PREFACE.
REFERENCE TO ILLUSTRATIONS OF PLANTS OTHER THAN THOSE FIGURED IN THIS WORK.
Sect. I. Roots Tuberous.
Sect. II. Roots Fibrous or Napiform.
CONTENTS

ARISTOLOCHIA ELEGANS.

THE
ILLUSTRATED
DICTIONARY OF GARDENING,

A PRACTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC

Encyclopædia 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.

HE 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: Anœctochilus Lowii is given under Anœctochilus, 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.

[vi]

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.

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:

* Is still in course of publication.

[1]

THE
DICTIONARY OF GARDENING,

An Encyclopædia 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. Caprifoliaceæ. 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. Coniferæ. 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, 1½in. 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, ½in. 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, ¾in. long. cones cylindrical, violet-coloured, pointing upwards, 4in. to 5in. long, and ½in. broad; scales ¾in. 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, ¾in. to[2] 1½in. 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 1½in. 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 1½in. 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 2½in. 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 1¼in. 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 ¾in. 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, 2½in. 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, ⅓in. to not quite 1in. long; bracts ovate, oblong, retuse. cones erect, cylindrical, 3½in. to 5½in. long, 1½in. 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, 1¾in. long. cones cylindrical, erect, sessile, 6½in. long, 2¾in. broad, brownish; scales triangular, without the bractea, 1¼in. long, and the same in breadth; bractea spathulate, imbricated backwards, ⅝in. 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 2¼in. to 2¾in. 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, ½in. 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, 1½in. to 2in. broad, when ripe, brown; scales with a long dorsal bractea, 1/6in. to 1¼in. long, and 1¼in. 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 ½in. long, bright green, with faint silvery lines on the inner side. cones sessile, oval, or oblong, 4in. to 5½in. 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, 1½in. long. cones roundish-oval, 2¾in. long, and 2½in. 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 ½in. wide, ¼in. 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, ½in. 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 2½in. long, ¾in. 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, 1½in. to 2½in. long. cones cylindrical, 6½in. to 7in. long, 2in. or more broad, deep purple; scales kidney-shaped, roundish, closely compressed, imbricated, about 1in. long, and 1¼in. 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. Cucurbitaceæ. A genus of stove or greenhouse plants, having solitary axillary diœcious 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[3] 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. Sterculiaceæ. 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. Nyctaginaceæ. 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.

FIG. 1. ABRONIA UMBELLATA, showing Flower and Habit.

A. arenaria (sand-loving).* fl. lemon-yellow, about ½in. 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. Leguminosæ. 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. Menispermaceæ. A strong growing ornamental stove evergreen climber. Used medicinally in Cayenne. Flowers diœcious, 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. Malvaceæ. 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[4] 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 (†) 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).†* 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).†* 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. pæoniflorum (pæony-flowered). fl. pink, smaller than those of A. insigne, but very distinct. January. l. large, ovate. h. 6ft. Brazil, 1845.

A. pulchellum (pretty).†* 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).†* 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 (†) 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,† 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,†* a strong grower, and very free.

Ornamental-foliaged. DARWINI TESSELATUM,†* 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,†* very free, of good habit, prettily blotched. All these ornamental-foliaged varieties are invaluable for bedding purposes.

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[5] 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,†* flowers rich rosy lake, very profuse, of excellent form; ROSÆFLORUM,†* pale salmon rose, veined with crimson.

White-flowered. BOULE DE NIEGE,†* very fine pure white flowers, the best in its class; PURITY,* very free, of good habit, and pure white; SERAPH,* dwarf, and very floriferous.

FIG. 3. FLOWER OF ABUTILON INSIGNE.

Yellow-flowered. CANARY BIRD,†* 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,† 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. Leguminosæ. 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 ¼in. 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 pinnæ, each pinna bearing nineteen to twenty-two pairs of oblong linear-leaflets. h. 5ft. Swan River.

A. amœna (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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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.

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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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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.

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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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. amœna 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 pinnæ, 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, ¼in. long. May. l. narrow, linear-lanceolate, acute or obtuse with a small callous point, narrowed at base, 1½in. 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 ½in., rarely ¾in., 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. oleæfolia.

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 pinnæ, 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. oleæfolia (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, ½in. 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 pinnæ, 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., pinnæ 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[7] pairs of pinnæ, 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. sophoræ (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. sphærocephala (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 pinnæ, each pinna bearing eight to ten pairs of oblong linear leaflets; branches and spines red. h. 20ft. Egypt, 1596.

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.

ACÆNA (from akaina, a thorn; in allusion to the slender spines on the calyx or fruit). ORD. Rosaceæ. 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. Novæ Zealandiæ. 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.

FIG. 6. ACÆNA 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. Novæ Zealandiæ (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. Euphorbiaceæ. 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 ¼in. 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.

ACANTHACEÆ. A large order of soft-wooded, herbaceous plants, usually having gamopetalous axillary flowers; calyx composed of deeply imbricated scales; bracts large, leafy.

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ACANTHEPHIPPIUM (the derivation of this word is not apparent). ORD. Orchideæ. 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, laciniæ white with purple. Malay Archipelago, 1881. The five keels between the side laciniæ 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. 1½ft. 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. Plantagineæ. 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 ½in. 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.

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.

ACANTHOPHOENIX (from akantha, a spine, and phoinix, the Date Palm). ORD. Palmæ. 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. Palmæ. A small genus of stove palms, differing from Trithrinax by the aërial 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. Chamærops 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. Bromeliaceæ. 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. Acanthaceæ. 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 4½ft. 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 1½ft. 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.

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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. 3½ft. South Europe, 1629.

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. Sapindaceæ. 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 ¼in. 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.

FIG. 9. LEAF AND FLOWER SPIKE OF ACANTHUS SPINOSUS.

A. c. lævigatum (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[10] 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 1½ft. 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 2½in. 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.

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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.

ACERACEÆ. 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. Orchidaceæ. 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.

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, Elæocarpus). ORD. Tiliaceæ. 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. Compositæ. 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. ægyptiaca (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. 1½ft. to 2½ft. 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.

FIG. 11. ACHILLEA CLAVENNæ, showing Habit and detached Flower-heads.

A. Clavennæ (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.

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.

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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. 1½ft. 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.

FIG. 13. ACHILLEA TOMENTOSA, showing Habit and detached Portion of Inflorescence.

FIG. 14. ROOT OF THE ACHIMENE,
showing Tubercles.

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. Gesneraceæ. 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.

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[13] 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.

FIG. 16. FLOWER OF ACHIMENES LONGIFLORA.

A. atrosanguinea (dark-crimson).* fl. crimson; tube of corolla 1½.in. long, cylindrical, saccate at base, pilose; limb small, spreading; peduncle one-flowered. July, August. l. pilose, oblong, sub-cordate, serrated, unequal. h. 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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. gloxiniæflora (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. 1½ft. 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. 2½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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-[14]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. Orchideæ. 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. Melastomaceæ. 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. Umbelliferæ. 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 Simæthis). ORD. Amaryllidaceæ. 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 ¼in. 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 ½in. 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. Melastomaceæ. 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 1½ft. 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. Rutaceæ. 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 Acmenæ, nymphs of Venus, who had an altar at Olympia). ORD. Myrtaceæ. 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.

[15]

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 Toxicophlœa.

ACONIOPTERIS. See Acrostichum.

ACONITE. See Aconitum.

ACONITE, WINTER. See Eranthis.

ACONITUM (from Aconæ, or Acone, a harbour of Heraclea, in Bithynia, near where it is said to abound). Aconite; Monk's Hood; Wolf's Bane. ORD. Ranunculaceæ. 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.

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. cœruleum (blue). fl. blue. Japan.

A. laciniosum (jagged). fl. pale blue, or with a white base, large, on somewhat contracted racemes; spur clavated-hooked;[16] 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.

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, amœnum, Bernhardianum, Braunii, callibotryon, Clusianum, commutatum, firmum, formosum, Funkianum, hians, Hoppeanum, Kœhleri, lætum, 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.

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:

[17]

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. Aroideæ. 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.

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. Rutaceæ. 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. Frankliniæ (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, 3226⅔; Irish, 7840; Leicestershire, 2308¾; 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. Malpighiaceæ. 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. Orchidaceæ. 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. Compositæ. A small genus of elegant half hardy annuals with "everlasting" flower heads, which are solitary, terminal, and consist of[18] 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.

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. Palmeæ. 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 pinnæ. 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. Rutaceæ. 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. Cunoniaceæ. 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, Pœcilipteris, Polybotrya, Rhipidopteris, Soromanes, Stenochlæna, 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ oblong-lanceolate, slightly lobed, truncate on the lower side at the base, 2in. to 3in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad; lower pinnæ, 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 pinnæ. fertile fronds much smaller, with distant narrow linear or pinnatifid leafy pinnæ. 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; pinnæ close, only the lowest pair with pinnatifid pinnules, ultimate divisions oblong-rhomboidal, ¼in. to ⅓in. 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, 1½in. 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; pinnæ 2in. to 4in. long, ⅜in. to ¾in. 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 pinnæ 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 pinnæ fertile, rather smaller than the barren ones, which are usually stalked, ligulate oblong, 3in. to 1ft. long, ½in. 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 pinnæ half line broad; upper[19] 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 ½in. broad, pinnate; lower pinnæ of fertile fronds two or three cleft, with linear divisions; those of the barren pinnæ 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 pinnæ on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad; apex acuminate, the edge slightly toothed; base rounded. fertile fronds with distant pinnæ 4in. to 8in. long, ⅛in. to ¼in. broad. Assam. Greenhouse species. SYN. Chrysodium Blumeanum.

A. callæfolium (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 pinnæ, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 5in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, stalked, with oblong segments, both surfaces naked; fertile pinnules close, the segments ¼in. 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; pinnæ 4in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, entire or nearly so, unequal at the base; fertile pinnæ 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, ½in. 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, about ½in. broad. India, &c., 1828. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris flagellifera.

A. fœniculaceum (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 ⅜in. broad, two-lobed. Andes of Ecuador. Stove species. (For culture, see A. peltatum). SYN. Rhipidopteris fœniculaceum.

A. Herminieri (Herminier's).* rhiz. stout, creeping. sti. very short, or none. barren fronds 1½ft. to 3ft. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, simple, acuminate, the lower part narrowed very gradually. fertile fronds short-stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1½in. 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 1½in. to 2in. long, ¾in. 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. callæfolium, &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 ½in. 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 1½in. 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. nicotianæfolium (tobacco-leaved).* rhiz. woody, wide creeping, scaly. sti. 1½ft. 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 pinnæ distant, 3in. to 4in. long, ¾in. broad. Cuba, &c. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris nicotianæfolium.

A. osmundaceum (osmunda-like).* rhiz. woody, wide scandent, scaly. sti. 12in. to 18in. long, firm, erect, scaly at the base. barren fronds ample, bi- or tripinnate; the lower pinnæ 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, ¼in. to ½in. long. Tropical America. Stove species. SYNS. A. cylindricum, and Polybotrya osmundaceum.

A. paleaceum (chaffy). Synonymous with A. squamosum.

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 ½in. 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 pinnæ[20] 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, ⅜in. 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, 1½in. to 2in. broad, the terminal pinnæ 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 pinnæ, 4in. to 8in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, the base cuneate, sessile, or slightly stalked, articulated; fertile pinnæ, 6in. to 12in. long, one and a half to two lines broad, the lower ones distant. Himalayas, &c., 1841. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. Stenochlæna 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, 1½in. 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 pinnæ on each side, 3in. to 6in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, inciso-crenate, the base cuneate; fertile pinnæ distant, 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. to ½in. 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 1½in. 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 pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, about ½in. broad, three to twenty on each side, articulated at the base, entire or toothed; fertile pinnæ 1in. to 2in. apart, 2in. to 4in. long, about ¼in. broad. West Indies, 1793. There are several varieties of this species, chiefly differing in the number of pinnæ. Stove species. SYN. Stenochlæna sorbifolia.

A. s. cuspidatum (cuspidate).* This is only a variety of the above species with long-stalked, ligulate-cuspidate pinnæ; 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 ½in. to 4in. long, ¼in. to ½in. 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, ½in. 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 1½in. 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 pinnæ 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. taccæfolium (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 pinnæ, 1in. to 6in. long, ½in. to 1½in. broad, the upper ones narrowly decurrent, the lower ones forked at the base on the under side. fertile fronds simple, 6in. to 12in. long, ⅛in. broad, or pinnate, with forked linear pinnæ. The three-lobed form of this species is sometimes known as A. trilobum. Philippines. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris taccæfolia.

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; pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, short-stalked. fertile fronds bipinnate, with longer stipes; pinnæ long-stalked, with numerous distant pinnules. South Africa. Stove or greenhouse species. SYNS. A. Meyerianum and Stenochlæna tenuifolia.

A. trilobum (three-lobed). A form of A. taccæfolium.

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 1½in. 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, ½in. 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. Epacridaceæ. 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.

ACTÆA (from aktaia, an Elder; in allusion to the resemblance of the foliage to that of the Elder). Baneberry. ORD. Ranunculaceæ. A small genus of perennial herbaceous plants, with bi- or 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 1½ft. N. America.

FIG. 23. ACTÆA SPICATA, showing Habit and Raceme of Flowers.

A. spicata (spiked).* fl. white, or bluish; racemes ovate. Summer. l. bi- or triternate, serrated. Berries oblong, black, poisonous. h. 1ft. England. See Fig. 23.

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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. Compositæ. 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 cæspitosum.

ACTINIDIA (from aktin, a ray; the styles radiate like the spokes of a wheel). ORD. Ternstrœmiaceæ. 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.

FIG. 24. ACTINIDIA VOLUBILIS.

A. Kolomikta (Kolomikta).* fl. white, solitary, axillary, or cymose, ½in. in diameter; peduncles about ½in. 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 1½in. 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. Alismaceæ. 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. Compositæ. 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.

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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 Schizæa (which see).

ACTINOTUS (from actinotos, furnished with rays; referring to the involucre). ORD. Umbelliferæ. 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.

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 æstuans.

ACUTE. Sharp-pointed.

ACYNTHA. A synonym of Sanseviera (which see).

ADA (a complimentary name). ORD. Orchideæ. 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. Saxifrageæ. 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. Sterculiaceæ. 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. Melastomaceæ. 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. Rutaceæ. 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. amœna.

A. amœna (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.

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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. Leguminosæ. 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. Proteaceæ. 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. Apocynaceæ. 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. Bignoniaceæ. 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. Leguminosæ. 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. Campanulaceæ. 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. 1½ft. 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,[24] ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrated. h. 1½ft. 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. pereskiæfolia.

A. liliiflora (lily-flowered).* fl. numerous, sweet-scented, in a loose pyramidal panicle. Central and Eastern Europe.

A. pereskiæfolia (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. 1½ft. Dahuria, 1821. SYN. A. latifolia.

A. periplocæfolia (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 1½ft. 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. Rosaceæ. 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. Leguminosæ. 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. Acanthaceæ. 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. cydoniæfolia (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. æmulum (rival).* sti. slender, about 6in. long. fronds slender, pyramidate, tri-subquadripinnate; pinnæ 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. æthiopicum (Æthiopian).* sti. 6in. to 9in. long, rather slender, erect. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, deltoid, tri- or quadripinnate; lower pinnæ 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, deltoid; ultimate segments ¼in. to ½in. across, ¼in. 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 1½in. broad, and several smaller erecto-patent lateral ones, the lowest of which are again branched; pinnules, ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. 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. amœnum (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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, and broad; segments, about ½in. 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. æthiopicum.

A. Bausei (Bause's).* fronds 1½ft. to 2½ft. long, spreading, triangular, tri-quadripinnate; pinnæ 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; pinnæ of three to six pinnules, ½in. to 1½in. 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.

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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 ½in. 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.

FIG. 26. ADIANTUM CAPILLUS-VENERIS DAPHNITES.

A. C.-V. daphnites (glistening).* sti. and rachises dark brown, reaching a height of from 9in. to 14in. pinnæ 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. cardiochlæna (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; pinnæ about ½in. long, ¼in. 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 pinnæ spreading at right angles from the rachis, 2in. to 4in. long, 1½in. broad, slightly branched below; ultimate segments about ½in. long, ¼in. 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; pinnæ numerous, spreading, flexuous, the lowest 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; segments ¼in. to ⅜in. 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 ½in. long, ¼in. 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.

FIG. 27. ADIANTUM DECORUM.

A. cristatum (crested). sti. 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, tomentose. fronds 1½ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with a terminal central pinna 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, and numerous rather distant lateral ones on each side, the lowest of which are sometimes again branched; segments ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. to ⅜in. 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; pinnæ 1in. to 2in. long, and about ¾in. 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, tri- or quadripinnate; lower pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; segments numerous, ¼in. to ⅜in. 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.

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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; pinnæ 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; pinnæ 8in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules 1¼in. to 1½in. long, about ½in. 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 pinnæ and pinnules stalked, deltoid; side segments rhomboid, ¼in. to ⅜in. 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, ¾in. broad, with a terminal lobe and numerous sub-opposite pinnæ, the lower ones distant, distinctly stalked, ½in. long, ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, hastate-deltoid, cordate or cuneate at the base. sori in interrupted lines along the sides of the pinnæ. West Indian Islands. Stove species.

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 ½in. long, ¼in. 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 pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; segments ¾in. 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 pinnæ. Himalaya and China.

A. emarginatum (notched at the end). Synonymous with A. æthiopicum.

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 pinnæ 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 pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules 1in. to 2in. long, ½in. 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 pinnæ 4in. to 8in. long, ¾in. broad; pinnules about ¼in. 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. amœnum.

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 pinnæ 12in. to 15in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, deltoid; pinnules deltoid; ultimate segments ¼in. to ⅜in. 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 1½in. broad, and several erecto-patent branches, the lower of which are branched again; pinnules about ¾in. long, ¼in. 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 pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, erecto-patent; segments ¼in. 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 pinnæ on each side, the upper of which are simple, but the lowest slightly branched; segments ½in. to ¾in. broad, ¼in. to ⅜in. 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. lætum, 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[27] 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 pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, ½in. to 1in. broad; pinnules ⅜in. to ¾in. 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 1½in. long; ¼in. to ½in. 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. lætum (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, 1½in. 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, ½in. 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.

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; pinnæ ¾in. to 1in. broad, ½in. 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 pinnæ 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 pinnæ rather distantly placed; segments ¼in. 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 ½in. 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; pinnæ ovate; terminal pinnules cuneate, lateral ones trapezoid, about ½in. 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 pinnæ, the lowest 1in. to 2in. long, ½in. to ¾in. 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 3½ft. 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 1¾in. 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 pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 1½in. broad; pinnules ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. 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 pinnæ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad; pinnules ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. 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, 1½in. 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 pinnæ sometimes 1ft. long; 6in. broad, with a long terminal and numerous lateral pinnules; segments ¾in. to 1in. long, ¼in. 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[28] the upper edge. Columbia. A magnificent stove species. SYNS. A. cardiochlæna 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 pinnæ 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, ¾in. 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 ½in. 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.

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, 1½in. to 2½in. 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 ½in. 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, ½in. 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 pinnæ compound; pinnæ 3in. to 4in. long, 1½in. 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 pinnæ lanceolate, with a few short spreading pinnules; side pinnules rhomboidal, about ¼in. 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, tri- or quadripinnate; segments ½in. to ¾in. 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 1½in. broad, and numerous spreading lateral ones; segments ½in. to ¾in. broad, ¼in. 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 1½in. to 2in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, dimidiate, the sides nearly parallel, the outer edge oblique, both it and the upper one bluntly lobed, the lowest on stalks ¼in. to ½in. 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. Sanctæ Catherinæ (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 ½in. long, lower border straight, more or less deflexed from tip of pedicel, inner distant from rachis, upper and outer shallowly lobed; end segments ½in. to ¾in. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, three to four pinnate; rachises densely pubescent on both sides; pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long; segments twenty to thirty-jugate, sub-sessile, sub-rhomboidal, 1in. long, ½in. broad, lower border decurved, outer blunt or sub-acute, upper straight, shallowly, bluntly lobed. sori straight, one to one and a[29] 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 ¼in. 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 pinnæ on each side, 6in. to 12in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnules dimidiate, about 1in. long, ½in. 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; pinnæ 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. Rubiaceæ. 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. Fumariaceæ. 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 ½in. 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. Ranunculaceæ. 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. æstivalis (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.

FIG. 31. FLOWER OF ADONIS æSTIVALIS.

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.

FIG. 32. ADONIS æSTIVALIS, 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.

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ADVENTURE BAY PINE. See Phyllocladus rhomboidalis.

ADVERSE. Opposite.

ÆCHMEA (from aichme, a point; in reference to the rigid points on the calyces, or flower-envelopes). Including Pironneaua. ORD. Bromeliaceæ. 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.

FIG. 33. ÆCHMEA FULGENS.

Æ. 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.

Æ. cœlestis (heavenly blue).* fl. sky-blue, in close pyramidal panicles, on erect snipes. Winter. l. ligulate, concave, spiny-edged, scaly beneath. Brazil, 1874. SYN. Hoplophytum cœleste.

Æ. cœrulescens (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 cœrulescens.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. hystrix (bristly).* fl. in very dense, oblong spikes; floral leaves and bracts scarlet. February. l. densely crowded, ascending, linear lanceolate, saw-toothed. h. 2½ft. Cayenne, 1880.

Æ. Legrelliana (Legrell's). A synonym of Portea Legrelliana.

Æ. 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.

Æ. Mariæ Reginæ (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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. spectabilis (showy).* fl. rosy; calyx fleshy, ovate; corolla 1in. long, rosy crimson. l. spreading, channelled, ligulate, 2½ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Guatemala, 1875.

Æ. 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.

ÆGICERAS (from aix, a goat, and keras, a horn; alluding to the shape of its fruit). ORD. Myrsineæ. Small trees, with obovate entire leaves. Flowers white, fragrant, in terminal or axillary umbels. For culture, see Jacquinia.

Æ. 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.

ÆGILOPS. See Quercus Ægilops.

ÆGIPHILA (from aix, a goat, and philos, dear; a favourite with goats). ORD. Verbenaceæ. 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.

Æ. grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl. yellow, terminal, corymbose; corolla downy. November. Berry compressed, blue. l. verti[31]cillate 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.

ÆGLE (from Ægle, one of the Hesperides). Bengal Quince. ORD. Rutaceæ. 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.

Æ. Marmelos (Marmelos). fl. white, very fragrant; panicles axillary, terminal. April. fr. fifteen-celled. l. trifoliate; leaflets toothletted. h. 10ft. India, 1759.

ÆOLANTHUS (from aiollo, to vary, and anthos, a flower; referring to the variableness of the flowers). ORD. Labiatæ. 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.

Æ. Livingstonii (Livingstone's). fl. brown. East Africa, 1859.

Æ. 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. Orchideæ. A genus of a couple of species of remarkable stove orchids, requiring treatment similar to Anguloa, to which they are allied.

Æ. arachnitis (spider-like). fl. green. l. linear. h. 4in. Madagascar, 1850.

Æ. 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. Orchideæ. 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 laciniæ 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.

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.

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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. Larpentæ.

FIG. 35. AERIDES ODORATUM.

A. Fieldingii (Fielding's).* The Fox-brush Ærides. 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. Larpentæ (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. Schrœderi (Schrœder'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 laciniæ of the blade of the lip on front part of spur painted with more or less warm purple (these laciniæ 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.

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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 Angræcum.

AEROPHYTES. Plants that are grown entirely in the air.

ÆSCHYNANTHUS (from aischuno, to be ashamed, and anthos, a flower). ORD. Gesneraceæ. 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.

Æ. atrosanguinea (dark-red).* fl. dark red; corolla 1½in. long, cylindrical, saccate at base, pilose; peduncle one-flowered. July. l. pilose, oblong, sub-cordate, serrated, unequal. h. 1½ft. Guatemala, 1848.

Æ. Aucklandi. (Lord Auckland's). Synonymous with Æ. speciosus.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

FIG. 36. ÆSCHYNANTHUS BOSCHIANUS.

Æ. 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.

Æ. miniatus (vermilion).* fl. rich vermilion; corolla tomentose; upper lip bilobed, lower one tripartite; peduncles axillary, three-flowered. June. l. oval acute, entire. h. 1½ft. Java, 1845. SYN. Æ. radicans.

Æ. pulcher (fair).* fl. bright scarlet; corolla three times larger than the calyx; corymbs terminal, bracteate. June. l. ovate, obscurely toothed. Java, 1845. Scandent.

Æ. radicans (stem-fibred). Synonymous with Æ. miniatus.

Æ. 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. Æ. Aucklandi.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. zebrinus (zebra-marked). fl. green, brown. Autumn. Java, 1846.

ÆSCHYNOMENE (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).[34] ORD. Leguminosæ. 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.

Æ. aristata (awned). A synonym of Pictatia aristata.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

ÆSCULUS (a name given by Pliny to a kind of oak having an edible fruit; derived from esca, nourishment). The Horse Chestnut. ORD. Sapindaceæ. 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.

