, in moist heat. this genus contains about 120 species, but it is very doubtful if more than six are to be found under cultivation in this country. =c. amygdalina= (almond-like).* _fl._ white; peduncles axillary, compressed, corymbiferous. _l._ elliptical-oblong, narrowed towards both ends, with a callous point; upper surface smooth; under surface, as well as the branches, covered with silvery scaly dots. _h._ 6ft. west indies, 1818. stove. =c. cynophallophora= (dog-phallus bearing). _fl._ white, large, fragrant; peduncles few-flowered, shorter than the leaves. _l._ smooth, leathery, oblong, on short petiole. _h._ 8ft. to 25ft. west indies, 1752. stove. (r. g. 1862, 351.) =c. odoratissima= (sweetest-scented).* _fl._ violet, sweet-scented, about the size of myrtle, with yellow anthers; peduncles racemiferous at the top. _l._ oblong, acuminate, on long footstalks; upper surface smooth; under surface covered with little hard scales. _h._ 6ft. caraccas, 1814. stove. [illustration: fig. 363. flower and bud of capparis spinosa.] =c. spinosa= (spiny).* common caper. _fl._ white, tinged with red on the outside; pedicels solitary, one-flowered. june. _l._ ovate, roundish, deciduous. _h._ 3ft. south europe, 1596. this is an excellent greenhouse shrub, and one which we have found perfectly hardy in the southern counties of england. see fig. 363. (b. m. 291.) =caprifoliaceã�.= a rather large order of shrubs or herbs, often twining. flowers terminal, corymbose, or axillary; corolla superior, regular or irregular. leaves opposite, exstipulate. well-known genera are: _linnã¦a_, _lonicera_, _sambucus_, and _viburnum_. =caprifolium.= _see_ =lonicera=. [illustration: fig. 364. fruit of long and round capsicums.] =capsicum= (from _kapto_, to bite; on account of the biting heat of the seeds and pericarp). ord. _solanaceã¦_. shrubs or sub-shrubs, rarely herbs. peduncles extra-axillary, one-flowered. leaves scattered, solitary, or twin, and quite entire. many of the species, although possessing considerable beauty, are but rarely grown, either for decoration or for the use of their fruit; consequently, we confine our specific enumeration to the common capsicum, the bird pepper or chili, and the bell pepper. the first two of these have long been in cultivation, for use either in a green state for pickles and for making chili vinegar, or ripened and ground as cayenne pepper. some sorts are exceedingly ornamental for greenhouse decoration in winter, if plants are well grown in rather small pots, and the fruit ripened under glass. the varieties producing small pods are the hottest, and consequently best suited for making cayenne pepper. these are generally called chilies. all other varieties of capsicum have a more or less pungent flavour, and those bearing larger pods are more profitable for use in a green state. the fruits of all are either red or yellow when ripe, and are of various sizes and shapes. some are produced and stand erect on the upper side of the branches; others hang underneath. fig. 364 represents hanging fruits of long and round capsicums, the shapes of which are produced by both red and yellow varieties. _cultivation._ being natives of tropical countries, capsicums cannot always be depended upon to thoroughly ripen in the open air; but a good crop of green fruits may generally be obtained by preparing the plants early in the season, and planting out in a warm situation. sow the seeds in february or early in march, in pots or pans, placing them in heat; and so soon as the plants are large enough, pot off singly into 3in. pots, still keeping them in heat until well rooted. place them into 6in. or 7in. pots before they become starved; and gradually harden off and plant out about 2ft. asunder, in june. the fruits ripen better if the plants are placed against a south wall and tacked on to it. the safest plan to obtain a crop of ripe fruits is to cultivate under glass. pots of 7in. diameter are large enough. rich soil must be used, and any spare frames are suitable in summer. plenty of water and frequent syringings should be applied, as the plants are very liable to injury from red spider and other insects if this is in any way neglected. the fruits will keep some time after being ripe, but are never better than when fresh gathered; they may, however, be kept on the plants for a considerable period. _sorts._ chili, long red, long yellow, small red cayenne, round red, and round yellow. good ornamental varieties are: little gem, a very dwarf variety, of comparatively recent introduction, covered with small, erect, red pods; and prince of wales, free fruiting, with hanging bright yellow pods. =c. annuum= (annual). common capsicum. _fl._ white, solitary. june. petioles glabrous. _fr._ oblong, pendulous, and erect, red or yellow, variable in shape. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. south america, 1548. =c. baccatum.= bird pepper or chili. _fl._ greenish; peduncles twin. june. _fr._ small, erect, almost globose. _l._ oblong, glabrous, as well as the petiole. branches angular, striated. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. tropical america, 1731. greenhouse shrub. =c. grossum= (large). bell pepper. _fl._ white. july. india, 1759. =capsular.= like a capsule. =capsule.= a dry dehiscent seed vessel or fruit. =caragana= (_caragan_ is the name of _c. arborescens_ among the monguls). siberian pea-tree. ord. _leguminosã¦_. very ornamental hardy deciduous trees or shrubs. flowers usually yellow, axillary, either solitary or crowded, but always single on thin stalks. leaves abruptly pinnate, the midrib ending in a bristle or spine; leaflets mucronate. they are well adapted for shrubberies, and are of the easiest culture in sandy soil. propagated by cuttings, made of the roots, or by seeds; the low-growing shrubs by seeds and layers. caraganas are generally increased by grafting on _c. arborescens_, which is easily raised from seed, sown when ripe or in spring. =c. altagana= (altagana). _fl._ yellow; pedicels solitary. april to july. _l._ with six to eight pairs of glabrous, obovate-roundish, retuse leaflets; petiole unarmed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. dahuria, 1789. shrub. =c. arborescens= (tree-like).* _fl._ pale or bright yellow; pedicels in fascicles. april, may. _l._ with four to six pairs of oval-oblong villous leaflets; petiole unarmed. stipules spinescent. _h._ 15ft. to 20ft. siberia, 1752. tree. (b. m. 1886.) =c. chamlagu= (chamlagu). _fl._ yellow, at length becoming reddish, large, pendulous; pedicels solitary. may. _l._ with two pairs of distant, oval, or obovate glabrous leaflets; stipules spreading, and, as well as the petioles, spinose. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. china, 1773. shrub. =c. frutescens= (woody).* _fl._ yellow, resupinate; pedicels solitary. april. _l._ with two pairs of leaflets, approximating the top of the petiole, obovate-cuneated; stipules membranous; petiole furnished with a short spine at the apex. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. siberia, 1752. shrub. (s. b. f. g. 3, 227.) there are one or two varieties of this species. =c. jubata= (bearded).* _fl._ white, suffused with red, few; pedicels solitary, very short. april. _l._ with four or five pairs of oblong-lanceolate, lanuginously-ciliated leaflets; stipules setaceous; petioles somewhat spinose. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. siberia, 1796. shrub. syn. _robinia jubata_. (l. b. c. 522.) * * * * * +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | transcriber notes: | | | | p. 14. 't rminal' under aciotis, changed to 'terminal'. | | p. 21. 'ternstroemiaceoe' changed to 'ternstroemiaceã¦' | | p. 27. 'producing fronds', fronds is usually in italics. changed. | | p. 27. 'a synonymn of a. venustum.', changed 'synonymn' | | to 'synonym'. | | p. 41. 'deeply chanelled', changed 'chanelled' to 'channelled'. | | p. 41. 'a. wislizeni ... which is under 2ft. broad'; should 'broad'| | be 'long'? left as a query. | | p. 49. a. scorodoprasum. 'europ' changed to 'europe'. | | p. 53. a. ageratoides. 'receptable" changed to 'receptacle'. | | p. 87. 'surface is punctuate', changed 'punctuate' to 'punctuated'.| | p. 87. 'of less than than', taken out one 'than'. | | p. 134. a. umbrosum. 'laceolate' changed to 'lanceolate'. | | p. 162. 'caraccas', changed to 'caracas'. | | p. 171. 'browish when matured.', changed 'browish' to 'brownish'. | | p. 174. 'numerous arge round', changed 'arge' to 'large'. | | p. 190. 'part the day' changed to 'part of the day'. | | p. 190. 'rio janeiro, 1825.' changed to 'rio de janeiro, 1825.' | | p. 210. 'caraccas', changed to 'caracas'. | | p. 213. 'syn. b joinvillei, b. pitcairniã¦folia.', changed 'syn.' | | to 'syns.' | | p. 222. 'there is a is a variety', removed extra 'is a'. | | p. 235. 'petioles sheating' changed to 'petioles sheathing'. | | p. 259. 'capsidium' is 'campsidium' in another volume. changed. | | fixed various punctuation. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ 