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THE

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COLLEGE
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AGRICULTURE

 

 

 

 

“NEW Yor" STATE
COLLEGE CF ASGTICULTURE, -
DEPARTMENT GF HORTICULTURE,

: CORNELL UNIVERSITY,
ITHACA, N. Y.
Cornell University Libra

hoice stove and greenhouse ornamental-I
STOVE AND GREENHOUSE ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED
PLANTS,

SECOND EDITION.
 
 

uA NUR
CHOICE

STOVE AND GREENHOUSE

ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED
PLANTS,

SECOND EDITION,

COMPRISING

DESCRIPTIONS OF MORE THAN NINE HUNDRED SPECIES
AND VARIETIES,

ACCOMPANIED BY

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION AND MOD.OF MANAGEMENT,

Pith Bllnstrations.

BY

BENJAMIN SAMUEL WILLIAMS, F.R.HS,,

Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N.:

AUTHOR OF ‘' THE ORCHID:GROWER’S MANUAL,” ‘‘ HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS,”
“SELECT FERNS AND LYCOPODS,” ‘‘CHOICE STOVE AND
GREENHOUSE FLOWERING PLANTS,” ETC., ETC.

LONDON:
PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR.

1876.
LONDON:

HM. Potrert, Horticultural and General Steam Printer,
\ .12 to 15, Bridgewater Gardens, Barbican, E.C.
CONTENTS.

‘CISTERNS . " fi 7 : “ 2 : a ‘i .

CONSERVATORIES AND GREENHOUSES . : s ‘ . :
GLAZING AND VENTILATING . : . . : 3 :
GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES . : : 3 ‘
‘GREENHOUSES, PLAN OF . : j j ‘ . 3 .
HEATING. 3 : < . . ‘ A 2 A
Insects . ie 7 . we : es « “ *
INTRODUCTION ©. S ‘ z : ‘ : 5 . 3

PALMS AND THEIR USES. 7 . ; 7 s ‘
PorrTixe . é : ‘ : 4 ‘ i 5 3 .
PLAN OF GREENHOUSE : . , ‘ ‘ A . 3
PLAN oF Stove. . . 3 . : . : . A
PLANTS SUITABLE FOR THE DECORATION OF APARTMENTS . .
REMARKS UPON Prant Howses. 3 7 : 2 7 é
Sexect List or Harpy ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANts, for use
in the Sub-tropical Gardens... i : : es
Szrecr List or HaAnDY ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS, suitable
_ for Window Decoration in the Open Air. . . .
Setecr List or Harpy FLowERInc PLANts, suitable for Window

Decoration in the Open Air. . : ‘ f . .

PAGE

VW
10
14
10
il
15
24

26
a1

ll

60

65

65
vi CONTENTS.

SeLtect List ofr ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED P.Lants, suitable for
Dinner-table Decoration : 5 : . ‘ z is
SeLecr Lisr oF ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLAnts, which succeed
ina Wardian Case. é ‘ , ‘ 7 ;
Sexect List oF ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED Prants, suitable for the

Decoration of Apartments, Halls, &.. %.  . . .

Sexxcr List or Sub-rroprcaL Puants * ee eRe ‘ ‘
Sexect List oF SuccuLent Puants . 3 ‘ ‘ 3 r
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING. 5 3 ‘ ‘ : p
SuccuLent Puants . s 2 - 7 A - ‘ ‘
SHADING . . : vo . : om oe - .

Som.  . . Bo Sec . : ‘ : : . .
Srove Phan. : : 2 3 3 ‘ . . 2
Usrs or Patus. . . : : . 8 7
VENTILATING ANDGLAZING =. 6 ww, .
Warertne i . . . . . . am «2a .
Wixpow Puants axD PLANTS svirapLe For In-poor Decona-

TION AG. Oe ue a

PAGE

62

64

60
53
389
42
37
17
19

&
26
14
23
PREFACE.

 

By the large circulation the First Edition of my
book on “Stove and Greenhouse Foliage Plants”
has received, I have been induced to bring out a
Second one, in which I have introduced many new
Draceenas, Crotons, and other new plants, also fresh
engravings, which I hope will be found useful and
instructive to my readers. The First Edition has
been circulated in all parts of the civilised world,
and I hope it has been the means of increasing
horticulture, and also the taste for foliage plants,
as they are the most useful for decorating our
Conservatories, Stoves, Halls, Dinner Tables, &c.,
always giving a delight to those whose tastes tend
towards nature and her charming productions. From
correspondents I hear how it has been appreciated,
and I find that it has increased the taste of
Amateurs, as being useful as a reference. I hope
the present edition may receive as good a reception

as the first.
B. S. WILLIAMS.

VICTORIA AND ParapisE NunsERiEs,
Urrer Hottoway, Lonpon, N.,
May, 1876.
PREFACE.

Tre First Edition of my work on “Choice Stove
aad Greenhouse Flowering Plants” has met with
such success that it encourages me to issue a Second
Edition, and, as well as the large sale I have had,
‘it has been found useful to amateurs as well as
gardeners in their pursuits.

I have received intimations and assurances how
thoroughly the work, both as a practical and useful
one, has been appreciated. It is highly gratifying
to me, and induces me to enlarge upon the subject by
adding those plants that have been introduced since
my first work on this subject was published. I have
endeavoured to make it equally interesting to my
readers as a second volume as it has been as a first,
in the hopes that I may be spared to some future
period to enlarge even more fully than I have done
now, in the meantime my best thanks are due to my
humerous patrons.

In laying the companion volume—devoted entirely
to Stove and Greenhouse Plants with Ornamental
Leaves—before the public, I am not without hope
that, while redeeming a promise made in a former
work, I may, at the same time, be affording equally
useful information to a numerous circle of readers.
x PREFACE.

In thus making especial reference to plants with
ornamental leaves, it should be clearly understood
that I am quite prepared to admit that the leaves of
every plant are full of beauty. There are, however,
degrees of beauty; and while it is not reasonable
to suppose that any one cultivator can find sufficient
accommodation for all the choice Exotics which are
to be found in European gardens, it is quite reasonable
to conclude that from want of space he would be
compelled to make a selection, retaining only those
which most commend themselves to his admiration,
either on account of their bold and striking or distinct
character, or from their delicacy and beauty. To assist
the Horticulturist in his efforts in this direction has
been my chief aim in penning the pages of “ Choice
Stove and Greenhouse Ornamental-leaved Plants,”

The woodcuts are partly original and partly derived
from friends; several of them have appeared in the
Gardeners’ Chronicle, in the Florist and Pomologist,
and in the Gardeners’ Magazine. To the Editors of
these periodicals I beg to tender my best thanks for
the use of the blocks. I trust the success of this
book will be sufficient to enable me to illustrate more
largely in another edition. .

B. S. WILLIAMS.

VicTorIA AND ParapisE NurseErizs,
Uprer Hotitoway, Loxpon, N.
ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

INTRODUCTION.

=a} HE rapid strides which the science of horticulture
has made during the past few years, affords
ample-proof that our national taste is becoming
more elevated and refined. Amateur plant growers have
everywhere largely increased, and the collections of plants
they cultivate is a proof that their conception of the beau-
tifal is not confined to brilliant coloured flowers alone, but
that they are able to appreciate grace and elegance in the
form and markings of the leaves, independent of bloom,
which has been for so many years the sole aim of the
horticulturist, who looked forward to the development of
these, in many instances, short-lived flowers as the sole
reward of a whole season’s labour. Now, however, we
live in happier times, and derive a greater share of
pleasure from our plants, because we grow and prize
many which have beautifully variegated or otherwise
richly ornamented leaves, and which begin to display their
charms soon after germination, We wish to be per-
B

 
 
2 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

fectly understood in using the term “ Ornamental-foliaged
Plants,” being fully aware that to those whose inclinations
lead them into close intercourse with nature, everything
is beautiful, and we have therefore prefixed the word
“ choice ” to the title, and confine ourselves to the most
strikingly beautiful and elegant-leaved kinds. How it
was that we were so long learning to love these highly
ornamental plants, it is difficult to say; but we are be-
coming thoroughly alive now to the noble and massive
beauty displayed by some, to the graceful and elegant
outlines of others, and to the richness and singularity in
the colours and markings of the leaves of many more, Let
us pause, however, and state distinctly, that, great as our
love may be for Ornamental-leaved Plants, we do not wish
to exalt them, to the annihilation of the Ornamental-flower-
ing plants; for although the beautiful-leaved plants are
exceedingly ornamental and gay when grouped together
by themselves, we are fully persuaded that a judicious
selection from both classes, according to the space at
disposal, is the surest means of producing a gay and
cheerful effect throughout the entire year.

What a blank it would make in our stoves and con-
servatories, were we to be suddenly deprived of our
elegant Ferns, noble Palms, highly coloured Draczenas,
massive Agaves, and graceful Cordylines, not to. mention
such plants as Marantas, Dieffenbachias, Anthuriums,
Alocasias, and a host of other highly coloured and elegant
plants. The older plant collectors were continually re-
minding us of the richly painted foliage they had met
with in the tropics, but which they had never sent home,
because no one ever thought of growing a plant except
for the flowers it produced; and they were constantly
urging upon horticulturists at home the great beauty
INTRODUCTION. 3

and highly decorative qualities of such as these, until at
last the barrier was broken down, and with most bene-
ficial results.

The cultivation of Ornamental-leaved Plants is much
easier than that of plants grown entirely for the beauty
of their flowers. This will be readily understood on a
moment’s reflection. To produce plants profusely adorned
with flowers, close attention is required in resting, in
shifting, and starting into growth at the proper season,
and other matters of importance, all which is fully ex-
plained in the volume devoted entirely to the Ornamental-
flowering Plants; but the plants now under consider-
ation have to be treated upon quite a different principle,
for as their beauty is to be sought in their foliage, the
object should be to make them grow as vigorous as
possible from the earliest stages, so that their characters
may be seen at an early period of their existence, and
those kinds which are not deciduous require to be kept
in a growing state nearly the’ whole year, which differs
materially from the treatment necessary for most plants
required to produce a large crop of flowers. The deciduous
or annual-leaved kinds, such as Caladiums, give very little
trouble, but yield an abundance of their charming leaves
provided an ample supply of water and moderate heat
be maintained. The details of cultivation will, however,
follow in its proper sequence, and therefore need not be
further referred to here. Let us rather address our-
selves to dispel the too prevalent idea, that the class of
plants to which these pages are devoted require a great
amount of heat. This may indeed be true in regard to
most of the plants from the low grounds of the islands
in the Indian Archipelago, and also from most other low
countries within the tropics, and that a great many plants

BQ

a
4 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

of this class require ordinary stove heat we do not attempt
to deny, but rather add, they will not exist without it;
but between these is an immense quantity of grand
“Foliaged” Plants, which have for a number of years
been looked upon as purely stove plants, but which we
now find not only thrive well in the greenhouse and
conservatory, but actually grow in the open air during
the summer months. Nor is this any matter for astonish-
ment, when we reflect that even “Palms,” which we
usually associate in our minds with great heat, are said
to exist in abundance in the forest-clad slopes of the
Andes, at some 7,000 and 8,000 feet altitude, and the
same may be said of many species from the Himalayas.
With these are found many plants which would be
beautiful ornaments to our cool houses, if their natural
positions were only more ofien borne in mind by the
cultivator. It cannot be too strongly impressed upon
the attention of collectors, that an account of the posi-
tion, the altitude, and natural surroundings of every
plant they gather, is of the greatest assistance to the
practical man at home, and that through want of such
knowledge many valuable and beautiful plants have been
lost to cultivation, after having been introduced in a
living state to this country.

Besides the Indian and tropical American plants, we
have moreover those of Australia, New Zealand, and the
Cape of Good Hope, all of which countries supply us
with an immense quantity of Ornamental-leaved Plants,
and every year only reveals to us the fact that richer
treasures are yet in store for whoever searches for them.
REMARKS UPON PLANT HOUSES, 5

REMARKS UPON PLANT HOUSES.

N the volume devoted to Flowering Plants, we
have already described the houses which in our

i=28] estimation are best adapted for the cultivation
of those plants. The same remarks will apply with equal
force in the case of plants grown for their foliage, but
as some of the readers of the present volume may not
be in possession of the book above referred to, it will
be advisable to repeat them here.

There are many forms of houses which may be em-
ployed successfully for the growth of the plants which
we have now under consideration, such as span-roofs,
halfspans, curvilinear, and lean-to houses, but the span-
roof is undoubtedly the best kind of -house, as it affords
the plants more light and air, and at the same time
may be made to form an ornament in a garden where
no other style of house could be tolerated.

By the above remarks, we do not mean to infer that
good plants cannot be grown in any other class of house,
because the daily experience of hundreds of amateurs and
professional gardeners would flatly contradict such an
assertion; but in offering advice, we deem it best to proffer
such as our experience points out to be the very best,
and that the span-roof is the most to be preferred in
houses devoted to plant growing, none will attempt to
deny. On the other hand, half-spans and Jean-to houses
are very useful structures, and handsome specimens can

 
 

also be grown in them, extra care being necessary in
turning the plants round to the light in order to prevent
the growths all drawing to one side. Houses of these
6 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

latter forms, however, claim the attention of amateurs
through being specially adapted to their wants: for
instance, many a blank wall, which is a constant eye-
sore, can be covered with such a structure, and thus
made to considerably increase the pleasures of a garden,
and that too with but a slight curtailment of the
ground, which in gardens of small extent is of con-
siderable importance.

A word or two in reference to those little glass
structures which are so often attached to houses in
London and other large cities and towns, and styled
conservatories, may not be out of place in this chapter,
and firstly, we say, do not be over sanguine of success
with them, for they are usually miserable receptacles for
plants, erected to please the whim of the architect, who
generally has not the most remote idea of what is,
or is not, required or suitable for the future occupants,
and is not always even capable of making them orna-
mental. This state of things is not, however, confined
to small conservatories unfortunately, for we have seen
large glass houses attached to country mansions which
are nothing better than graves for the plants placed
in them, merely because the builder has chosen to
place them in some corner left blank by the style of
architecture, or they are constructed merely to give
a finish to his building, he all the while knowing
nothing, and caring as little, who may reap the reward
of his horticultural ignorance. Having, however, one
of these small structures to deal with, say in a large
town, we must endeavour to turn it to the best pos-
sible account, and here one of the chief difficulties occur:
for while those in possession of a house of this ae
scription are generally amateurs who have less time to
REMARKS UPON PLANT HOUSES. 7

devote to their garden, and are probably not so well
versed in the requirements of plants as those living
in the country, with the advantage of large gardens,
these little conservatories require their possessor to
have an intimate knowledge of the wants of plants,
to enable him to choose those which will thrive in
them. For the assistance of such persons we should
say, do not attempt to grow any flowering plants of
tender constitution, for they will not thrive, and all the
time they exist will present a sickly and pitiable
appearance. Such things as Cape Heaths and Hard-
wooded New Holland plants should also not be attempted,
as disappointment is sure to follow; and, indeed, until
Ferns and other ornamental-leaved plants are more
largely grown in such structures, they will always look
untidy, and whenever entered will create a feeling of
regret on the part of the proprietor. To render these
unfortunate little conservatories pleasing, therefore, we
advise that the principal objects should be ornamental
plants of robust constitution, with leaves stout in texture,
either green of different shades or variegated, while
to vary the scene, and to enliven the whole, some
flowering plants should be mixed with them, but they
should always be in the minority. The plants most
suitable for the houses here described are to be found
amongst Palms, Dracenas, Ferns, Begonias, Agaves,
Yuccas, Anthuriums, Aralias, Crotons, and many others,
enlivened with flowering plants which will vary according
to the season—in winter and spring it may be Dutch
bulbs, Amaryllis, Lachenalias, Cyclamens, &c., c&c., these
in time will give way to Roses, Rhododendrons, Pelar-
gonioms, Fuchsias, Double Petunias, and a host of other
things. By such an arrangement the general feature will
remain, and as these can be more easily managed than
8 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

flowering plants, the
houses will in this
way afford much
more pleasure than ons
under other circum-
stances, ~-&
To return, how-
ever, to the subject [Tf
of plant houses: we A
here give woodeut pt
illustrations, show-
ing the end section , ;
and general plan of
a span-roofed house J
suitable for the cul-
tivation of ornamen-
tal-foliaged plants a
requiring stove treat-
ment. The dimen-
sions are :—length
fifty feet, width
twenty feet, and
height twelve feet.
It is provided with
a stage or table of
slate next the outer
wall, which extends
round the sides and
ends; the footpath :
is three feet wide,
and the centre is ears

occupied by a table |

. . a =
with a raised stage | °
along the middle; | ~ L |—_______}-

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
REMARKS UPON PLANT HOUSES. 9

these slate stages should rest upon iron supports. The
best material for the floor we believe to be concrete,
made with Portland cement mixed with sand, for when
thoroughly set this makes a substantial and comfortable
pathway, is very lasting, and can be kept clean with
little trouble or labour.

The double or folding doors are the best for such
structures, because if large plants have to.be moved in
or out, they afford greater space for the purpose than
the ordinary single door; they should also always be
made to open inwards—it is far more convenient, and
they are less liable to be broken by the violence of the
wind. The side lights or sashes may be fixtures, or they
may be made to open (we prefer the former plan), and
have some large iron or slate ventilators built in with
the brickwork beneath them, and immediately opposite
the hot-water pipes, as shown in the plan; by this means
the air is prevented from blowing upon the plants in a
raw or cold state. The benefit of this arrangement is
very great during autumn and spring. We also recom-
mend that large drain pipes should be laid in the ground,
passing from the outside, under the foundation, to the
inside of the house, and rising under the heating pipes ;
by this means fresh sweet air, so beneficial to plants,
may be admitted even in severe weather without detri-
ment, which could not be done under the old system of
ventilating by the side lighis only. The lantern roof, as
shown in our woodcut, affords the best form of top ven-
tilation, although slightly more expensive at the first.

A word respecting lean-to houses. As before remarked,
they can be erected where sufficient space cannot be
spared for any other form. A good plan for such a
house may be obtained by cutting in half that given
10 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

in this place for a span-roof, the length of course being
altered to suit circumstances, and in this case the lan-
tern system of ventilation or the ordinary sliding sash
may be adopted.

GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES.

JHERE are, however, a quantity of plants which
come from tropical countries, yet, as they are
found growing at considerable elevations, only
require protection from frost and piercing winds, and
we here give a transverse section and ground plan of
a house suited for the cultivation of plants from such
countries as the Cape of Good Hope, New Holland, New
Zealand, Chili, or, indeed, from most of the temperate
regions of the globe. The dimensions and general features
are the same as in the structure recommended for stove
plants, but with this difference—that in the greenhouse
the side lights are all made to open, and the lantern is
not used, but the upper sashes of the roof slide up and

 
 

down in the ordinary way. The underground system of
ventilation should be applied to this structure as well
as to the stove, as it affords means of maintaining a
pure and healthy atmosphere in the interior, without in-
jury to the plants, even in the most severe weather.
Fresh air is most essential to the well-being of green-
house plants, but cold draughts must be avoided, for
nothing is more injurious to plants of any kind. Indeed,
such often result in their speedy death, therefore care-
fully attend to this in giving air to plant houses,

In heating such a structure as that we have here:
recommended, two rows of pipes for hot water will be.
GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES.

found sufficient ;
and even these
must not be
brought into use
unless artificial
heat is absolutely
necessary. Damp-
ness in the air
during the winter
months is far more
injurious to green-
house plants than
a somewhat low
temperature; and
heat should he
applied to the
house occasionally
during the day-
time, in order to
dry up any super-
abundant mois-
ture, always tak-
ing the precaution
to have plenty of
ventilation, both
at the top and
sides.

The dimensions
of the houses we
have described
above will be
found too small
for those intending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a,

 

 

 

 

 

 
12 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

to grow large specimens of ornamental-leaved plants, we
therefore give a woodcut illustration of the conservatory
in our own establishment which is devoted to this class
of plants. The length is a hundred feet, width forty feet,
and height twenty feet; it forms a fine ornament to the
place, and is’ sufficiently large to contain a beautiful and
varied collection.

Conservatories are often attached to the mansion, in
order 'that the proprietor and his family may be able to
enjoy the beauties of the plants, when the weather is
too inclement to permit of their visiting the stoves and
greenhouses, situated, it may be, in various distant parts
of the garden. The ridge and furrow form of roof is
often adopted for these structures, but we prefer the
span-roof to any other. In some, the plants are planted
in prepared borders, or if all are not so planted, some
of the more important are so treated, in order that they
may form permanent and striking objects, and thus add
to the beauty, by contrast, of other plants which are
brought in from time to time from the smaller houses.
If no plants are to be grown out of pots, we advise
the floor to be concrete, the same as recommended for
the other houses, but if the plants are to be grown in
open borders or beds, the first thing must be the re-
moval of the ordinary soil to the depth of about four
feet, then fill in some eighteen inches with broken bricks
and similar material, such as will form and maintain 4
perfect drainage, the superabundant water being carried
away by a drain on the outside of the house. Above this,
turves of fresh-cut peat are to be laid, with the grassy
side downwards; while the remaining portion is to be
filled up with good soil, of the quality and texture most
suitable for the plants intended to be grown. No manure
GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES. 13

should be used, as this is apt to cause rank growth,
which is not required in the majority of conservatory
plants, or they soon become too large for the building ;
but should any little stimulus become necessary during
the growing season, it can be easily administered in a
liquid state.

The whole of the plants should be so arranged, that
a pleasing contrast of foliage may be presented to the
eye; and this dan only be satisfactorily produced by a
thorough knowledge of the habits of the kinds introduced,
and which should be well studied before a permanent
work of this kind is commenced. i

In conservatories of less extent, it is rare that any
but a few climbers are planted out, and therefore the
plants can be removed to fresh places, and the scene
more readily varied. During the winter months especially,
Dutch Bulbs and various other plants should be intro-
duced, to give the whole a gay appearance, because, at
this season of the year, this part of the garden is the
most enjoyable to the ladies of the family, who are often
prevented by wet or inclement weather from visiting
plant houses which are situated at a distance from the
mansion.

The finest example of a tropical conservatory we ever
saw is the one at Chatsworth Gardens, the property of
his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, and at the time we
saw it the plants were in excellent condition, reflecting
great credit on Mr. Speed, the head gardener; the fine
Palms and Musas give it a splendid tropical effect, and
the beauties of all are considerably enhanced by a gal-
lery, which thus enables the visitor to inspect the plants
above and below, and no large plant house should be
erected without a structure of this kind.
14 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

GLAZING AND VENTILATING.

4H shall pass only a few remarks on this subject, to
enable the amateur to make a proper selection
of material. For general use we have found the
21-0z. sheet glass the most serviceable, as it is sufficiently
stout to resist all ordinary pressure. It is also wise to use
a medium-sized square; neither very small ones nor over
large ones are to be recommended. A very convenient
size for the panes used for the roof is about two feet six
inches in length, and nine inches in breadth; the same
width should also be used for the front sashes.

On the subject of Ventilation we must speak more de-
cidedly, for it is of the highest importance. A constant
renewal of air in plant houses is essential to the well-being
of its occupants ; indeed, where the necessary temperature
can be maintained, -we would never quite close the house,
day or night, except in severe weather. We wish, however,
to be properly understood upon this subject. By good ven-
tilation, we mean always to avoid draughts and currents of
cold air, these being most injurious to plants of all kinds.
The adoption of the underground ventilators recommended
in the construction of the plant houses will entirely oh-
viate any ground of apprehension on this point; and if the
sides of the ventilators in the lantern roof are covered with
fine gauze wire or perforated zinc, evil will be most satis-
factorily guarded against. The use of this latter precau-
tion will only be necessary during winter, as in the summer
a greater volume of air may be admitted with advantage,
and consequently the heated portion will require a readier
means of exit, Plant houses ventilated upon these princi-

 
HEATING. 15

ples will always have a fresh and healthy atmosphere—a
condition which will not only impart strength and vigour
to the plants, but will also be far more enjoyable to the
cultivator. Some amateurs may think we have attributed
too much importance to this question of ventilation. We
recommend those who entertain such views to observe
closely and contrast the condition and appearance of plants
in well-ventilated and in ill-ventilated houses, and we feel
‘convinced they will very soon acknowledge that we are
correct in saying that ventilation is a point of vital im-
portance.

HEATING.

(UR remarks upon this subject at page 8 in Stove
and Greenhouse Flowering Plants, may be re-
peated here with advantage. Stoves for the cul-
tivation of ornamental-leaved plants should be kept at a
temperature ranging from 68° to 80° during summer, and
from 60° to 70° during winter. An intermediate house is
also very useful where a large and varied collection of
plants has to be accommodated. By an intermediate house,
we mean to imply a house in which the temperature ranges
between that of a stove and that of an ordinary green-
house.
Premising that as yet nothing has been discovered to
’ supersede, or even to equal, a good hot-water apparatus for
heating plant houses, the first consideration is a boiler—
what kind, or whose boiler is the best ? This is a question
not easily settled, for hot-water boilers are now made of
shapes and patterns without end. Most cultivators, how-
ever, have some predilection in the matter, and as very

 
 
16 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

much depends upon circumstances and locality, we may
safely leave them to make their own selection.

A boiler having been selected, the pipes will be' the next
consideration. In regard to these, it is always true eco-
nomy to have plenty of heating surface in the house —that
is to say, a quantity of piping which will give sufficient
warmth with a moderate fire. Great waste of fuel, and
much injury is done to the plants, through being compelled
to drive the boiler hard to maintain sufficient heat, which
state of things is brought about by want of piping and not
having sufficient surface. The boiler should be fixed out-
side the house, and entirely independent of it, for no matter
how carefully the brickwork is built, it will become de-
fective by constant wear, and then, if inside the house,
through the escape of smoke and sulphureous gases, the
ruin of many fine specimens may be speedily brought
about. For jointing the pipes we have for many years used
india-rubber rings, which are made specially for the sizes
in which the pipes are cast, and we find they answer
admirably. The ease with which a joint can thus be made
is a great advantage, and, moreover, they last for many
years without leaking, while should anything go wrong,
the pipes can easily be separated without expense or loss
of piping. ‘

It is a practice with many plant growers to steam their
houses regularly. This may in some instances be bene-
ficial, but still the practice is open to objection, and if a
sufficient heating surface is provided, it need not be re-
sorted to in order to increase the heat, while for any other
purpose it is not, in our opinion, necessary, for by frequent
applications of the syringe, and by pouring water upon the
tables and floors, a sufficiently moist atmosphere can be
maintained without any risk whatever.
CISTERNS. 17

CISTERNS.

JJHESE are very necessary in all houses devoted
to plant growing, as the rain water, which
may thus be collected from the roofs, is the
very best that can be used. To have this water in a
proper state for the plants, the cistern or tank must be
inside the house, and so exposed that the water may
become nearly of the same temperature as the atmo-
sphere ; cold water applied to the roots of stove plants is
most pernicious. Therefore, having fixed on the most
convenient part of the house for the tank, build up
the sides from the floor, making the top of the centre
table the top, or if more convenient sink it below the
ground level. In the latter case, it would be desirable
to have a pipe in connection with the boiler passiig
through it, for the water, when stored below the surface,
will be mtch colder than the atmosphere of the house.
The best material for cisterns is slate, but brickwork,
with a good coating of Portland cement, will answer the
purpose equally well, and these materials are perhaps
to be preferred when the cistern is placed below the
ground level.

  

SHADING.

HERE is a great want of some better material

than we yet possess for shading plant struc-

tures—a material which shall possess sufficient

strength, without being so thick as to cast too deep a

gloom over the interior of the house. We are extremely

sorry that all attempts to supply the want have up to
G

 
 
18 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

the present time proved fruitless. The best material we
can recommend is canvas, which on one side must be
made fast to a strong roller, and on the other must be
nailed to a lath fixed lengthwise near the top of the
sashes. In mounting the blinds, care must be taken
that they are quite equal in breadth throughout, or the
roller will not run regular. A narrow covering should
be fixed along the ridge of the house, under which the
blind may rest when not in use, in order to protect it
from wet. The blinds and rollers may be taken down
during the winter, as little or no shade will be required
during that period ; and if they are looked to after damp
weather, and in winter thoroughly dried and stored away
in a dry shed, they will last for several years. Some
cultivators, however, like to use them as a protection in
winter on frosty nights, as recommended in our “ Orchid
Manual ;” and when this is done they must be rolled up
at daybreak, so that no light may be excluded from the
plants during the short winter days. Blinds for the sides
can be made of canvas or tiffany; we use and prefer
the latter. The strips should have rings sewed to them
on both edges, to fasten on hooks, fixed in the house
at corresponding distances: This fixing is necessary to
prevent the wind blowing the blind on one side, and
thus exposing any part of the interior to the sun’s in-
fluence in an unguarded moment,

 
SOIL. 19

SOIL.

S|HIS is an all-important matter, but one very
much neglected both by amateur and profes-
sional gardeners, who too often act as though
anything in the shape of soil is good enough, but unless
good suitable mould is used, success cannot be obtained.
For as different plants affect different soils in a state of
nature, the cultivator must endeavour to utilize the hints
thus given to him. Hence the importance of making
composts suitable to the requirements of the plants. To
have this department under proper control, a place should
be set apart in some convenient quarter of the garden,
for keeping a stock of the different kinds of earths,
manures, &c., which are required, as well as a supply
of pots. This is designated the compost yard. The
various kinds of earth or soil should be neatly stacked
up, in order that by age they may become mellow, and
better adapted for the potting of tender plants than when
newly dug. In selecting soils it must be remembered
that the top spit is always preferable.

 
 

*

Loam.—This is of two kinds—light and heavy. The
first is generally pale yellow in colour, but sometimes
blackish ; the latter is deep yellow, and feels somewhat
greasy when taken in the hand, These should be stacked
separately, with the turf and living grass downwards,
placing a layer of manure over every layer of loam of
the heavy quality; in this way the manure will become
thoroughly incorporated with it, and when cut out for
use it will be found in a nice friable state. The quality of
loam varies considerably in different parts of the country.

c2
20 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Peat.—This is also of two kinds. That which is com-
posed principally of decayed mosses and woody materials,
and is mostly used for burning, is not of much value
for in-door plant growing, though some kinds of plants
thrive well in it. The peat most serviceable for our
purpose is composed of decayed vegetable matter, and
contains a considerable amount of sand; it should be
stacked with the top side downwards.

Leaf Mould.—This is formed of thoroughly decomposed
leaves, collected in autumn, kept moist, and frequently
turned over to facilitate decay. This kind of soil ought
not to be used before it is two or three years old.

Manure-—A good heap of this should always be kept
in the compost yard, so that none may be ever used
which is not thoroughly decomposed.

Sand.—This should be kept under cover, and may be
either white or brown. The white or silver sand procured
at Reigate, in Surrey, is the best; next to this comes
sharp river sand.

These various kinds of soil being stored up in the
compost yard, and fit for use, any of the mixtures recom-
mended in the following pages can be made up for use
as required.

 
POTTING. 21

POTTING.

of these little need be said, as everyone is
acquainted with flower pots. The best kind of
‘pots for specimen plants are those with a moveable bottom,
because the plant can be set upon a stand, and the pot
gently slipped down, thus allowing the condition of the
roots and drainage to be examined with the greatest
ease to the operator, and perfect safety to the specimen.

When the pots are selected they will require draining.
This is of vital importance in the operation of potting ;
therefore we say, once for all, drain well or success must
never be even hoped for. At the same time it should
be borne in mind, that the throwing of a large quantity
of potsherds into a pot in a careless manner is not the
proper method of securing good drainage. If broken
potsherds or oyster shells are used, they should be placed
with the hollow sides downwards, finishing off with a
layer of smaller ones at the top, the whole being covered
with rough peat fibre, to prevent the soil mixing with
it. Some plant growers begin repotting at a stated
time in the spring, and go through their whole collection
at one time. This system may be convenient, but it is
certainly unwise, and most unnatural. It is impossible,
indeed, to lay down any definite rule; for as all plants
do not start into growth at the same time, though in
the same temperature, those which are dormant cannot
take up the nourishment from the new soil, which con-
sequently by frequent waterings becomes soddened and
comparatively old before the roots are in a fit state to
move into it. Ithas always appeared to us—and wher-

 
22 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

ever practicable, we have been guided by this in our
practice—that the very best time to repot a plant is in
spring, just when it begins to push forth new growth,
because then the roots and branches are acting in unison,
and both are in a fit state to receive fresh nutriment.

Everything being in perfect readiness—the compost pro-
perly mixed, and in a nice half moist condition, neither
wet nor dry, and the pots either new or clean, dry, and
properly drained, the plant to be shifted, if a large one,.
should be stood upon the stand already referred to, the
pot slipped down, and the old drainage carefully removed.
The roots if matted must be disentangled, and as much
of the old soil taken away as can be removed without
injury to them. Then some of the new compost must ;
be put into the fresh pot, just sufficient to bring the
surface of the old soil to within about half an inch of
the top, and having carefully placed the plant in the
middle, and at the proper level, the new soil is to be
filled “in around’ it, care being taken to press it down
quite firmly. After this operation has been performed, a
little higher temperature and extra shade should be given
to the plants, to prevent them suffering from the slight
check which repotting naturally must give them, and
to encourage them to put forth fresh roots more quickly.
The only. difference between shifting or repotting large
and small plants is, that in the case of the latter, the
plant can remain in the hand of the operator, and the
stand need not be brought into use. Those plants which
have strong coarse roots may have a large shift each
time, but care must be taken not to over-pot those having
fine and delicate roots, as it is far better to repot twice
or three times, than to risk the health if not the life of
a plant by over-potting.
WATERING. 23

Little more need be said upon ‘this subject, save that
the sieve, so necessary to some cultivators, should be
utterly discarded, and the soil prepared by being chopped
into pieces with a spade ; by the time it is mixed together
it becomes sufficiently fine, and needs no sifting.

WATERING.

AFTER the potting season, and as soon as the roots
¥4| have begun to run freely in the new soil, water
H will have to be supplied more liberally than
during the winter or resting period, while as the days in.

 

crease in length, and the sun in power, scarcely too much
can be given to stove plants, if the roots are in an active
state and abundant throughout the soil, and the drainage
is in good order. At this period, too, the syringe must be
brought into play, to refresh and keep the foliage clean and
to create a genial moist atmosphere, which is so essential
to tropical plants. Care must, however, be taken that the
syringe is not used with the sun shining fully upon the
honse, or the result will be the burning of the leaves, and
the disfigurement of the plants for a long time. There are
also some few kinds of plants that do not like to have
water thrown over their leaves, and the peculiarities of
these must be attended to. As the season of growth draws
to a close, and the days become shorter and colder, the
atmosphere of the stove must be gradually reduced to a
drier state, and less water must be given to the plants, both
to the roots and overhead, but the plants must never be
allowed to flag for want of water, for as their beauty de-
pends upon their foliage, this would ruin their appearance.
24 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

This is a marked difference in the treatment necessary for
flowering stove plants, and those grown for the beauty of
their leaves only.

The best time of the day for watering plants during the
summer season is towards evening, after the houses are
closed, but in autumn and winter this operation should
always be performed in the morning, so that all super-
abundant moisture becomes dried up as rapidly as possible.

INSECTS.

=) ROPICAL plants are all more or less liable to the
| attacks of several kinds of insects, which is, how-
ever, only in accordance with natural laws ; but
as these are injurious to the plants, rendering them un-
sightly, crippling their leaves, and ultimately depriving
them of life, it behoves the cultivator to use any and every
means in his power to prevent their attacks, for if they
succeed in gaining a footing upon the objects of his care,
he must wage a war of extermination with them, and never
cease until the last of the enemy or enemies is destroyed,
Stove plants suffer principally from the attacks of Green
Fly, Mealy Bug, Turtle Scale, Black Thrips, and Red
Spider.

The Green Fly may be destroyed by fumigation with
tobacco paper, by syringing with tobacco water, or dusting
with tobacco powder or snuff. In the latter case, the snuff
must, after a day or two, be well washed off with the
syringe.

The Mealy Bug is a small white powdery insect, of which
the female is wingless, and too frequently found upon the

 
 
INSECTS. 25

occupants of our stoves. The insects must be carefully |
-washed off by means of a small brush, and warm soft soap
and water, or they may be kept under by employing some
of the specifics which are advertised at the end of the
volume, all of which we have found excellent remedies,
so that we cannot recommend one in preference to others.

The Turtle or Brown Scale is also a great pest, par-
ticularly to certain kinds of plants, it may however be
destroyed in the same manner as the Mealy Bug.