Æ. carnea (flesh-coloured). Synonymous with Æ. rubicunda.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. ohioensis (Ohio). A synonym of A. glabra.

Æ. pallida (pale-flowered). A synonym of A. glabra.

Æ. 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 Æ. Hippocastanum. SYN. Æ. carnea.

ÆSTIVATION. The manner of the folding of the calyx and corolla in the flower bud.

ÆTHIONEMA (from aitho, to scorch, and nema, a filament; apparently in allusion to some tawny or burnt appearance in the stamens). ORD. Cruciferæ. 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.

Æ. 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.

FIG. 37. ÆTHIONEMA CORIDIFOLIUM, showing Habit and Flowers.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

FIG. 38. ÆTHIONEMA GRANDIFLORUM, showing Habit and Flowers.

Æ. 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 1½ft. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. 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.

Æ. pulchellum (pretty).* This is said to be a new species, but it much resembles Æ. coridifolium. It is scarcely in full cultivation yet, but it proves one of the hardiest as well as one of the most handsome kinds.

Æ. 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.

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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. Leguminosæ. A pretty stove evergreen tree. For culture, see Ægiphila.

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. Gesneraceæ. 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. Orchidaceæ. 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. cœrulea (dark blue).* fl. peduncles axillary, few flowered. "The colour is the well known one of Vanda cœrulea. 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. Apocynaceæ. 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. Liliaceæ. 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.

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.

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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, 1¼in. long; scape about 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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. Vacciniaceæ. 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. Proteaceæ. 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.

AGATHÆA (from agathos, excellent; in reference to the beauty of the flowers). ORD. Compositæ. 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. cœlestis (sky-blue).* fl.-heads blue; peduncle one-headed. June. l. opposite, ovate, naked. h. 1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1753. Herbaceous perennial. See Fig. 40.

FIG. 40. AGATHÆA CŒLESTIS.

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. Lauraceæ. 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. Rutaceæ. 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.

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FIG. 41. AGARICUS MUSCARIUS (FLY AGARIC).

FIG. 43. AGARICUS PROCERUS (PARASOL MUSHROOM).

FIG. 42. AGARICUS GAMBOSUS (ST. GEORGE'S MUSHROOM).

FIG. 44. AGARICUS CAMPESTRIS (COMMON MUSHROOM).

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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. Leguminosæ. Ornamental stove trees from India, with lanceolate stipulas, abruptly-pinnate leaves, having many pairs of leaflets. Flowers large, few, racemose. Legumes 1½ft. 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. Amaryllidaceæ. 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.

FIG. 45. AGAVE AMERICANA.

A. americana (American).* fl. yellowish green, 2in. to 3½in. long; in very dense globose clusters, on pedicels ¼in. to ½in. 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 ¼in. 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. amœna (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 3½in. 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 ¼in. to ⅓in. long, bright brown. Mexico, 1869.

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A. atrovirens (dark-green). Synonymous with A. Salmiana.

A. attenuata (attenuated).* fl. greenish-yellow, 2in. long; pedicels about ¼in. 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 2½ft. long, 8in. to 9in. broad two-thirds of the way up, narrowed to 2½in. 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 4½in. above the base; pale green, concave in the centre; spine hard, pungent, about ½in. long; marginal teeth crowded, ⅛in., upcurved at the tip. Stemless. Mexico, about 1865.

A. bulbifera (bulb-bearing). Synonymous with A. vivipara.

A. cæspitosa (tufted). Synonymous with A. Sartorii.

A. cantula. Synonymous with A. vivipara.

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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 5in. broad at the middle, narrowed to 2½in. 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, 1½ft. 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 1¼in. thick, deep heavy green; terminal spine 1½in. or more in length, red; side prickles irregular, deltoid, unequal, nearly straight, 1/6in. to ¼in. 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. Victoriæ Regina.

A. Corderoyi (Corderoy's).* fl. unknown. l. forty to fifty in a dense rosette, rigidly erecto-patent, ensiform, 1½ft. long, ¾in. 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 1½in. 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, 1½ft. 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.

FIG. 47. AGAVE DENSIFLORA.

A. densiflora (close-flowered).* fl. yellowish-red, 1½in. 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 2½in. to 5in. broad, bright green when mature; terminal spine ½in. long, thick, pungent, slightly decurrent; side spines crowded, short, bright chestnut brown. Mexico (previous to) 1857. See Fig. 47.

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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, 1½in. 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 ¼in. long. California, 1877.

A. Desmetiana (De Smet's). Probably synonymous with A. miradorensis.

A. Elemeetiana (Elemeet's).* fl. yellowish-green, 1in. to 1½in. long, in a dense spike 8ft. to 9ft. long, 7in. to 8in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels ¼in. 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, 1½ft. 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 ¼in. 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 1½ft. 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 ½in. 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, 1½in. long, on a dense spike 3ft. long; scape 3ft. to 4ft. long. l. fifty to eighty in a rosette, rigid, ensiform, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 2½in. 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 ¼in. 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 ⅜in. to ½in. 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. lævior (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, 2½in. 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, 1½in. 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, ⅙in. to ¼in. 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. 1½ft. long, without any distinct central band, and with copious irregular grey lanceolate prickles, about ⅓in. long.

A. K. pectinata (comb-like). l. 1ft. long, 2¼in. 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, 1½in. 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. cœrulescens (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 ¼in. to ½in. 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 1½in. broad, very stiff and rigid, very glaucous; face rather thicker in the lower half; terminal spine nearly black, very pungent, ½in. long; side prickles purplish-black, sub-distant, ⅛in. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 1¾in. 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 ¼in. long. Mexico. A very distinct species.

A. micracantha (small-spined). fl. yellowish, 1½in. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 2½in. 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, 1½in. 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, 2½in. to 5in. broad above the middle, bright green, slightly glaucous when young; terminal spine dark brown, pungent, ½in. to ¾in. long; side prickles crowded, deltoid, dark chestnut brown, irregular, ¹/₁₂in. or ⅛in. 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 1½ft. long; 1½in. 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 2½ft. long, 7in. to 9in. broad above the middle, a dull glaucous green; face slightly concave; terminal spines hard, pungent, 1½in. to 2in. long; side prickles deltoid-cuspidate, about ¼in. 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, 1½ft. 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[41] rosette, stiff, ensiform, 6in. to 7in. long, 1in. to 1½in. 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, ½in. to ¾in. long; side prickles copious, spreading, lanceolate, curved, ¼in. long. Mexico, 1869.

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 1½in. to 2in. long, hard and pungent; side prickles ¼in. 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, 1½in. 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, 1½ft. 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. cæspitosa, 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, ¾in. 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, 2½in. 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 1½ft. 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 ¼in. 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. amœna, 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 1½ft. broad, oblong-spathulate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 3½in. 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, ½in. 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 3½in. 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, 3½in. to 4½in. 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, ¼in. to ½in. 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 2½in. long, in a deltoid panicle, of which the lower panicles are 9in. to 12in. long, and bear a hundred flowers each; pedicels ¼in. to 1in. long; scape 8ft. to 10ft. high, 2½in. 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, ½in. long; side prickles distant, brown, hooked, ¹/₁₂in. to ⅛in. long. West Indies, 1678.

A. striata (striated-leaved).* fl. brownish green outside, yellow inside, 1in. to 1½in. 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 2½ft. long, ¼in. to ⅜in. broad above the deltoid dilated base, where they are ¼in. 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, ½in. long; edges minutely serrulate. Mexico, 1856.

A. s. echinoides (Echinus-like). l. about 6in. long, ⅓in. 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, ¼in. 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, 1½in. long (or less); spike 10ft. to 12ft. long, 6in. to 7in. thick; pedicels ¼in. 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 2½ft. 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, ⅛in. long, from ½in. to 1in. apart; terminal spine brown, pungent, 1in. long. Mexico, 1830.

A. utahensis (Utahan).* fl. yellowish, about 1in. long; peduncles ultimately ¼in. 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, ⅛in. to ½in. 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 1½in. 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. Victoriæ Regina (Queen Victoria).* l. forty to fifty in a sessile rosette, stiff, rigid, lanceolate, 6in. long, 1½in. 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 ½in. 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 1¼in. long; spike very loose, 1ft. to 1½ft. long; lower flowers with very short pedicels and lanceolate bracts, about ¼in. 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 1½in. 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, 1½in. to 2in. long, often changed into bulbillæ, 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, 1½in. 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, ½in. 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. 2½in. 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 3½in. 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 ⅛in. 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, 1½in. 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,[42] ensiform, diverging irregularly and often curving, 1½ft. 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, ½in. to ¾in. long, and ⅜in. to ½in. 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.

FIG. 48. AGAVE YUCCÆFOLIA.

A. yuccæfolia (Yucca-leaved).* fl. greenish yellow, 1¼in. to 1½in. 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, 1½ft. to 2½ft. long, ¾in. 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. Cœlestina. ORD. Compositæ. 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. 1½ft. 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. Meliaceæ. 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. Aroideæ. 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. marantæfolium 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. 1½ft. Victoria Mountains, 1868.

A. marantæfolium 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).

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AGRIMONIA (from argos, white; the cataract of the eye being white. Once reputed to contain medicinal qualities). Agrimony. ORD. Rosaceæ. 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. Caryophyllaceæ. 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. cœli-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. cœli-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.

FIG. 49. AGROSTEMMA CŒLI-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.

FIG. 50. AGROSTEMMA CŒLI-ROSA PURPUREA.

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. 1½ft. Switzerland, 1726. Plant white from tomentum. See Fig. 52.

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. Gramineæ. 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[44] 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.

FIG. 53. AGROSTIS NEBULOSA.

A. nebulosa (cloud).* Cloud Grass. fl. panicles resemble, when developed, a cloud resting over the ground. h. 1½ft. 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. Xanthoxylaceæ. 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.

AINSLÆA (in honour of Dr. Whitelaw Ainslie, author of a work on Indian drugs). ORD. Compositæ. 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. Walkeræ (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. Gramineæ. 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.

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. Meliaceæ. 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. Portulacaceæ. 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. Labiatæ. 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.

[45]

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. Chamæpitys (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 1½ft. 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.

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. Lardizabalaceæ. 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.