The Thrips is ‘a very injurious insect, but it may be
eradicated by fumigation with tobacco or tobacco paper,
which, if properly used, will totally destroy it: or the
plant may be syringed with. some of the before-mentioned
_ remedies.

The Red Spider speedily renders unsightly the foliage
of any plant that it attacks, destroying the fresh green-
ness of the leaves, and turning them to a dirty white or
brown. The most effectual mode of destroying this pest,
when it has been allowed to spread, is to sprinkle some
flowers of sulphur upon the hot-water pipes, and shut
the house up close ; this remedy must be used with great
care, for if the pipes should be too warm the foliage
would suffer. It is far better, however, to keep a careful
watch upon the plants, and destroy the spider when it
first makes its appearance, as extreme measures often-
times cause the death of the plants. It cannot live in a
thoroughly moist atmosphere.

Some cultivators maintain that insects are in all cases
the effects of disease, and not the cause; and that plants,
when treated in a proper ‘manner, will not become in-
fested by them. Though not prepared to endorse this
assertion in its fullest sense, we yet believe it to be
correct so far as this—that sickly or unhealthy plants
26 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

are more liable to attack. There is no better safeguard.
against any serious attacks of insects than keeping up-
a vigorous state of health in the plants, and maintaining
strict cleanliness in the structures in which they are
grown, and in the various materials brought into use
in the course of their cultivation.

PALMS AND THEIR USES.

E various genera included under the popular
name of “Palms” comprise some of the most
noble and majestic objects in the whole vegetable
kingdom. Their numbers are something extraordinary,
both as to species and individuals: and although casual.
observers may think they have a somewhat similar
appearance, their differences are quite in keeping with
their numbers. Thus some have stems little thicker
than a straw, and only a few feet in length; whilst
others have stout columnar stems, towering upwards,
until they reach a hundred or a hundred and fifty feet in
height, their peculiar flabellate or pinnate plume-like leaves.

 

giving them a most noble and picturesque appearance.
Others, again, have slender stems which climb over and
amongst the forest trees, reaching several hundred feet
in length.

Palms are of immense importance in an economic.
point of view, and we therefore venture to hope a few
remarks upon their produce will not be considered un-
interesting or out of place in the introductory pages of
this work.

From this order of plants are obtained most of the.
PALMS AND THEIR USES. 27

necessaries of life of the aboriginal tribes ‘of the tropics,
and the inhabitants of Europe consume immense quan-
tities of their produce in the shape of fruits, oil, wax,
sago, sugar, &c. They play, indeed, a large part in
supplying our daily wants. As an illustration Hlais
guineensis may be cited. This supplies the African Palm
Oil, and is a very common plant throughout Western
Africa; the stem is straight and stout, some twenty or
thirty feet high, and supports long pinnate plume-like
leaves. Some idea of its importance may be formed,
when we relate that oil from this plant to the value of
£1,500,000 is annually imported into this country, and
used extensively in the manufacture of candles and soap.
The oil also-forms an ingredient in almost every meal
of the Africans, who use it profusely for smearing their
bodies, to enable them to resist the bites and stings of
insects ; from it they also obtain a wine which is largely
consumed and much relished by them.

Dates, the produce of Phenix dactylifera (although
only appreciated by us as a luxury), form the chief
support of the desert tribes of Arabia, Palestine, Egypt,
and Northern Africa, and also of their domestic animals,
for camels, horses, and dogs are equally partial to them.
The tree is also largely cultivated for its fruits in various
parts of Africa, and to some extent in Western Asia
and Southern Europe. The produce of these trees must
be immense, as each bunch contains some thousands of
fruits; a single tree is said to yield nearly two cwt, of
dates as a single crop, and yet only a few tons weight
are annually imported and consumed in the United
Kingdom! In addition to the fruit, the Arabs turn the
wood and leaves of Phoenix dactylifera to excellent account
in the construction of their dwellings, the wood forming
28 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

the framework, and the leaves being used as thatch,
whilst their domestic utensils and basket-work are also
made of this wood. As the “Date Palm” is found
plentifully in Palestine, it is in all probability the plant
named in holy writ, and from which we have derived the
term of “ Palm Sunday.”

Another most nutritious and important article of food
derived from this order is the well-known sago, which is
yielded more or less plentifully by various Palms, but the
best sago of the shops is mostly brought from Singapore,
the produce of Sagus,(or Metroaylon) Rumphii and Sagus
(Metrowylon) levis, and is the natural pith of the stem.
These trees, it is said, do not yield much sago if cut down
before they are twenty years of age, at which time they
are mostly felled, their stems cut into lengths and split
in halves, when the pith is separated by washing in cold
water, after which it is allowed to settle and the water
is drawn off, and the starchy granules properly dried for
consumption. Of this article about 150,000 cwts. are
annually imported into the United Kingdom. It is also
used extensively by the native population; indeed, when
made into thin cakes it is a staple article of food of the
inhabitants of the Eastern Moluccas. Cycads also yield
small quantities of an inferior kind of sago, which, how-
ever, seldom if ever comes to this country, and we only
allude to them here because they are often called “ Sago
Palms ”—which, however popular, is most erroneous, for
the Cycads have no affinity with the real producers of
this nutritious article of diet.

The canes called rattans are the produce of various
species of Calamus, a genus of climbing Palms, which are
very abundant throughout India and the islands of the
Indian Archipelago, but chiefly of Calamus Rotang, C.
’ PALMS AND THEIR USES. 29

rudentum, C. Royleanus, and C. viminalis, and it is com-
puted that six or seven millions of these canes are an-
nually imported into this country, and consumed in the
manufacture of carriages, in making seats to chairs and
stools, in the construction of couches, and in broom
making; they are also dyed and substituted for whale-
bone in the ribs of umbrellas. ‘“ Malacca Canes” are
imported from Singapore and Malacca, and are the pro-
duce of Calamus Scipionum, which is a native of the
Island of Sumatra; the walking canes imported under
the name of “ Penang Lawyers,” are also the produce
of various species of this genus. From Calamus Draco,
a resin is obtained and imported into this country under
the name of “ Dragon’s Blood,” which is extensively
used for colouring varnishes, &c., &c.; whilst from the
leaves of nearly all the species, handsome and very or-
namental hats and caps are made.

Leaving the Calami, we shall next bring to the notice
of our readers the various uses of that exceedingly hand-
some Palm, Cocos nucifera, the fruit of which, by the
name of Cocoa Nut, is too well known to need descrip-
tion. Independent of the value of its nuts, nearly every
part of the plant is turned to important uses. Its timber,
under the name of “ Porcupine Wood,” is brought to
this country in large quantities, and used in the con-
struction of ornamental chairs, couches, and various other
kinds of furniture; many fancy articles are also made
of it, such as fans, tea-pots, walking-sticks, combs, é&c.
The leaves are used for thatching the native huts, and
for making into baskets: whilst the well-known nut is a
nutritious article of food, and from it is extracted an oil
of excellent quality, which is imported into this country
to the extent of about 2,000 tons annually. The shell
30 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

of the nut is often beautifully and tastefully carved on
the outside, and used for making various useful and
fancy articles, such as spoons, wine-cups, tea-cups, tea-
pots, baskets, &c., &c. If the uses of this plant ended
here, it must be esteemed as highly useful, but one of
the principal products of the Cocoa Nut has not yet
been named. The dense mass of fibre surrounding the
nut is imported, to the extent of about 10,000 tons an-
nually, under the name of “ Coir,” and from it are manu-
factured mats of all kinds, floorcloth, cordage, cables,
brushes of every description, bags, hats, caps, bonnets,
and many other such things.

The Palmyra or Borassus flabelliformis is a large-grow-
ing Eastern Palm, of immense importance to the native
population; indeed, it is said to form the chief support
of upwards of 6,000,000 human beings, and in a poem
descriptive of the value of this plant, 800 distinct pur-
poses are enumerated to which its products may be ap-
plied. The fruits, which are prepared in a variety of
ways, form the principal food of the poorer natives. The
leaves are used for thatching and fencing; they are like.
wise made into mats, baskets, hats, and umbrellas, and
when cut into long strips are used by the Hindoos for
writing upon; wine or “toddy” of excellent quality is
also obtained from Borassus, which is largely drank as
a beverage, It is also boiled down into “ jaggery ” or
sugar, and in this latter state extensively imported into
this country.

Another Palm, Oaryota urens, which is distributed
throughout Malabar, Assam, Bengal, and has also re-
cently been found in Northern Australia, yields a large
quantity of sugar, and from its stem is obtained a nutri.
tious farina, resembling true sago, although much inferior
‘PALMS AND THEIR USES. 31

-to that article. The “Kettul” fibre of commerce, largely
employed in the manufacture of ropes, baskets, hats, .
brushes, and brooms, is obtained from this and perhaps
some other species of Caryota,

The material imported from South America under the
name of “ Piassaba,” is the produce of Attalea funifera
and Leopoldinia Piassaba, and is extensively used by the
Brazilians and others for rope making, and by us for
making the brooms for street sweeping, popularly known
as “whalebone” brooms. The large seeds of Attalea
funifera, called “ Coquilla Nuts,” are dark brown, and
take a high polish ; they are manufactured by the turner
into various elegant toys, such as humming tops, boxes,
and also into handles for doors, umbrellas, walking canes,
bracelets, rosaries, and many other things. From the
leaves of this plant the South American Indians make
quivers, in which they carry their poisoned arrows, which
latter are made from the beard of another Palm (Gno-
carpus Batana), the part used being the stiff slender nerves
of the decayed base of the petioles, whilst the young
slender stems of Jriartella setigera furnish them with the
“Gravatana” or blow-pipe from which they are dis-
charged. Indeed, the Indians draw the greatest portion
of their necessaries from Palms: from them they obtain
meal, wine, sugar, and oil; their leaves and leafstalks
afford good thatch and material for house building and
fences; from their fibre is obtained strong cordage, which
they convert into cables, fishing-lines, fishing-nets, ham-
mocks, brushes, &c.; from their wood they make lances,
harpoons, and blow-pipes for their arrows, which are
furnished by Palm spines, whilst from the swollen stem
of Iriartea ventricosa they form their canoes. The hats
worn in this country during summer, and designated “ Chip
32 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Hats,” are the produce of Chamerops leaves, from which
are also made brushes, baskets, and coats, whilst the
“Chinaman, in addition to his coat made of Chamzrops
leaves, constructs one from the rough netted fibres which
enclose the leafstalks. The large flabelliform leaves of
Corypha umbraculifera are used in Ceylon, where it is
called the ‘“Talipot Palm,” as umbrellas, and they are
converted into fans, and carried before peopie of rank ;
when sewn together they make excellent tent covers,
being very light and perfectly waterproof. In Java and
some of the other islands of the Indian Archipelago, stout
shields for purposes of war are also made of Corypha
leaves. The Palms of Western Africa, with the exception
of the Oil Palm (Elais guwineensis), and to which we have
already referred, do not afford Europeans any material.
for exportation ; only about eighteen species are recorded
from that portion of the globe, of which several are in
cultivation. The genus Raphia is probably the most;
useful (after EHlais) to the native population; huts are
made and thatched with the leaves and leafstalks of the
Raphia, also beds and hammocks, and what little clothing
is worn. All sorts of mats and basket-work are made.
from the leaves, which are oftentimes dyed and worked.
up into very elegant patterns. Wine or “toddy” is also,
obtained in large quantities and of excellent quality from,
one species (R. Hookerii), and this plant is cultivated to.
some extent for this produce, although—singular to relate.
—thatch or roofing made of the leaves of this kind last,
only a third of the time of the others. Phenix spinosa
also yields a wine, and the fruits, although not so fine as,
are those of Pheenie dactylifera, are much relished by the.
negro tribes. The young leaves before expanding are,
cut and used for making a fine quality of plait, of which.
PALMS AND THEIR USES. 33

hats and caps are made somewhat extensively at Accra,
a settlement on the Gold Coast, and in the territory of
Ashantee. The stems of Calamus secundiflorus, another
West African species, are cut into small lengths and carried
upon Jong journeys, the soft central part being eaten after
they have been properly roasted. There would, however,
be no space left for other matters in this little book, were
we to enumerate in detail the uses to which Palm produce
is applied, and we must therefore conclude this portion
of our subject with the “Ivory-nut Palm,” Phytelephas
macrocarpa, the hard white fruits of which are imported
in considerable quantities, and used for various useful and
ornamental purposes. They rival ivory in whiteness, and
from them are made humming tops, thimbles, thimble
cases, pincushions, rattles, whistles, and children’s teething
rings, buttons, door handles, handles for walking-sticks,
dog whistles, and a variety of ornaments, which are
frequently most.elaborately carved.

Having taken a cursory glance at the economic pro-
perties of this noble order of plants, we must now turn
our attention to their uses for horticultural purposes, and
in this respect every one must acknowledge that they stand
pre-eminent. On their suitability for purposes of open
air decoration in the summer months we have remarked
in detail in the chapter devoted to Sub-tropical Gardening,
and therefore we purpose confining our remarks in this
place to their culture and ornamental featnres, for the
embellishment of the stove, greenhouse, conservatory, and
dwelling-house. The word “Palm,” until within only
a few years, would seem to have impressed the minds of
nearly all plant growers with dread, and with the idea
that they were all gigantic trees, which it would be folly

to introduce to our plant structures. Indeed, to such an
D
34 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGED PLANTS.

extent was the notion of the impracticability of their culti-
vation carried, that in many cases (some of which came
under our own notice in our younger days), when seeds
of these plants had been sent home, the time for planting
and space required for raising them was most grudgingly
spared, and we have actually known them cast aside as
not worth one’s being troubled with. Luckily we have-
now learned better, and have somewhat retrieved this
great error, although not to the same extent as our con-.
tinental neighbours; I am glad to see, however, since the
publication of the first edition of this book, that the taste:
for Palms has greatly increased. Those amateurs (and
there are many) who imagine Palms to be too large for
them, because they have only small or moderate-sized struc-
tures, are certainly not acquainted with the numerous and
elegant small-growing plants comprised in the genera Geo.
noma, Chamedorea, Areca, and others, whose maximum
height is only a few feet; but independent of the dimen-
sions to which even the largest Palms attain when mature,
all and any of them are exceedingly ornamental in a young
state, their noble and majestic foliage producing an
eminently tropical appearance ; nor do any of them rapidly
become too large to be accommodated in a medium-sized
house. They may also be employed with considerable
advantage for the embellishment of the drawing-room in
vases or jardinettes, or for the dinner table, and when they
have so far increased in size as to be no longer: suitable for
such uses, nothing can be more effective for the décoration
of entrance halls, corridors, or grand staircases; indeed, it
is impossible to conceive any place requiring decoration
in which Palms of some kind could not be advantageously.
introduced.

Palms are amongst the easiest plants to cultivate with:
PALMS AND THEIR USES. 85

which we are acquainted, their chief requirements being
good drainage, and an abundant supply of water to both
roots and foliage—in the latter case, however, be sure it
is clean, Perhaps the greatest error it is possible to fall
into in growing Palms, is to keep them dry at any period
of the year. Very many kinds of Palms grow on the
banks of rivers—nay almost or quite in the water ; others,
although growing at considerable distances from running
streams, are only found in humid places, or forming the
undergrowth of the forests where little evaporation takes
place; and even those species or individuals which seem
to thrive in somewhat stony and dry places, have their
roots deep down in the earth, where the parching heat.
and drought has little or no effect upon them. Whereas,
under pot cultivation, theorists seem to utterly ignore the
fact that they are burning and shrivelline up the roots,
which in a state of nature never, or at most very seldom,
are in the least degree affected. In growing Palms our
practice is never to allow them to feel the want of
water. Many of the kinds should be grown in water,
winter and summer, and if it is possible to keep the
water in which they stand slightly heated so much the
better ; if this cannot be done the next best plan is to
stand them in large pans of water, which may be allowed
to become dry once during the twenty-four hours, but
never during the night. This latter point should be
specially borne in mind by plant growers, for we have
seen many plants completely ruined by inattention to it;
and if those who advocate the drying up of plant houses
would only think of and remember the heavy dews we
have during the hours of night in England, they would
be better able to appreciate what must be the state of
things in a tropical country.
D2
36 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGED PLANTS.

For soil, as a general rule, use one part loam, one part
peat, and one part good vegetable mould well decomposed,
with a good portion of sand added. This compost we em-
ploy in the seed pots, and for the first two or three years’
growth, after which we prefer to add about two parts
good fibrous loam in place of one; and when it is not de-
sirable to put the plants into larger pots every year, a
portion of the surface soil should be removed and replaced
by good vegetable soil, which is sure to be attended with
good effects to the plants operated upon. © The pots must
be thoroughly drained. In regard to repotting plants,
we would strongly impress upon the minds of our readers,
the necessity of preserving intact the large fleshy roots
which are sure to be found coiled amongst the drainage.
We have seen these ruthlessly destroyed, but it is a
fatal error, for they are the feeders and real life supporters
of the plant. Nature does not chop off these roots, or
if through force of circumstances an individual plant is
so situated that its roots suffer, the plant does not appear
improved by it; and if we imitate nature it should be in
her very best form, and not allow our plants under culti-
vation to be continually struggling for a bare subsistence.
Should it at any time be necessary to reduce the roots
of Palms by pruning, the plants should be plunged in
a tank of water immediately after potting. To keep
them dry under these circumstances, as many do, is an
error which is almost sure to end fatally. The above
system has been practised with good results by us for
many years, and we venture to say those adopting the
same means will never have to complain of failure.
SUCCULENT PLANTS. 37

SUCCULENT PLANTS.

NDER this name are usually associated a variety
of plants characterised by having fleshy juicy
leaves, covered with a thick epidermis. In a,

state of nature they grow and flourish on dry sandy

plains, or on bare rocky ground, where during the dry
season they are exposed to the most intense drought,
but as the surface of their leaves has few evaporating
pores, they are able to withstand uninjured even the
dryest seasons. These plants belong chiefly to the fol-
lowing orders :—Cactaceve, Liliacew, Bromeliaces, Ascle-
piadaces, Crassulacew, Mesembryace, Euphorbiaces,
and Amaryllidaces, comprising many genera, and a vast
quantity of species. It is somewhat remarkable, that
although these plants neither lack beauty of form nor
diversity of colour, nor singularity or even grctesque-
ness of appearance—some, indeed, possess the most
singular and weird-like forms to be found in the vege-
table kingdom—yet they are discarded by the majority
of plant growers. Now were we to follow the fashion
(and we are sorry to find that fashion, independent of
real merit, has a great influence upon plant growers), and
ignore these plants also, the present chapter would not
have been penned; but being impressed with the idea
that if a few remarks were offered as aids to their cul-
tivation, there might be some individuals who would be
induced to endeavour to remove this reproach from

British Horticulture, we purpose affording them a little

space in our pages. Some few of the genera are, indeed,

beginning to find favour with the public, and hence we
have devoted space to them in the body of this work,

 
38 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and we trust that both professional and amateur horti-
culturists will speedily be brought to recognise their
merits and extend their cultivation; we allude specially
to the genera Agave, Yucca, Fourcroya, ene
Beaucarnea, and a few others.

The plants belonging to this group are very easy to
cultivate, and they will bear with impunity a greater
amount of neglect than almost any other plants. That
such is the case is most unfortunate for them, for their
endurance has been put to such severe tests that starvation
has set in, and in this state the plants may be made to
‘assume such a miserable appearance, that the possessor
is likely to become indifferent to them, and in such cases
indifference soon leads to disgust, and the plants are
either disposed of or thrown away; and thus, simply
decause they do not, when under a system of starvation,
assume the characters which are produced in vigorous
health and under liberal and genial treatment, the whole
class of succulents is voted uninteresting and worthless,
We cannot, therefore, but declare that their patient en-
‘durance, and wonderful tenacity of life, is a misfortune.

In speaking of liberal treatment for these plants, it
will be well to state our exact meaning, for the term
has certainly a somewhat different meaning when applied
to succulents as compared with most other plants. We
will, therefore, lay down a few general rules for their
management. The first and all-important point is good
‘drainage, which cannot be defective for even a short time
without producing injurious effects upon the plants. For
soil we prefer good loam and peat, in the proportion of
two parts of the former to one of the latter, to which
should be added some sand and broken bricks. Potting
should be performed towards the end of spring or
SUCCULENT PLANTS. ' 39

beginning of summer, during which season they will revel
in the most intense light, and an abundant supply of
water may be given to their roots, with an occasional
shower over-head—this is what we here call liberal treat-
ment. As autumn approaches, the water must be gradually
withheld, in order to consolidate the tissues, or in other
words, to ripen their growth, so that they may be able
to withstand, without injury,. our long dark winters,
During winter very little water is necessary; they would,
indeed, exist without any, but this is approaching too
closely to the starving principle for the good of the plants,
and we therefore advise an occasional, but judicious,
application of water during winter, always choosing a
bright sunny day for the purpose. At no time use shade
for these plants ; it isnot only not requisite, but absolutely
injurious. During the summer season the temperature
will be high with sun heat, and no limit is necessary ;
but in the winter or dry season, a temperature between
40° and 50° should be maintained as nearly as possible,
and at no time should the thermometer fall below 40°.
Finally, the floor, and all parts of the house, should be
kept perfectly dry until spring.

We append a list of some good and distinct Succu-
lents, sufficient for a beginner to select from, any or all
of which will succeed under the treatment we have just
detailed. There are vast quantities to be had, as the
cultivator will soon discover if he only acquires a love
for these exceedingly curious and highly interesting pro-
-ductions of nature,

AGAVES, see page 71 ALOE nobilis

ALOE ferox | picta
grandidens prolifera
grandidentata purpurascens

latifolia serra
40 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

ALOoz serralata

spicata

Zeyheri ;
ANDRONICUS maculatus
ASTROPHYTUM myriostigma
BRYoPHYLLuM calycinum
Cereus Alacraportianus

acutangulus

chilensis

Forbesii

gemmatus

glaucus

Jamacarii

multangulus

peruvianus

spachianus

strictus

tetragonus
CrassuLa coccinea

lactea

perfoliata
EcHEVERIA agavoides

atropurpurea

caleophana

campanulata

farinosa

glauco-metallica

metallica

pumila

retusa

glauca
secunda glauca
major

EcHINOCACTUS cornigerus

Echidne

electracanthus

helophorus

ingens

ottonis

Pfeifferii

platyceras

scopa

cristata
Stainesii
tetraxiphus

 

Ecuinoprsts Bridgesii
Decaisneana
Eyresii
formosus
Linkii
multiplex
obrepandus
ornatus
Schelhasii
texana
Zuccariniana

rosea,

GasTERIA acinacifolia
Bowieana
ensifolia
formosa,
levis
maculata
obligua
obtusifolia

_ Spiralis
subnigricans
undata
verrucosa

GREENOVIA aurea '

Haworruts arachnoides
coarctata
fasciata
margaritifera
mirabilis
planifolia
radula,
Reinwardtii
rugosa
setata
subulata,
tessellata

Kueinia articulata
repens
tomentosa

Mamitzaria acanthophlegma.
conopsea
cornifera
crucigera,
globosa
MAMILLaRIA nivea
phymalothile
Scheidiana
spinosissima
straminea
verruculata
Wildiana

MeEtocactus communis

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM
digitiforme
dotabriforme -
echinatum
fibuliforme
nuciforme
octophyllum
rostratum
serratum
strumosum
taurinum
tigrinum
vulpinum

Opuntia albicans
candelabriformis
crassa
decipiens
decumana,
ferox
horrida,
intermedia,
leucotricha
microdasys

SUCCULENT PLANTS. 41

Orunti4 streptacantha
Tweedii
Pacuypayrum bracteosum
PILoceRvs senilis
Williamsii
Rocuea falcata
perfoliata
SEDUx azoides
variegatum
carneum tricolor
Fabianum purpureum
multicaule
roseum
Sieboldti
medio-picta
spectabile purpureum
spirale
verticillatum
Wallichianum
SEMPERVIVUM arachnoideum
arboreum variegatum
i Bollii
| ceespilosum
| californicum
canariense
ciliare
Donckelarii
holochrysum
robustum
serpilifolium
\ tabulzforme.

 

 
42 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING.

SHE above term, as we understand it, signifies the
using of various ornamental plants from tropical
or sub-tropical countries, in conjunction with
hardy trees and shrubs, in out-of-door gardening during
the summer months, and thus produce in the open air
some degree of resemblance to tropical scenery. This
style of gardening is said to have been first brought into
public notice in France, théugh whether it originated there
or not, we cannot decide. Certainly we saw it practised
in Germany before we heard of it in France, but, however
that may be, it has been carried to a very great extent in
and about Paris, and often with splendid results. Our own
climate was at first thought to be unpropitious for this
style of gardening, but we have certainly had a much
higher opinion of the climate of England, especially that
of the latitude of London, since we have seen the wonder-
ful display produced by Messrs.’ Gibson, Rogers, and
McIntyre, in the London parks, and witnessed the rich
tropical effects given to sub-tropical gardens there by a
judicious selection of subjects. This sub-tropical gar-
dening has been repeatedly condemned, on account, it was
said, of its expense, and of the uncertainty of producing a
good appearance in this climate. Nevertheless we feel
fully persuaded that it will now never be written down,
for the very reason that, when properly managed, it is
exactly the style of gardening to appeal to the good sense
of all persons of taste.

 
 
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING. 43

In thus urging the claims of sub-tropical gardening
‘upon our readers, we would by no means advocate the
banishment of flowering plants from the parterre or
pleasure grounds, but we believe that ornamental-leaved
plants of noble or graceful habit, either used with them,
or made to alternate with them, would produce an in-
finitely superior effect to that which is obtained from
mere beds of colour, with little or no relief or support
from surrounding objects. It is very easy to explain
the antipathy which some people have towards the sub-
tropical style, for in several instances which have come
under our immediate notice, a trial has resulted in the
destruction of choice and valuable specimens. The loss
in these cases, however, proves nothing but the want of
forethought and practical knowledge on the part of the
-experimentors, and the results do not warrant the con-
demnation of sub-tropical gardening, as a system, for
the more favoured positions in these islands. No well-
informed amateur or gardener would think of plant-
ing his Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Calceolarias, and other
‘things, usually denominated “ bedding plants,” until they
had been subjected to a gradual process of hardening
or inuring to the open air. How reprehensible then
‘was it, when the style of gardening now under con-
sideration was first brought into notice in this country,
for any of those who professed themselves to be enamoured
of it, to at once commence putting it in practice, by re-
moving from the stoves to the open air, large Palms,
Dracewnas, and other ornamental-leaved plants from tropical
‘countries, without the slightest preparation. That this
should lead to the speedy disfigurement and ultimate
death of the plants is not to be wondered at, when it
is remembered that, even supposing the kinds selected
44 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

were suitable, they had probably never before been out:
of the strong moist heat of a stove during the whole
course of their existence, and as a natural consequence,
their constitutions could not withstand the sudden change
of position made, not only without due preparation, but.
without any preparation whatever.

There is another class of cultivators who decry sub-
tropical gardening, solely on account of its expense,
but these we imagine have not kept pace with the times,
and made use of high-class “ bedding plants,” or else they
must have formed the idea that only excessively expensive
plants can produce a semi-tropical appearance in the flower
garden. These, however, are not the facts, for many of
the ornamental-leaved plants, which are adapted for this
purpose in an eminent degree, are not so expensive as
the new and high-priced “ soft-wooded flowering bedding
plants,” so that taking into consideration the fact, that the
use of the former will curtail to some extent that of the
latter, the annual expenditure under the new system will
be found about the same as under the old régime. We
may, however, even yield a point, and admit that to an
amateur who does not possess any other than the so-called
“bedding plants,” the first commencement of sub-tropical
gardening will necessitate a somewhat extra expenditure,
but then this will be compensated in one year, for during
summer the garden will be increased in beauty and
interest a hundredfold, and in winter, if a proper selection
has been made, many of these plants may be removed
to the dwelling-house, where all winter they may be
used for the decoration of halls and corridors, windows
and drawing rooms, or dinner tables—a use to which
Verbenas, Calceolarias, and such-like plants can never
be applied. Therefore we hold that the Ornamental-
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING. 45

Jeaved Plants will prove a thoroughly profitable invest.
ment.

Others have remarked to us, “ that it is all very well to
recommend the use of fine-foliaged plants in the flower
garden during summer, but to carry it out, such an
‘enormous quantity of glass is required that it never can

become general ;”

and as we have taken up the cudgels
thus far in defence of this system, we must endeavour
still to use them forcibly. In answer to this last objection,
we say that we firmly believe it will become general,
and that it is fast, though quietly, taking hold upon the
gardening community throughout the length and breadth
of the land. And we add, that its adoption is not found
to render necessary more plant houses or frames than were
required under the ptevious system. Indeed, it is but
reasonable to conclude, that as a curtailment of one set
of plants is made, their places can be taken by the newly
adopted ones. Many of the latter, however, be it remem-
_ bered, will survive in the open air with a slight protection,
except, perhaps, in exceptionally severe winters. Then
such plants as Agaves and Yuccas may be stored in a shed
or coach-house, where, if kept perfectly dry they will
winter well, but unless too large, we should recommend
their being taken into the dwelling-house, and distributed
in various suitable positions, as likewise may some of the
Palms, Cordylines, &e., &c.; they will thus form beau-
tifal objects of attraction, and prevent the plant houses
being over-crowded. At the same time, this is a use of
ornamental-leaved plants which we particularly wish to
recommend to our readers, and which has induced us to
devote some space to remarks upon “ in-door gardening,”
for the more we see of our continental neighbours, the
more we are persuaded that this is a custom too much
46 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

neglected by us, as a nation. Sub-tropical gardening
is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. It has:
taught us to appreciate nature; shown us that the masses
and lines of brilliant colour, with which we have been
embellishing our gardens for some years past, can be
greatly improved by contrast, and by mixing with them
plants having bold and ornamental leaves, also that in.
adopting this style we have largely increased the beauty:
and interest of the garden; and by this means we can,
wander from place to place with the certainty of disco.
vering some new feature to relieve and delight the eye,.
without the weariness which is felt in being continually
confronted with lines of colour.

Having advanced thus much in favour of sub-tropical
gardening, a few remarks upon what plants to use, and
how to use them, will be expected of us; and in reference:
to the kind of plants to use, we must at once warn be-
ginners against the error which nearly all have fallen
into—that of planting out-doors any plants merely because
they are exotics. The result of such a proceeding is any-.
thing but satisfactory or pleasing. The first thing to
recommend a plant for this purpose is a decided character-
of its own—something that will stand out in bold relief
and contrast with all its surroundings, either as regards.
the shape of leaf, size of leaf, colour, or habit. A clump
of Cannas form a beautiful group, and contrast splendidly
with a fan-leaved Palm, or with such plants as Wigandias,
Castor Oil Plants. or some of the fine Aralias, and many
other such comparisons might be made. The more dis-
tinctness there is in the plants used, the finer will be the «:
tropical effect obtained, and the greater the interest in
the garden.

The chief object therefore to keep in view, whether
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING. _ 47

using the ornamental-leaved plants in company with flow-
ering plants or in isolated groups, is distinctness of out-
line and character in each, for we do not want groups of
plants so similar in appearance that it requires close
inspection to distinguish the differences. Keeping this
guiding principle always in view, and having a proper
selection of plants—by this we mean with respect to native
locality, for it is not feasible to suppose a plant from the
hot moist plains and swamps of the islands in the Indian
Archipelago, would be as suitable as one from the moun-
tains—the amateur or gardener cannot err, providing the
surroundings are prepared as we shall afterwards explain.
To prevent disappointment to those who may not have
the convenience of a greenhouse, we may add that ample
materials exist amongst hardy plants to form a very beau-
tiful effect, and that where choice plants are used these
hardy ones should be judiciously combined, for the orna-
mental character of a plant doey not depend upon its
being hardy, or requiring the temperature of the stove
to keep it during winter ; and although the hardy plants
are without the province of these pages, we shall append
to this chapter the names of a few of the most, beautiful,
as we feel, without in some way recognizing them, we
shall leave the subject incomplete.

The next question which arises, is, how to use the plants,
and here lies the chief art in sub-tropical gardening,
for some stand exposure to the full rays of the
sun far better than others—indeed, some plants that
grow beautifully in the open air dyring summer, must
have complete shade. The texture of the leaves, and the
constitution of the plant, added to practice, will soon
teach the operator these matters. It must be borne in
mind, also, that a preparation of ground is equally as
48 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

important as in the case of “bedding plants,’ and we
conceive the principle which has been adopted in the
London Parks is undoubtedly correct. The main
feature of this system is to provide drainage of the
most ample and complete kind ; indeed, wherever prac-
ticable, the beds for the tender plants are elevated
with bricks some distance above the ground level, but
the bricks are hidden by a covering of soil. They are,
however, elevated not simply as a matter of drainage,
but as a storehouse for the sun’s rays, which are given
out slowly in the form of bottom-heat, when the plants
have not the benefit of the sunshine. It is quite possible
indeed, that in many cases this elevation of the beds may
not be practicable, or compatible with the surroundings,
and therefore we do not insist upon it as an essential, but
the drainage is absolutely necessary to success. Therefore
the soil should be taken out to some depth wherever it is
intended to place a tender plant, and the whole filled up, to
within a foot or eighteen inches of the surface, with broken
bricks or other good drainage material, and upon this
the prepared soil may be placed. The soil should con-
sist of about three parts good loam, one part leaf mould,
one part peat, and one of sand. After the plants are
* placed in position, we advise the surface to be covered
with good decomposed leaf mould, and if place and plant
are suitable, cover the ground with Selaginella, Trades-
cantia, or some other dwarf-growing thing that suggests
itself as being adapted for the purpose. In the case of
large Cycads, Palms, or such things, we by no means advise
them to be planted ont, but plunged in the pots or tubs in
which they are growing. These plants form beautiful
objects when plunged as single specimens upon the lawn,
and also when grouped with other plants, and the situations
SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING, 49

should be so chosen for the tenderer species, that they may
be shaded during a portion of the day by some friendly
tree, and sheltered from cutting winds and draughts by.
some neighbouring shrubbery of laurels or similar plants,
and which are usually to be found in @ pleasure garden.
These, in addition to the shelter they afford, add mate-
tially to the effect in forming a background, by which
the varied tints and forms of the sub-tropical plants are
more conspicuously displayed.

In addition to the isolated specimens jotted about upon
the lawn and various places, by taking advantage of
curved or undulating lines of shrubberies, some exceed-
ingly effective miniature glades may be formed, always
bearing in mind, wherever a more than ordinary - snug
and shady corner occurs, to place the tenderest and most
shade-loving plants, such as Areca lutescens, Dicksonia
antarctica, Cyathea dealbata, Alsophila australis, Thamnop-
teris australasica, or similar things. In planting sub-
tropical plants, the very opposite rule must be observed
to that of planting .“soft-wooded flowering” plants: in
the latter case, symmetry and regularity is essential to
produce a good effect : in the former, natural grace and
distinctive characters are the leading charms, and these
will be entirely lost, if straight lines and formal designs
are attempted with the majority of them.

 
50 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

SeLEcr List of PLANTS SUITABLE FOR THE OPEN Ar

ABUTILON
Thompsonii

AGAVE
americana
medio-picta
striata
variegata
applanata
coccinea
filifera
geminiflora
lophanta
potatorum
Salmiana,
univittata

ALSOPHILLA
australis
excelsa

ANANASSA
sativa variegata

ANTHURIUM
acaule
cartilagineum
cordifolium
coriaceum
leuconervum
magnificum
Miqueliana
signatum
tetragonum

ABALIA
crassifolia
integrifolia
macrophylla
Sieboldaii

 

DURING SUMMER,

ARALIA
Sieboldtii variegata
aurea,
trifoliata
ARECA
lutescens
ASPIDISTRA
lurida variegata
ATTALEA
nucifera
ARAUCARIA
Cookii
Cunninghamii
glauca
excelsa
Goldieana
Rulei
BaNnkKsIA
Cunninghamii
speciosa
BEAUCARNEA
glauca
recurvata
stricta
CaLaDIUM
esculentum
nymphefolium
CANNAS
many varieties, sce p. 188
CaRLUDOVICA
.palmata
rotundifolia
Caryota
furfuracea
sobolifera,
urens
LIST OF PLANTS SUITABLE FOR OPEN AIR. 51

CHzaMzRops
arborescens
excelsa
Fortunei
humilis
macrocarpa
palmetto

Corrosma
Baueriana,

variegata

CyaTHEA
dealbata
medullaris

Cycas
circinalis
revoluta

DasyLig10n
acrotrichum
glancum
gracile

Dickson1a
antarctica
fibrosa
squarrosa,

DION
edule

Dracana
australis
Braziliense
canneefolia
Cooperii
congesta
Draco
Ehrenbergii
ferrwa
nigrescens
terminalis
umbraculifera,

ENCEPHALARTOS
Altensteinii
Caffer
horridus

Huca.yprus
globosus

#2

 

FERDINANDIA
eminens

Ficus
australis

Brassii
Cooperii
elastica
GREVILLEA
robusta
GRISLINIA
macrophylla
HoLamMoNnEMA
rubescens

KeEnvTia
australis
Baueri
Belmoreana
sapida
LIvIstona
australis
borbonica
MonsTERA
deliciosa,
Musa
chinensis
ensete
Nicoriana
Wigandioides
OREOPANAX
dactylifolia
PANDANUS
elegantissimus
utilis
Papyrus
antiquorum
PELARGONIUM
anemonifolium
Paenix :
dactylifera
farinifera
reclinata
sylvestris

_PHORMIUM

atropurpureum
tenax
variegatum
52 ORNAMENTAL

PHILODENDRON
canneefoliam
Simsii

PHYTELEPHAS
macrocarpa,

PoLtyMniA
grandis

Raapis
flabelliformis
humilis

RHOPALA
corcovadense
elegans
Skinnerii

Ricinus
many varieties

SaBaL
Adansonii
Blackburniana
umbraculifera

SANSEVERIA
zebrina

ScIaDOPHYLLUM
pulchrom

SEAFORTHIA
elegans

Soncuus
arboreus
laciniatus

STRELITZIA
augusta
regina

 

FOLIAGE PLANTS.