ALANGIACEÆ. 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. Alangiaceæ. 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. Leguminosæ. 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 pinnæ, 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 pinnæ, 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. Liliaceæ. 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 1½ft. long. l. linear-lorate, sub-erect, fleshy, pale green, 1½ft. 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. 1½ft. 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, 1½in. 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 3½ft. long, l¼in. to 2¼in. 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. Rosaceæ.[46] 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. sibbaldiæfolia.

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. Sibbaldiæfolia (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. Hæmodoraceæ. 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 1½ft. 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. Euphorbiaceæ. 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. Leguminosæ. 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. Cinchonaceæ. A small stove evergreen tree, very ornamental when in flower. Flowers solitary or fascicled, diœcious; 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. Alismaceæ. 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.

FIG. 56. ALISMA NATANS.

A. natans (floating).* fl. white; peduncles simple. July. l. elliptical-obtuse; stem ones floating, on long stalks, scarcely nerved;[47] 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.

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.

ALISMACEÆ. 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 Linnæus). ORD. Apocynaceæ. 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. Linnæi.

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. Linnæi (Linnæus'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.

[48]

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, ½ft. to 1ft. broad; pinnæ 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 1½ft. 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, Schœnoprasum. ORD. Liliaceæ. 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, ½in. 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. Bidwelliæ (Mrs. Bidwell's).* fl. bright rose, about ½in. 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, ¼in. 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. cœruleum (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, ½in. to ¾in. 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 ¼in. broad. h. 1ft. North America.

A. magicum (enchanting). Synonymous with A. nigrum.

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 ½in. across, in several-flowered umbels. July. l. flat, rather longer than the stem, about ¼in. 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. 2½ft. to 3¼ft. 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, ¼in. 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.

[49]

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. 1½ft. Sicily, 1548. For culture, see Garlic.

A. schœnoprasum (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 ⅓in. 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. sphærocephalum (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. 1½ft. to 2½ft. South Europe, 1759.

A. stramineum (straw-coloured). fl. yellow, in dense globular umbels. July. l. narrow, shorter than the stems. h. 1½ft. 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, ½in. to 1in. long. SYN. A. Douglasii.

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. ¼in. to ½in. 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. 1½ft. 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. Gesneraceæ. 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 Pellæa.

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 (=¼ 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. Rutaceæ. 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. Betulaceæ. A genus of deciduous trees and shrubs. Flowers monœcious; 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 1½ft. 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[50] 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.

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. Aroideæ. 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. 1½ft. 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. 2½ft. 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, 1½ft. 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 4½ft. 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.

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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. Liliaceæ. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. about twenty in a rosette, ensiform, 1½ft. to 2½ft. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 2½in. 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, 1½in. long; raceme dense, nearly 1ft. long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. 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 1½in. in diameter. 1796.

A. albocincta (white-banded).* fl., perianth brilliant red, ten to twelve lines long; racemes twenty or more, shortly capitate, 2in. to 2½in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels ascending, six to nine lines long; scape stout, branched, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, outer ones recurved, lanceolate, 1½ft. 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, 1½ft., simple or branched. l. (rosette 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter) dense, aggregate, ensiform, 1½ft. 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, 3½in. 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 1½ft. 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. Barberæ, A. Zeyheri.

A. barbadensis (Barbadoes). Synonymous with A. vera.

A. Barberæ (Barber's). Synonymous with A. Bainesii.

A. brevifolia (short-leaved).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. long, 2½in. 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 1½ft. to 2ft. long. l. 6in. long; bottom 1½in. to 2in. broad; face sometimes sparingly tubercled.

A. cæsia (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 1½ft.; 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, 1½in. 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. mitræformis.

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 1½ft., 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. when mature, 8in. to 10in. long, distichous, falcate, lined; outer ones 1½ft. 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 1½ft., usually simple. l. ascending, loosely disposed, ovate-lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, and 1½in. 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 1½ft. long, 3½in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels 1in. to 1½in. long. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long; at the base 1½in. 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., 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1731.

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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 2½in. 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, 1½in. 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 2½in. 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 1½in. to 2in. long; peduncle robust, 2ft., often branched. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, 6in. long, 2½in. to 3½in. 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., 1½in. 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., 1½in. 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 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels ½in. 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. mitræformis (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, 1½ft., 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 1½in. to 2in. long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. l. rather loosely disposed, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2¼in. 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, 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1800.

A. pachyphylla (thick-leaved). A mere form of A. mitræformis.

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 1½ft. long, commonly two-headed. l. in a rosette, lanceolate, 7in. to 8in. long, and 2½in. 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, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. forty to fifty in a dense rosette, 1ft. to 1½ft. 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 1½in. 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, 1½in. 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, 1½ft. 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 1½in. to 2¼in. broad, pale green; face below the top flat or slightly concave, obscurely lined, spotted; margin minutely denticulated. Stem simple, finally 1ft. to 2ft. high, 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1789.

A. spinulosa (spiny). A mere form of A. mitræformis.

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, 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ensiform, acuminate, falcate, 1½ft. 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.

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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 1½ft. long, glaucous purple; panicle deltoid. l. twelve to sixteen in a close rosette, lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. long, 1½in. 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.