THAMNOPTERIS
australasica
THRINAX
radiata
TRADESCANTIA
discolor
zebrina
UHDEA,
bipinnatifida
pyramidalis
URaANIA
speciosa
WIGANDIA
caracasana
Vigieri
XANTHOSOMA
sagitteofolia
Yucca
albo-spica
aloifolia
variegata
do Smetiana
canaliculata
concava
filamentosa
variegata,
quadricolor
Stokesii
ZAMIA
Lehmanii
McKenii.

SeLect Harpy Puants SUITABLE FOR SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING.

ACANTHUS
latifolius
mollis
spinosus
ACER
negundo variegata
polymorphum rubrum
rosea variegata

ALNUS
grandulosa aurea
ARBALIA
japonica
papyrifera
pentaphylla
Sieboldtii
spinosa
HARDY PLANTS FOR SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING, 53

ARUNDINARIA

falcata
ARUNDO

conspicua

donax

variegata

ASPARAGUS

officinalis
ASPIDISTRA

lurida variegata
BaMBvusa

aurea,

metake

nigra
Cannas

many varieties
CHAMAROPS

excelsa

Fortunei
CRAMBE

cordifolia
ERIOBOTRYA

japonica
EucaLyPrus

several species
Farrucium

grande
Fervuta

several species
GUNNERA

manicata

scabra
GyYNERIUM

argenteum

variegatum

HERACLEUM

several species

 

LiGuLaRia
Kempferii argentea
MELIANTHUS
major
PAWLONIA
imperialis
Quercus
robur var. concordia,
nigra
RHeEUM
Emodii
Ravus
various species
Statice
several species
SYMPHYTUM
officinale luteo marginata
TAMARIX
gallica
THALICTRUM
majus
minor
Unmus
campestris aurea
punctata
Yucca
aloifolia
filamentosa
variegata
filifera
gloriosa
glaucescens
pendula
recurva
stenophylla
stricta
Treculeana.
54 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

WINDOW PLANTS AND PLANTS SUITABLE FOR
IN-DOOR DECORATION.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

France, Germany, and Belgium, both as regards
the style and éxtent of plant decorations for
dwelling-houses, is a fact which we imagine no one will
deny; but we may add, with equal truth, that since
the publication of the first edition of this book, it is
daily becoming less apparent. With the view, then, of
hastening the time when we shall have entirely cleared
ourselves of this disgrace, we offer a few remarks upon
the kinds of plants which are suitable for this purpose,
and upon the best mode of using them. It will be well,
however, to trace out the cause of this national oblivious-

 
WINDOW PLANTS, ETC. 55

ness respecting plants as decorators in our apartments,
for no surer starting point for reformation can be found
than the source of the evil. Our climate is the first thing
that suggests itself as a probable cause. We do not, how-
ever, intend to declaim against our climate, for as we
remarked when treating of sub-tropical gardening, we
are inclined to think more highly of it now than at any
former period of our lives; but as we are able to cultivate
in our gardens such an immense variety of evergreen
and other shrubs, far beyond what can be done in the
less propitious clime of our neighbours, and as we live
in the open air so much amongst them, it is possible
that in this way we may have felt, in a much less degree,
the necessity for having plants in our dwelling-houses.
Again, the decoration of apartments with us, is a far
more discouraging affair than with our friends over the
water, There they have heat uniformly diffused in their -
dwellings, without dust or draughts; on our side the
channel, however, the rooms are in most cases anything
but congenial to plant life, for it is quite possible for plants
standing in the windows to be nearly frozen, whilst a
cheerful fire is blazing on the hearth. Then we have
also to contend against the dust and smoke from our sea-
coal fires, which completely choke the leaves of plants,
‘ whilst the close stoves of our neighbours do not allow
either to penetrate the room, and but little dust or dirt
arise from the stoves themselves, In this respect we
shall always labour under considerable disadvantages in
the decoration of our dwelling-rooms.

But if we search deeper for the source of this neglect,
it appears to us that we must lay it to our system of
education, and to the consequent lack of that refined
taste as a nation, for which other countries have so long
56 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGED PLANTS.

been famed. True we have amongst us individuals who
are not wanting in taste and refinement, but it is very
lamentable to be compelled to acknowledge our defect
in this respect as a nation. This, however, we are glad
to say is becoming a thing of the past, and all classes are
awakening to a keen appreciation of the fine arts, and
to a love of the beautiful, while our schools of design, and
other such institutions, are labouring earnestly to elevate
and refine our thoughts and senses in every way, being
thoroughly alive to our former short-comings. Not the
least of the fruits of these efforts, has been the rapid
advancement of Horticulture, and a general love of nature.
The extended love of Horticulture is not confined to any
particular class, but is felt by all, from the highest to
the lowest, though it is necessarily carried out in a
different degree. Thus, those who have ample sources
to draw from, embellish their dwellings with choice orna-
mental plants, while the artisan, wishing to make his
cottage a home of elegance and taste, adorns it also with
such plants as lie within his reach. For ourselves, wishing
as far as in us lies to assist in the advancement of this
work, we offer these remarks as helps to any and all who
may be in need of them.

A few years ago, what little window gardening or
room decoration was carried on, was done by the aid of
flowers only. Such things as Geraniums, Fuchsias, Helio-
tropes, and a few other summer-blooming plants, formed
the chief supply, which was varied in winter by the
addition of the Chinese Primula and the Cineraria, thus
leaving the apartments empty and dreary just at the time
when plants would have been most appreciated. To supply
this want, Ferns were first taken into favour, and most
elegant decorative agents they are, but unfortunately the
WINDOW PLANTS, ETC. 57

greater portion of them are too delicate in texture to
withstand the dry atmosphere which is necessarily main-
tained in a dwelling-house. To obviate this, miniature
greenhouses were invented by Mr. N. B. Ward, an en-
thusiastic lover of this race of plants, and these have ever
since been called “Ward’s Cases” or “ Wardian Cases,”
and are most extensively used. Indeed, many large and
interesting collections of Ferns are cultivated by amateurs,
who have no other accommodation but such as these cases
afford, and to whom they thus become a never-ending
source of enjoyment. In addition to their adaptability
for the cultivation of Ferns, they are eminently suited
also for the growth of many of the smaller-growing plants
remarkable for the beauty of their leaves, and which,
although too fragile to stand in a room unprotected, yet
become objects of great interest when grown in such a
case as that represented at the head of these remarks.
There are several kinds of Orchids which succeed admir-
ably in these structures, and afford much additional
interest ; we allude to the various species of Sophronites,
which are adapted for small blocks, to be suspended from
the roof; to several species of Lycaste and Odontoglossum ;
to the most showy kinds of Stelis and Pleurothalis, as
well as some of the Maxillarias and Cypripediums.

The florists’ flowers which we have previously named
as being a few years since the principal objects for in-
door decoration, are in our estimation totally unfit to form
the chief features in arrangements of this kind, although
they are valuable as adjuncts. The groundwork should
be composed of ornamental-foliaged plants—plants with
a robust constitution, and.somewhat stout or coriaceous
leaves, examples of which may be found amongst Palms,
and the different species of Dracwna, Croton, Agave,
58 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Yucca, Ficus, and many other genera. Amongst these
the plants in flower should be arranged, with a view to
give life to the picture. These latter must, however, be
renewed as soon as the blooms are past. Jardinettes,
and vases for dinner-table decoration, should be filled
alternately with leafage and flowering plants, to prevent
sameness of appearance.

It has occurred to us that many would be glad of a
little timely advice as to the management of their open
air window plants and window boxes, and although these
do not come exactly within the meaning of the heading
of this chapter, we shall be excused for devoting a little
space to this object. Plants grown in pots and in boxes
outside windows are in many instances miserable objects ;
on the other hand, many persons succeed in maintaining
a gay and varied display in them nearly all the year
round, which is ample proof that it is possible to do so
if proper selections are made, and sufficient care and
attention are bestowed. Ivies of various kinds have a
beautiful appearance when trained neatly round the win-.
dow, and form an elegant framework for the plants,
besides having a cheerful aspect during the dull winter
months. During summer they may be removed if de-
sirable, and such plants as Pilogyne suavis (German Ivy),
Cobea scandens variegata, Hardenbergia monophylla, and
various other plants used in their place. One of the most
beautiful window arrangements we ever saw was a frame-
work of Ivy upon which was trained Clematis Jackmannt ;
another consisted of Clematis lanuginosa candida, upon
the same background. These and many other varieties of
this genus cannot be surpassed for this purpose ; we must,
however, in passing, remind our readers that they: will
require occasional applications of weak artificial manure
WINDOW PLANTS, ETC. 59

to prevent them becoming exhausted—an occurrence which
would only lead to disappointment and loss of time.

In the summer season window boxes should never be
-without a few plants of Mignonette, as its delicate fra-
grance is not surpassed by that of any other flower. This
can be easily accomplished ‘by dropping a few seeds upon
the soil every three or four weeks, so that young plants
may take the place of older ones, which may be robbing
the other occupants of their space. One or two plants
with ornamental leaves should be placed in each box, and
the remaining space should be filled up with flowering
plants according to the available supply. As the plants
become shabby they should be removed to the store
ground, and their places be filled up by others. To enable
the amateur to make this style of gardening more in-
teresting and attractive than it has hitherto been, we
append a list of hardy flowering plants suitable for window
decoration, In leaving this subject with these brief re-
marks, we may add, that if the growth of spring bulbs is
attempted, a double set of boxes will be needed, so that
the bulbs may be planted in autumn, covered with ashes or
other protecting material, and not brought into position
until tolerably advanced ; this arrangement will allow the
windows to be decorated with a few flowers and orna-
mental plants during even the depth of winter.

 
60 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

A SELECTION OF ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS SPECIALLY
ADAPTED FOR THE DECORATION OF APARTMENTS, Hatzs,

Corrmors, &c.

Those marked with an asterisk.(*) do not require fire heat during winter,

ACACIA
lophantha
ACALYPHA
Wilkesiana
AGAVE
Americana*
medio-picta*
striata*
variegata*
filifera*
geminifiora*
lophanta*
Verschaffelti
many other varieties
ANANASSA
sativa variegata
ANTHURIUM
acaule
cartilagineum
leuconervum
magnificum
regale
ARALIA
crassifolia
heteromorpha
pentaphylla
reticulata’
Sieboldti*
variegata*
trifoliata
ARAUCARIA
Cookii*
Cunninghamii
glauca
excelsa
ARECA
Madagascariensis
monostachya
rubra

 

BEAUCARNEA
glauca
recurvata
Brexia
Madagascariensis
CaLapiums
many varieties in summer
CaRLuDovIca
palmata
rotundifolia
Caryora
furfuracea
sobolifera
urens
CaROLINEA
princeps
CrRoxyLon
andicola
CHAMZDOREA
Arenbergii
Desmoncoides
elegans
Ernesti-Augusti
glaucifolia
graminifolia
Hartwegii
Warscewiczii
Wendlandii
CHAMEROPS
arborescens
excelsa*
Fortunei*
humilis*
macrocarpa*
Cocos
australis °
plumosus
CorDYLINE
indivisa

%
ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS. 61

Croton
angustifolium
pictum
variegatum

Crcas
revoluta*

Dacrypium
cupressinum*

DAsyLiRion
acrotrichum*

brevifolium*
glaucum

Dracaena
australis
braziliense
canneefolia
congesia
Cooperii
Draco
ferrea
gracilis
lineata
nigrescens
robusta
terminalis’
Veitchii

Ficus
Brassii
Cooperii
elastica*
macrophylla
Suringarii

HIprpoMANE
spinosa

JUBEA
spectabilis*

KEntTIA
Bauerii
sapida

Livistona
altissima,
australis
borbonica
humilis
Jenkinsii

MOoNsTERA
deliciosa

 

Musa
chinensis
Orzopoxa
oleracea,
OREoPaNax
dactylifolia
PHorMium
tenax*
variegatum
PaNDANUS
elegantissimus
utilis
Vandermeerschii
PHILODENDRON
crinipes
pinnatifidus
RHOPALA
corcovadensis
Skinnerii
Ruaris
flabelliformis
humilis
SaBaL
Blackburniana
umbraculifera
SaccHarum
officinarum
SEAFORTHIA
elegans
STRELITZIA
augusta
reginze
THEOPHRASTA
imperialis
Jussieuii
latifolia
THRINAX
Martii
parviflora
radiata
TUPIDANTHUS
calyptratus
Yucoa
albo spica
aloifolia variegata*
filamentosa variegata*
quadricolor é
Stokesii
62 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

Serect ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED Pants FoR DrNner-TABLE
DECORATION,

*,* These plants should be grown with care, and in as small pots as
possible, to admit of their standing im small vases, de.

 

ALOCASIA ARALIA
gigantea leptophylla
Lowii reticulata

Veitchii

An THERICUM ARAUCARIA
variegatum excelsa

ARALIA Goldieana

elegantissima, Rulei
ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS, 63

ARECA
aurea,
Tutescens
monostachya
rubra,
CaLamus
ciliaris
elegans
plumosus
Caryora
Cummingii
CHAMDOREA
elegans
Geonomiformis
glaucifolia
graminifolia
Warscewiczii
Wendlandii
Cocos
Weddeliana
Croron
angustifolium
majesticum
variegatum
Weismanii
Youngii
Crprrus
alternifolius variegatus
DZMONOROPS
palembanicus
Dracaena
amabilis
Cooperii
gracilis
Guilfoylei
Hibberdii
lineata
nigro rubra
regina,
terminalis
FREYCINETIA
imbricata

 

GronomMA
gracilis
GREVILLEA
robusta
KENTIA
australis
Fosteriana
LATANIA
aurea
Commersonii
Livisrona
altissima,
borbonica
ONCOSPERMA
Van Houtteana
Orropoxa
regia
PaNnDANUS
elegantissimus
utilis
Veitchji
PHENIX
dactylifera,
sylvestris
tenuis
Rayaris
flabelliformis
humilis
SEAFORTHIA
elegans
Soncuus
laciniatus
pinnatifidus
STADMANNIA
Jonghii
TERMINALIA
elegans
THRINAX
parviflora
radiata,
WELFIA
regia.
64 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGED PLANTS.

SELECT ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS WHICH SUCCEED WHEN
PLANTED IN A WARDIAN CaSE, MIXED witH Ferns, &.

ALOCASIA
Jenningsii
Lowii
metallica

ANTHURIUM
leuconervum
magnificum
Scherzerianum

BERTOLONIA
guttata

CEPHALOTUS
follicularis

CHAMERANTHEMUM
Beyrichii
verbenaceum

CYPERUS
alternifolius variegatus

DARLINGTONIA
Californica

DIEFFENBACHIA
Baraquiniana
Bausei
Pearcei
Weirii

Dion za
muscipula

DorstEnta
argentata
maculata

Dracena
any kinds

Drosera
capensis
dichotoma
spathulata

ERANTHEMUM
igneum
sanguinclentum

 

Firronia
argyroneura
gigantea
Pearcei
Verschaffeltii

Hieeinsia
argyroneura
pyrophylla
refulgens

MARANTA
illustris
Lindeniana
lineata alba

rosea
micans
ornata
rosea, picta
splendida
Van den Heckei
vittata

PEPEROMIA
argyrea
argentea

SaRRacEnia
Drommondii

alba
flava
psittacina,
purpurea
rubra
variolaris

Scinpapsus
pictus

SonERILA
margaritacea
Hendersonii.
HARDY FLOWERING PLANTS. 65

SeLect Harpy ORNAMENTAL-LEAVED PLANTS SUITABLE FOR
Winpow Decoration ix tHE Open AIR.

AMPELOPSIS
japonica
Veitchii
-ARABIS
lucida variegata
ABALIA
japonica
Sieboldtii
-ASPIDISTRA
lurida variegata
punctata
AUCUBA
himalaica
japonica albo variegata
latimaculata
maculata
elegans
variegata elegans
viridis (vera)
acuminata
‘BaMBUsA
Fortunei variegata
gracilis
‘ metake
nigra
Buxus
balearicus
‘CASTANEA
chrysophylla
CERASTIUM
tomentosum

 

CHAMZROPS

excelsa

Fortunei
CoLLETIA

horrida
ECHEVERIA

secunda

glauca,

Evonymus

japonicaargentea variegata

aurea variegata,

radicans
Eurya

japonica variegata
FaRFucium

grande
HEDERA

many species and varieties
Opuntia

Rafinesquiana
OsMANTHUS

ilicifolius variegatus
PoLemMonium

ceeruleum variegatum
REINECKIA

carnea variegata
S ANTOLINA

Incana
SEMPERVIVUM

californicum

tectorum

many species
Sracuys

Janata,

Szetect Harpy FLowerinc PLANTS svmTaBLE FOR WINDOW
DECORATION IN THE OPEN AIR.

ALyssum
saxatile

ANDROMEDA
formosa

ARABIS
albida

F

ARABIS
lucida

AUBRETIA
Campbellii \
purpurea,
66 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

AZALEA
amcena
BERBERIDOPSIS
corallina
CAMPANULA :
many species
CLEMATIS
azurea grandiflora
flammula
Jackmanii
lanuginosa
candida
rubro. violacea
Standishii
venosa,
DaPHne
cneorum
ponticum
DESFONTAINEA
spinosa
Drvtzia
crenata fl. pl.
gracilis
EPImMEDIUM
pinnatum
rubrum
Fapiana
imbricata
Forsyruia
viridissima
Funkia
many varieties
HYDRANGEA
hortensis
japonica
IBERIS ;
sempervirens
JASMINUM
nudicaule
revoluta
Katmia
latifolia
several species
LitHosPERMUM
fruticosum
NIEEREMBERGIA
rivularis

 

Oncuis_
all the British species
OSMANTHUS
ilicifolius
variegatus
Pansy
many varieties
PERNETTYA
floribunda
mucronata
Patox
procumbens
subulata
PRIMULA
cortusoides amcena
alba
grandiflora
Prrus
japonica
Rises !
sanguinea
SAXIFRAGA .
many species
SERISSA
foetida marginata
SPIREA
callosa
japonica
palmata
Statice
many species
TRICYRTIS
hirta
TROLLIUS
europeus
VERONICA
prostrata
VIBURNUM
tinus
VIOLA
lutea
cornuta
alba
Perfection
WHIGELA
amabilis
rosea,
A SELECTION OF

STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS

REMARKABLE FOR THE BEAUTY OF THEIR LEAVES,

)HE plants we here describe, and which we re-
commend to the notice of plant growers, will
all be found worthy of general cultivation, and
of great beauty, distinctness and sterling merit having
been our qualification test in the selection. Many more
species and varieties could have been included, but we
believe the amateur and gardener will find ample material
to supply their wants, whether they require examples
for the embellishment of the stove or greenhouse, the
drawing room, dinner table, or the sub-tropical garden

 
 

in the open air.

ABUTILON.

This Malvaceous genus affords only a few examples of
sufficient note to be entered here as fine foliage plants.
They can be easily grown, and are quite at home in any
situation in which they may be placed, but they display
their elegant variegation to, the greatest advantage in
the open air during the summer, thus affording quite a

P2
68 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

distinct and novel combination of colour for the flower
garden. The soil best suited for the cultivation of Abutilons
is rich light loam, adding a small quantity of leaf mould
and sand. Increase by cuttings, which are best taken off
during the summer season.

A. Selowianum marmoratum.—A very showy species,
leaves large and beautifully mottled with various shades of
green and yellow. This exceeds in size any yet in
cultivation.

A. Thompsoni.—A free-growing twiggy variety of A.
striatum, producing medium-sized lobed leaves of a vivid
green, elegantly blotched with creamy white and yellow.
It is a very handsome plant for greenhouse decoration
if fully exposed to the sun’s light; as a bedding plant
it is quite unique; no garden should lack this charming
variety. Native of Jamaica.

A. vexillarium marmoratum.—This is a very pretty species,
having small leaves, blotched with various shades of green
and pale yellow, an excellent plant for small sub-tropical
beds, it succeeds well in a greenhouse.

ACALYPHA,

This genus belongs to the Luphorbiacew, an order which
gives us many very finely variegated and ornamental-
leaved plants. Amongst the species of this particular
genus, however, the two here given are the only examples
which we can recommend to the notice of amateurs.
Potted in peat and loam, with a portion of sand added,
and placed in good stove temperature, these plants will
make fine ornamental objects, especially in winter, when
they are strikingly conspicuous, and are very serviceable
at that season to decorate the dinner table. Increased
by cuttings in spring.

1
ACANTHOPHGNIX, 69

A, marginata,—A welcome addition to the myriads
of foliage plants introduced of late years. The size of
the leaves are incidental in size with those of A. tricolor,
but the markings are totally distinct. The centre of the
leaf is: brown, around which is formed a distinct margin of
rosy carmine about a quarter of an inch wide, rendering it
a most beautiful object. The leaf is entirely covered by
quantities of small hairs, which add much to the beauty
of it. Native of the South Sea Islands.

A. Wilkesiana.—A very handsome and distinct plant,
growing from six to ten feet in height, forming a small
shrub; the leaves are large, ovate-acuminate in shape,
and most curiously blotched, mottled, and splashed with
red and crimson upon a coppery green ground. It
should be in every collection, however limited. It is better
known, perhaps, by the name of A. tricolor. Native of
New Caledonia.

ACANTHOPHENIX,

A small genus of Palms nearly allied to Areca, but
having, however, several characters which do not accord
with that genus. The stem is stout, especially towards
the base ; the flowers are arranged spirally upon a simple
spadix, one female flower being always placed between two
males, and the fruits are small and one-seeded. The leaves
of Acanthopheniz are pinnate, and the petioles are profusely
clothed with long spines, which is alone sufficient to
distinguish them from Areca, because no true Areca is
furnished with spines.

These plants form beautiful ditamenle in our stoves,
and should be grown in two parts peat, one part loam,
and one part sand, well mixed together. They should
at all seasons be liberally supplied with water, and kept
70 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

in the temperature of an ordinary stove. As these
plants do not produce suckers, they can be increased by
seeds only.

A. crinita.—This species has been distributed under
the erroneous name of Calamus dealbatus, but is, perhaps,
better known as Areca crinita, under which title it has
long existed in choice collections of plants in this country.
The leaves are pinnate, and beautifully arched, the
petioles sheathing at the base, and profusely armed with
long sharp black spines; pinne long, narrow, and pen-
dent, light yellowish green on the upper side, silvery
white beneath. It is a superb plant, well deserving
general cultivation. Native of the Mascareen Islands.

A. ruber.—The habit of this plant is similar to that
of the preceding, the leaves are, however, longer, and
in the young state deep red, which changes with age
to dark green, and the petioles are less densely clothed
with spines. A beautiful plant. Native of the Mascareen
Islands.

ACANTHORRHIZA.

This is a small group of Palms, the species included
in which have been, until recently, merged in the genus
Chamerops and Thrinax; from these genera, however,
they have been removed, and their differences, in a
botanical point of view, have been deemed sufficient to
elevate them to generic rank. The chief and most
striking distinction for the cultivator, will be found in
the remarkable manner in which their palmate leaves
are divided into segments, quite down to the ligule,
or place of insertion at the apex of the petiole. These
plants are extremely ornamental, and form beautiful ob-
jects, in a young state, for the decoration of apartments,
AGAVE. val

or as table plants, and when they have become too large
for such purposes, they are admirably adapted for the
‘conservatory. Pot them in loam and peat, in about
equal parts, adding a little clean river or silver sand,
drain the pots well, and supply them liberally with
-water.

A. stawracantha—A beautiful plant, well deserving
general cultivation. The stem is medium-sized, and, from
below the base of the petioles, produces a quantity of
roots which ultimately become spiny, and which has given
rise to the generic name; the leaves are palmate, divided
‘into segments quite down to the ligule, dark green on
the upper side, and silvery white below. It is a bean-
tiful Palm for in-door decoration, as well as for green-
house purposes. Native of Mexico.

A. Warscewiczii—The stem of this fine species is some-
what stout; petioles from two to three feet long, unarmed,
and enclosed in a dense mass of white fibres; leaves
nearly round, about two feet in diameter, and like those
of the preceding species, often split into segments quite
-down to the ligule; the upper surface is very deep green,
below they are clothed with a white pulverescence. Native
of Central America.

AGAVE.

Although these plants would not seem at first sight to
have much in common with Amaryilis and Narcissus, they
nevertheless belong to the same order (Amaryllidacee).
They are noble massive-growing plants, and form mag-
mificent 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
72 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

plants, seldom exceeding two feet in height. Besides being .
fine ornamental plants for in-door 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 rock-work, or about any rustic nooks
in the pleasure grounds, as in such situations they are
quite in keeping, and thrive admirably. The Agave ameri-
cana and its varieties (American Aloes as they are popularly
called), are many of them familiar plants, and bear the
character of blooming only once in a hundred years. This
seems extraordinary, but is to some extent true, for they
attain maturity very slowly, but when this condition is
reached, the plant sends up a flower spike, and after per-
fecting this dies, on account of the flower stem being the
terminal bud, and from its great size completely exhausting
the plant. It would, therefore, be equally true to assert
that they bloom only once in a thousand years, but to
imagine that they require to grow a hundred years before
flowering is certainly fallacious, although they are no
doubt many years in arriving at a flowering state. There
is, however, another section of this genus, distinct from
ithe americana group, which do not exhaust themselves
in their efforts to reproduce their species, but even with
these the symmeiry of the plant is gone, and in some
cases they never recover. The Agaves contain an immense
quantity of strong and valuable fibre, but on account of
their slow growth, it cannot be produced in sufficient
quantity to become an article of commerce.

These plants 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-
AGAVE. 73

' " during the summer season, but during winter considerably
less will be required. When these plants are syringed in
winter, the temperature of the house should be increased,
to quickly dry up the superabundant moisture. The species
can be increased by suckers when they 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.

A. americana.—This noble plant produces leaves from
one to seven or eight feet in length, and six to eight
inches in breadth, very stout, spreading, distantly armed
at the margins with moderate-sized spines, and at the
points with a very long and stout one. The colour of
the massive leaves is milky green, It is a native of
South America.

A, americana medio-picia.—This is a superb variety of
the preceding, with lanceolate leaves from two to three
feet in length, and about four inches in width, the lower
leaves recurved, the upper ones erect, moderately thick,
rich golden yellow on both surfaces, bordered with dark
green; the apex and edges are armed with brown spines.
It is a magnificent plant, and one which no collection of
‘ornamental-leaved plants should lack. Native of Mexico.

A, americana mexicana.—This variety is much shorter
in the leaves than the species, seldom exceeding three feet
_in length by some four or five inches in breadth, and
very glaucous; armed like the original, with somewhat
distant spines, and at the apex with a stout one. Native
of Mexico.

A. americana striata—A more compact-growing plant
than the species; the ground colour is a milky green,
with streaks of yellowish white extending from base to
apex. Although far less handsome than A. medio-picta,
74 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

this plant forms a beautiful contrast with it. Native of
Mexico.

A. americana variegata.—Another handsome plant. The
leaves are some six feet or more in length, and six or
eight inches in breadth, dark green in the centre, broadly
margined with rich yellow, and armed on the edges and at
the apex with stout spines. Native of Mexico.

A. amena.—A. beautiful compact-growing, yet massive
plant. The leaves are thick and fleshy, some three feet
Jong, and from six to eight inches broad, armed at the
point with a formidable terete red spine, and at the edges
with large flat recurved ones the same colour ; leaves on
both sides rich full green. The plant is also known by the
name of A, elegans in some gardens. Native of Mexico.

A. applanata.—A compact-growing handsome plant,
the leaves of which are about a foot in length, broad,
and very thick and massive at the base, tapering to a
sharp point, where they are armed with-a long and sharp
brown spine ; they are blue green in colour, bordered with
brown, and armed at the edges with brown spines. Native
of Mexico.

A. aureoacantha.—A pretty compact-growing plant. The
rosulate leaves are spathulate, and very glaucous, about
six inches in length and two and a half in breadth, the
apex and margins armed with golden spines. Native of
Mexico.

A. Besseriana amcena,—This is an extremely rare plant,
but without exception one of the very handsomest of the
small-growing set. The leaves are oblong, arranged in
a compact rosulate manner, about three inches in length,
and one in breadth; stout, creamy white, armed at the
edges with broad brown spines, and terminated with a
stout black one an inch long; the contrast of the creamy
AGAVE, 75

white leaves and dark spines is very remarkable and
pleasing. Native of Mexico.

A. Besseriana candida.—Leaves stout, oblong, compactly
arranged in a rosulate manner, and milky green, some six
inches long and one inch broad, armed at the point with
a dark brown spine an inch in length, and with a few
smaller ones at the edges; a larger-growing plant than
the variety amena, not so creamy white in colour, but
very distinct, and equally beautiful in its own way. Native
of Mexico.

A. Celsiana.—A beautiful species, the stem of which
scarcely rises off the surface of the ground. The leaves are
from one to two feet long, obovate-lanceolate, tapering to a
sharp point, and having the margins armed with numerous
short brown spines. The colour of the leaves is a very
pale glaucous green, rendering the plant a conspicuous
object in a collection of succulents. Native of Mexico.

A. coccinea.—The leaves of this species are very massive
at the base, which separates them widely, and gives to the
plant a somewhat thin appearance; they are recurved,
some two or three feet in length, and about three inches
in breadth, of a deep heavy green, and armed at the
margins and apex with red spines; the latter are very
formidable, being often three inches long. Native of
Mexico.

A. coccinea brevifolia.—This differs from the preceding
in its shorter leaves, which seldom exceed eighteen or
twenty-four inches in length, and some five or six in
breadth ; they are thick and fleshy, very dark green, and
armed at the apex and margins with stout reddish brown
spines: Native of Mexico.

A. Corderoyt.—Leaves erect, about a foot long, and an
inch broad, armed at the apex with a very stout dark brown
76 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

spine, and at the edges with a few small distant ones of
the same colour. It is a very pretty plant, and named.
after an enthusiastic amateur cultivator of this order.
Native of. Mexico.

A. cuspidata.—This is an extremely elegant species.
The leaves are spathulate, slightly recurved, from six to
eight inches in length, and two in width, dark green, the
apex armed with a formidable reddish brown spine an inch
long, and the edges with smaller recurved ones of a
similar colour. Native of Mexico.

A, dasyliroides—A very handsome plant, but totally
distinct from the plant which has in many instances
usurped the name. The leaves are similar to those of
A. dealbata, but the plant is more erect in its growth, and
the leaves are of a rich dark green colour, with a few
greyish lines running up them, and, in addition, are armed
at the apex with a dark brown sharp spine. Native of
Mexico.

A. de Smetiana.—This is one of the finest species in
cultivation, and extremely rare. The rosulate leaves are
somewhat ovate, bright green, margined with a broad band
of light brown, upon which are set large reflexed spines
of the same colour; the apex is armed with a very long
and stout brown spine. Native of Mexico.

A. dealbata.—This very rare, distinct, and handsome
plant makes little or no stem. The leaves are some three
and a half feet long, or in some instances more, and about
an inch and a half broad, sharply toothed on the mar-
gins, and glaucous green in colour, those in the centre
being erect, while the lower ones are recurved. The
flower spike attains the height of nine or ten feet, the
upper portion on which the flowers are placed being
pendulous; the flowers are green, with reddish brown
ew AGAVE, 77

anthers. This species has thrown up a sucker from its
base on each occasion of its flowering in this country,
which is unlike the habit of the generality of the species
belonging to the genus. It has been figured and named
A. dasylirioides by mistake. Native of Mexico.

A. densiflora.—Leaves spreading, moderately stout, some

two or three feet in length, and four inches in breadth,
obovate-lanceolate in shape, sometimes, especially in a
young state, inclined to spathulate, dark green, termi-
nating in a stout dark red spine, and armed with small
closely set red or black ones at the edges. Native of
Mexico.
"A, Ellemetiana.—Leaves stout, somewhat spathulate, and
recurved, from two to three feet long, four or five inches
across in the widest part, and deep green in colour. It
is a very handsome plant, and peculiar from being totally
unarmed either at the edges or at the apex. Native of
Mexico. r

A. ensiformis.—This is a beautiful plant. The leaves
are very numerous and dense, from six to twelve inches
in length, scarcely half an inch in breadth, flat on the
upper side, rounded below, glaucous green in colour, plain
at the edges, but armed at the apex with a long bright
red spine. Native of Mexico.

A. ferow.—lLeaves spathulate, very thick and massive,
of a dark heavy green colour, and armed at the edges
and apex with stout dark brown spines. Native of
Mexico.

A. filamentosa.—The leaves of this plant are from one
to one and a half feet in length, and about one and a
half inches in breadth, tapering to a point, where they are
armed with a stout straight spine; in colour they are
light green, quite ‘unarmed at the edges, but clothed with
78 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

long filaments. In general appearance this plant is very
like the next species, but it appears to have longer and
more oblique leaves, which are far less densely clothed
with filaments. When it blooms, it produces an erect
flower stem, some twelve feet in height. Native of
Mexico.

A, filifera.—This is a more compact-growing plant
than the preceding. The leaves are erect, about a foot
in length, and an inch or an inch and a half in breadth,
tapering to a point, and armed with a stout brown spine,
dark green in colour, and densely clothed with broad
white filaments. A very handsome dwarf compact plant,
very suitable for even quite small collections. Native
of Mexico.

A, fourcroyoides—This is one of the most distinct
species with which we are acquainted. The leaves are
erect, or but slightly spreading, fleshy, very glaucous,
about six feet in length, and three inches wide, tapering
to a point, where they are armed with a long brown
spine; the base is broad and sheathing, and the edges
distantly armed with brown spines. Native of Mexico.

A. Galeottii—This is a very pretty species, with the
leaves arranged in a compact rosulate manner; they are
from six to twelve inches in length, and some three or
four in breadth, dark green, slightly glaucous, armed at
the edges and’apex with stout dark almost black spines.
Native of Mexico.

A. geminiflora.—This plant is most erroneously named
in many gardens Bonapartea juncea, for Bonapartea is
a Bromeliaceous plant. It is also frequently found, and
more correctly, under the name of Littwa geminiflora; but
we have included it with the Agaves, with which it is
generally associated. The leaves are smooth, narrow, un-
‘OOLXO] *

‘VCINNOH FAVOV

 
AGAVE. 79

armed at the edges, the lower ones recurved, the upper
ones erect, from two to three feet in length, and very
dark green in colour. It forms a compact handsome plant.
Native of South America.

A. geminiflora filifera.—In all respects resembling the
preceding, except that the leaves are somewhat profusely
clothed with long white filaments; it is, therefore, easily
distinguished. It is frequently obtained from seeds of
A. geminiflora, and, consequently, can only be a variety
of that plant.

A, Ghiesbreghtii—A distinct and fine plant. The leaves
curve inwards slightly, and are of a dark bright green
colour, bordered with red, and armed at the edges and
point with large bright red spines. Native of Mexico.

A. glaucescens.—This species rises with age upon a stem:
_ some six feet in height. The leaves are from two to-

two and a half feet in length, and about eight inches
across in the widest part, somewhat spathulate, tapering
to a point, very glaucous on both sides, and quite des.
titute of spines either at the apex or margins. Native
of Mexico.

A. Hookerii—An extremely rare species, a fact which
is much to be regretted, for it isa noble plant, peculiarly
attractive amongst a collection of this genus, on account.
of its massiveness. The leaves are spathulate, recurved
at the apex, from four to five feet in length, and six to
eight inches across in the widest part ; they are very thick
and fleshy, light green, in a young state slightly glaucous,
deeply lobed at the edges, and each lobe is armed with
a large flat brown spine, and the apex with a long, terete,
and very stout one. Native of Mexico.

A, horrida.—A. small-growing dwarf species, with broad,
oval-lanceolate, concave leaves, about four inches long,
80 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and nearly two inches broad, rosulate, of a lively green,
terminating in a long stout dark coloured spine, the mar-
gins also bearing large irregular hooked spines. Native
of Mexico.

A. horrida tevior.—This resembles the foregoing, but
has somewhat longer narrower leaves, with the marginal
spines less strongly developed, and of a paler colour. It
was introduced with A. horrida itself from Mexico.

A. Humboldtiana.—Leaves erect, moderately stout, some
three or four feet long, broad in the centre, tapering at
each end : apex very acuminate, ending in a stout reddish
brown spine, and the margins armed with very minute
closely set ones of the same colour. It is a handsome
and distinct plant; very desirable. Native of San Luis
Potosi.

A. hystria.—This species is evidently nearly allied to
A. ensiformis, the leaves are, however, somewhat pendulous
and semiterete, longer, narrower, thicker at the base, and
not so dense as in that plant; apex armed with a red
spine. Native of Mexico.

A. Jacobiana.—This is a superb plant, with leaves
upwards of two feet in length, and some six inches in
breadth, thick and massive, and very much incurved at
the apex, blue green in colour, armed at the point with
a long stout terete spine, and at the edges with large flat
somewhat recurved ones. Native of Mexico.

A. Jacquiniana.—This amongst grand and noble plants
is unequalled. It may be said to have somewhat the style
of A. americana, but is totally distinct. It produces more
leaves in a whorl than A. americana does, and as they are
not so thick at the base, they are consequently set much
closer together, in addition to which, fully half of them
stand erect, which gives the plant a more noble aspect.
AGAVE. 81

The leaves are some four feet in height, and six inches
in breadth, saving at the base where they spread, and the
acuminate apex; the upper leaves are erect, the lower
ones spreading, all glaucous green, armed at the point
with a stout brown spine, and at the edges with white, or
sometimes faint red ones, but much smaller. Native of
Honduras,

A. Karatio.—This is a handsome strong-growing plant.
The leaves are somewhat spreading and incurved, about
four feet long, and some three or four inches wide about
the centre, where they are widest, pea green in colour, the
spines on the margins small, and reddish brown, whilst
the terminal one is stout and of the same colour. Native
of Tropical America.

A. Kellockiit.—This is one of the most distinct, and at
the same time most beautiful of the genus. The habit is
compact and erect, spreading gracefully with age; leaves
from three to four feet in height, and two to four inches
in breadth, very glaucous on both surfaces, armed at the
apex with a long, stout, black spine, and clothed at the -
margins with small closely set white teeth. We found
this as a unique plant at Stamford Hill, Middlesex, in
the beautiful collection of the enthusiastic and generous
amateur whose name it bears. Native of Jalapa, Mexico.

A. Kerchovei brevifolia.—A handsome and distinct plant ;
leaves broad at base, tapering to a point, where it is armed
with a stout white spine.some two inches in length; the
margins are bordered with white, bearing long, somewhat
distant, recurved spines ; ground colour light green, striped
up the centre with a very pale shade of the same. Native
of Mexico.

A. Leopoldiii—A superb plant; leaves rosulate and com-
pact, light green, six to ten inches in length, and two to

G
82 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

three in breadth at the base, bordered with light brown,
armed at the edges with obtuse spines, and terminated
by a very long and stout dark brown one. Native of
Mexico.

A. lophanta.—Leaves from two to three feet in length,
and about two inches in width at the base, gradually
tapering to the point, where they end in a red spine. The
ground colour is dark green, with a faint band of greenish
yellow up the centre; they are edged with pure white,
upon which are scattered a few small white spines. Native
of Mexico.

A. lophanta rubro-spina.—This is usually found in col-
lections without any distincb name, but although it is
evidently but a variety of A. lophanta, it is sufficiently
distinct to merit attention. The present plant produces
longer leaves, which are also more oblique, but the chief
difference lies in the borders and spines, which instead
of being white, are much longer and deep red. Native
of Mexico.

A. macroacantha,—Leaves somewhat erect, and arranged
in a compact rosulate manner, stout and fleshy, slightly
incurved at the margins, and very glaucous, from three
to six inches in length, and about one in breadth, termi-
nated by a very long black spine, and armed at the edges
with large flat ones of a similar colour. This is a very
beautiful small-growing kind. Native of Mexico.

A. Mazimiliana,—Leaves about eighteen inches in length,
and two in breadth, spreading, dull glaucous green, lobed
at the edges, the lobes armed with large flat and broad
light brown spines, which are frequently forked; the
apex is also armed with a long terete spine of the same
colour; a very distinct species. Native of Mexico.

A. Noackii—A most distinct and extremely rare plant.
AGAVE. 83

Stem slender ; leaves thick and fleshy, strap-shaped, taper-
ing to a point, recurved, from two to three feet long,
and three to four inches in breadth at the widest part,
deep green, with a central stripe of greenish white, the
edges furnished with very fine close set teeth. Native
of Mexico. :

A. Ousselgheimiana.—A distinct and very handsome
plant, with somewhat oblong leaves, which suddenly be-
come contracted and taper to a point, where they are
armed with a long sharp brown spine, but are quite
smooth at the edges; the.apex is curved upwards, and
both surfaces are very glaucous. Native of Mexico.

A, picta.—Leaves very long and narrow, being from
two to three feet in length, and seldom exceeding two
and a half inches in breadth, pendulous, deep green in
the centre, bordered with a broad stripe of white, and
armed at the edges with small red spines, the apical one
is very long and stout. Native of Mexico,

A. picta brevifolia.—This differs from the preceding
in having shorter leaves, which, as a consequence, are
not so pendulous; the marginal band is broader, and suf-
fused with golden yellow. It is a very desirable form.
Native of Mexico.

A. Poselgerii—This is a very distinct and handsome
plant. The leaves are from six to twelve inches in length,
light green, with a broad central white stripe extending
from base to apex, where it is armed with a stout brown
spine, those at the edges being flat and recurved. Native
of Mexico. ;

A. potatorum.—A massive and noble plant, producing
very thick broad spathulate leaves, which are from two
to three feet in length, and six inches or more in breadth,
very dark green in colour, deeply lobed at the edges,

a2
84 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and armed upon each lobe with a very large flat dark
brown spine, and at the apex with a long stout round
one. Native of Mexico.

A. pugioniformis——A dense handsome-growing plant,
with erect dark green leaves, which are in some cases
slightly glaucous; they are from twelve to twenty inches
in length, and one to one and a half in breadth, and
armed at the edges with long recurved white spines.
Native of Mexico.

A. rigida.—This is a graceful-growing species, forming
a dense crown, and producing pendulous leaves from
three to six feet in length, convex on both sides, very
narrow, except at the base, where they are broad and
flat; the whole plant unarmed and dark green. It is
oftentimes to be found in collections under the erroneous
name of Bonapartea rigida. Native of Mexico.

A. Salmiana.—The leaves of this plant are immensely
thick, very dark green, and some four feet in length,
armed at the point with an immense straight dark brown
Spine, and at the edges with large recurved ones. There
is a variety called A. Salmiana longifolia, but its leaves
occupy such an immense space, through being more
spreading. Native of Mexico.

A. Saundersii,—A beautiful stemless species, with leaves
spreading horizontally, from one to two feet long, oblong-
lanceolate in shape, thick, somewhat glaucous, and armed
with dark brown spines on the margins and points.
The scape is some twelve feet high, erect; flowers nume-
rous, in clusters, with a green ovary and yellow limb, from
which extend the long stamens, tipped with large deep
yellow anthers. Native of Mexico.

A. scabra.—A compact-growing and very handsome
plant; leaves rosulate, very glaucous, thick and fleshy,
AGAVE. &5

nine inches in length, and three in breadth at the base,
edges armed with a few dark brown spines, and at the apex
with a very stout and long black one. Native of Mexico.

A, Schidigera.—This very fine species is nearly allied to
A. filifera. The lower leaves are spreading, the upper ones
somewhat erect, and about a foot long, narrow, linear,
dilated at the base, tipped with red, and having longitu-
dinal bands of white above and below; the edges are also
white, and from these hang long white broad woolly
filaments, giving the whole plant a grotesque appearance.
It seldom flowers, and, indeed, those who grow it should
not desire it to bloom, as it causes the death of the plant.
It flowered with us, for the first time in Europe, during
the winter of 1867, producing a spike nearly six feet long,
the lower half being clothed with reddish brown bracts ;
flowers produced in fascicles of two, or sometimes three ;
stamens long, surmounted with yellow anthers. It is a
handsome plant, well deserving a place in every collection,
and it forms a striking object plinged in rock-work in the
sub-tropical garden. Native of Mexico.

A. Seemanni.—This is a very handsome small-growing
species. Its leaves are arranged in a compact rosulate
manner, and are spathulate, with apex acuminate and
the edges serrated or lobate, the marginal lobes bearing
smaller, and the apex a larger brownish spine. Native
of Central America.

A. striata.—A very distinct and desirable plant, with
leaves from one to two feet in length, and less than half
an inch in width, except at the base, where they are
stouter and much broader, dull green, streaked from base
to apex with fine white lines; plain at the edges, but armed
at the points with a sharp red spine. Native of Mexico.

A. Taylorii.-This is a very beautiful member of this
86 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

genus ; it is a garden hybrid, the result of a cross between
A. geminiflora and A. densiflora. It is a close habited com-
pact-growing plant, the leaves are from ten to twelve
inches long, and half an inch broad, dark green on the
upper side, slightly paler below ; they are armed at the
apex with a long stout spine, but unarmed at the edges;
the margins of the leaves are bordered with a narrow
white band their entire length, and in addition they are
beautifully ornamented along their edges with long broad
white filaments, which add materially to their beauty. Of
garden origin.

A. Thomsoniana.—An elegant, compact, small species,
the leaves of which are some eighteen inches in length,
and three in breadth in the widest part, dark green,
slightly glaucous at base, armed at the edges with small
close set red spines, and at the apex with a long and stout
dark brown one. Native of San Luis Potosi.

A. univittata.—Leaves somewhat spreading, from one
to two feet in length, and about three inches in breadth,
tapering to a point, where they terminate in a stout dark
brown spine; the ground colour is dark green, with a
central stripe from base to apex of greenish yellow, the
under side pale green, armed at the edges with strong flat
recurved dark brown spines. Native of Mexico.

A. Verschaffeltii—A handsome species of compact habit,
producing broad leaves, which are thick and fleshy; the
colour is milky green, the edges and the apex being armed
with large brown spines; it is an exceedingly variable
species, some of the varieties being very distinct. It has
not yet flowered in Europe. Native of Mexico.

A. virginica glauca.—Leaves somewhat thin and very
glaucous, from two to three feet in length; the edges are
smooth and quite destitute of spines, but the apex is sur-
AGAVE. 87

mounted with a very long one, dark brown in colour. In
general appearance this plant resembles a Fourcroya; it is
very distinct and desirable. Native of North America.

A. Warrelliana.—An elegant plant, with close set leaves,
which are from six to eight inches in length, tapering to
a point, and there armed with a stout brown spine an inch
and a half in length, the edges being closely set with small
ones of the same colour; the colour of the leaves is light
glaucous green. It is a very handsome, and at the same
time a rare species. From Mexico.

A. Xalapensis.—This very beautiful plant produces leaves
from one to two feet in length, and about three inches in
breadth, slightly spathulate, moderately thick, and rich dark
green in colour, armed at the apex with a stout brown spine,
and at the edges with smaller ones of the same colour, very
closely set together. Native of Mexico.

A. xylacantha.—This very distinct and handsome species
is quite stemless. The leaves are spreading, and when well
grown about three feet long, and some three or four inches
broad, thick and fleshy, ensiforme-lanceolate in shape, and
glaucous green in colour, with abroad white margin, armed
with distant large flattened spines, which are frequently
forked, The scape is about ten feet high, producing the
flowers in clusters, so as to form a dense raceme of bloom;
a highly decorative plant. Native of Mexico.

A. Yueccefolia.—A very distinct and interesting plant,
which, however, requires a little more than greenhouse
heat during the winter months. The stem is very short ;
leaves one to two feet long, and about two inches wide,
strap-shaped, and tapering to a point, somewhat leathery,
and very glaucous, channelled on the upper side, rounded
below, the margins furnished with very fine teeth. Native
of Mexico.
88 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

ALOE.

A genus of succulent plants, admirably adapted for the
greenhouse or for window gardening, containing many
species of great beauty, and belonging to the order
Liliacesw. The larger-growing species with scarlet tubular
flowers are the most showy, and there is a quaintness
about the general habit of some of them which strongly
recommends them to the cultivator. The smaller groups
separated from Aloe, such as Apicra and Haworthia, con-
tain many little vegetable gems, while another group,
Gasteria, contains larger, more grotesque, and in some
cases handsome-flowered species. They all require to be
potted in well-drained soil, which should be mainly of
a loamy texture.

A, abyssinica.—A majestic-looking plant, the leaves of.
which are very thick and fleshy, some two feet in length,
and six inches in width at the base, tapering to an obtuse
point, and there slightly incurved, dull green, and clothed
at the edges with somewhat distant blunt spines. Native
of Abyssinia, about Magdala and other places.

A. arborescens.—This is a very distinct and handsome
species. Stem tall; the leaves are slightly spreading,
lanceolate, recurved at the apex, and glaucous, margined
with green. A very desirable plant. Native of the Cape
of Good Hope.

A. plicatilis.—A very distinct and ornamental plant.
Its leaves are thick and fleshy, tongue-shaped, and obtuse
at the apex, glaucous green in colour, and arranged in a
distichous manner, which has given rise to the popular
name of “Fan Aloe.” It is called by some Rhipidodendron
plicatilis. Native of South Africa.

A. Soccotrina.—This is an elegant branching species.
 

_ALOCASIA INTERMEDIA.

,
ALOCASIA. 89

The leaves are somewhat erect, narrow, lanceolate, and
glaucous green in colour, sparingly clothed with ‘white
spines. It is a native of Arabia and Cape of Good Hope.

A. variegata,—Leaves imbricate, somewhat spreading
and arranged in three rows, ovate in shape, and keeled
at the back, in colour bright green, with transverse bands
and streaks of grey and glaucous green. It is often called
the Partridge-breasted Aloe. Native of the Cape of Good
Hope.

ALOCASIA.

A genus of Arads, nearly allied to Colocasia, They
are plants of great beauty, and easily grown into good
specimens, providing the proper treatment be given,
which consists of supplying them with strong moist heat,
and an abundant supply of water to the roots. The
soil should consist of peat and well-decomposed manure
in equal parts, with the addition of a little loam and
silver sand, They may be increased by division, and
also by seeds.

A. gigantea,—Leaves large, sagittate, the upper part
of the leaves spreading out; the same rich metallic lustre
pervades the upper and under side as occurs in A. Vettchii,
and yet it is abundantly distinct. It attains the height
of four feet, and is a highly ornamental and attractive
plant. ‘Native of the Indian Islands.

A. intermedia.—This is a hybrid of very great merit,
It is of free habit of growth, producing large sagittate
leaves growing three feet high, and of the same beautiful
rich colouring as A. Vetichii (from which species and
A. longiloba it has been produced) ; this plant should be
in every collection. A garden hybrid.

A, Jenningsii— A magnificent and most distinct species,
90 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

growing between two and three feet high, and producing
leaves some eight or ten inches long, and nearly as much
wide. The ground colour is a beautiful shade of glaucous
green, set off with about twelve oblong blotches of black.
It is a perfect gem, fit for the dinner table, the exhibi-
tion table, or for the decoration of the plant stoves. This.
very free-growing plant is a native of the East Indies.

A. Lowit.—This very beautiful species is worthy a place-
in every collection of ornamental foliage plants. The
leaves are cordate-sagittate, with a deep notch at the
base, which thus forms two oblong ear-like lobes; the
under side of the leaf is deep purple, the upper rich
dark green, with all the primary veins ivory white. It.
is a highly ornamental plant in any situation in which
it may be placed. Native of Borneo. _

A. macrorhiza variegata.—A large-growing plant, which
with age becomes caulescent. The leaves are large, some-
what cordate, with slightly waved margins, bright green,
blotched and marbled with white, in some instances nearly
quite white; the footstalks of the leaves are also broadly
streaked with the same pure white. It is one of the most
striking and effective ornamental-leaved plants yet intro-
duced to our stoves. It is said to have originated in a
garden in the Island of Ceylon.

A. Sedenii—The leaves of this plant are nearly the
same shape as those of A. Lowii, and retain the distinct.
ivory white primary veins of that species, which is one
of its parents, whilst the ground colour more nearly re-
sembles that of its other parent, A. metallica. It is a.
distinct and handsome plant, well deserving a place in
every collection. A plant of garden origin

A. Veitchii,—This plant has been figured under the
name of A. Lowii picta, from which species, however, it
ALTERNANTHERA, 91

seems abundantly distinct, and we therefore retain its
original name. It produces large cordate-sagittate leaves
of a rich deep green, the principal veins being pale or.
almost white; the footstalks are streaked or ringed, and
the back of the leaves is of a deep slate colour. A
very desirable and ornamental plant. Native of Borneo.

A. zebrina.—This is a fine bold-growing plant, attaining
a height of four or more feet when well grown. The
leaves are erect, broadly sagittate in form, and rich dark
green in colour; they are borne upon stout footstalks,
which are pale green, mottled and striped with zigzag
bands of dark green. A noble and very desirable species.
Native of the Philippine Islands.

ALTERNANTHERA. :

A genus of dwarf-growing and highly coloured herbs
‘belonging to the natural order Amaranthacew. They suc-
ceed admirably either in the greenhouse or in the flower
garden during summer, planted either as edgings to
other plants in a riband bed, or when used in conjunc-
tion with other coloured-leaved plants; in this way we
have seen them used with splendid effect. They may be
used also to great advantage for the decoration of the
dinner table. Alternantheras are of very easy growth,
and should be potted in loam, leaf mould, and peat, with
some silver sand. To increase them, either divide the
old plants, or insert cuttings in a properly prepared pot,
or if a quantity are required, both plans may be resorted
to. The species are natives of Brazil.

A. paronychioides——This is a dense compact-growing
plant, with narrow spathulate leaves; the ground colour
is deep orange red, beautifully shaded with olive green.

A. sessilis var. amena.—A very dwarf-growing plant, the
92 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

leaves of which are small, spathulate in shape, and orange
red and purple in colour, which is shaded with deep green
and bronze. A most elegant spreading little plant.

A. spathulata.—This is a freer-growing plant than
A. amena, and forms a compact tuft quicker; it is also
a taller-growing kind, The leaves are spathulate, but
more elongated than the others; the principal colours
are reddish pink and light brown, these are shaded with
bronze and green.

A, versicolor.-—In many gardens this is grown under
the name of Telianthera ficoidea versicolor; we have,
however, included it here for convenience sake. Ji is a
taller-growing plant, with medium-sized ovate leaves,
branching freely, and making a compact and handsome
plant; the colours are bright rosy pink and crimson,
shaded with bronzy green. It is a splendid plant for
dinner-table decoration.

ANANASSA.

This genus is familiar to every one by its popular name
of “ Pine Apple,” and is frequently written Ananas,

The plants described here are variegated forms of that
well-known plant. They should be grown in a compost
consisting of two parts fibrous loam, one part peat, one
part composed of dung and leaf mould, with a small
portion of sand added; after potting, in spring, if it is
possible to give them a little bottom heat, they will grow
more rapidly, although it is by no means necessary to
tke cultivation of fine specimens. These plants have been
long justly admired and grown as stove plants, both for
home decoration in the plant houses, and for public ex-
hibition, but it is not so generally known that A. satwa
variegata is one of the most handsome plants for out-door
 

ANTHERICUM VARIEGATUM. .

Cape of Good Hope.
ANANASSA, 93

decoration in summer time, and very hardy; this fact we
wish to thoroughly impress upon amateurs, as when used
.for vases upon terraces, or in similar situations, it pro-
duces a beautiful effect, totally different from that yielded
by any other plant. The fruits of these varieties are
small, high flavoured, but very rough, and consequently
inferior to the kinds grown for dessert fruit. Like them
. they are increased from suckers, and from the crown
which is produced upon the summit of the fruits; after
taking off the suckers or crowns, lay them to dry for
a day or so, then put them into strong heat, when they
will soon push out roots and form handsome successions.

A. Porteana.—This variety has a somewhat erect habit
of growth. The leaves are armed on the margins with
sharp spines; they are deep olive green in colour, with
. a broad band of pale yellow extending down the centre,
. from base to apex. We have not seen this plant used
in the open air, but it is probable that it may succeed
as well as the following variety, and if so, it will form
a beautiful contrast to that plant. Native of the Philippine
Islands.

A. sativa variegata.—This beautiful plant produces leaves
some two or three feet long, sheathing at the base, taper-
‘ing to a sharp point, and having the edges thickly set
with recurved spines. The leaves are arranged in a
rosulate manner, and are beautifully arched; the centre
of the leaf is rich bright green, with occasionally a few
lines of white, and broadly margined with rich creamy
yellow, tinged with red towards the margins, especially
when well exposed to the light. A most lovely vase-
like plant, unequalled for decorative purposes, either in
the plant house or the open air; the origin of this
variety is unknown.
94 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

ANTHURIUM.

In this family we have many plants of great beauty,
for although but few of them possess actual variegation,
yet the bold outline, and rich and varied green tints of
the leaves of many of the species, render them highly
ornamental. Anthurium belongs to the order Orontiacee,
a group which in general appearance resembles the Arads,
from which indeed they differ only in having hermaphro-
dite flowers. The genus contains many species of robust
constitution, with bold coriaceous leaves, which renders
them eminently adapted for sub-tropical gardening. They
should be potted in rough peat and loam, with a little
river sand added. A copious supply of water will be
necessary during summer and winter, although, as a matter
of course less will be required during the dull months.
These plants may be increased either by cuttings or seeds,
but to ensure their seeding, the flowers should be arti-
ficially impregnated, although many kinds seed profusely
without any such assistance.

A. acaule.— A noble plant, producing broad oblong
leaves, which are acuminate, and from one to three feet
in length, erect, and arranged in a rosulate manner, dark
shining green on the upper surface, but somewhat paler
below; the spadix is blue in a young state, and is borne
upon long footstalks, thus contrasting well with the leaves.
It is a native of the West Indies.

A. cordifolium.—This is one of the finest species of
the genus, attaining a height of about four feet. The
leaves, when mature, are about three feet in length,
and twenty inches in breadth, heart-shaped, of a deep
shining green on the upper surface, and paler below.
There is a spurious variety of this, which, compared with
ANTHURIUM, 95

the true plant, is not worth cultivating. It will un-
doubtedly prove a grand plant in a sheltered nook in the
sub-tropical garden. Native of South America.

A. coriaceum.—This is a superb plant for the sub-
tropical garden. The petioles are stout and about two feet
long, the blade of the leaf is also some twenty-four or
thirty inches in length from the point of attachment, where
it seems as if it was jointed; they are very thick and
leathery, ovate, and deep full green on both surfaces.
Native of Brazil.

A. crystallinwm.—A truly beautiful addition to this
genus; the petioles are terete, bearing large heart-shaped
leaves, which are bright rich velvety green, the principal
veins are beautifully banded with pure crystal white, which
gives them a magnificent appearance: the young immature
leaves are violet purple. Native of tropical America.

A. Hookeri.—Leaves obovate-spathulate, narrowed to a
wedge-shaped base, and shortly stalked, shining, about
thirty inches long, and eight inches broad. Native of
Demerara.

A magnificum.—This plant should be in every collection
of ornamental foliage plants. It is of free growth, and
from its’ earliest state up to maturity it is not to be
surpassed for decorative purposes, being equally at home
in the dwelling-house, stove, or public exhibition; the
petioles are from one to three feet in length and angu-
lar; its leaves are from six inches to three feet long,
cordate in shape, and rich velvety olive green in colour,
the primary veins being white. It is a highly ornamental
plant, found in collections sometimes under the name of
A. grande and A. cordifolium. Native of Brazil.

A. regale.—A fine ornamental species, which produces
its large cordate-acuminate leaves upon long smooth
96 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

footstalks. These measure from one to three feet in length,
and are a dull metallic green, with white veins, the
young leaves are tinged with rose colour. It isa grand
plant for exhibition, or for the decoration of halls, or for
a window plant. Native of South America.

A, signatum.—A very curious plant, well deserving
cultivation. The leaves are so distinctly divided, as almost
to appear trilobed; the front lobe is about a foot in
length, and four inches in width, whilst the two side
lobes are only four inches in length, and about six inches
from the mid-rib to the extremity. They are borne upon
footstalks about twelve inches long, and are of a bright
dark green in colour. It is well adapted for covering a
pillar, and will no doubt be very useful for the sub-
tropical garden. Native of Venezuela.

A. subsignatum.—This plant is well deserving general
cultivation. The leaves are thick and fleshy, borne upon
petioles about a foot in length ; the blade is from twelve
to eighteen inches in length, and about the same breadth
in the widest part, hastate in shape, with obtuse points,
dark shining green above, paler below. Native of Costa
Rica.

A. tetragonum.—In this plant we have a beautiful sub-
ject for the sub-tropical garden during the summer
months. The leaves are erect, the petiole short, quad-
rangular, with a thick node at its juncture with the
blade, which commences with a narrow wing, until it
ultimately reaches a foot in width at its broadest part;
the margins are undulate, deep shining green on the

upper side, somewhat paler below. Native of Tropical
America.
APHELANDRA. 97

APHELANDRA.

This genus contains many species which produce flowers
of surpassing beauty, but some few, of which we here
include the best, are remarkable for their ornamental
foliage. They are mostly plants of free growth, but
require great attention to form them into handsome
bushy plants, as their natural téndency is to grow erect,
without making lateral growths, The soil best adapted
for their culture, is a mixture composed of two parts light
loam, one part peat, and one part sand; the pots should
be well drained as they enjoy a liberal supply of water
during the growing season, at which time the tempera-
ture should range between 65° and 75°. Aphelandras enjoy
frequent syringing, and need careful attention to keep
them free of insects; they are easily increased in the
spring, from cuttings of the lateral growths or well-ripened
wood.

A, fascinator—This is a superb species, and, unlike most
of the variegated-leaved plants, produces a splendid inflo-
rescence in addition to its leafage; the leaves are rich dark
green, beautifully banded with silvery white, whilst the
under side is of a uniform purplish violet; the spikes
of bloom are very large, bright vermilion in colour. Native
of New Grenada.

A, Leopoldii—A very handsome plant, producing op.
posite leaves, which are somewhat obovate-oblong in
shape, and acuminate. The ground colour on the upper
surface is dark rich green, the mid-rib and primary veins
being pure white, while the under surface is of a uniform
pale green. Native of Brazil.

A. Roeglit.—This is probably the finest species of this
genus yet introduced to our gardens; its flowers are

H
98 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

remarkably handsome, but it is the beauty of its foliage
which has caused us to introduce it in this place. The
leaves are opposite, oblong, and dark green in colour,
over which is spread a net-work of silvery grey, producing
somewhat the appearance of frosted silver. Native of
Mexico.

ARALIA

A very ornamental genus; the order to which they
belong, and to which it gives its name, are found in
almost all parts of the globe. The great majority of the
species are objects of great beauty in the conservatory and
stove, and many are even hardy, or so near it that they
require but slight protection during the winter months.

Aralias should be grown in sandy loam, and if a little
peat and leaf mould be added it will be advantageous to
them ; they may be increased by cuttings, eyes, and seeds,

A. crassifolia.—An erect-growing plant, which from its
distinct habit, makes a fine ornamental object either in
the conservatory, or open air during summer; it is also
well adapted for in-door decoration, especially during the
winter months. The leaves are alternate, from one to
two feet in length, and about an inch in breadth, thick
and fleshy, having a few obtuse distant lobes along the
edges, which end in a short spine; on the upper side
they are very dark olive green, and the prominent mid-
rib deep orange, the under side is of a uniform dull brown.
Native of New Zealand.

A. crassifolia punctata.—This is a plant that has been
for some time in cultivation under this name. The shape
of the leaf is like that of A. crassifolia, it is not, how-
ever, so thick in texture ; the lobes at the edges are not
so obtuse, and they are terminated by a sharper spine;
 

ARALIA GUILFOYLEI.

South Sea Islands.
ARALIA, 99

the ground colour is dark olive green, upon which runs
a continuous line of emerald green blotches from base
to apex on either side of the mid-rib. It is a very orna-
mental greenhouse species, said to have been introduced
from New Zealand.

A, elegantissima.—This is the most ornamental species
of all the Aralias, having a straight erect stem, furnished at
short intervals with digitate leaves on long foot stalks,
the leaflets, from seven to ten in number, are filiform,
the colour. of the foliage is a deep green, shaded with
brown, the mid-rib being of greenish white. Native of
the South Sea Islands.

A. Guilfoylei—A fine ornamental stove species, the stem
is erect and bears a handsome head of pinnate leaves,
the petioles are terete, the leaflets are somewhat oblong
and obtuse, from two to three inches in length, slightly

lobed and rather sparingly furnished with slender points,
the ground colour is light green, sometimes tinged with
French white, whilst the margins are wholly of a creamy
white. Native of the South Sea Islands,

A. heteromorpha.—Leaves sometimes ovate-lanceolate,
with serrated edges, at other times becoming bifid, and
even trifid at the apex, and from six to nine inches in
length, in colour bright shining green; it is of robust,
yet compact habit, and is one of the best greenhouse
plants for the decoration of apartments.

A, leptophylla.—An elegant slender-growing plant, with
compound leaves, bearing often seven or more petiolate
leaflets of a somewhat pendent character, and dark green
in colour. It is a most beautiful plant for dinner-table
decoration, for vases, or jardinets, and also for the stove
and public exhibition; it should be in every collection
of ornamental-leaved plants, however small.

H2 :
100 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

A. Osyana.—In general habit and appearance this species
resembles A. leptophylla, but its leafiets are deeply bifid
at the ends; the ground colour is bright green, the
primary veins and tips of the leaflets being chocolate
brown. A most elegant plant, worthy a place in every
collection. Native of the South Sea Islands.

A. papyrifera—This highly ornamental plant attains
the height of six or seven feet, or even more; the stem
branches above; leaves from eight to twelve inches long,
five or seven-lobed; both these and the branches are
clothed with a kind of down, which soon falls from the
upper side, leaving it quite smooth. At all times a noble
plant, but when in bloom its beauty is greatly enhanced,
for although the individual flowers are unattractive, yet
as they are arranged in drooping panicles some two or
three feet long, the whole plant presents a fine appear-
ance. It was treated as a stove plant upon its first
introduction, but as we have become better acquainted
with it, we find it almost or quite hardy, and forming
one of the most ornamental plants in the open air, where
if it should be killed at the top in winter, it will send
hundreds of suckers from the roots in the following
spring. From the pith of this plant, which is very white,
the beautiful ‘‘ Rice Paper” of the Chinese is made. It
is a native of the Island of Formosa.

A. pentaphylla.—This plant is a beautiful object, in its
normal condition producing a digitate leaf, although it may
often be seen with but three leaflets; they are each from
six to ten inches in length, and from one to two inches in
breadth, deeply lobed or pinnatifid, and bright shining
green in colour. It is a most useful and ornamental species,
being admirably adapted for any situation in which a plant
is wanted for decoration. Said to be a native of J. apan,
ARALIA. 101

A. reticulata —A very distinct and handsome species,
and, like most of this genus, eminently adapted for deco-
rative purposes, either in the dwelling-house or stove ;
indeed, it succeeds tolerably well even in the conservatory,
although it thrives best in the stove during winter. In its
young state it isa fit occupant for any position where a
light and graceful plant is required, and when large it
forms a beautiful object in the sub-tropical garden; the
leaves are alternate, strap-shaped in a young state, be-
coming larger with age, dark green in colour, reticulated
with a lighter shade of the same.

A. Steboldit.—This is a very fine ornamental-foliage
plant for the decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory,
it also makes a splendid object in the sub-tropical garden ;
indeed, it has proved itself perfectly hardy in many places
in England, Ireland, and Svotland. It rises upon a straight
stem, forming an umbrella-like head; the leaves are large,
firm in texture, digitate in shape, and deep shining green
in colour. Native of Japan.

A, Sieboldii variegata.—A variety similar in all respects
to the species, saving that it has not been proved to be
hardy, and the leaves, instead of being wholly green, are
blotched and margined with white. Native of Japan.

A. Sieboldit variegata aurea.—This variety is a somewhat
larger and stronger grower than the preceding, and the
variegation is rich yellow instead of white ; it is a superb
form of this fine plant. Native of Japan.

A. trifoliata.—This plant resembles A. crassifolia, saving
that it has three leaves instead of one, and on this account
its habit is somewhat more dense. In a young state this
plant is admirably adapted for dinner-table decoration ; in
its more mature state it forms a beautiful object for the
adornment of halls or the drawing-room, and for the sub-
102 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

tropical garden in the summer months. Native of New
Zealand.

A. Veitchit—This is perhaps one of the most beautiful
plants for dinner-table decoration ever introduced to culti-
vation; it is an elegant-growing plant, with a slender
erect stem, the petioles are long and slender, bearing
handsome digitate leaves, the divisions of which are fili-
form, and beautifully undulated at the edges, the upper
side of the leaflets is dark shining green, but beneath they
are dull red. Native of New Caledonia.

ARAUCARIA.

A genus of Conifers which include many species of
surpassing beauty, but the great majority of the kinds
known are not sufficiently hardy to withstand our climate
in the winter months ; they are, however, noble ornaments
in a conservatory, their symmetry and elegant proportions
attracting attention and eliciting universal praise. In a
young state they are useful for table decoration, and as
they increase in size they may be used for the sub-tropical
garden in summer, and the temporary embellishment of
the ball-room, or other similar purposes in winter. It is,
however, in a large conservatory, either standing in a
good-sized tub, or when planted in the border or bed of’
such a house, that their beauty is most fully developed.
To grow these plants in a thoroughly healthy state, the
drainage must be perfect, and the soil should be good.
fibrous loam mixed with some river sand. They may be
increased by seeds and cuttings—from the former the most
handsome plants are obtained. To secure a good plant
from cuttings, the crown or leading shoot should be taken
off and inserted in a pot of sand, fixing it firmly to prevent
its being disturbed ; place it at first in a cool place, and
ARAUCARIA. 103

remove it afterwards into slight warmth; this, when
rooted, should be potted into the soil before recommended.
From the plant which has been thus decapitated, young
growths will at intervals continue to shoot; these should
be taken off when large enough, and treated in the same
manner. In addition to the leading shoot rooting, the
side pieces will also throw out roots, but it is a very long
time before they attain a handsome shape, and they are
uncertain and unsatisfactory, therefore our advice is, have
nothing to do with them.

A. Bidwillii—This noble tree is a native of Moreton
Bay. It is known to the inhabitants as the Bunya-Bunya,
and they consume large quantities of its seeds for food.
When fully grown this grand plant attains a height of
150 feet, but in a young state it is exceedingly ornamental.
The leaves are deep heavy green in colour, and the habit.
of the whole plant is very regular and symmetrical, render-
ing it very ornamental.

A. Cookii.i—In some respects this is rather coarse in its
growth, but this is only through comparison with such as
A. elegans. The leaves are larger than that species, and
are more distinct; the symmetrical branches and bright
green leaves render it a very ornamental plant, well de-
serving general cultivation. Native of New Caledonia.

A, Cunninghamii (The Moreton Bay Pine).—Attains a
height of 100 feet or more. Its rich dark green leaves
and beautiful branches—which, like all this family, are
produced in whorls—are very symmetrical and slightly
pendulous. It is a superb greenhouse or conservatory
plant, and it has withstood the winters with us in the
open air in many places on the south and south-west coast
of England. There is also a very handsome glaucous
variety of this species.
104 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

A, elegans.—A plant of recent introduction, and of
extreme beauty, its elegant and symmetrical drooping
growth, and its rich bright green leaves, in conjunction
with the fact of its being of dwarfer habit than any other
known species, will render it a universal favourite. It is
a native of New Caledonia,

A, excelsa (The Norfolk Island Pine).—A most beautiful
and symmetrical plant, attaining, when mature, the height
of 120 to 150 feet; the branches are verticillate, sym-
metrical, and pendulous; leaves bright green in colour,
‘It is one of the most useful and ornamental plants that
can be grown; in a young state it is admirably adapted
for in-door decoration, either in the drawing room or
hall, or on the dinner table, whilst in the greenhouse or
conservatory it forms a splendid object. There are many
varieties of this valuable species.

A. Goldieana.—A very handsome species, intermediate
between A. elegons and A. Rulei, but superior to both,
having the majestic growth of the latter and the distinct
leaf of the former. The leaves are produced in whorls,
and are pendulous, dark green in colour, varying in size
according to the age of the plant. This will form a beau-
tiful object both for the decoration of the conservatory and
dinner table. Native of New Caledonia.

A. Rulei—This is a noble tree when fully developed,
of robust growth, and dense in habit; the young plants
{which is the only state in which it is at present known
to the horticultural world) are similar to the preceding
species, but as it acquires age, it becomes almost as robust
as the well-known A. imbricata. No large plats have
been introduced to this country. Native of New Cale-
donia. ,
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ARAUCARIA GOLDIEANA.
ARECA. 105

ARECA.

A genus of elegant pinnate-leaved Palms, which are
widely distributed over the earth, some of the species
being found in the Hast Indies, while others occur in the
West; they exist also in the Islands of the Mauritius
_and its dependencies, in the Island of Madagascar, in New
Zealand, and in Australia. The genus Areca is character-
ised by its branching spadix, and double spathe, which
fully encloses the flowers; these latter are unisexual,
but borne upon the same spike, the female blooms having
six rudimentary stamens, while the male flowers ‘have a
six-cleft perianth ; fruit one-seeded.

Arecas should be grown in loam and peat in equal parts,
with a liberal addition of sand. As they become large, a
little more loam than peat should be used, say two parts
of the former to one of the latter. These plants are all
highly ornamental, their graceful plume-like leaves afford-
ing a pleasing contrast to the more erect-growing plants
in the stove and greenhouse; independent of this, how-
ever, many of them are available for the decoration of
the dinner table, for the drawing room, and sub-tropical
garden. They can be increased by suckers occasionally,
but seed is the only way by which a stock can be rapidly
obtained.

A, alba.—An exceedingly handsome species, admirably
adapted in a young state for dinner table decoration. The
stem is slender, attaining a considerable height. Leaves
four to eight feet in length, pinnate, the petioles clothed
with a white tomentum; pinne two feet long and about
two inches wide, bright green on both sides, the whole
plant quite unarmed. Native of the Mauritius.

A. aurea.—A. beautiful species, with pinnate leaves, and
106 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

long pendent dark green pinne ; petioles orange yellow.
A very elegant plant. Native of the Seychelles Islands,

A. catechu.—This is an interesting plant, ‘from the fact.
that it produces the famous “ Betel Nut,” of which such
immense quantities are consumed in India; it is moreover
a very ornamental plant in the stove, and in a young state
is very effective as a dinner-table plant, but too tender
for using in the sub-tropical garden. The petioles are
broadly sheathed at the base, leaves pinnate, from three
to six or more feet in length; pinne. twelve to twenty-
four inches in length, and about two inches in breadth,.
somewhat thin in texture and light green. The plant.
is quite destitute of spines. Native of the Hast Indies.

A. lutescens—This elegant plant is somewhat of a
nondescript, and has been bandied about from Areca to
Hyophorbe several times; it was believed for some time
to be the true Hyophorbe indica, but that plant has made
its appearance in English gardens, and the present one
has again to fall back into Areca, with the character of
having several points of distinction about it, which will
probably create for it a new genus. It is an extremely
beautiful plant with pinnate arching leaves; the stem
and sheathing petiole are perfectly smooth, yellow in
colour, curiously and conspicuously mottled with black ;
the pinne are from twelve to eighteen inches in length
and one in breadth, pendent, and rich dark green on both
sides. It is admirably adapted for table decoration, and
also as a sub-tropical plant, if a very shady place is selected.
Native of the Mascareen Islands.

A. monostachya.—This is an elegant little Palm, ad-
mirably adapted for the adornment of apartments, for din-
ner-table decoration, or for producing effect in a Wardian
case. Stem slender; petioles sheathing; leaves pinnate
ARTOCARPUS. 107

_and pendent, six to twelve inches in length, bifid at
the apex; pinnee about four inches across, broad, irregular
in shape, with premorse ends; dark green. Native of
New Holland.

E. Wallichiana.—An extremely rare and elegant species,
which we hope to see introduced to our collections in quan-
tity. It is a small-growing plant, and will forma perfect
gem for table decoration, as well as producing a beautiful
effect in the stove. The leaves are pinnate and arching ;
pinne broad and dark green; petioles clothed with orange
and black scales, which give it a peculiar and striking
appearance. Native of the Hast Indies.

ARTOCARPUS.

The order to which the present genus belongs contains
plants possessing the most opposite properties—on the one
hand the “Upas Tree” Antiaris towicaria, said to be a
virulent poison, and on the other hand the “ Bread
Fruit Tree,” which is a member of the genus now
under consideration, in addition to its possessing several
species with very ornamental foliage, is extremely in-
teresting on this account. Ariocarpus are ‘to be found
in the tropics only, and therefore require considerable heat
to induce them to grow vigorously. The soil should be
a mixture composed of rich loam and leaf mould, in
the proportion of two parts of the former to one of the
latter, adding a little silver or river sand, The drainage
should be carefully attended to, for these plants will not
long remain in a healthy state if anything stagnant re-
main about their roots, although they enjoy a copious
supply of water, and a very moist atmosphere. The plants
comprising this family are propagated by cuttings; the
108 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

young and slender lateral growths are best adapted for
this purposé, but they are at all times very difficult to
strike. They may be also increased by suckers, and this
latter plan is far more certain, but the suckers are very
difficult to get, at least in a cultivated state, although they
produce them abundantly in their native countries.

A. Canonit.—This will form a pretty plant for the deco-
ration of the stove, being so distinct from everything else
in the foliage way. Leaves three-lobed, one foot long and
about seven inches broad, divided almost to the base ; apex
irregularly lobate, purple above, lighter beneath. Native
of the Society Islands.

A. incisa (The Bread Fruit Tree).—The leaves of this
plant are from two to three feet long, deeply lobed or
incised, deep green on the upper side, paler below. It is
of noble aspect and stately mien, and forms a distinct and
beautiful object in any collection. Independent of its
noble outline, it is exceedingly interesting, from the fact
of its yielding perhaps the most extraordinary fruit in
the whole vegetable kingdom—the famous “bread fruit,”
which is said to possess the flavour of new bread, and
to be very nutritious, is produced from the axils of the
leaves in large globular heads, and is highly prized by
the natives of Otaheite ; indeed, so highly was this plant
esteemed, and so great were the advantages expected to
be reaped by the introduction of this plant into the West
Indian Islands, that the British Government, in 1787,
dispatched ‘Lieut. Blygh, in the ship Bounty, provided with
every convenience for the removal of a large quantity of
these plants to those Islands. The failure of his mission
through the subsequent mutiny of his crew, is a matter of
history with which most of our readers are doubtless well
acquainted ; a second expedition was, however, more suc-
ASTROCARYUM. 109

cessful, but the results have never equalled the expectations
regarding this plant.

ASTROCARYUM.

With the exception of a few species, these Palms attain
a considerable height, and all require stove treatment.
Many of them find their homes on the banks of rivers, nor
do they stray far from such places. The stems are mostly
slender and prickly, and the leaves pinnate; the flowers
are unisexual, produced upon simply branched spikes, the
male flowers occupying the upper portion, and the female
the lower portion of the spadix. The fruits are oval and
one-seeded. Pot in a compost of rich loam two parts, and
one part vegetable mould; they enjoy an abundance of
water. Increased by seeds, and also by suckers when they
are to be obtained.

A. acaule-—As its name implies, this species is stemless,
but it produces an abundance of leaves which are pinnate,
and from three to ten feet in length, slender and spread-

‘ing; pinne narrow, arranged in clusters, and pendent.
The whole plant is furnished profusely with long flat black
spines. This plant is abundant in moist woods on the Rio
Negro and Amazon River.

A. humile-—This species seldom makes a stem more
than a few feet in height, and its sheathing petioles and
mid-rib are armed with long black spines. Leaves pin-
nate, from three to six feet in length, slender, and spread-
ing ; pinne clustered, and pendent. Native of moist woods
on the Rio Negro.

A. Murumuru.—The stem of this handsome plant seldom
exceeds twelve or fifteen feet in height, which, as well as
the sheathing base of the petioles, are densely clothed with
formidable black spines, upwards of six inches in length,
110 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and pointing in a downward direction; leaves pinnate,
dark green above, silvery white below. Native of the
banks ‘of streams, and in swampy forest ground on the
Upper Amazon.

A. rostratum.—This species grows some twenty or thirty
feet in height, but as it forms its stem somewhat slowly, it
is many years before it becomes too large for an ordinary
stove. The stem is slender, densely clothed with long
black spines. Leaves irregularly pinnate, from three to
eight feet in length; petioles broadly sheathing at the
base, and densely armed with black spines, some of which
are two inches in length ; pinne twelve to eighteen inches
in length, terminal lobe much larger and bifid; dark green
above, silvery white below. The white flowers are pro-
duced in its prickly boat-like spathe, in quite a small state.
Native of Brazil.

ATTALEA,

~

This is a superb genus of Palms, all natives of America,
some species being found at considerable altitudes, They —
are mostly tall-growing plants, and require the heat of
the stove in most instances to develope their beauties.
This fact should not, however, deter amateurs from culti-
vating Palms, because even the tallest kinds are a very
long time in forming their stems, and consequently many
years will elapse before they outgrow the accommodation
of an ordinary stove or greenhouse. The leaves are pin-
nate, and the entire plants are destitute of spines. The
fruits are produced in large clusters, and employed in the
manufacture of numerous fancy toys, &c. Peat and loam
in equal parts suits them well, and they enjoy a copious
supply of water.

A. Cohune.—This beautiful species is highly ornamental,
BACTRIS. 111

and should be grown in every collection. Although this
and many other Palms ultimately attain an immense height,
yet in a young state they are exceedingly handsome.
Leaves erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate, and furnished
with from three to four dozen dark green pinnx, some
eighteen inches in length; petioles rounded below, and
dark brown, flat upon the upper side, and green; whole
plant unarmed. Native of Central America.

A. funifera.—A handsome species, which yields a fibre
called “ Piassaba,” used by the Brazilians for ropes, and
‘by us in England for street brooms. The seeds of this
plant are called “ Coquilla Nuts,” and are used for various
purposes, such as handles for doors, umbrellas, &c. The
vivid deep green of the leaves renders this a very orna-
mental plant. Native of Brazil.

A. nucifera.—Stem slender ; leaves pinnate, from three
to six feet in length; pinnz twelve to eighteen inches
long, and about one inch in breadth, the terminal lobe
broad and bifid, rich dark green. It forms a beautiful
ornament in either stove, greenhouse, or sub-tropical gar-
den during summer. Native of New Grenada.

Bactris.

Slender-growing prickly Palms, which are found in
recent forests in South America. They are very nume-
vous both in species and specimens, and enter largely
into the plants that form the undergrowth in those
forests. The species of Bactris have slender stems, usually
varying from two to six or ten feet high, though some
few species attain a height of fifteen feet; they are all
clothed with somewhat formidable spines. The flower
Spike is enclosed in a double sheath or spathe, and these
algo are densely set with sharp black spines; the flowers
112 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

of both sexes are produced together, they yield one-seeded
fruits. From some species of Bactris the walking canes
known as “Tobago Canes” are obtained, The plants
comprising this genus are all easily grown, and although
some species do not make handsome plants as they
approach maturity, they are very ornamental when young,
and as they all sucker very freely, it is easy to maintain a
few elegant young ones, discarding the old and useless
plants. They should {be potted in loam, peat, leaf mould,
and sand, in equal parts.

B. baculifera.—Leaves pinnate, bifid at the apex, from
two to six feet in length; pinne arranged in clusters,
about a foot long, and two inches broad, dark green
above, paler below; petioles sheathing, and densely
clothed with sharp brown and black spines, which are an
inch and a half in length. Native of South America,

B. flawispina.—This is an elegant Palm of low growth,
with pinnate leaves, which are bifid at top; the pinne.
are clustered, from six to twelve inches in length, and
one in width, dark green; petioles sheathing at the base,
and furnished with a profusion of long yellow spines,
which are tipped with black. Native of Brazil.

BaMBuUsA.

A genus of Graminacee, many species of which are
hardy, or nearly so, and are fit subjects for the decoration
of the open border or pleasure ground. The genus is of
immense importance to the inhabitants of tropical coun-
tries, for their stems are turned to a vast quantity of
uses.

The species enumerated here requires the warmth of
the stove to develope its beauties, and if sufficient
space can be given it will form a magnificent object.
BANKSIA. 113

The soil best adapted for their culture is very rich turfy
loam two parts, one part peat, and a little river sand;
and during the summer months, supply them liberally with
water.

B. arundinacea—This is the common Bamboo of the
tropics. It forms a very stout stem, which rises like a
beautiful column to some fifty or sixty feet in height, the
laterals which spring from the nodes producing quite a
profusion of its light and bright green leaves, the whole
plant presenting the appearance of a beautiful plume of
feathers. It may be grown in pots, when it forms a very
ornamental object, and it may be used during summer
for the sub-topical garden, also for the decoration of
apartments, halls, or corridors with splendid effect. It is
a native of the tropics.

BANKsIA.

This is an Australian genus of the natural order
Proteacee, an order which contains many ugly gouty-
looking plants, as well as some of the greatest beauty,
and to the latter class the present family belongs.
Bonksias were formerly favourite plants, and most de-
servedly so, for they afford a contrast which is produced
by no other plants, and it is difficult to understand why
they have been allowed to pass so suddenly out of cul-
tivation. However, as so many of the species are now
flowering and producing seeds so near home as the
Azores, it is to be hoped, now that sub-tropical garden-
ing is so rapidly extending, that efforts will be made to
place these fine plants upon as good a footing as they
formerly occupied, for they would make splendid ob-
jects used in that way in the open air during summer,

I
114 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

a free circulation of air being absolutely necessary to
their existence. Banksias require thorough drainage,
without strict attention to which failure is sure to ensue,
The soil should be a mixture of peat, loam, and sand,
in about equal parts. In repotting them, especial care
should be taken that none of the roots are broken, or
mutilated in any way. In watering, extremes must be
avoided, for although they do not like too much, yet
few plants suffer more from the effects of drought.
They may be increased by cuttings of well-ripened young
wood, placed in small pots’ of sand, not shortening any
of the leaves, but only removing sufficient to allow the
cutting to be firmly fixed; then place them under a
bell-glass in a cold frame, shading them from the sun.
They are also increased by seeds, which should have but
a slight covering, and be transplanted as soon as they
are large enough to handle. The species described he-
low are all handsome and well deserving cultivation, and
were all to be found a few years ago in our national
Botanic Garden, from which we much regret the dis-
appearance of so many of these noble plants. Let us
hope, however, that every effort will be made to repair
the loss of these and many other fine old greenhouse plants,
for which those gardens were once so famous.

B. australis.—A species of compact habit, growing some
five or six feet high. The leaves are from one to two
inches long and half an inch broad, blunt at the apex,
armed with several short sharp spines, and tapering at
the base, deep green on the upper surface, snowy white
beneath. Native of South Australia.

B. Caleyi.—This is an elegant species. The leaves are
from six to twelve inches long, linear, and deeply and
regularly toothed from base to apex, dark green above,
BANKSIA. 115

paler below. It grows some five or six feet in height.
Native of Australia.

B. Cunninghamii.—This forms a dense and handsome
shrub of six or eight feet high. The leaves are from
two to three inches long, and scarcely half an inch
broad, linear in shape, the apex premorse, as if bitten
straight off, the upper surface dark green, silvery below.
A very handsome species, especially when adorned with
its large head of flowers, which resemble bottle brushes.
Native of Australia.

B. dryandroides.—In this species we have perhaps the
most graceful of the whole family, and when young, one
of the most elegant table deeorators we ever saw em-
ployed for that purpose. It grows about six feet high ;
the stem is clothed with reddish brown hairs; the leaves
are from six to ten inches long, and scarcely a quarter
of an inch broad, pinnatifid, divided almost to the mid-rib,
the lobes triangular, deep green above, and reddish brown
below. Native of Australia.

B. elatior.—This species attains a height of fifteen or
twenty feet. The leaves are from six to ten inches long,
and one inch broad, linear-oblong in shape, tapering
slightly at the base, and deeply toothed at the edges,
deep green on both sides, the mid-rib on the under side
being clothed with rich brown coloured hairs. Native
of Australia.

B. foliosa.—A handsome and distinct species. The
leaves are from six to ten inches long, or more, and
from one to two inches wide, oblong in shape, with
prettily serrated edges, deep green above, greyish beneath.
Native of Australia.

B. integrifolia,—This is also a very handsome species,
growing some ten or twelve feet high. The leaves are

12

‘
116 ORNAMENTAL. FOLIAGE PLANTS.

cuneate-oblong in shape, about six inches long, and a
little less than an inch wide in the broadest part, the
edges quite plain and entire, upper side dark green, be-
neath silvery white. It is sometimes called B. glauca.
Native of Australia.

B. integrifolia compar.—An elegant branching species,
attaining a height of six feet. The leaves are very
densely set upon the branches, oblong in shape, tapering
at the base, blunt at the apex, and serrulate on the edges ;
the upper side is dark olive green, the under side silvery
white. Native of Australia.

B. latifolia.—A fine plant, growing in its native habitat
from twenty to thirty feet high, but as all these plants
are slow in growth, it will be many years before this
species attains that height with us. The leaves are from
six to ten inches long, and three broad, obovate-oblong
in shape, and serrate at the edges; the upper surface is.
deep green, under side clothed with woolly greyish
hairs, those on the mid-rib being bright brown, and the
veins slightly paler. It is a most desirable plant. Native
of Australia.

B. quercifolia—A species forming a handsome bush some
five or six feet high. The leaves are cuneate-oblong,
deeply incised at the margins, and having a short spine
upon each lobe. Native of South Australia.

B. solandra.—This is truly a noble plant, attaining a
height of from six to twelve feet. The leaves are deeply
pinnatifid, from four to six inches long, and upwards of
two wide, having from three to six pairs of lobes on each
leaf; the apex is quite straight, as if bitten off; upper side
is dark green, under side silvery white. Itis well deserving
a place in every garden, though we are sorry to admit that
we know of but one plant living in Britain ; nevertheless
BARRINGTONIA. 117

‘we hope to see it again introduced to ornament our gardens.
Native of Australia.

B. speciosa. —As its name implies, this is a very hand-
‘some kind—when young one of the most beautiful plants
that can be used for dinner-table decoration. It grows
‘some six or eight feet high ; the leaves are from five to ten
inches long, and about half an inch wide, pinnatifid, but
divided almost to the mid-rib, which gives the lobes a
semi-circular shape with a spine on the end of each; the
‘upper side is deep green, beneath silvery white, while the
mid-rib is clothed with ferrugineous woolly hairs. Native
of Australia.

BaRRINGTONIA.

Plants of this genus are seldom met with in ‘our stoves,
and yet the species here described is one of the most noble
ornamental-leaved plants with which we are acquainted.
They should be potted in a mixture of loam, peat, and
-sand, in the proportion of two parts of the former to one each
-of the latter. Water should be given abundantly, and a
moist air maintained, with a temperature ranging from
‘65° to 95°. Some of the objections perhaps to this family
.are, that they require strong heat, and attain a considerable
height, but where sufficient room can be given them, they
form stately ornaments. Barringtonias may be increased
by cuttings, the lateral shoots being better for the purpose
than the gross wood of the main stem.

B. speciosa.—This plant in its native country attains a
height of from twenty to thirty feet, but under cultivation,
a plant with a single stem, and some six or eight feet
in height, is extremely beautiful. The leaves are alter-
nate, from one to two feet or more in length, broadly
obovate, and bright shining green on the upper surface,
118 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

slightly paler below. Its stately habit renders it worthy
a place in every collection. Native of the Indian Archi-

pelago.

BEAUCARNEA,

A small and exceedingly curious genus of Mexican
Bromeliaceous plants. They form slender woody stems,
with a remarkably swollen or napiform base. The
general opinion is that they are of extremely slow
growth, and unless treated in a liberal manner as to soil
and watering, they probably would be so, but under
favourable treatment good specimens may be obtained
in the course of a few years. Beaucarneas are both
grotesque and graceful in habit, and form striking objects
in the conservatory, or in the open air during summer.
They should be potted in rich fibrous loam and sand,
with ample drainage, and, during the growing season,
must be supplied liberally with water. They may be
increased by cuttings when these can be obtained, but
chiefly by seeds, which hitherto have been imported from
their native country, no specimen, as far as we are aware,
having flowered in European gardens. They have been
sometimes cultivated under the barbarous name Pince-
nectitia,

B. glauca.—In this species the stem is slender, while
the swollen base becomes woody and hard with age. It
bears a crown of long pendent glaucous leaves, which are-
from two to three feet in length, and present the appear-
ance of a beautiful fountain. Native of Mexico.

B. glauca latifolia.—In general appearance this resembles
the preceding, and indeed, differs from it only in its stouter
and more robust stem and broader leaves. Native of

Mexico,
 
“OnTxeyl .

VIVAUNOTT VANYVOAVET

 
BEGONIA 119

B. longifolium.—tThis is the most distinct and beautiful
species of the genus. The stem is stout; leaves from six
to ten feet in length, narrow, pendent, forming a beau-
tiful vase-like centre, and dark green in colour. Native
of Mexico.

B. recurvata.—This species is sometimes to be met with
under the name of B. twberculata. Our woodcut illustration
gives a good idea of its general appearance, and our
readers may judge that such a plant, with its bright green
pendulous leaves, must form a beautiful object, either in
the open air during summer, in the conservatory, or
indeed in any position. It is a native of Mexico,

B. stricta,—Stem stout, with a swollen base, as in all the
other species. The leaves are some three feet or more in
length, less than an inch broad, and very glaucous. Native
of Mexico.

BEGONIA.

A great quantity of the Begonias are not only remarkable
for their free-flowering qualities, but also for the exquisite
variegation of their foliage ; and although the flowers of
the ornamental-leaved kinds are not so attractive as those
of their plain green relatives, yet they are sufficiently
large, and produced in sufficient abundance to make them
very effective in the stove. A great many of the finely
variegated-leaved kinds are of garden origin, having for
their parent B. Rez, which created such a sensation when
first introduced. Some amateurs grow these plants for
summer decoration only, resting them by partially drying
off during winter. This we consider a mistake, as they
are so very attractive during the dull months, and require
but little attention, although they would amply repay the
most tedious care. To grow these plants well (and it
120 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

may be well to remark, in passing, that what is worth
doing, is always worth doing well, for these plants are
anything but ornamental if neglected), the soil should
be composed of one part sandy loam, one part peat, one
part leaf mould and well-decomposed manure, and one
part sand. During the summer season Begonias require
an abundance of water at the roots, and also a tolerably
moist atmosphere, to prevent the edges of the leaves from
becoming brown, which is a great disfigurement to them,
but in winter much less must be given.. Many growers
of these plants are extremely fond of using the syringe to
them, but as far as our experience goes, we cannot too
strongly condemn the practice; they should be potted
early in spring, and if thought likely to suffer during
winter, another shifs may be given them in autumn,
Begonias are very easily propagated, either by stem’ cut-
tings or leaves; in the latter case, the primary veins
should be slightly cut in numerous places on the under
side, and then they should be laid upon a cutting pot,
using a few pieces of potsherds to keep them pressed to
the sand, and very soon numerous miniature plants will
reward the operator.

These plants are exceedingly ornamental, and are avail-
able for various situations. They form, as before remarked,
splendid objects in the stove, and they may be removed
to the conservatory or greenhouse during the summer,
if the direct rays of the sun are excluded. As window
plants and living-room plants, they are also equally at
home, not at all refusing to grow in a somewhat shady
position, and we have even seen them flourishing and
producing a charming effect in the open air, planted in
a shady rockery amongst Ferns. For an in-door fernery,
these plants are peculiarly adapted, the moist air neces-
BEGONIA. 121

sary for the development of Fern fronds being the most
conducive to their luxuriant growth, and we have fre-
quently seen them so used, and forming groups of the
greatest beauty. There are an immense number of va-
rieties of variegated Begonias, some kinds resembling
others so nearly, that it becomes a matter of difficulty
to distinguish them, and as it is useless for an amateur to
grow two kinds thug nearly alike, we have endeavoured
to describe a few of the most distinct, and those which we
consider most worthy of cultivation.

B. dedalea,—This is a dwarf compact plant of great
beauty. Leaves obliquely cordate, rich deep green,
beautifully netted with deep brown, and fringed at the
edges with long pink hairs; when in a young state the
leaves are tinged with bright reddish pink, Native of
Mexico.

B. grandis.—Leaves large, and tapering to an oblique
point ; ground colour dark olive green, with a zone of
silvery white, the under side a uniform deep crimson, the
upper side is clothed with long hairs, which are bright
red at the base, with white points; flowers large and very
ornamental. Garden variety.

B. GriffithiiLeaves large, obliquely cordate, dark
green variegated with pale green, and bordered with deep
purple, fringed with short hairs; in addition, the flowers
are large, and very useful for bouquet making. Native of
Bhotan.

B. imperialis.—The leaves of this plant are most exqui-
site, and in addition to which, its dwarf compact habit
renders it a veritable gem. Leaves rugose or wrinkled ;
the ground colour is dark olive green, approaching to black,
the course of the veins being marked by bands of emerald
green, Native of Mexico.
122 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

B. Madame Wagner.—Ueaves rich dark green in the
centre, which is enlivened by a broad silvery zone. Garden
variety.

B. Marshallii—A superb variety with large leaves; the
centre and margins are dark green, the zone which spreads
over the greater portion is bright silvery grey. Garden
variety.

B. metallicu—A. pretty addition to this large group of
ornamental foliage plants; leaves oblique, veins angulate,
of a dark metallic colour, ground colour light metallic
shining green, under side light green veined with red,
flowers produced in bunches of a pretty pink colour, surface
covered with small hairs. Native of Mexico.

B. Regina.—The leaves of this fine variety are olive
green, ornamented with a zone of red and silvery white,
giving it a charming appearance. Garden variety.

B. Rex.—This beautiful plant is a Native of Assam, and
to its introduction we owe the race of Begonias with silvery
zones and spots. It is of robust though dwarf habit ;
its leaves are dark olive green, a broad band or zone of
silvery white traversing it midway between the centre
and margin. It is still one of the very best, notwith-
standing the innumerable varieties which have been raised
in our gardens from it and its progeny.

B. Rot Leopold.—A large-growing variety. The petioles
are long, and clothed with long red hairs; leaves large,
reddish crimson in the centre, with a broad border of
red. Garden variety.

B. Rollissonii.—This is a very fine kind; the leaves are
large, and the vivid shades of green and purple give it
a splendid effect.

B. smaragdina.—tIn habit and size this resembles B. im-
perialis, but the leaves are a uniform vivid green, entirely
BERTOLONIA. 123

wanting the deep green which is so conspicuous a feature
in that plant. Native of Mexico.

B. splendida argentea.—An elegant plant, with greyish
leaves, which are veined with white, and suffused with
reddish crimson; a superb plant. Garden variety.

BERTOLONIA.

A genus of Melastomads, of dwarf habit, not remark-
able for the size and beauty of their flowers, as many
of this order are, but their leaves are most exquisitely
marked. From their neat habit they may be easily
accommodated by any one having only a very small stove.
The soil best adapted for their culture is a mixture of
peat, leaf mould, and sand, in about equal parts. They
delight in -a close, moist, warm atmosphere, and should
have ample drainage. They may be increased by cuttings
and seeds, and will require to be kept in a frame, in
the stove, or under bell-glasses whilst small, and also to be
grown under them if the atmosphere cannot be kept suffi-
ciently humid without them.

B. guttata—lLeaves ovate, from three to six inches
long, and from two to three wide; the ground colour
is a rich dark green, profusely dotted with rose coloured
spots, which are arranged in lines, and give the plant
a charming and interesting appearance. Native of Brazil.

B. margaritacea.—This is another beautiful Lilliputian
plant; its leaves are ovate-acuminate in shape, when full-
sized, about six inches long, and four in breadth. The
ground colour on the upper side is dark olive green,
faintly shaded with purple, and upon this are disposed,.
in regular lines, spots of pearly white; the under side.
is a uniform bright pink. If the stove is not close and.
124 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

moist, this plant should be protected with a bell-glass.
Native of Brazil. :

B. marmorata.—An elegant plant, known in many gar-
dens under the name of Hriocnema marmorata. It rises
upon a short fleshy stem, bearing leaves from five to
eight inches long, ovate-oblong in shape, hairy, and
five-ribbed, the upper side is vivid bright green in colour,
‘beautifully marked with irregular streaks of pure white,
the under side is of a uniform rich purple. Native of
Brazil.

B. pubescens.—The leaves of this miniature plant are
-ovate-acuminate in shape, from three to four inches long,
and two or three broad; they are bright light green,
‘with a broad chocolate coloured band down the centre, the
upper surface is clothed with long white hairs. Native of
Ecuador.

B. superbissima.—A great improvement on the old type;
‘the ground colour is bright olive green, on which in each
space between the ribs are three veins of purplish rose
spots; the under surface is of a delicate tint of the same
colour.: “A beautiful object for cultivation under a bell-
glass.

B. Van Houtteana.—This is undoubtedly the finest of
the whole genus; leaves large; ground colour rich olive
green, traversed by broad bars of bright magenta, and
dotted all over by quantities of spots of the same colour.
Garden hybrid.

Borassus.

Of this noble, but small genus of Palms, two species
only are known. The genus is distinguished by its
flowers, which are unisexual, and produced upon distinct
plants, the males being borne in dense branching catkins,
BORASSUS, 125-

while those of the opposite sex are produced on simple,
or more rarely slightly branched spikes. The fruits are
very large, three seeded. The leaves are fan-shaped or
nearly.circular, and the stems stout, straight, and massive,
some sixty to eighty feet in height (some say much more),
and from one to two feet in diameter. These plants should -
be grown in loam and sand, with a small portion of vege-
table mould added. They are increased by seeds only, and
are exceedingly rare in cultivation.

B. Athiopum.—This, the African Fan Palm, grows to
eighty feet in height, but trees of such dimensions must
be exceedingly aged, for they are very slow to form a
stem. This plant is easily distinguished from its Asiatic
relative, by the remarkable bulging out or swelling in its
stem near the middle, or about two-thirds of its height
from the ground. The leaves are nearly circular and
plaited, supported upon stout petioles from six to seven
feet in length; in a young state this is an exceedingly
handsome plant, and is at present extremely rare. The
fruits, which are as large or larger than a cocoa-nut, con-
tain three seeds, which are gathered as vegetables soon
after germination, and are said to be very agreeable.
eating. Travellers tell us that elephants are always to.
be found near these trees, as they are exceedingly fond
of its seeds. Toddy is extracted from its stem, and mats,
baskets, and hats are made from its leaves. It is abun-.
dantly distributed in various parts of Western Tropical
Africa, mostly by river banks, although in some places.
it approaches the sea coast.

B. flabbeliformis.—Of this noble Palm a native poem,.
in describing its beneficial properties, records nearly one
thousand uses to which its products may be applied. It
is a gigantic tree, reaching eighty feet or more in height,
126 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and two feet in diameter; the leaves are nearly circular,
and plaited like a partially open fan, and have about
seventy ribs, which radiate from a common centre. As
young plants (which are the only specimens of this genus
existing in this country), this is exceedingly handsome,
but they are very rare and very slow in growth. The
sap produces a very intoxicating toddy, from which sugar
of superior quality is made, and largely imported into
this country, whilst its leaves are used for hats, baskets,
and mats, umbrellas, fans, bags, and also in the manu-
facture of a very nice kind of matting for floors, as well
as for thatching, &c., dc. It is found principally near
the sea, on low-lying sandy tracts, widely distributed
throughout Asia.

BraweEA.

Asmall genus of low-growing Palms with fan-shaped
leaves, and having perfect flowers. The species we here
describe is admirably adapted for the decoration of the
greenhouse or the sub-tropical garden during the sum-
mer months. It should be potted in equal parts of peat
and loam, to which should be added a good portion of
sand; drain the pots well, and supply them liberally with
water.

B. dulcis.—The stem of this plant is somewhat stout,
but it takes a very long time to develope; the petioles
are clothed with a woolly tomentum, armed at the edges
with small close-set spines, and enveloped at the base
in a network of brown fibres.. The leaves are nearly.
circular, plaited, and of a bright shining green colour.
It is a splendid greenhouse Palm, somewhat rare in cul-
tivation. Native of Mexico.
BREXIA. 127

BReExIA. \

\

This is a small genus of plants giving its name to the
order to which it belongs. In their natiye wilds they
assume the form of trees with nearly simple stems, and
at home elegant ornaments for the stove.\ During the
summer Brewias may be grown in the conservatory, and
even make pretty objects in the sub-tropical garden, if
@ snug and shady corner be allotted them; when young
they are admirable table decorators, and very useful for
the decoration of apartments. Brewxias should be potted
in a mixture of loam and peat, in the proportion of two
parts of the former to one of the latter, adding a little
sand to keep it open; a liberal supply of water should be
given at all seasons. Cuttings and eyes strike quickly if
kept close and shaded until they are rooted, and then soon
become handsome young plants.

B. chrysophylia.—A handsome plant with a slender erect
stem, clothed with long, somewhat narrow, yellowish green
leaves, which are pendent, and slightly spiny at the margin..
It is a very desirable plant, well deserving general culti-
vation. Native of Madagascar.

B. madagascariensis—The present species resembles
‘somewhat the preceding, but the leaves are light green,
and nearly or quite smooth at the edges, distinct and
handsome. Native of Madagascar.

B. spinosa.—This is the most handsome of all the species
yet introduced. The stem is slender ; leaves alternate, pen-
dent, from twelve to twenty inches in length and two
inches in breadth, toothed with spines at the margins,
dark green on the upper side, slightly paler below. It
is a beautiful plant for the decoration of apartments, or
for the dinner table. Native of Madagascar.
128 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

CaLADIUM.

A genus of highly ornamental plants, of very easy
growth. The greater number of the species are deci-
duous, and therefore occupy but little space during the
winter months, which is a great advantage, as at that
season of the year most amateurs find their plant houses
rather crowded, because then all tender plants must have
protection. Caladwms require to be potted in turfy loam,
peat, leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, in about.
equal parts, adding some river or silver sand; drain the
pots well, as they luxuriate in an abundant supply of
water and strong heat. The size of pot, and number of
shifts necessary, must be entirely regulated by the size
_of the specimens required; if only small plants are needed,
then plant them in less rich compost and keep them in
small pots; but if size is the object, then it is scarcely
possible to be over liberal with them. We have had a
great number of new forms of these plants during the
past few years, many of them exquisitely coloured, but
in most instances they are but variations of some pre-
viously known kind. The roots of C. bicolor are said to
be cooked and eaten, and are called “coco-roots” by the
people who use them.

After the beauty of these plants begins to fade, less
water should be given, gradually decreasing the quantity
until it is entirely withheld. By this time the foliage will
all be dead and the roots at rest, and we wish particularly
to warn amateurs respecting their treatment at this period.
It is the common practice to stow them away upon shelves,
quite dry, and thus they remain for several months—that
is, until the spring. Now it frequently happens, that when
the bulbs are turned out for potting at this season, nothing
CALADIUM. 129

but the outside shell remains; this is what we designate
dry rot, and to steer clear of this evil, we advise their
being kept under the stage in the stove all the winter, or
in some warm place where water can be given occasion-
ally. In this way even the smallest-rooted kinds will
be found whole and sound at the potting season. They
are increased by divisions of the roots, which is most
safely accomplished before growth commences. Many of
the kinds here enumerated have’ been introduced from
Para, and other parts of South America, and others are the
results of cross-breeding at home; but although many
are introduced, they probably are crossbreeds in their
native country, which is Tropical America.

C. argyrite.—This is at once the smallest and most
elegant species of the whole genus. The leaves are small
in size, sagittate in shape, with the ground colour light
green, the centre and margins of the leaf white, with
many irregular blotches scattered over the remaining
portion. Jt is a beautiful ornament in the stove, and a.
perfect gem as a decorator of the dinner table, whilst
many of its leaves are useful for bouquets. Native of
the banks of the Amazon and its tributaries in South
America.

C. Baraquiniii—A variety of good robust habit, and
very distinct ; the leaves are from twenty to thirty inches
long, the centre of the leaf deep red, the margin being
dark green. From Para ?

G. Beethoven.—Ground colour of leaf white, beautifully
netted with bright green; the mid-rib rosy pink, A very
pleasing form of this popular genus. Of garden origin.

C. Belleymei.—A veritable gem for summer decoration,
its large sagittate leaves being nearly wholly white,
and beautiftilly relieved by the vivid green network of

K
130 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

veins which pervade them, in addition to which they are
often tinged with delicate rose. From Para ?

C. Ceres.—The leaf centre of this variety is of fine rosy
salmon, with a brilliant emerald green margin. A fine
exhibition variety.

C. Chantiniii—A most showy and beautiful form, of
robust habit; the greater portion of the leaf is brilliant
crimson, irregularly blotched with white, and margined
with dark green. From Para ?

C. Chelsoni.— Leaves large, centre light rose, speckled
more or less with silvery dots, the. remaining portion suf-
fused with bright red, and blotched with vermilion ; the
margin is a clear deep rich green. Garden variety.

C. Dr. Lindley—An elegant variety, the leaves of
which are rich bright green towards the margin, upon
which are dispersed spots and blotches of rose ; the centre
of the leaf is deep crimson. Garden variety.

C. Duc de Cleveland.—A highly ornamental and distinct
variety, producing fine bright green leaves, spotted with
rose; the mid-rib and veins are a deeper shade of the
same colour. Garden variety.

C. Duc de Nassau.—The leaves of this variety are a
pleasing emerald green round the margins, spotted with
white, the centre and primary veins are bright red; a
handsome and desirable kind. It is of garden origin.

O. Emmeline.—A . delicate light green ground, with
scattered spots of white and crimson, are the distinguish-
ing characters of this crossbred variety.

C. Emperor Napoleon.—Centre of leaves bright flame
colour, running out in flakes towards the edge ; the margin
is rich green, with beautiful carmine spots, A most
desirable garden variety.

C. Hercules—This variety has the centre of its leaves
CALADIUM. 131

grey, outer portion dark green, which is spotted and '
blotched with bright red; the mid-rib and veins are rich
crimson. Of garden origin.

C. imperialis——The margin of the leaves in this form
is dark green, the centre is rose colour, with conspicuous
red veins, and over the whole surface are distributed spots
and blotches of white. Garden variety.

C. Louise Potrier:-—Green margins, with white spots, and
the centre crimson, render this variety very pleasing and
highly ornamental. Of garden origin.

C. Lucy.—This is a very attractive variety, the markings
being very brilliant. Mid-rib and primary veins broadly
margined with deep crimson; the ground colour of the
’ leaf dark green, spotted and blotched irregularly with rosy
carmine. Of garden origin.

C. Lurline.—A very delicate and pretty form, with light
‘green leaves, most profusely spotted with white; a very
desirable and distinct kind. Of garden origin.

C. Madame Hunebelle.—A handsome variety, having large
bold leaves richly veined with red on white ground, and
densely margined with delicate green veins.

C. magnificum.—A variety with bright green leaves, pro-
fusely spotted with pure white, the mid-rib and primary
veins tinged with reddish pink. Garden variety.

C. M. Alphand.—The ground colour of the leaf is bright
green, spotted and blotched with rosy vermilion; the
mid-rib and primary veins are bright vermilion, having
numerous silvery spots on either side. A very showy
variety of garden origin.

C. Meyerbeer.—This is a very ornamental kind. The
ground colour is white, beautifully veined with bright
green; the mid-rib ig deep red. Itis in the way of C. '
Belleymet, but quite distinct and superior. Garden variety.

K2
x

132 -ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLAN'S,

C. Miltoni—The centre of the leaf grey, and margins
deep green, the latter colour being profusely spotted with
crimson, the veins all marked with red, rendering it
peculiarly attractive. Garden variety.

C. mirabile-—A charming variety, with large broad
leaves ; ground colour-bright light green, beautifully dotted
and spotted with pure white over the entire surface. A
distinct and highly desirable kind. From Para,

C. Prince Albert Edward.—The broad leaf blades of this
variety are of a dark emerald green ground, with a very
beautiful rich crimson mid-rib, radiating from the centre
towards the margin, the intervening leaf spaces being
densely and elegantly spotted with ivory white.

C. Princess Alezandra.—This variety produces very large
bold leaves ; the prevailing colour is a pure rosy salmon,
beautifully marbled and spotted over the entire surface of
the leaf.

C. Reine Victoria.—In general style this resembles the
elegant C. Belleymei. The margins and veins are a bright
lively green, between which the white ground is beautifully
marbled and spotted with rich crimson. A most desirable
and handsome form. Of garden origin.

C’. Thereso.—The ground colour of leaf light green, veins
rose coloured, irregularly blotched with white and suffused
with pale rose towards the centre. A very delicate and,
desirable variety. Of garden origin.

C.. tricolor.—This is a fine, distinct, and ornamental kind,
the centre of the leaf being reddish lake in colour, with
carmine mid-ribs, margined with a greyish green, inter-
sected with dark veins.

C. Troubetzkoy.—This is a variety of smaller growth than
most of the kinds. Its leaves are also very much narrower,
and the lobes are large and ear-like, which gives it a
CALAMUS, 133

peculiar and most distinct appearance ; the ground colour
is grassy green, over which are irregularly scattered spots
and blotches of white and red, the mid-rib being rich
carmine. From Para.

C. Verschaffeltii—A variety of moderate growth, with
large somewhat heart-shaped leaves, the ground colour of
which is brilliant green, the entire surface being irregularly
spotted with bright red. From Para.

C. Wallisit,—This variety hag dark olive green leaves,
with large irregular-shaped spots and blotches of the purest
white, and the veins all yellowish white.

CaLamus,

An extremely elegant and interesting genus of Palms,
containing many species. They are divided into two
genera by some authors, viz. :—Calamus, having the flowers
densely clustered upon branching spikes, each branch
having a separate spathe, which is not sufficiently large to
enclose it; and Demonorops, having its flowers scattered
along the spikes, not clustered, the spikes being also
enclosed in separate spathes, which quite envelop them.
These are the chief points of distinction, and if they were
definite, would be sufficient to identify them, but as all
sorts of intermediate forms are to be found, it becomes
extremely difficult to decide where one ends and the other
begins ; therefore we think it preferable for this work to
retain the original genus intact. These plants are all of
slender growth. Many of them climb to the tops of the
highest trees in their native forests, and often extend for
several hundred feet; others, however, do not exceed
fifteen or twenty feet in height. The flowers are pro-
‘duced upon branching spikes, clustered or scattered, each
134 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

branch enclosed in a separate spathe, which entirely or
only partially encloses it. The flowers are small, greenish
rose in colour, and have both calyx and corolla three-
parted. Fruits one-seeded, clothed with smooth shining
imbricated scales. The species of Calamus are very
effective in a young state as decorators of the dinner table
or the drawing room; they also form beautiful specimens
for the ornamentation of the stove, or for public exhibition.
They are increased by suckers which grow out from the
base, and also from seed. Loam and vegetable mould in
about equal parts is a good compost to grow them in, and
to keep them in a flourishing state a copious supply of
water is necessary.

C. accidens.—A slender-growing and beautiful miniature
tree, with long arching dark green pinnate leaves, the
pinne being long and narrow, and somewhat closely set ;
petioles furnished with slender black spines. At present
somewhat rare, but deserving attention by all plant
growers. Native of Hast Indies.

C. adspersus.—An exceedingly slender and elegant spe-
cies, with stem not much stouter than a large wheat
straw ; petioles six or more inches long, sheathing at base,
and clothed with long slender black spines; leaves pin-
nate; pinnz six to eight inches long, narrow, and deep
green in colour. Native of East Indies.

C. asperrimus.—A beautiful species, eminently adapted
for general decorative purposes. . It attains considerable
size, and as it throws out quantities of suckers, it forms
a fine handsome mass. The leaves are pinnate, from three
to twelve feet in length ; pinnee from one to two feet in
length, and about an inch in breadth, pendent, light green
in colour, and furnished on the upper side with two rows of
hair-like spines; petioles broadly sheathing at the base,
CALAMUS. 135

and densely armed with long stout black spines. It is a
native of Assam, Sylhet, and Chittagong.

C. ciliaris,—This is a very distinct and handsome small-
growing kind. The stem is erect and slender; leaves
pinnate, clothed with a quantity of soft hairs; petioles
sheathing at the base. The bright light green of the
plume-like leaves renders this species a charming object
wherever a slender graceful plant can be placed. Native
of the Indian Islands.

C. Draco.—In this plant we have a robust constitution,
and the habit is totally different from the preceding,
Leaves four to six feet in length, beautifully arched, pin-
nate; pinne twelve to eighteen inches long, narrow,
slightly pendent, and rich dark green in colour; petioles
sheathing at base, and armed with long, flat, black
spines. It is a superb plant. Native of the Indian
Islands,

C. fissus—The leaves are ovate in outline, the petioles
are armed with stout dark coloured spines, the back is
armed with a single row, the leaves are pinnate, as in all
the members of this family; the leaflets are pendent and
dark green, bearing on the upper side a few black hair-
like bristles. When immature, the leaves are bright
cinnamon. It is a beautiful stove species. Native of
Borneo:

C. flagellum.—Stem slender; leaves six or eight feet
in length when full size, pinnate; pinnae pendent, about
twelve inches in length and one in breadth, dark green,
and furnished on the upper side with two rows of long
white hair-like spines; petioles sheathing, and profusely
armed with stout spines, which are white, tipped with
black, and much swollen at the base. It climbs to the
tops of the highest trees in the forests of Sikkim, and is
136 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

found growing from the level of the plains to upwards
of 3,000 feet elevation. Its native name is “ Reem.”

C. hystriz.— This is another small, compact-growing,
graceful plant, with pinnate leaves and spiny petioles. It
bears some resemblance to C. melanochetes, but is more
handsome than that species.

C. Jenkinsianus.—Leaves pinnate, beautifully arched,
and from two to six feet in length; pinne from six to
twelve inches long, an inch broad, and rich dark green.
The petioles are slightly sheathing at the base, where
they are dark brown, and armed with long flat spines.
This beautiful species is widely distributed in the forests
of Sikkim.

C. Lewisianus.—A superb and somewhat rare plant. In
the young state the leaves are nearly erect, ultimately
spreading, from two’ to six feet in length, pinnate, and
bearing some three dozen pairs of pinne, which are from
six to twelve inches long, and less than an inch in breadth,
pendent, and dark green; petioles and leaf stalk white,
except the broad sheathing base, which is blackish brown,
and densely armed with long, black, flat spines, some-
times arranged in threes, more frequently, however, in’
pairs. Native of the East Indies.

‘C. melanochetes—The whole plant is of a very dark
green; leaves pinnate, the pinne long, narrow, and pen-
dent; petioles sheathing at the base, and there armed
with very long and sharp spines, the bases of which are
much swollen, and green, the tips brown; an exceedingly
beautiful plant. Native of the East Indies.

C. palembanicus.—This is one of the very handsomest
of its race; the petioles are erect, armed at the back with
somewhat stout deflexed spines; leaves pinnate, broadly-
ovate; leaflets narrow-drooping, and cinnamon-brown
CALAMUS. 137

when young, changing with age to deep green. Native
of Java.

C. plumosus.—An exceedingly beautiful species. Its arch-

-ing feathery leaves are pinnate, and from two to four or
more feet in length; pinnse twelve inches long, less than
an inch wide, tapering to a tail-like point, very deep green,
and pendent; the petioles are densely armed with stout
black spines, white at the base. It is one of the most
beautiful of the genus, and is a superb plant for the de-
coration of the drawing room. Native of the East Indies.

C. Rotang.—This plant is said to climb to the tops of
the highest trees in its native forests, and to continue to
extend several hundred feet in length. As a young plant
we shall have most to deal with it, and in this state it
is very elegant, The stem is slender; leaves pinnate,
from one to three and four feet in length, and beauti-
fully arched; pinnae six to twelve inches long, less than
an inch broad, and dark green, furnished on the upper
side with two rows of fine hair-like spines; petioles and
stem armed sparingly with stout somewhat reversed spines.
Native of India.

C. Royleanus.—A. species of great beauty. Leaves pin-
nate and arching ; pinne very numerous, narrow, pendent,
and full deep green; petioles also dark green, sheathing
at the base, and sparingly clothed with spines. This
plant deserves a place in every collection of ornamental-
leaved plants. It is a‘native of Deyra Doon, in the North
West Himalayas.

C. viminalis.—Stem slender; leaves one to two feet in
length, pinnate, and bearing some twenty-six pairs of
pinne, which are about six inches in length, narrow, and
light green; the petioles are sheathing, and densely armed
with long flat white spines. It is a very handsome plant,
138 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

throwing out its whip-like spiny spikes of flower when.
only one or two feet in height, Native of the Indian.
Archipelago.

CALYPTROGYNE.

A small genus of Palms nearly allied to Geonoma, and.
which require the same treatment as that recommended.
for those plants.

C. Ghiesbreghtii—This is an elegant dwarfgrowing
Palm, and one which should be in every collection. It.
is a species which apparently never makes much stem.
The leaves are about five feet in length, pinnate, and
beautifully arched ; pinne: mostly opposite, but sometixies.
alternate, bright shining green above, paler below. It-
forms a splendid crown of pendent leaves, from amongst.
which rise its erect lance-like flower spikes. “Native of"
Chiapas.

C. spicigera.—Stems stout; leaves irregularly pinnate,.
from two to three feet long, and one- foot broad, deeply
bifid at apex, and rich bright green in colour; petioles.
short, sheathing at the base, flat on the upper side, rounded.
below. It:is a very elegant plant, well deserving general.
cultivation. Native of New Grenada.

CANNA.

The plants comprising this genus will be familiar to
most of our readers by the popular name of Indian Shot,
which name they have received from the hardness of their-
round black seeds. They belong to the order Marantacee,.
and many of them are remarkable for the beauty of their
flowers, but it is chiefly for the charming contrast their
leaves afford in the open air during summer that we have
introduced them here; and so robust has their constitution.
CANNA. 139

become through cross-breeding, that the greater portion of
the varieties described here are capable of withstanding
the severity of our ordinary winters unharmed, if the
ground is properly prepared and covered in winter. To do
this, remove the soil for a considerable depth, and fill up to °
within about a foot of the surface with rough drainage
material, such as bricks, &., over which put some good
rich open loam, with a slight admixture of leafy mould,
well decomposed. In this manner they may be used with
advantage, either as groups in the centre of flower beds,
in large beds by themselves, or as isolated groups upon the
lawn, &c., &c. They are propagated by division of the
roots and by seeds.

C. Achiras variegata.—This is a charming variety for
in-door culture, It is of medium height, having its bright
green leaves striped with white and yellow; it will grow
in the open air during summer, and retains its character,
but it will probably not be effective enough for sub-tropical
gardening, .

C. Annei.—A charming kind, growing from six to ten
feet high. The leaves are long, tapering to a sharp point,
stand somewhat erect, and are of a light glaucous green
colour. Its bronzy yellow flowers are produced in abun-
dance; in addition it is of a robust and hardy constitu-
tion.

C. Annet rosea.—This variety is less robust in habit
- than the preceding, as it seldom exceeds five feet in height;
the ground colour of the leaf is dark green, the mid-rib
and margin being dark bronze; the flowers are reddish
purple. It is a very hardy kind, and is one of the best for
planting in the sub-tropical garden.

C. Auguste Ferrier.—A very fine variety, but one that we
have not seen so much grown as it deserves. Itis of a
140 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

good robust habit, and produces very large leaves, which
are bright green, margined with deep bronze.

C. aurantiaca splendida.—This variety is of good robust
habit, and usually grows six feet high. The leaves are
broad, tapering suddenly to a sharp point, rich dark green
in colour. The flowers are small and inferior, but irre-
spective of this it is a most effective kind in the open air.

C. atronigricans—A very beautiful kind, growing from
two to three feet high, with large deep reddish brown
leaves; itis a beautiful ornament to the conservatory, for
hall decoration, and also as a window plant, but it has
hitherto proved rather delicate for the open air.

C. Bihorelli.—If it is possible to say one variety is better
than all the others, we should be disposed so to speak of
the present one; certainly it is a charming plant. It
grows from two to three feet high; the stems very dark ;
the leaves, when young, red, changing with age to deep
bronze, while the flowers are deep crimson, produced upon
branching spikes in great abundance. A superb plant for
either in or out-door decoration.

C. Caledoniensis peltata.—A variety we have at present
not seen used much for planting in the open air, but in all
probability it will prove of good constitution ; itis a fine
conservatory plant, somewhat tall in its habit, producing
abundance of its broad dark green leaves.

C. Daniel Hoibrenk.—This variety is of a medium height,
producing large leaves, which are broad at the base and
taper to a sharp point; ground colour bright green, with a _
slight margin of bronze. The flowers are large and abun-
dant; petals broad, and rich orange in colour.

C. discolor floribunda.—tThis fine variety grows from four
to five feet high. Leaves broad, somewhat ovate in shape,
bronzy green in colour, with a very dark margin ; it also
CANNA, 141

produces its rich bright scarlet flowers in abundance.
Undoubtedly this is one of the very best of the dark-leaved
varieties for planting in the open ground.

C. expansa.—A plant seldom exceeding three feet in
height, and producing a beautiful effect when used as an
edging to some of the larger-growing kinds. C. expansa
has deep bronzy leaves, which are doubly charming when
contrasted with some of the green-leaved varieties. The
flowers are small, dark red in colour, but not freely pro-
duced, which is of little consequence, as they are not
wanted with such fine foliage.

C. involventia.—A noble-growing variety, resembling a
Musa somewhat in its style and habit of growth. It
usually grows some six feet or more high, with very large
and broad leaves, which are of a bright dark green colour.
Although of a very free growth, this kind rarely blooms in
the open air; it is, however, a splendid sub-tropical plant
of stately habit,

C. tridiflora hybrida.—This highly ornamental variety
we have not seen in bloom. It produces very broad
and very dark leaves, which are recurved in a graceful
manner, thus giving it a thoroughly distinct and beautiful
appearance when grown for in-door decoration, or planted
out as a sub-tropical plant.

C. limbata,—This is a very hardy kind; it grows from

six to ten feet high, and produces large bright dark green
leaves. A beautiful ornamental plant in the sub-tropical
garden. :
C. Madame Annet.—Of very erect habit, attaining the
height of about five feet; the leaves are narrowly margined
with bronze, with a mid-rib of the same colour; flowers
small, deep red.

C. maxima.—A most distinct-looking plant, growing ten
142 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. '

feet high or more. The leaves are somewhat obovate, and
bright green in colour. Where room can be given this
plant, it is very ornamental during winter, for then it
blooms profusely.

C. metallica.—A variety growing from five to six feet
high. The leaves are broad, bronzy green in colour, the
mid-rib and primary veins being deep bronze. The flowers
are bright red, freely produced, but are somewhat small-
A handsome kind for the conservatory or open air.

C. metallicoides.—A superb plant for in-door decoration,
but we cannot speak confidently of its merits as an
out-door grower ; it produces fine large leaves, which are
rich bronze even in a young state.

C. nigricans —This is a superb variety. It attains the
height of five or six feet, and produces very broad leaves,
which are rich dark bronze, in addition to which it is an
abundant bloomer. The flowers are deep scarlet, render-
ing it a most attractive object either in the conservatory or
the sub-tropical garden.

C. peruviana.—This is a magnificent kind, of stately
growth, attaining the height of nine or ten feet. The
leaves are large, and of a bright glaucous green. In addi-
tion to the charm of its foliage, it is an abundant bloomer,
producing quantities of branching spikes of bright flame
red flowers. A- highly ornamental plant either for con-
servatory decoration or for planting in the open air.

C. picturata fastwosa.—A superb and very distinct variety,
growing about five feet high; the leaves narrow and
bright green. Itis avery free bloomer, the spikes being
branched, and producing in profusion its large flowers,
which are yellow on the outside, whilst the inside is yellow
beautifully mottled with crimson, It is a very desirable
plant, and succeeds admirably in the open air.
CARLUDOVICA. 148

C. Prémices de Nice——This is a beautiful form, growing
about eight feet high. The leaves are very broad, and
glaucous green. It is a free bloomer, producing in abun-
dance its large rich bright yellow flowers, and is very
‘desirable for either in-doors or the open air.

C. Van Houttet.—This is a really fine variety. It grows
from six to eight feet high ; leaves very long, lanceolate,
‘dark green, margined with bronze. The flowers are pro-
‘duced most abundantly, very large, and of an orange
scarlet colour. Undoubtedly this is one of the very best
of the semi-dark kinds.

CaRLUDOVICA.

A genus of low-growing Palm-like plants, which are
often considered and grown as Palms, but which belong
to the Cyclanth division of the Pandanads. From the
young leaves of one species the famous Panama hats are
made. Carludovicas are very ornamental, soft and totally
unarmed, and may be used with advantage in the green-
house or sub-tropical garden during the summer. They
should be potted in soil composed of two parts peat and one
part sandy loam, and treated to a liberal supply of water.
These plants are increased by seeds, by suckers, and
divisions of the old plant.

C. atrovirens,—This is a superb ornament in the stove,
and during summer, indeed, it forms a beautiful object in
the sub-tropical garden. The petioles and leaves are
intense deep green, quite smooth, and deeply bilobed. It
should be grown in any collection of ornamental-leaved
plants.

C. humilis.—The present is one of the most beautiful of -
the whole genus, but at the same time it is at presenta
144 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

rare species. The blade of the leaf is from twelve to
eighteen inches long, and from nine to twelve inches broad
in the widest part, rhomboid, deeply bifid at the apex, and
rich deep green in colour. This superb plant is a native
of New Grenada.

C. palmata.—A very ornamental plant, with palmate
leaves, between two and three feet across, bifid at apex,
and divided quite down to the point of attachment into
four lobes, each of which is divided at the apex into
narrow segments ; the petioles are from four to six feet in
height, round, quite smooth, and, as well as the blade, rich
dark green. It is very suitable for the sub-tropical garden
during summer. This is said to be the species from which
the celebrated Panama hats are made, although they are
not made in Panama. Native of Peru and New Grenada.

C. purpurata.—tThis plant, like most of the genus, rises
upon a short stem with age. The petioles are from two to
four feet in height, smooth, and reddish purple, especially
towards the base; the blade is from twelve to eightecu
inches in breadth and upwards of two feet in length,
bifid at the apex, tapering towards the base, and deep
green. It is a splendid ornament to the sub-tropical gar-
den in summer. Native of Tropical America.

C. rotundifolia.—A very elegant species, which grows.
from three to six feet in height. The whole plani is
smooth, and of a bright green colour ; leaves flabelliform,
divided in two places quite down to the point of attach-
ment, which gives them a somewhat trilobed appearance ;
the lobes are cleft into segments, which are pendent, and
give a graceful and beautiful appearance to the whole
plant. It is admirably adapted for table decoration in a
young state. Native of Costa Rica.
CARYOTA, 145

Caryora,

A genus: of noble Palms, which as far as woe are
aware, is the only one in the order which bears bipinnate
leaves. These plants are all deserving cultivation, for
even the tallest species are a long time attaining an in-
convenient size. The flower spike is very large and
drooping, the sexes being in separate flowers, though
both are produced on the same spike. The flowering is:
continued from the top downwards, a spike of bloom
issuing from the axil of every leaf in succession until the
lowermost one is reached, soon after which the plant dies.
Caryotas are found in a state of nature at considerable
elevations, one species being found in Sikkim, at 4,400
feet altitude, and thus it will prove sufficiently hardy to
decorate the sub-tropical garden in the summer season,
where its bipinnate leaves, and cuneate erose pinne, will
afford a very distinct and tropical effect. They are also
elegant when young, and well adapted for the adornment
of the dinner table or apartments. These plants should
be potted in loam and vegetable mould in equal parts,
adding a little sand ; drain well, and during the growing
season give a liberal supply of water. They are increased
by seeds, which are frequently produced in this country,
and also by suckers. Caiyotas yield toddy, from which
a quantity of sugar is obtained, and a farina resembling
sago, aS well as a material known in the commercial
world as Kettul fibre. /

O. Cumingiii—This plant is named in honour of Hugh
Cuming, the celebrated naturalist and collector of speci-
mens of all branches of natural history, and who was
the first to make known the present species. The plant
now. under consideration is the most elegant, and perhaps

L
146 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

the dwarfest in the genus, and on this account it will
specially recommend itself to amateurs. The stem is
slender, usually growing about ten feet high, exclusive
of its crown of leaves, which are bipinnate, and when fully
developed, from four to six feet in length and three feet
in width; the pinnules are sub-coriaceous, sessile, some-
what falcate, and obliquely cuneate, with pramorse ends,
bright dark green on both surfaces. When in fruit, the
drooping spadix and bright red berries lend an additional
charm to this highly ornamental plant, although the fact
of its flowering is a certain forerunner of death. It is
a native of the Philippine Islands.

C. furfuracea.—This plant resembles OC. wrens in its
habit, but is more compact; the petioles are not so long,
and it usually bears a larger quantity of leaves than that
species. Leaves bipinnate; pinne unequal in size and
shape ; the petioles clothed with a rusty tomentum. It
is admirably adapted for the decoration of apartments.
Native of Java.

C. Rumphiana.—This appears to be one of the most
handsome, and at the same time the most distinct species.
We are unable to say what height it attains, but the
stem is tolerably stout; leaves bipinnate, from three to
eight feet in length, spreading ; pinnules sessile, somewhat
coriaceous, obliquely cuneate and premorse, from four to ;
six inches in length, and as much in breadth at the
widest part, and full deep’ green. The pinnules lie very
flat and even, which distinguishes it from all the other
species, whose leaflets mostly stand oblique. Native of
the Indian Archipelago.

C. sobolifera.—An elegant species, with a slender stem,
bipinnate leaves, and bright light green pinna ; the petioles
when young are clothed with a short black scaly tomen-
CEPHALOTUS. 147

tum, which, however, falls off with age. It is a dwarf
' plant, but still somewhat larger than O. Oumingii.
Suckers are produced from the base very freely, thus
affording small plants for in-door decoration. It flowered
for the first time in England in the year 1856, and
continued flowering down the stem for three years; when
the last flowers of the lowermost spike reached the ground
it died. It is a native of Malacca.

C. wrens.—As far as our experience goes, this is the
largest-growing species in the genus, frequently reach-
ing fifty feet in height, and sometimes, we are told, much
more. From the stem of this plant a coarse kind of
sago is obtained, and it also yields a great quantity of
Palm. wine, which has obtained for it the name of
Toddy Palm. Stem stout; leaves bipinnate, spreading,
from three to twelve or more feet in length; pinnules
obliquely cuneate, sub-coriaceous, erose, caudate, from six
to nine inches in length, two to four inches in breadth,
and dark green in colour. It flowered for the first time
in England in the year 1861, and continued flowering
downward until it died. In addition to its being so well
adapted for stove and greenhouse decoration, it is equally
ornamental in the sub-tropical garden. Itis a native of
the East Indies.

CEPHALOTUS.

This genus is the only one in the order to which it
belongs, and only includes one species. It is a dwarf
almost stemless plant, which is found growing in marshy
grounds on the north-east coast of Australia. The soil for
the cultivation of this plant should be peat and living
sphagnum moss, in about equal parts, and the pot should be
placed in a pan of water and stood at the warm end ofa

L2
148 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

greenhouse, or cool end of the stove. Propagation is
effected by dividing the offsets and by seeds.

C. follicularis (the New Holland Pitcher Plant).—Is a
dwarf compact little plant, with scarcely any stem. The
leaves are stalked, somewhat oblong or elliptical, and flat;
from amongst these are produced numerous petiolate
dilated ones, which resemble the ascidia of the genus
Nepenthes. These ascidia, or pitchers, vary in size from
one to three inches in length, according to the skill of the
cultivator, and are dark green, tinged with blackish purple;
the mouth is ornamented with an annular disc, and the lid
is netted with veins of reddish pink. This beautiful plant
deserves general cultivation. Native of Australia.

CERATOLOBUS.

The present genus of Palms contains a few slender-
growing species of great beauty. They are nearly allied
to Calamus and Plectocomia, and require similar treatment
to those plants. The kind given here is a very ornamental
plant, well deserving general cultivation, as also are severah
species which have never reached our gardens in a living
state. They are natives of the Indian Archipelago.

C. glaucescens.— An elegant Calamus-like plant, with
pinnate leaves from one to two feet long; pinne some-
what ouneate, and lengthened out into a tail-like point,
the edges erose, dark green on the upper surface, grey
below ; the petioles are sheathing, and densely armed with
slender spines. A beautiful plant for the adornment of the
drawing room or dinner table. It is a native of Java.

CeRATOZAMIA.

A genus of Cycadeacew, distinguished from Zamia by
having the thickened apices of the scales of the male and
CEROXYLON. 149:

female cones bicornute, instead of hornless. They have-
short trunks and articulated leaflets. The culture is the
same as in Zamia.

C. Kiisteriana.—The stem of this plant’ we have not seen, '
but it suckers very freely, and can easily be increased by
this means. Leaves from two to four feet long, perhaps:
more, pinnate, spreading ; pinne semi-lunate, tapering to a
sharp point, coriaceous, from six to ten inches in length,
about half an inch in breadth, and dark green. Native of
Mexico.

C. mexicana (mas.).—In the male plant the leaves are
pinnate, about six feet in length ; the petioles are spiny for
about half their length, and very stout at the base; pinne
coriaceous, sessile, cordate-lanceolate in shape, tapering to-
a sharp point, from nine to twelve inches in length, one.
and a half in breadth, and dark green in colour. Native of
Mexico.

C. mexicana (foom.).—This differs somewhat from the
preceding. The stem is stout; leaves pinnate, from three
to four feet in length, and pendulous; the naked portion of
the petiole armed with short white spines; pinne six to.
ten inches long, tapering to a point, and rich dark green
on both surfaces. Native of Mexico.

C. Miqueliana—Stem slender ; leaves pinnate, spread-
ing; pinne coriaceous, oblong, suddenly and abruptly
tapering to a point, six to twelve inches in length, and
two in breadth, but tapering somewhat towards the base,
and dark green. It is a very distinct and handsome
species. Native of Mexico.

CEROXYLON.

This is the Wax Palm of Humboldt, who mentions
having seen it a hundred and eighty feet high upon the
150 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Andes of New Grenada. From this plant is obtained a
wax of a highly inflammable nature. This genus is nearly
allied to Iriartea, but is distinguished by having an entire
spathe, which quite covers the flower spike; the flowers
are sometimes perfect, at other times unisexular ; sepals
and petals three-parted. Fruit one-seeded. It forms a
magnificent object either for public exhibition or home
decoration. The soil best adapted for its culture is loam
and peat in about equal parts. As an ornament to the
sub-tropical garden, the Cerowylon is unequalled, but it
must be sheltered from rough winds and the direct rays of
the sun.

C. andicola.—This is an extremely grand plant, well
adapted for greenhouse decoration, or for sub-tropical
gardening in the summer season, although it grows more.
rapidly in the stove. In its native country it attains im-
mense proportions; in cultivation, as far as we know,
it has made but little stem. The leaves are pinnate,
from two to twelve feet in length; the petioles are erect,
somewhat ferrugineous at the base, slightly arching at
the apex; pinne acuminate, two feet in length, and an
inch and a half in breadth, standing straight out at right
angles from the mid-rib, and clothed to within a few
inches of the base. The upper side is a full, deep shining
green, while the lower side is silvery white. This plant
flowered for the first time in this country in the year
1858. It is found in the forests of New Grenada.

CHAMEDOREA,.

This is an exceedingly elegant genus of Palms, and
comprises many species, all slender small-growing plants,
which are admirably adapted for the decoration of apart-
ments, or the dinner table, their hardiness of constitution,
CHAMEDOREA, 151

and their rich shining green and elegant pinnate leaves,
rendering them charming objects in such situations.
The leaves of Chamedoreas are pinnate, or rarely entire.
The flowers are produced upon lyng, simple, or branch-
ing spikes (which in some species are very ornamental),
male and female upon separate plants. Fruits small
and one-seeded ; whole plant destitute of spines. This-
genus is similar in many respects to Geonoma, the species
of both genera being found invariably growing under the-
shade of tall forest trees, and never in exposed situations.
The soil best adapted for Chamedoreas, is spongy peat two,
parts, loam one part, sand one part, well mixed together, .
and the plants should be liberally treated to water.

C. Arenbergii—Stem slender ; leaves pinnate, from two-
to three feet in length; pinne twelve inches long and
about four broad, pendent, tapering to a tail-like point,
and bright green in colour. This is an elegant plant
for general decorative purposes. Native of Guatemala.

CO. brevifrons.—A very distinct compact-growing species.
Stem slender; leaves pinnate, arching, and from twelve:
to eighteen inches in length ; pinne sessile, between one
and two inches broad, tapering to a point, and dark green. -
Native of New Grenada.

C. desmoncioides.—This is to be found in some collec..
tions under the name of C. scandens, and after reaching »
five or six feet in height, it deserves that name, as it
then becomes a climber. In a-young state, however, it -
is.very elegant. Leaves pinnate, from two to three feet
long ;. pinne some twelve inches long, and one and a-
half.in breadth, pendent, and dark green. Stem slender, :
and, as well as petioles, glaucous. It is a- beautiful table «
decorator. Native of Mexico. !

CO. elegans—As its name implies, this is an elegant:
152 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

plant. The stem is stouter than any of the previously
described kinds; leaves pinnate, and from two to four
feet in length, and beautifully pendent; pinnew six or
nine inches long, and one inch broad in the centre, taper-
ing towards each end, and bright dark green on both
surfaces ; petioles somewhat carinate, and sheathing at
the base. Native of Mexico.

C. Ernesti-Augusti.i—The stem of this species is about
the size of an ordinary walking cane; the leaves are
rich dark green, and entire, broader than those of most
of the genus, being some two feet long, and one broad,
deeply bifid at the apex; the flower spikes are bright
orange scarlet, and render the plant extremely ornamental
while they last. Native of New Grenada.

C. geonomiformis.—A most beautiful dwarf-growing plant.
Stem slender ; leaves entire, bifid at the apex, from six
to twelve inches in length, and four or five in breadth,
dark green. Native of Guatemala.

- CO. glaucifolia.—An elegant slender-growing species ;
the leaves are long and pinnate; pinne narrow, long,
and slender giving them the appearance of beautiful
plumes ; the ground colour is dark green, suffused with a
glaucous hue. It is one of the most elegant for the
decoration of apartments or the dinner-table. Native of
Guatemala.

C. graminifolia.—This is perhaps the most graceful
species of the whole genus. Stem reed-like ; leaves pin-
nate, from two to four feet in length, rich dark glaucous
green, and beautifully arched; pinne upwards of a foot
in length, and less than half an inch in breadth, the whole
plant presenting the appearance of a plume of feathers.
For the decoration of apartments or the dinner table it is
superb. Native of Costa Rica.
CHAMEDOREA. 153

C. lunata.— An elegant species, with moderately stout
stem and long dark green leaves, with somewhat lunate
pinne. It is a very serviceable plant for table decoration,
for the drawing room or ball room, and like the majority
of this genus, deserves general cultivation for this pur-
pose alone. Native of Tropical America.

OC. macrospadiz.—The species now under consideration
is one of the largest growing in the genus. The stem
is somewhat stout; leaves pinnate, upwards of four feet
in length, beautifully curved; pinne twelve to eighteen
inches long, by two broad, dark green in colour. It isa
fine handsome plant. Native of Costa Rica.

C. Martiana.—This is a dwarf spreading plant, and
coming from a cool locality, it is especially useful for
room decoration. It produces many little dichotomous
stems; leaves pinnate and spreading ; pinne pendent, six
to eight inches long, less than one inch broad, and deep
green. Native of Chiapas.

C. microphylla.—This is one of the most elegant pigmy
Palms it has ever been our good fortune to see. The
stem is slender, dark green, mottled with white dots, which
give it a very peculiar appearance; and the branching
flower spikes are produced from below the leaves, when
the stem is only some two inches in height. It carries a
good crown of leaves, which are pinnate, from six to twelve
inches long, and prettily arched; pinne ovate-caudate,
about four inches long, and an inch and a half wide, and
of a very deep green colour. It is a veritable gem,
Native of Tropical America.

C. Sartorii.—A most beautiful plant, resembling some-
what C. elegans; its leaves, however, are longer and
its pinne broader; it also carries a more dense crown
of leaves, and in addition its flower spikes are bright red.
154 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

It cannot be. too highly recommended for table and room
decoration. Native of Mexico.

C. tepechilota,—Stem slender; leaves pinnate; pinne
rich deep green, pendent. It is a very graceful plant,
though somewhat rare, and is valuable for general decora-.
tive purposes. Native of Mexico?

C. Warscewiezitt.— A magnificent plant, with slender stem
and long pinnate leaves; pinne broad, sessile at the base,
tapering to a-point ; apical pinne broad and bifid ; leaves
beautifully curved: and light green in colour. Native of
Guatemala.

C. Wendlandiii—Amongst a whole genus, all of which
are eminently ornamental and useful, this species is
perhaps the best—if it be possible to say one is better
than another. It, however, is certainly the finest for the
decoration of the drawing room, where it will stand
uninjured for many. months. Stem slender; leaves pin-
nate; pinnz a foot long, and upwards of two inches broad,
sessile at the base, acuminate at the apex, rich shining
’ dark green in colour. Native of Mexico.

CHAMAROPS.

A small genus of Palms, all of which succeed well im
the greenhouse,.and are consequently eminently adapted.
for the sub-tropical garden,.while one species at least is
perfectly hardy. The various species of Chamerops are
found scattered through Northern Asia, Northern Africa, ,
North America, and the South of Europe, OC. humilis,
which is the only European Palm, reaching as far north
as Nice, in latitude 43°-44°. This genus consists of plants.
of medium height, although one or two species attain:
some twenty and thirty feet. The leaves are fan-shaped, ,
CHAMZEROPS. 155

the base of the petioles being enclosed amongst layers
of coarse fibrous matter. The flower spikes are produced
from amongst the leaves,.and the flowers are sometimes
perfect, and sometimes have the sexes separate; both.
calyx and corolla are three-parted. The fruit is a berry,
and one-seeded. These very crnamental and easily grown
plants should be potted in rich strong loam, with a small
portion of vegetable mould and sand added. The pots
should be drained well, and water should be liberally
supplied to them during summer. They are multiplied
by taking off the suckers, which sometimes rise up in
abundance, and also from seeds.

C. excelsa.—Stem reaching a height of twenty or thirty.
feet. Leaves fan-shaped ; petioles three to six feet long
enclosed at the base in a dense mass of rough fibres, and.
armed at the edges with small teeth-like spines. The
fan-shaped leaves are split deeply down into segments,
which stand erect, and are of a dark green colour. Native
of the East Indies.

C. Fortunei.—This species, although almost hardy, must
not be omitted in this work, because it is a most service-
able kind for the greenhouse, and invaluable for window
and hall decoration throughout the winter months. It is
often confounded with-C. excelsa, from which species it is,
however, abundantly distinct, in being of stouter habit, in
having a more profuse matted network of fibres amongst
the bases of the leaves and crown, and in the footstalks
being stouter and shorter and the segments of the fan-like
leaves much broader. C. Foriwnei attains to some twelve
or more feet in height, and produces a stout stem, which
supports a handsome spreading head of fan-like leaves,
which are slit into segments about half-way down; the
petioles which support them are from one to two feet
156 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

long, and quite unarmed. The “Chusan Palm,” as this
species is often called, is a very. handsome plant for the
sub-tropical garden, even in cold summers, and in situa-
tions too cold for it to stand the severity of winter, but
there can be little doubt of its thriving well in the open
air anywhere south of London. It is a native of Northern
China,

C. humilis—An extremely handsome plant, and very
interesting from the fact of its being a native of Europe,
thus connecting these denizens of the tropics with our
European Flora. In its native habitats it sometimes
attains a height of twenty feet, when it presents a splendid
appearance, with its straight columnar stem, clothed in
many instances with rough fibres, and the persistent bases
of the old petioles. At other times it is not so effective ;
this is when it produces a quantity of suckers from the
base. Under these circumstances the stems seldom exceed
three or four feet in height, and the plants present more
the appearances of bushes than trees, therefore, if a tall
stem is required under cultivation, the suckers should
be carefully removed as soon as they make their appear-
ance. The leaves of this species are glaucous on both
sides, divided about one third their length into narrow
segments, which stand erect; the petioles are also
glaucous, about three or four feet in length, and armed
at the edges with stout spines. It is a native of Southern
Europe.

C. humilis arborescens.—This is a somewhat rare and
exceedingly handsome variety of the species. The stem is
more slender, and it attains a greater height than that
of CO. humilis; the petioles are from two to three feet in
length, armed at the edges with brown spines, stained
dark brown at the base, and enclosed in a mass of very
CHAMZROPS. 157

fine black fibres. Leaves fan-shaped, and split into narrow
erect segments ; flower spike produced from amongst the
leaves, and enclosed in an oblong boat-shaped spathe,
which is dark brown, with a marginal white band. It is
said to be a native of Mexico.

C. humilis macrocarpa,—The present plant is a robust-
growing form. The stem is stout, and as its name implies,
its fruits are larger than the ordinary type: It is of a very
hardy constitution, and produces an abundance of its grey
or blue green leaves, even ina young state, and is admirably
adapted for room decoration or window plants. Native of
Northern Africa.

C. hystria.—An extremely rare species. Stem stout,
clothed with woolly fibres and long woody spines ; petioles
somewhat triangular and glaucous, as are the fan-shaped
leaves upon the under side. Native of the Southern United
States of America.

C. Martiana.—Stem slender ; petioles from eighteen to
thirty inches in length, armed at the edges with small
spines, and clothed with a fugacious tomentum. The base
of the petioles is enclosed in a network of dark brown per-
sistent fibres ; the blade is strikingly fan-shaped and stiff,
and has a very distinct appearance, from being split down
so regularly all round into narrow segments, which are
bright green on the upper side, and grey below. This is
a somewhat slow-growing species, but a very beautiful
one. It is a fine greenhouse decorator, and is equally
useful in the sub-tropical garden. Native of the Hima-
layas.

C. Palmetto.—This is a slow-growing plant, but valuable
on account of its hardiness, The leaves are fan-shaped,
divided into long narrow segments, and glaucous green
in colour. It is specially adapted for decoration of cor-
158 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

ridors and halls, as it is a native of the United States of
America, and can withstand unharmed a low temperature.

CHRYSOPHYLLUM.

As the name implies, this genus is remarkable for its
golden leaves, most of its species being clothed with a
yellow tomentum on the under side. It belongs to the
order Sapotacee, and is popularly known as the Star
Apple, in reference to its fruit, which is esteemed in its
native countries as a delicate adjunct for the dessert. As
these plants, however, mostly acquire a considerable height,
and in many instances assume the proportions of large
trees before yielding much fruit, very few plant-growers
have sufficient accommodation to grow them for this pur-
pose, and we have introduced them here solely on account
of their highly ornamental foliage. This order to which
the genus belongs, is interesting on account of its including
the plant-Isonandra Gutta, to which we are indebted for
the gutta percha, an article which has become so exten-
sively used by us as to be almost a necessity. Ohryso-
phyllums require potting in sandy loam and peat, in the
proportion of two parts of the former to one of the latter ;
they require an abundance of heat and moisture during
the growing season, but less during winter, though they
must then by no means be allowed to suffer from want
of water, or the result will be the loss of many leaves,
and disfigurement of the plants. They may be increased
by cuttings of well-ripened smail shoots, plunged in strong
moist heat, and by seeds when procurable. ,

C. cainito.—This is the Star Apple of Tropical America,
and forms a very large tree in its native habitats. It is,
however, in a somewhat small state we wish to look upon
it here. The leaves are oblong, from three to four inches
CISSUS, 159

in length, tapering to a point at both ends, dark green,
‘and smooth on the upper side, but clothed beneath with
silky hairs, which, whilst the leaves are young, are yellow,
changing with age to reddish brown. The stems and
branches are also clothed in the same way as the under
side of the leaves. It forms a very handsome plant, and
has been fruited several times in this country. Native of
‘the West Indies and Tropical America,

C.-macrophyllum.—A magnificent plant, but unfortunately
it has ever been a very rare one. It attains a height
of fifty feet’ naturally, but its foliage assumes its full
proportions when only a few feet high. The leaves are
-oblong-lanceolate, about six or eight inches in length,
and two or three in breadth, deep green above, densely
clothed on the under side when young with rich golden
silky hairs, which change with age to chestnut brown. It
is well deserving extensive cultivation. Native of Sierra
Leone.

Cissus.

Plants of easy culture, related to the Grape Vine,
requiring a rich soil and strong heat to develop their
beauties. Pot in a mixture of sandy peat, turfy loam,
and well-decomposed manure in equal parts, and if a
‘very rapid growth is required water occasionally with
liquid manure. They may be easily and quickly increased
‘by cuttings.

C. discolor—This beautiful climber cannot be justly ren-
-dered, either by the artist’s pencil or by the most minute
-description, The leaves are cordate-lanceolate, the upper
side being of a vivid metallic green, marbled with white
and rich purple, and shaded with crimson and peach;
the under side is a uniform deep crimson. It is perhaps
160 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

the most exquisitely coloured variegated plant we have
in cultivation, and no stove should lack it. For training
up pillars and rafters, or to cover a bare wall, this plant
is invaluable, either in a stove or the warm Fern house,
and it also makes an elegant specimen when trained upon
a balloon-shaped trellis. If the old plants are kept through
winter, just sufficient water should be given to keep the
shoots from shrivelling, but young plants struck in autumn
are far preferable, as they grow more freely and produce
finer leaves. Native of Java.

C. Lindenit—A very fine and distinct plant, producing.
large cordate leaves, the ground colour of which is bright
light green, the spaces between the primary veins being.
blotched with a metallic white, giving it a striking and
distinct appearance. This species, which is of recent intro-
duction, bids fair to become a very ornamental stove
climber. Native of Columbia.

Cocos.

An. elegant genus of a noble order, many species of
which grow to majestic proportions, and one yields that
well-known frait—the Cocoa Nut of commerce—which '
may be called one of the chief necessaries of life to
the inhabitants of the tropics. Cocos are all graceful
plants, most of them being shade-loving; they form
very ornamental objects in the stove, and some species
may even be employed with advantage in the sub-—
tropical garden, if a well-drained and sheltered spot
be selected for their reception, They should be grown
in a compost consisting of two parts rich loam, one
part peat, and one part sand; and during the growing
season a liberal supply of water must be administered,
gradually diminishing the quantity as winter approaches, -
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The name signifies monkey, from the nuts resembling
the face and head of that animal, and with the exception
of QO. nucifera, all are natives of America. Their flowers
are unisexual, but both sexes are produced upon the
same spike, and both have a three-parted calyx and
corolla.

CO. butyracea.—This is an elegant-growing species. The
leaves are pinnate, erect in a young state, ultimately
spreading, from four to six feet long or more; pinnsz from
ten to twenty inches in length, and about one in breadth,
produced in a peculiar manner, several pinne originating
from nearly the same spot on the rachis, and very dark
rich green on both surfaces. The whole plant is destitute’
of spines. It forms a most attractive plant in a well-
sheltered spot in the sub-tropical garden. Native of
New Grenada.

C. elegantissimus.—The present species resembles 0. Wed-
deliana in general appearance, but is more robust in its
habit of growth. The stem is rather stouter, and the
leaves are longer, beautifully arched, and the bases of the
‘petioles are enclosed in a network of brown fibres; the
pinnz are broader, clustered together, and bright shining
green in colour. A superb plant to decorate a drawing
room or dinner table. Native of Brazil.

O. nucifera—A cosmopolitan plant, being . found in
nearly every country within the tropics, where it not
only grows wild, but is largely cultivated, and although
frequently to be met with inland, it evidently prefers to
grow in the vicinity of the sea. This species forms a stem
some forty or fifty feet in height, but a dwarf form, which
produces a smaller fruit, seldom exceeding six or eight
feet in height of stem, is found in the Island of Ceylon;
the latter has produced its fruit in this country. The

M ‘
162 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

leaves are pinnate, from six to twenty feet in length;
pinne long, somewhat narrow and pendent, bright glossy
green in colour. It is a most difficult plant to cultivate.

C. plumosus.—The species now under consideration at-
tains considerable size, rising upon a stout, straight,
column-like stem, some forty or more feet in height.
Where it is possible to accommodate it of such size, it
forms a highly ornamental tree, producing long arching
leaves, and drooping bunches of waxy flowers, which are
succeeded by quantities of orange coloured nuts, enclosed
in an edible pulp, in size about as large as a chestnut.
Most plant growers will be glad to become acquainted
with the plant in a young state, as it is a splendid de-
corative plant in any situation, be it stove, greenhouse,
or sub-tropical garden, although during winter it requires
stove temperature. The leaves are pinnate, from three
to ten feet in length ; pinne clustered together in bunches,
from twelve to twenty-four inches in length, and about
one inch in breadth, somewhat blunt-pointed, very dark
green above, slightly glaucous below ; whole plant smooth,
saving the base of the petioles, which are sheathing, and
clothed at their edges with rough woody fibres. It
flowered in England for the first time in the year 1862.
Native of Brazil. 7

OC. Romanzofianus.—In a young state, this is particularly
handsome, and specially adapted for the dinner table and
decoration of apartments. The leaves are long, and beau-
tifully arched, resembling a large plume; the pinne are
long, pendent, and dark green. It well deserves general
cultivation. Native of Brazil.

C. schizophyllus—This is another beautiful plant. The
leaves are pinnate, spreading, and gracefully arched, six
or more feet in height, the naked portion of the petidle
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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COCOS WEDDELIANA.

South America.
COCHLIOSTEMA. 168

bordered with red, and armed at the edges with stout
red spines; pinnae about two feet long, and upwards of
an inch in breadth, the apical lobe, some six or eight
inches broad, deeply bifid, the whole a rich dark green
on the upper surface, paler below; a most ornamental
and highly decorative plant. Native of Brazil.

C. Weddeliana. This is perhaps the most elegant Palm
yet introduced to European gardens; it has been distri-
buted from some continental gardens under the name of
Leopoldinia pulchra, but this is a complete misapplication
of names, for it is not a synonym even, the true Leopoldinia
pulchra being totally distinct, and not yet in cultivation.
The stem of this Cocos is slender, and clothed with a
quantity of black netted fibres. The leaves are from one
to four feet in length, or more, and beautifully arched ;
the pinnw, which reach nearly to the base of the petioles,
are long, narrow, and pendent, dark green on the upper
side, glaucous underneath, where they are furnished with
a few black hairs; no collection in Europe, great or small,
should lack this most graceful of all plants. Native of
South America.

CocHLIOSTEMA.

This genus belongs to the order Commelinacee, and
although some will grow this plant for the beauty of
its flowers, which are exceedingly handsome, we have
introduced it in this place upon account of its noble out-
line and ornamental leaves. It should be grown in a
mixture of peat, leaf mould, and loam, in about equal
parts, adding sufficient sand to make the whole feel
gritty. The pots should be well drained, and a copious
supply of water given, both to the roots and from the

mM 2
164 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

syringe. We are not aware of its being propagated in
any other way at present, except by seeds.

C. Jacobiana.—A most beautiful plant, whether grown
on account of its flowers, or its foliage, for the sake of
the latter of which we have introduced it here. The
leaves are oblong-lanceolate, from one to three feet in
length, and from six to eight inches in breadth, sheathing
at the. base, and of a rich dark green colour, edged with
a narrow margin of purple. Its flowers are delicately
sweet, and produced in large panicles; in colour two
shades of blue, or perhaps violet and blue. Native of
Ecuador.

CoLEvs.

A genus belonging to the order Lomiacee. Many of the
species are dwarf ornamental plants, suitable for the
decoration of stove, greenhouse, or the open borders during
summer. The kinds we have introduced here are for the
most -part plants of garden origin, the results of cross-
breeding, on the one side between robust-growing forms,
and on the other with somewhat tender but highly
coloured-leaved species and varieties, and the results have
been highly satisfactory. Coleus are plants extremely
easy to cultivate, and they may be used for bedding pur-
poses with advantage ; in the decoration of the dwelling-
house they are also very serviceable, or indeed in any
place protected from cold in winter. Pot in rich loam, to
which has been added a little peat and sand. They are
increased from cuttings with the greatest ease.

C. atropurpurea.—This is said to be an excellent variety
for bedding-out purposes. Garden origin.

C. Baroness Rothschild —Leaves rich velvety crimson,
with a broad border of golden yellow. Of garden origin.
COLEUS. 165

_ O. Beauty of Wedmore.—This compact and elegant form
has the ground colour of its leaves bronzy purple, flaked
with crimson and carmine, the margin of leaf frilled and
bordered with creamy yellow. Of garden origin.

O. Berkley. — Leaves large, rich velvety chocolate,
shaded with purple, crenate at the edges, where they are
green. Of garden origin.

C. Duchess of Hdinburgh.—This striking novelty by far
outrivals all our present Coleus. Its brilliant colours are
almost beyond description ; for general decoration and as
a table plant it will be found invaluable; some of the
forms are almost black, having an irregular margin of
dazzling magenta, and sometimes splashed with the same
colour. A garden variety.

C. Her Majesty—lLeaves rich bronzy red, margined with
orange yellow ; very handsome. A garden variety.

O. Princess Beatrice.—Leaves golden yellow, reticulated
with lines of reddish crimson. A garden variety.

C. Princess of Wales.—A superb variety, with velvety
red leaves, which are blotched with reddish purple. Of
garden origin,

C. Princess Royal.—Leaves bronzy crimson, bordered
with yellow; very fine for conservatory decoration. Of
garden origin.

C. Princess Teck.—A handsome variety, with large rich
velvety crimson leaves. Of garden origin.

C. Queen Victoria.—A superb variety, with large rich
maroon leaves, margined with golden yellow. Of garden
origin,

C. Ruckertt—In colour resembling Perilla nankinensis,
‘but with a rich velvety appearance totally wanting in that
plant. Of garden origin,

C. Scotti.—Leaves frilled at the edges, ground colour
166 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

bright green, beautifully blotched and veined with purple.
Of garden origin.

C. VerschaffeltiiA superb bedding plant, and one that
forms a fine object in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Leaves of a uniform rich deep crimson, when young mar-
gined with green, frilled at the edges; a very fine plant.
Native of Java.

CoprosMaA,

This genus contains several species, few of which are re-
markable for conspicuous leaves or flowers. The two here
introduced are, however, well deserving general cultivation,
as, independently of forming a beautiful ornament in the
greenhouse, they are very valuable as window plants, for
the decoration of apartments, and for the flower garden
during summer. The soil best adapted is rich loam, leaf
mould, and sand. Propagation is easily effected by
cuttings.

C. Stockii—This valuable new plant resembles in growth
the old C. Baueriana variegata described below, but in-
stead of the variegation being on the margin of the leaf, it
is in the centre; the green margin thus throwing up the
beautiful shades of light green and yellow variegation in
the centre; it will be found far superior to the above
mentioned species, as the outside of the leaf being green it
is not so liable to become discoloured and bruised. Native
of New Zealand.

CO. Baueriana variegata.—For the introduction of this
beautiful plant we are indebted to one of our soldiers,
who, whilst engaged in the arduous contest with the
Maories in New Zealand, found time to gather and send
home seeds of various trees and shrubs. This hand-
some variety originated from seeds of O. Baweriana thus
 

COPROSMA STOCHII.
CORYPHA. 167:

obtained, and sown in this country. It is a plant of com-
pact habit, and forms in time a dense and handsome
shrub ; its leaves are medium-sized, opposite, obovate, the
centre of a bright shining green, and the broad margins
creamy yellow when young, but changing to white with
age. As a greenhouse shrub it is very ornamental, and
as a bedding plant it will undoubtedly take high rank, '
and should certainly be in every collection. It is of good
hardy constitution, and will make a charming window
plant.

CorYPHa.

This genus contains but few species, but some of them
produce the largest fan-leaves of any Palms yet discovered,
They are characterized by stout, tall, cylindrical trunks,
and gigantic crowns of immense flabellate leaves. The
flower spikes are branching, and the flowers are perfect,
the sepals and petals being three-cleft, and in each flower
are six stamens joined together at the base, whilst the
styles are crowned with a plain and simple stigma, and
the fruits are one-seeded. The Coryphas are plants of
extremely slow growth, and should be potted in a compost
made of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand.
The pots should be well drained, and the plants treated to
a liberal supply of water.

C. Gebanga.—The leaves of this species are used by the
native population for thatching, and for making baskets
and hats, whilst, from its stem an inferior kind of sago is
obtained. The petioles are very stout, and support large
fan-shaped glaucous leaves, which are divided fully half
their length into narrow segments. It is a noble Palm,
but extremely slow-growing. Native of Java.

C. Talieri—This plant is undoubtedly. nearly allied to
168 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

the Talipot Palm. Stem stout, cylindrical, and about
thirty feet in height. The petioles are armed at the edges
with small spines. The leaves are fan-shaped, plaited, and
dark green; they are used for fans, umbrellas, &e. Itis a
native of India.

CO. umbraculifera.—This is the famous Talipot Palm of’
Ceylon. In its native habitats it attains some sixty or
seventy feet in. height, although with us in a young state it
is of remarkably slow growth. The petioles are about six
feet in length, armed at the edges with small brown teeth-
like spines, and support large fan-like leaves, which aro
plaited, and form a complete circle some twelve feet or
more in diameter. These magnificent leaves are used for
making fans, umbrellas, and various other things. Itisa
native of Ceylon and Malabar, showing a preference for the
sea coast.

CossIGyia.

A genus belonging to the natural order Sapindacece, and,
as far as we know, containing only one species. It is a
plant of great beauty, and although an old inhabitant of
our gardens, is well deserving general cultivation. The
soil best adapted for it is a mixture of loam, peat, and
sand, in the proportion of two parts of the former to one
each of the latter ; drain well, and give a liberal supply of
water. This plant may be increased by cuttings of the
ripe wood inserted in sand, and plunged in a strong moist
heat ; we have not, however, found them root very freely.

O. borbonica.—This neat handsome-growing shrub grows
to a height of nine or ten feet,or even more, The leaves
are pinnate, the pinne being oblong and entire, with a harsh
surface, dark green, with the veins bright orange yellow,
under side paler and slightly woolly. It requires a strong
 

CROTON HOUSE.

In the Victoria Nursery, from a Photograph.
CROTON. 169

moist heat to fully develope its beauty. Native of Bourbon
and the Mauritius.

Croron (Copi#um).

A genus of plants belonging to the natural order
Euphorbiucee. From one species (C. Tigliwm) the power-
fal purgative, Croton Oil, is obtained. Those described
here are all handsome plants, and are of very easy culture.
There has been many fine species added to this fine class
within the last few years. When growing they delight in
strong moist heat; and in order to produce the rich golden
colour in the leaves, to: which they are indebted for so much
of their beauty, they require to be placed close to the glass,
and never to have any shade whatever. As large speci-
mens, either for public exhibition or for the decoration of
the stove, Crotons are indispensable, for their habit and
colour produce an effect which is not yielded by any other
plants. They are easily managed, and can be grown into
handsome small specimens, and when so grown, are among
the finest things that can be used for the adornment of the
dinner table, and also for vases for the sitting-room during
the winter months. In summer they will stand for a long
time either in the windows or hall, and for this purpose
they should be extensively grown. COrotons succeed well
in rich loam, with a little peat and sand added; they
require an abundance: of water, and therefore must be
thoroughly drained. desasing to some authorities the
whole of the planta id cultivation are varieties of one
species, but we have,’described them as we know them in
gardens, without venturing an opinion upon this extremely
difficult subject, *

C. angustufolium.—This variety is perhaps more correctly
named angustissimum. The leaves are very long, narrow,
170 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

pendulous, and twisted in a spiral manner.. When the
plant is well grown, it presents one of the most gorgeous
sights possible to behold, and which can be compared to
nothing but a fountain of gold. For the dinner-table small
well-grown plants of this kind are real gems, especially
when used with some of the dark-leaved Dracenas. Itis a
native of the East Indies,

C. cornutum.—An elegant and compact-growing variety,
with narrow oblong-obtuse leaves, having a curious horn-
like process developed near the apex; the ground colour
is dark green, upon which are scattered a profusion of
spots and blotches of rich yellow. It is very distinct and
highly ornamental. Native of the South Sea Islands.

C, elegantissimum.—This is a neat and compact-growing
variety, producing an abundance of rich deep green foliage,
which is brightly and richly ornamented with golden
yellow ; the great distinguishing character of this variety
is the fact that this beautiful colour is produced upon quite
young plants.

C. Hilanum.—This fine plant has oblong, sub-spathu-
late, acuminate leaves, about seven inches long by some
two or three in breadth; the upper surface is of a rich
shining purplish green, the mid-rib and primary veins
bright crimson, and the under side a uniform dull purple.
It is a compact-growing shrub, and from this, and its
beautiful and distinct variegation, it will become a general
favourite wherever ornamental foliage plants are esteemed.
Native of the South Sea Islands.

C. interruptum.—This plant belongs to the narrow-leaved
‘series, and its leaves are like C. angustifolium, pendulous,
but many of them are of most fantastic forms; in some
instances they assume a spiral form, in others nothing but
the mid-rib exists for two or three inches. The upper
 

CROTON MAJESTICUM.

ye

South Sea Islands.
CROTON. 171

surface is of a rich purplish or dark reddish green, slightly
tinged with yellow, and with a deep crimson mid-rib; the
under surface is dull purplish green. It is of free habit,
and will become a highly decorative plant. Native of the
South Sea Islands.

C. irregulare—A somewhat similar plant to the pre-
ceding, yet abundantly distinct. The leaves vary from
about nine to twelve inches in length; the ground colour
is dark green, a rich golden band traversing the centre,
in addition to which they are frequently spotted and
blotched with yellow. The name is derived from the great
diversity of shapes the foliage assumes, scarcely two leaves
being alike. Native of the South Sea Islands,

C. longifolium.—This plant is very handsome, having
somewhat the appearance of C. variegatum, yet abundantly
distinct from that kind. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate,
from nine to fifteen inches in leigth, and two inches in

‘breadth, ground colour very deep green; the mid-rib is
broadly bordered with rich orange, as are also the pri-
mary veins, but in a less degree. The under side is light
bright green. There can be little doubt but this plant
is either a sport from C. angustifolium, or the latter is
a sport from C. longifolium, for it frequently happens that
OC. angustifolium produces a few leaves of this plant.
amongst its own, but we have never seen anything more
than leaves. Native of the East Indies.

C. lactewn.—A free-growing variety, which averages
some eight inches in length by two or three in breadth :
ground colour dark shining green, the mid-rib and veins
being suffused with milky-white, and as it assumes its
character in a young state, it is very distinct and orna-
mental.

C. majesticoum.—A truly grand variety, of free growth ;,
172 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

leaves from twelve to eighteen inches long, somewhat
narrow ; when young the leaves are deep green ribbed
with golden yellow, the green changing with age into a
deep olive and the yellow becomes crimson; this, with its
elegant drooping habit, renders it very attractive.

O. pictwm.—This fine plant has oblong-acuminate leaves,
which measure from six to nine inches in: length, and
about three in breadth in the broadest part; when well
grown the ground colour is a rich crimson, irregularly
blotched and spotted with bright green and black. C.
pictum is of free growth, and forms a magnificent bush,
but it must, like all the other members of this genus,
be fully exposed to the influence of sun and light, or its
colour will not be so intense. Native of the East Indies.

C. spirale.—The peculiar spiral leaves of this form render
it at once distinct and handsome; they are from nine to
twelve inches in length, and about an inch wide and
pendulous; in a young state the ground colour is deep
green, striped up the centre with a broad band of golden
yellow ; with age they change to a deep bronzy green, and
the mid-rib becomes a deep crimson. Native of the South
Sea Islands.

C. undulatum.—Another superb form of this beautiful
genus; the leaves are oblong-acuminate, and undulated
or wavy at the edges; the ground colour is very deep
green, upon which are scattered numerous blotches of
rich yellow and vivid crimson. This variety is one of
the most handsome in cultivation, and cannot fail to be
extensively used for general decorative purposes. Native
of the South Sea Islands.

C. variegatum.—A plant too well known to need much
description, the fact that it is so largely cultivated being
a sufficient guarantee of its popularity. The leaves are
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South Sea Islands.
 

CROTON JOHANNIS.

South Sea Islands.
CROTON. 173

oblong, and tapering to a point, from six to nine inches
long, and two to three broad; the ground colour is a
rich bright shining green, the mid-rib and all the primary
veins being broadly margined with rich golden yellow.
It is a compact-growing and highly ornamental species,
either for the decoration of an exhibition, the stove, dinner
table, or hall. Native of the Hast Indies.

O. Veitchit.—The leaves of this variety are of large size
and beautifully coloured, measuring frequently upwards
of a foot in length, and two inches in width, oblong-
acuminate in shape, with wavy edges; the ground
colour is rich green, with a broad band of creamy yellow
along the centre, which is again suffused with reddish
pink. It is a superb variety, which should be grown in
every collection of ornamental-leaved plants. Native of
the South Sea Islands.

C. Wiesmanni.—By some this is considered to be the
veritable plant named years ago O. angustifoliwm, the
correctness of which opinion we are unable to gainsay ;
it certainly appears under cultivation to belong to the C.
longifoliwm section, but has an infinitely better habit than
the last-named species. It is free in growth, and the
habit is extremely graceful ; leaves nearly a foot long, and
somewhat less than an inch wide, with a tapering point;
the upper surface is brilliant green, irregularly blotched
with golden yellow, the mid-rib and margins being wholly
of the same rich hue. The under side is similar, but all
the colours are less intense. This is undoubtedly one of
the best and most ornamental of the genus. Native of the
South Sea Islands.

CO. Youngii.—Another extremely beautiful form of this
protean genus. It is a massive robust-growing plant, pro-
ducing leaves from ten to twenty inches long, and nearly
174 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

an inch in width, the upper side dark green, irregularly
blotched and spotted with pale yellow and rosy red, whilst
below they are of a uniform dark red. Native of the
South Sea Islands.

CuURCULIGO.

A genus of Hypoxidacew, containing several plants of
but little attraction to the amateur plant grower; the
varieties here introduced however are, on the contrary,
amongst the most beautifully variegated plants hitherto
introduced. They are plants of fine growth and easy
culture, and should be grown wherever ornamental
foliage is admired. The soil should consist of peat
and loam, in equal parts, and should not be broken
up small but used in moderate-sized lumps: to this
should be added a fait proportion of silver sand. The
drainage must be perfect. Propagation is effected by
taking off the suckers which spring from the base of
the stem.

C. recurvata striata.—This is somewhat narrower in its
leaves than the normal form of the plant; the petioles
are long and erect, bearing long plaited leaves; the
ground colour is dark green, but the leaves are orna-
mented with a band of pure white, which extends up the
entire length, producing a beautiful effect. Native of the
East Indies.

C. recurvata variegata.—A far grander plant than the
last-named kind, inasmuch as the foliage is broad and
beautifully arched, the leaves are borne upon long petioles,
which, together with the blade of the leaf, reaches in well-
grown specimens to nearly four feet. The blade is oblong-
lanceolate, much plaited, bright green, beautifully banded
longitudinally with stripes of pure white. Although
CYANOPHYLLUM. 175

having no affinity with Palms, this plant has a very Palm-
like appearance, and is a splendid ornament in a plant
stove. Native of the East Indies.

CYANOPHYLLUM.

This genus, which belongs to the order Melastomacea,
is a very popular one, as it includes some of the most
beautiful fine-foliage stove plants in cultivation, and which
are easily grown into grand plants if the proper treatment
‘be given. The soil best adapted for these plants is good
‘fibrous peat and leaf mould in equal parts, with about
-one fourth of silver sand added. In potting, it is necessary
‘to be particular that the drainage is perfect, because
water must be given freely during summer, both to the
‘roots and foliage, and a thoroughly moist atmosphere
‘must be maintained, to prevent the leaves becoming de-
‘formed while they are immature. To increase this plant,
‘insert cuttings and eyes in sand, where a good bottom
heat can be maintained, and shade from the sun; it may
also be increased readily from seeds when these can be
obtained.

O. magnificwm.—This is most appropriately named, for
it is one of the grandest plants in cultivation. It is of
strong robust habit, producing opposite leaves, which are
from one to two and a half feet long, and from nine
to twelve inches wide, broadly ovate, and tapering to a
point; the upper surface is of a beautiful velvety green,
with the mid-rib and primary veins ivory white; the
under side is reddish purple in colour, with the veins very
prominent. This truly magnificent plant is mostly grown
with a single stem, which in our opinion displays its
beauties to the greatest advantage, but should the amateur
wish to have a branching plant, the points of the young
176 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

growths must be pinched out to induce the lateral eyes to
break. It is a species which must always take first rank
in any collection of ornamental foliage plants. It has
bloomed in this country, bearing a large branching panicle
of small insignificant flowers. Native of Tropical America.
CO. spectandrum.—A very handsome plant, with large
oval leaves, measuring from ten to twenty inches in
length, and from four to seven in breadth in its widest
part; the upper surface is of a rich dark velvety green, the
mid-rib being margined with metallic grey; the under
side is pale green, tinged with red, ribs prominent. A very
distinct and handsome species, from Tropical America.

Cycas.

These plants are handsome in appearance, and exceed-
ingly useful either for stove, greenhouse, or conservatory
decoration, and also for the embellishment of the sub-
tropical garden in summer. The order Cycadeacen is
closely related to the Conifers and Ferns, and judging
from their fossil remains, it would seem that they formed
a considerable portion of the vegetation of this country in
earlier ages. These plants should be grown in strong
loam and river sand, and the pots should be well drained
to prevent any stagnant water remaining about their roots.
They may be increased by seeds, and also by suckers,
which they occasionally throw up.

C. circinalis—This is undoubtedly the finest species of
the present genus. It rises upon a stout cylindrical stem
as it attains age, although, as in all the other members of
this order, the stems increase in size very slowly. The
male plant has a somewhat slender stem, and is frequently
twice and three times divided, but we have never seen a
female plant with a divided stem. The leaves of O.
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CYCAS. 177

circinalis are from six to twelve feet in length, pinnate ;
pinne falcate, and from six to twelve inches in length,
dark shining green on the upper side, paler below. A
kind of sago is said to be made from the stem of this plant,
and it also yields a nutritive kind of meal from the seeds.
It is a native of the East Indies.

C. inermis—Whole plant destitute of spines; stem
slender, the pinnate leaves of considerable length, but we
are not sufficiently acquainted with this species to say
definitely to what length they attain; pinnew six to eight
inches in length, and about half an inch broad, thin in
texture, and dark green. Native of New Caledonia.

C. Normanbyana.—A. fine species somewhat similar in
growth to C. circinalis ; the sezments are numerous, conti-
guous, linear about six inches long, and a quarter of an inch
wide, sharp pointed, slightly narrowed, and decurrent at
the base; the mid-rib strongly developed both on the
glabrous upper and furfuraceous under surface. Native of
New South Wales.

CO. revoluta.—This is an old inhabitant of our gardens,
popularly though erroneously called the Sago Palm, since
it has nothing to do with the Palms. The stem becomes
very stout, and some six or ten feet in height, although
such examples are extremely rare and very old. We have
seen this plant, when very aged, with stem seven feet in
height, and then branched into five distinct stems, giving
it a massive and unique appearance. It produces a beauti-
fal crown of pinnate dark green leaves, from two to six
feet in length. Asa window plant when young, and for
the decoration of hall and corridors when large, it is sur-
passed by none and equalled by few, and it also forms a
charming object in the sub-tropical garden. In Saxony its
leaves are extensively used at funerals as emblems of

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178 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

immortality. This plant is originally from China and
Japan, but having been introduced to Cuba and various
other islands, it is now even more plentiful in the home of
its adoption than in its own country.

C. Riuminiana.—A very rare, but handsome species.
The stem is moderately stout; leaves erect, spreading to-
wards the apex, pinnate; pinne tapering to a fine point,
and rich bright green in colour. This will doubtless prove
a very grand plant under cultivation, but we are not
sufficiently acquainted with it to speak from experience.
Native of the Philippine Islands.

C. Rumphit.—This is a beautiful plant. The stem is
slender, and from its summit the crown of leaves is pro-
duced. The leaves are pinnate, four to six feet in length,
the naked portion of the petioles armed with a double row
of short spines; pinne six to ten inches in length, and
less than an inch broad, linear-lanceolate, thin in texture,
and of a pale green colour. It is a native of the Indian
Archipelago.

CYCLANTHES,

A genus of ornamental plants belonging to the Panda-
macece, in which they form a distinct tribe, the Cyclanthea.
They have somewhat the appearance of Palms, from
which, however, they differ in their flowers. They should
be grown in loam, peat, and leaf mould, with a liberal
addition of sand, and during the summer months they will
enjoy a copious supply of water. These may be easily
increased by suckers.

C. bipartitus.— The petioles at base are broad and
sheathing, the upper portion nearly terete; the blade of
the leaf is from eighteen to twenty-four inches in length,
deeply cleft into two broad segments, deep full green
CYPERUS. 179

above, slightly paler below. It is a singular and very
elegant plant. Native of Guiana.

C. cristatus.—This is even a more remarkable and beau-
tiful plant than the preceding. The petioles are very
broad and sheathing at base; leaves two to three feet in
length, and one in breadth; when young these leaves
(which have two primary veins) are entire, but they ulti-
mately become cleft or bifid at the apex; bright shining
green in colour. Native of the West Indies.

CO. plicatus—A superb plant for table decoration, or for
the ornamentation of the plant stove; stem slender and
erect, The leaves are from one to two feet in length, bifid
at apex, dark rich green in colour, and pendent. This is
the C. palmata of Loddiges. Native of Columbia.

CYPERUS.

A large genus belonging to the order Cyperacew, popu-
larly known as Sedges, and bearing a strong resemblance
to Grasses, from which, however, they differ in many essen-
tial points, Many species of this genus are made to con-
tribute towards the wants and comforts of mankind, some
being used medicinally, others yielding food, and others
again contributing a perfume, which the Asiatic ladies
delight to use in dressing their hair. Those named here
are valuable for the decoration of apartments, for the
dinner table, or for Wardian cases; they may be grown in
small pots, and thus are available for standing in orna-
mental vases, &c. They should be potted in loam and
sand, with the addition of a little peat.

C. alternifolius.—An elegant compact plant, bearing
upon erect dark green jointless stems a quantity of long
narrow leaves, arranged in a somewhat umbellate manner.
The plant is very hardy, and is very effective for the deco-

nN 2
180 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

ration of apartments, or the dinner table. Native of New
Holland, &c.

C. alternifolius variegatus.—This plant is a very beau-
tiful form of the species, having its stems and leaves either
wholly white or elegantly streaked with white, which
forms a fine contrast with the rich dark green. It should
be in every collection. It is said to have been introduced.
from Madagascar.

DarLineronm.

A-genus belonging to the order Sarraceniacee, contain-
ing but a single species. It is said to inhabit marshy
swampy places, near the head waters of the Sacramento
River in California. As a genus it is abundantly distinct
from Sarracenia. The scape is from three to four feet in
length, and the flower about two inches in diameter ; the
curious umbrella-shaped summit to the style, so conspicuous
in Sarracenia, is entirely wanting. The sepals aro of a
pale yellow or straw colour ; the petals are oblong, light.
purple, marked with reticulated veins. The soil best.
adapted for this plant is a mixture of peat and sphagnum
moss in about equal parts, and the pot should be stood in
a pan of water. It succeeds admirably in company with
the other members of the same order.

D. californica.—This plant somewhat resembles Sarra-
cenia variolaris in general appearance. Ina young state
it is prostrate, but eventually becomes erect, and attains
a height of from twelve to eighteen inches. The hollow
leaves or pitchers are slender at the base, gradually swel-
ling upwards, jhe apex being produced and bent over like-
a hood, with the aperture underneath, and having a large
triangular appendage hanging loosely from it, The
ground colour is bright green, the upper portion and throat
DASYLIRION. 181

beautifully mottled with white, and reticulated with reddish
pink veins. It is a singular and very interesting plant,
worthy of general cultivation. Native of California.

DASYLIRION.

This is a genus of fine greenhouse Bromeliads, although
presenting a very different appearance to the majority of
the order. They are eminently adapted for the decoration
of the conservatory, or the sub-tropical garden during the
summer months, in winter they may be removed from the
greenhouse into the dwelling-house, for the embellishment
of the hall, corridors, or grand staircases, where they will
produce a splendid effect. Dasylirions should be grown in
‘a mixture composed of two parts loam, one part peat, and
one part sand ; drain the pots or tubs well, for during the
summer season they enjoy copious waterings, but in the
dull winter months very little will be necessary. They are
increased from seeds, but we believe the majority of the
large plants in the gardens of Europe are imported stems
-of considerable age.

D. acrotrichum.—The leaves of this, as in all the species,
are arranged in a rosulate manner, and become pendent
with age. The stem is stout; leaves from two to three
‘feet in length, less than an inch in breadth, armed at the
edges with long sharp teeth-like spines, terminating at the
point with a long brown fibrous tuft; colour dark green.
It forms a superb plant. Native of Mexico.

D. acrotrichum brevifoliwm,—tin all respects this resem-
les the species, saving in the length of the leaves, which
in the plant now under consideration seldom exceed two
feet in length, and. they do not become pendulous. It is,
a grand plant, and should be more extensively grown.
Native of Mexico..
182 ‘ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

D. acrotrichum gracile—This variety is exactly the re-
verse of the preceding, for the leaves are much narrower,
oftentimes longer, and are very pendulous. It forms a
pleasing contrast with the others, and is particularly
adapted for the decoration of apartments ; it should be in
every collection. Native of Mexico.

D. glaucum.—This is a grand and handsome plant, with
stout stem and large compact head of leaves, which are
about two feet and a half in length, less than an inch in
breadth, fringed at the edges with small teeth, tipped at
the apex with a small tuft of brown fibres, and of a deep
blue green. Native of Mexico.

D. glaucum latifolium.—A variety of the preceding, some-
what more robust in growth, and with broader leaves; a.
very fine form. Native of Mexico.

D. plumosum.—This is perhaps the most beautiful kind
yet introduced to our gardens; it is like a very large
form of the D. acrotrichum, with broader and longer leaves,
which in the young state fall over like a plume; the older
leaves are quite pendulous. Native of Mexico.

D. serratifolium.—Stem stout; leaves from two to three
feet’ in length, and broader than any of the above, the
edges are armed with long white teeth, which are some-
what distant, and the apex is tufted with a few brown

fibres, and both surfaces are glaucous green. Native of
. Mexico.

DEsMONCUS.

Palms with long slender ascending stems, and pinnate
prickly leaves, which are produced into long whip-like:
tails at the ends. They are all natives of South America,
and have somewhat the habit of the Indian genus Calamus
—which, however, is as purely eastern as Desmoncus is.
 

Ta

DAMON OROPS.
DICHORISANDRA. 183

.

western. This genus abounds in the forests of the South
American Continent, forming in many instances dense,
almost impenetrable masses, and oftentimes proving a
source of considerable hindrance and annoyance to the
traveller; the species are, however, well deserving culti-
vation, as they are very handsome in a young state, and
well adapted for table decoration. When they become
too large for this purpose, a pillar or rafter of the stove
should be devoted to them, where their peculiar cirrhate
leaves will be displayed to advantage, and in such a
position will afford a pleasing shade. The flower spike is
branched, and produces both male and female flowers on
the same branches, the male occupying the upper and the
female the lower portion of each. The fruits are small
and one-seeded.

D. mexicanus—This forms an elegant climbing plant,
well adapted for a rafter or pillar, while in a young state
it is peculiarly suited to table decoration. Stem slender ;
leaves pinnate, eighteen to twenty-four inches in length ;
pinne six inches long, and about two and a half broad,
the upper ones changed into spines, which are straight,
but stand at an acute angle, so that they hold anything
that comes near them, or that they are blown against.
The pinne are dark green, and the sheathing base of the
petiole, as well as the rachis, is armed with long black
spines. Native of Chiapas.

DIcHORISANDRA.

A genus of Commelinacee, containing many species with
very beautiful flowers; these, however, we must omit in
this place, for although the species given below have very
ornamental flowers, yet the beauty of their leaves has
obtained for them a place in this volume. Dichorisandras
184 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

are easily grown if attention be duly paid to their wants,
but they soon lose their beauty and fade away if neglected.
To grow them well and vigorously, pot in a compost con-
sisting of peat, loam, and leaf mould, in about equal parts,
adding a portion of silver sand; a liberal supply of water,
with ordinary stove heat, will be necessary during the
growing season, and shading from the direct rays of the
sun. In fact, at any season of the year dryness must be
avoided, and also cold draughts. They may be increased
by division, by cuttings, and also by seed.

D. mosaica.—This is a fine species of dwarf habit. The
leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, the ground colour of a
beautiful metallic dark green, profusely pencilled and
veined with zigzag transverse lines of pure white, which
produce a peculiar and beautiful effect; the under side is
a deep rich purple. The flowers are also very handsome,
being a bright azure blue, produced in a terminal spike
or truss, during autumn; but as a variegated-leaved plant
it is worthy a place in every collection. Native of Peru.

D. wndata.—A very distinct species from the preceding,
yet resembling it in its habit of growth. The leaves are
broadly ovate, the ground colour dark green; the mid-rib
and parallel veins are light green, and, in addition, are
numerous transverse bars of white, as well as transverse
undulations, which give them a pretty, though peculiar
appearance; the under surface is a uniform purple.
Native of Peru.

DIEFFENBACHIA,

This is a genus of Arads of noble growth, although they
do not attain any great height. They are erect-growing
plants, requiring only strong heat and a liberal supply of
water, both from the syringe and watering-can, during the
 

DIEFFENBACHIA BRASILIENSIS.
DIEFFENBACHIA. 185

growing season, to cause them to develope their beauties.
The soil should be composed of a mixture of peat and loam
in about equal parts, with some silver or river sand
added, and a small quantity of well-decomposed manure.
Dieffenbachias are easily increased by cuttings, which are
obtained by cutting down the old plants, and inserting
pieces of the stem into properly prepared cutting pots ;
before doing se, however, it will be necessary to allow the
pieces to lie exposed for some time to dry. Care must be
taken that no person is allowed to taste the sap, or place a
piece of the stem in their mouths, as it is an acrid poison,
causing the tongue to swell to an immense size, hence the
name of Dumb Cane, which is applied to one of the species
of this family, D. sequina.

D. Bausei.—A. very fine garden hybrid, of dwarf habit;
leaves broad, from twelve to fifteen inches long; stem
green, petiole white, whilst the blade of the leaf is yellowish
green, margined and irregularly blotched with dark green
and profusely spotted with white.

D. Baraquiniana.—A very singular, and, at the same
time, very handsome plant, which reaches the height of
about five feet when well grown. The footstalks of the
leaves are of the clearest ivory white, shining as if superbly
polished. "The leaves are from six to twelve inches long,
and from three to six inches in width, oblong-acuminate
in shape, and bright light green in colour, which affords
a charming contrast to the ivory-like leaf stalks; the
mid-rib of the leaves is also pure white, and numerous
spots of the same are irregularly scattered over the surface.
A most desirable plant, introduced to our gardens from
Brazil.

D. Braziliensis—The markings of this species are very
distinct, and the variegation very striking. Ground colour
186 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

dark green, suffusely spotted with blotches of white and
pale green. It will be found a useful plant both for
the decoration of the stove and for exhibition purposes.
Native of Tropical America,
D, eburnea.—In this species we have a plant of compact.
“habit and elegant outline. The leaves are oblong-lan-
ceolate, of a delicate light green, profusely dotted and
spotted with white; the stems and footstalks of the leaves
are stained with pale cinnamon, and ribbed with ivory
white. Certainly the neatest and most compact of the
whole genus at present in cultivation in our gardens.
Native of Tropical America.

D. giganiea.—This is a fine bold-growing plant, com-
bining the characters of D. Baraquiniana and D. grandis
in one plant, producing by this combination a very beau-
tiful effect; the white stems of the former are here, but.
they are prettily mottled with the light green spots and
dots of the latter. Native of Brazil.

D. nobilis —The present is a very beautiful plant, even
amongst beauties, and makes a very handsome compact
specimen. The petioles are thick and channelled, pale
green, transversely banded with a different shade of the
same colour, and nearly a foot long; blade of the leaf
oblong-ovate, and nearly two feet in length ; the colour is
deep rich green, the central portion being irregularly
marbled with white, whilst the margin is plain rich
green. It is a most desirable species. Native of Tropical.
America. .

D. Pearcet.—A strong-growing kind, and very ornamen-
tal in a collection of fine foliage plants. The leaves are
large, oblong-lanceolate ; the ground colour bright light
green, profusely spotted and blotched with creamy white,
and having, in addition, a band of the same colour on.
DILLENIA. 187

each side of mid-rib. It is of free growth, and makes
a fine specimen plant. Native of Ecuador.

D. Weirii—Of dwarf habit, and producing its beauti-
fully mottled leaves very freely. It is not only one of
the most handsome forms of this genus, but it can be
better accommodated by those -possessing only a small
house. The ground colour of the leaves is bright, yet
deep green, spotted and blotched with pale yellow green in
profusion. It is a native of Tropical America.

Denia.

A genus of plants giving its name to the order to which
it belongs (Dilleniacece), and having some affinity with the
Magnolias. The species given here is highly esteemed for
its beauty, even in the countries where it is a native, and is
there frequently cultivated. It seems to’ be widely distri-
buted throughout the tropical parts of India, and even
extends down into the Malay Islands, forming a tree some
twenty or thirty feet high. It should be potted in rich
loam, to which may be added a small portion of peat and
sand; and it must be treated to plenty of heat and
moisture. It is a very desirable plant for those having
plenty of space and a large collection, but we would not
recommend it to those whose. accommodation for plants
is limited.

D. speciosa.—This plant makes a rather spreading bush
with us. The leaves are from six inches to a foot long,
oblong-lanceolate, attenuate at the base, and acuminate
at the apex, bright light green in colour, and strongly
serrated at the edges. In addition to the handsome
leaves, it produces (though rarely in cultivation) large
globular yellow and white flowers. Native of the Hast
Indies.
188 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. ‘

Dion.

A singular genus of Cycadacee, which as far as we
are aware contains but one species. It should be potted
in good loam and river sand. When in a growing state,
the warmth of an ordinary stove is of considerable assist-
ance, but at any other time it stands quite well in the
greenhouse or conservatory. We know of no method to
increase this plant but by seeds, which are very large, and
when pounded into flour are eaten in Mexico. The name
is sometimes written Dioon.

D. edule.—Respecting this plant in its native habitat, we
have very little information, and we have seen no large
stems, the largest being but a few feet high, and about
three feet in circumference, The pinnate leaves are from
three to six feet in length, and six or seven inches in
breadth in the broadest part, gradually tapering towards
the base, and there clothed with short white woolly hairs,
The texture of the leaves is very firm, resembling metal in
harshness, while the colour is a glaucous green. It is a
noble plant, well deserving a place in a collection of
ornamental-leaved plants. Native of Mexico.

Drona.

This genus belongs to the order Droseracwe, or Sundews,
and contains only one species, which is a plant of humble
growth, but exceedingly interesting, being in fact one of
the curiosities of nature. Dionea inhabits swampy
grounds in North Carolina, and perhaps other States in
the American Union, and the best method of imitating
its natural soil is to pot in a mixture of peat and live
sphagnum moss, afterwards placing the pot in a pan of
DIOSCOREA. 189

water, and standing it near the glass at the cool end of the
stove.

D. muscipula.— This plant is popularly known as
“Venus’s Fly-trap.” The leaves are radical, the lower
part broadly winged, the upper portion, or true blade,
dilated into a two-lobed irritable limb, furnished at the
margin with a row of long, stiff, bristle-like teeth, and
having about the centre three similar bristles set triangle-
wise, -which, if touched, cause the lobes to approach each
other, and to close up the centre like a trap; by means of
the alternate interlacing marginal hairs, when thus closed,
the leaf frequently catches flies or other small insects, and
as any movement in the interior only continues the irri-
tation, and causes the edges to close the more firmly toge-
ther, the leaf does not unfold until the victim is quite dead.
This wonderful plant should be grown by every one.
Native of the United States.

DIoscorga.

These plants are tuberous-rooted, scandent in habit, and
herbaceous, and during the summer months they form
beautiful ornaments for trellises or pillars in the stove. In
the winter months they should be kept in a cool (but not
cold) place, either in the pots, or in some perfectly dry sand.
The soil most suitable for them is a rich light compost,
formed of light turfy loam, peat, leaf mould, sand, and well-
decomposed manure in about equal parts. They should
have abundance of root room, and be liberally supplied
with water during the growing season, gradually diminish-
ing the quantity as the shoots show signs of decay. They
may be increased by divisions of the tubers, which may be
effected either in autumn or spring, while they are at rest,
but never when growing.
190 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

D. aneectochilus.—A very handsome species, with broadly
ovate-acuminate leaves; the ground colour is deep olive
green, beautifully marbled with gold, and, in addition,
having a central band of the same colour; this description
applies to the mature leaves only, as when young they are
a plain bright green. Native of the Amazon Valley.

D. discolor.—This is an old inhabitant of our stoves, and
is very ornamental. The leaves are large, heart-shaped,
and beautifully mottled with two or three shades of green ;
the under side is rich purplish crimson. Native of Tropical
America.

D. discolor vittata.—A most desirable variety of the pre-
ceding, possessing all its beauties, and, in addition, having
a broad silvery white stripe down the centre of each leaf.
Native of South America.

DIPLOTHEMIUM.

The name of this genus of Palms is derived from its
double spathe. The flowers are unisexual, but both pro-
duced on the same plant; fruits large and one-seeded. The |
plants comprised in it are all of great beauty, requiring
stove heat, and seldom exceed twelve or fifteen feet in
height—that is exclusive of the crown of leaves. They
should be potted in soil consisting of two parts rich loam,
one part peat, and one part sand. These plants are highly
ornamental, and if properly prepared by hardening, form
splendid objects in the sub-tropical garden, They are in-
creased by seeds.

D. caudescens—This is a plant of surpassing beauty.
We have never seen it upon an erect stem, but it is a
grand plant even from its youngest state. The leaves are
from two to six feet in length, pinnate; the pinne are
from eighteen inches to two feet in length, and upwards of
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an inch in breadth, with a bifid point, the terminal lobe is,
however, very broad and bi-lobed. The pinnew are some-
what clustered together, as if several sprang from nearly
the same point; the upper surface is dark shining green,
while beneath it rivals the: most beautiful of the Silver
Ferns for whiteness. Native of Brazil.

D. maritinum.—This very closely resembles D. caudes-
cens, but it does not grow quite so large, The leaves are
pinnate, and more ovate in outline than the last-named
species ; pinnz closer. together, from ten to twelve inches
in length, and about an inch in width, obtuse, deep green
above, silvery grey below. Native of Brazil.

DRACENA.

A fine genus of Liliaceous plants, some species of which
require stove, and others greenhouse treatment. The Dra-
cenas are amongst the most useful and beautiful of fine-
foliaged plants, partly owing to their noble but graceful
habit, and partly owing to the colours which the leaves of
many species assume. The grand additions that have been
made to this genus of late years by importation and hybri-
dizing is something wonderful. They are easily grown
in a mixture of two parts peat to one of loam, with good
drainage, and a fair amount of pot room.

D. amabilis —This is a very handsome variety, perhaps
the finest amongst the kinds with light variegation. The
leaves measure from one to upwards of two feet in length,
and from three to five inches in width, the ground colour
is bright shining green, suffused with creamy white and
rosy pink, which renders it very effective. Native of the
South Sea Islands.

D. australis (Cordyline).—A: fine plant, growing to a
192 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

considerable height. The stem is stout; leaves from two
to three feet in length, and two to four in breadth, oblong-
lanceolate and bright green. It forms a fine ornament to
the greenhouse and conservatory, and stands well in the
open air during summer. Native of New Zealand, &c.

D. Baptistiii—This is a grand species, and one of the
most distinct of the genus, having both stem and leaves
variegated ; the leaves are from eighteen to twenty-four
inches in length; ground colour bright green, margined
and striped with yellow and pink. Native of the South Sea.
Islands.

D. camefolia.—This is an elegant and highly orna-
mental species, growing to a considerable height. The
leaves are supported on long petioles, and are somewhat
oblong in shape, with an obtuse apex—or what is most
frequent, the apex is split—from one to two feet long, and
three to five inches wide, slightly recurved, and dark green
in colour. It is a most desirable plant, being equally suit-
able for the decoration of the stove, conservatory, ball
room, or sub-tropical garden. Native of Tropical New
Holland. '

D. Chelsont.—A fine bold-growing species. The leaves
are large, and a very deep glossy black green in colour,
beautifully suffused with rich crimson, producing a splendid
effect, and constituting this one of the most handsome of
its tribe. Native of the South Sea Islands.

D. Cooperit. —This is a very handsome and graceful
plant. It belongs to the same group as D. terminalis, but-
its leaves are broader, and more highly coloured, and in.
addition they are recurved, which gives the plant a very
elegant appearance. As a decorative plant for any situ-.
ation it is unsurpassed, being equally at home in the stove,
in the hall, on the dinner table, or in the sub-tropical
DRACENA, 193

garden in the open air, and no collection should be deficient
of this prince of its class. Native of New Caledonia.

D. excelsa.—Another very beautiful species, distinct, and
well deserving attention; the leaves are broadly-oblong,
tapering to a sharp point, and narrow at the base; the
colour is a rich bronzy reddish brown, slightly glaucous
beneath, and suffused with rosy red as the plants become
aged. Native of the South Sea Islands.

D. ferrea.—A somewhat tall-growing plant, with leaves
from nine to twelve inches long, about four inches wide,
and ovate-oblong in shape; both surfaces are of a deep
purplish red, which renders it a striking object in any
situation. It is a useful and highly ornamental plant in
the sub-tropical garden. Native of China.

D. Fraserii—This is a broad-leaved bold-growing plant
of great beauty and thoroughly distinct in appearance ;
they are broadly oblong and acute, measuring from ten to
fifteen inches in length and nearly five inches in breadth ;
the ground colour is of a peculiar glaucous blackish purple
hue, occasionally streaked with lines of bright rose. It
is close and compact in habit, a splendid ornament in
the plant stove or upon the exhibition table, but not
suitable for the decoration of the dinner-table, on account
of its massive dense habit. Native of the South Sea
Islands.

D. gracilis—An elegant little species. The stem is
slender, and the leaves, which stand horizontally, are
upwards of a foot long, and about an inch in breadth,
tapering to a point, bright dark green in colour, the
margins bordered with a band of purplish bronze ; being
of close compact habit, it can be easily accommodated,

and is well deserving general cultivation, Native of
Penang.

o
194 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

D. Guilfoylet.—This is a superb plant of recent intro-
duction to our gardens, totally distinct from any other
species. The leaves are from twelve to eighteen inches
in length, and some two inches in width, tapering to
a point, ground colour dark green, striped throughout
with white, which becomes suffused with rose, especially
towards the margins. It is not only a beautiful ornament
in the stove, but is a splendid object for the decoration
of apartments and the dinner table. Native of the South
Sea Islands.

D. Hibberdiit.—A very handsome and graceful species,
supposed to be a seedling between D. magnifica and
D. excelsa; leaves eighteen to twenty-four inches long
and about three wide; ground colour reddish green,
beautifully marked with a deep rose, which, as the plant
increases in size, becomes suffused over the entire leaf;
this will form a very pretty object for the dinner table
as well as for general decorative purposes. This species
is named in honour of Shirley Hibberd, Esq. Garden
hybrid. |

D. hybrida.—This species is as its name implies a hybrid,
the result of a cross between D. magnifica and D, albicans;
leaves ten to twelve inches long by two to three inches
broad; ground colour deep green margined with rose,
which, as the plants developes itself, disperses over the
entire leaf. Garden hybrid.

D. imperialis—A bold growing variety, which, on account
of its coriaceous texture, is well adapted for general deco-
rative purposes ; the leaves are oblong, acuminate in shape,
from one to two feet in length and upwards of three inches
‘broad; ground colour intense deep green, suffused with
irregular variegations of white, rosy pink, and deep rose;
as the foliage becomes older it assumes a pleasing glossy
 

DRACENA HIBBERDII.
DRACENA. 195

appearance, and the deep rose colour changes to red.
Native of the South Sea Islands.

D, indivisa (Cordyline).—This is the Cordyline indivisa
vera of our gardens, and in some collections is known
under the name of D. aureo-lineata, It is a magnificent
plant, and forms a beautiful object in the conservatory,
but it is too tender to succeed well as a sub-tropical plant.
The leaves are from one to five feet in length, and from
two to four inches in width, lanceolate in shape, dark
shining green, the mid-rib and veins being of a rich deep
orange. In a young state this makes a beautiful plant for
table decoration. Native of New Zealand.

D. indivisa.— A most graceful plant, forming an elegant
plant for table or room decoration, for the greenhouse, |
conservatory, or open air during summer. The leaves are
from two to four feet in length, and one to two inches in
breadth, tapering to a point, pendent and dark green. It
is sometimes called D. superbiens, and must not be con-
founded with the preceding Cordyline indivisa, Native of
New Zealand.

D. indivisa atropurpurea.—tThis is a superb form of the
preceding, having the base of the leaf and the mid-rib on
the underside of a dark purple, giving a distincf and hand-
some appearance. Native of New Zealand.

D, indivisa lineata.—The leaves of this variety are very
much broader than the species, measuring sometimes four
inches across, and the sheathing base is stained with
reddish pink. It is a superb plant for general decorative
purposes, one which no collection of ornamental-leaved
plants should lack. Native of New Zealand.

D, indivisa Veitchii—In this form the habit and size of
the leaf is the same as in the species, but in addition it has’
the sheathing base and back of mid-rib of a beautiful deep

02
196 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

red. It isa most desirable plant for general purposes of
decoration, either in-doors:or in the open air during
summer. Native of New Zealand.

D. limbata.—A distinct plant, producing erect leaves,
which are slightly twisted ; the centre is a deep purplish
bronze colour, margined with a narrow ‘band of red. It
affords a beautiful contrast when grouped with other
Dracenas, or in a mixed collection, and well deserves
general attention. Native of New Caledonia.

D, Macleayi.—This is a good species, of dwarf and
robust habit. When well grown the leaves are from
eighteen to twenty inches long, and some four inches.
broad, dark bronzy brown, with a metallic gloss per-.
vading the whole surface. Its many good qualities.
render this plant very desirable. Native of the South
Sea Islands.

D. marginata.—This is a beautiful plant, requiring the
protection of a warm greenhouse or the cool end of a
stove. The stem is stout; leaves sheathing at the base,
from one to three feet in length, and two to four inches in
width, tapering to a point, bright green, except at the
edges, where they are margined with reddish brown.
Native of Madagascar.

D. Moorei—This is a very ornamental species, which
cannot be too highly recommended. It is of bold robust
habit, producing large leaves, which are slightly re.
curved, and deep bronzy purple in colour; the petioles
are stout, brilliant red, tinged with a shade of purple;
it is a most desirable plant. It is a native of the South
Sea Islands.

D. nigrescens—A very distinct and effective plant, in
habit resembling D. terminalis, but its leaves are some-
what narrower, and deep purplish black in colour, with
DRACENA. 197

occasionally a few streaks of red, forming a striking con-
trast to almost every other plant. Native of New
Caledonia.

D. nigro-rubra.— A plant of good habit and erect
growth, producing leaves twenty inches or more long.
The young foliage is bright crimson, which changes with
age, leaving them with a rosy crimson centre, and very
‘dark brown margins. Abundantly distinct and very orna-
mental. Native of the South Sea Islands.

D. phrynioides—This is a dwarf-growing species, with
broadly ovate, acuminate, leathery leaves, which are from
six to eight inches long, exclusive of the leaf stalk; the
upper surface of the leaf is very dark green, profusely
spotted with pale yellow, the under surface is paler. It
is a pretty small-growing plant, known also by the name
of Phrynium maculatum. To grow it satisfactorily, it must
have abundance of heat and moisture. Native of Fer-
-nando Po,

D. regina.—This is certainly one of the finest and most
distinct of the recent additions to this genus. It is of
excellent habit, producing large erect oblong leaves, the
ground colour bright green, beautifully variegated with
-creamy white. When quite young the margin only is:
white, but as it acquires age fully one half the leaf
becomes white. It is a plant which should be in every
-collection. Native of the South Sea Islands.

D. robusta.—A. noble-growing plant, although destitute
-of the brilliant coloured leaves so common in this genus.
In the present plant, the leaves are from two to three feet
long, and some five or six inches broad, the colour being
bright green, margined with a narrow line of red. The
-bold robust habit and broad leaves lend a charm to this
plant, which is the more appreciable when they are con-
198 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

trasted with some of the high coloured kinds, It is very
ornamental in the conservatory, forms a splendid window
plant, and is equally beautiful in the open air during
summer. Native of New Caledonia.

D. Rumphti.—In habit of growth this plant is somewhat
Yucca-like. Its leaves are from one to two feet long, and
four or five inches broad, recurved, and sheathing at the
base, fleshy, and dark green in colour ; a beautiful orna-
mental species, forms a splendid object ina vase. Native
of the Indian Islands.

D. Shepherdi.—This is a very large and bold-growing
plant, which in some collections is to be found under the
name of D. gloriosa; the leaves are broadly oblong in
shape, upwards of two feet in length, and from four to five
inches in breadth; in a young state they are dark green,
longitudinally striped with bands of paler green, these
pale green stripes as the leaves attain age gradually
change to a dull orange red. It is a very noble plant.
Native of the South Sea Islands.

D. splendens.—This is at once a very handsome and most
desirable kind ; it is of a robust constitution, yet dwarf
and compact in habit. The arrangement of the leaves is
somewhat spiral; the leaves are recurved, about nine or
ten inches long and four inches broad ; the ground colour
is deep bronzy-green, through which the bright rosy-
carmine breaks, giving it a delightful appearance—indeed
this beautiful colour oftentimes covers the whole leaf.

D. terminalis—An old inhabitant of our stoves. The
leaves are from ten to twenty inches long, oblong-lanceo-
late in shape; the ground colour is bronzy green, with
broad oblique streaks of crimson running from the mid-
rib to the margin, when fully exposed to the light the
green is entirely replaced by the brighter colour. This
DRACENA. 199

plant has hitherto mostly been kept in the stove, but it
makes a very fine addition to the sub-tropical garden, and
for dinner-table decoration, or, indeed, as a window plant,
it is invaluable. Native of the Hast Indies, China, &c.

D. terminalis stricta—This is a lovely plant, being
equally at home in the stove, the conservatory, or the sub-
tropical garden. Its leaves are large, and broadly lanceo-
late, tapering to a blunt point ; the ground colour is a deep
purplish bronze, which is intermixed over fully one half
the leaf with a rich bright crimson, this being dashed and
blotched with light green. Such a happy combination of
colour renders this one of the most handsome kinds in the
genus. It is also cultivated under the name of D. ferrea
variegaia. Native of the Kast Indies.

D. umbraculifera.—A very ornamental plant, which,
from its peculiar habit of growth, is distinct from all other
members of this family. The leaves are from two to three
feet long, and about an inch or little more in width, dark
shining green in colour, very closely set, and stand in an
horizontal manner, with the ends slightly recurved, giving
it the appearance of a table top or umbrella, as its name
implies; it is a very desirable plant, useful for decorating
in any situation, Native of the Mauritius.

D. Weismanii.—In this plant we have a very distinct
and ornamental variety. It is of an elegant, pendulous,
habit, the leaves being rather narrow, in a young state
light coppery red, more or less tinged with creamy
white, changing with age to a deep bronzy hue, saving
at the edges, where they are margined with red. It
is admirably adapted for table decoration in addition to
its beauty as an ornament in the plant stove. Native of
the South Sea Islands.

D. Youngii.—The leaves of this beautiful variety are
200 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

broad and ample, and of a somewhat spreading habit
without being pendulous ; it is robust in habit, and rapidly
forms an elegant specimen either for home decoration or
for exhibition purposes, but, on account of the length and
breadth of its foliage, we do not consider it well adapted
for table decoration. In a young state the leaves are
bright light green in colour, streaked with deep red, and
tinged with a rosy hue, but they change with age to a
bright bronze. Native of the South Sea Islands.

Drosera.

A genus of beautiful plants of small proportions, and
typical of the order Droseracee. They are popularly
known as Sundews, and are all more or less ornamented
with red hairs, which discharge a viscid juice, and which
enables them to catch flies and other small insects. As
these plants are exceedingly interesting, and can be so
easily accommodated, they will be found worthy a place
in every amateur’s collection, even if the space allotted
for plant growing only comprises a Wardian case. Their
culture is very easy, living sphagnum moss and a little
peat being all the soil necessary. A quantity of pot-
sherds should be used, the pot stood in a pan of water,
and the plant placed near the glass and well exposed
to the light, after which it will require copious waterings.
Droseras are increased by seeds, which should be sown as
soon after gathering as possible, for they do not retain
their vitality for any length of time. There are yet many
superb species of this exquisite genus to introduce ; the
British species are exceedingly beautiful.

D. binaia.—This species is frequently to be found in
collections under the name of D. dichotoma. The leaves
are all radical, produced on long footstalks, and deeply
DEYANDRA. 201

parted into two linear lobes, which are densely clothed
with reddish crimson hairs. Native of Tasmania.

D. capensis.—The leaves of this are radical, linear-
oblong, obtuse at the apex, but tapering towards the base,
and clothed with a profusion of red hairs. Native of the
Cape of Good Hope.

D. lunata.—This is an exceedingly rare plant in cultiva-
tion, which is much to be regretted. The plant grows
from six to nine inches high ; the radical leaves are nearly
round, but those produced upon the stem are petiolate,
crescent-shaped, and clothed with slender red hairs. It is
said to be found in Nepal; we have received it from the
Neilgherries.

D. spathulata—A somewhat rare species, to some ex-
tent resembling a miniature of the preceding. It forms a
compact and handsome tuft. Native of Tasmania.

DRYANDRA.

Another genus of Proteacee which have shared the same
fate as tha Banksias, but which we hope soon to see again in
collections, The remarks as to culture given for the genus
Banksia (p. 118) will be found equally applicable to these.
They are all natives of various parts of New Holland, and
one of the most essential things (in addition to thorough
drainage) for their healthy existence is a free circulation of
air. In summer they stand in the open air unharmed, and
are very ornamental and pleasing objects.

D. nivea.—This very handsome species attains a height
of two or three feet, and forms a beautiful dense bush. The
leaves are some four or five inches long, linear, pinnatifid,
with acute three angled lobes; upper side deep green,
snowy white beneath. It is a most desirable species.
Native of South Australia,
202 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

D. plumosa.—Another very beautiful plant; when small
it is one of the most elegant table plants it is possible to’
conceive. The leaves are dense, from five to ten inches
long, and about half an inch broad, linear-elongate in shape,
and pinnatifid, dark green on the upper side, pure white
below. Native of South Australia.

D. senectifolia.—The present is a very elegant plant,
growing some two or three feet high. The leaves are
from three to four inches or more long, linear aud pin-
natifid, the lobes being divided almost to the mid-rib ;
lobes very small, triangular; deep green above, greyish
white below. It is a most desirable and very ornamental
species. Native of Australia.

Dyck.

A small genus of Bromeliacee, remarkable for their
elegant foliage and ornamental habit of growth. They
are quite destitute of stem, or more rarely produce a very
short one, and have rigid leaves, which are spiny at the
edges and apex. The Dyckias succeed admirably in the
company of Agaves, and such-like plants, and form a@
pleasing contrast in a Wardian case of succulent plants.
The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of two parts
loam, and one part vegetable mould, with some sand added.
The pots must be well drained, and water must be liberally
applied during summer, but in the dull winter months
much less will be necessary, though these plants do not
prefer such a total deprivation as the Agaves. They may
be increased. by suckers, and also by seeds when they are
to be obtained.

D. argentea.—A most elegant plant, with long rigid
recurved leaves, arranged in a rosulate manner, and lying
so close to each other, and so much recurved, that they
ELAEIS, 203

almost suggest the name of tabuliforme. Leaves some two
feet in length, and rather less than an inch in breadth,
‘tapering to a point, toothed at the edges like the elongated
jaws of the sword-fish, the whole surface above and below
densely covered with white scales, which give it the appear-
ance of being covered with hoar frost. It is an exceedingly
rare and beautiful plant. Native of Tropical America.

D. rariflora.—This species, though it cannot boast the
attractive qualities of the preceding plant, is nevertheless
a very neat and interesting one, specially adapted for a
window plant, or for the decoration of a Wardian case
devoted to succulent plants. It has rigid recurved greyish
green leaves, and, scarlet flowers, somewhat resembling
those of certain Aloes. Native of Brazil.

. Earis.

This genus contains but two species, which, independent
of their ornamental qualities, are exceedingly interesting
to the cultivator, upon account of their yielding so much
of the Palm Oil of commerce. As a genus Hlacis is dis-
tinguished by its large somewhat obovate heads of fruit ;
the flowers are unisexual, and borne upon distinct plants,
although more rarely both occur upon the same individual.
The leaves are pinnate and spreading, and from its hardy
constitution it can be used for the decoration of the green-
house or apartments in summer, as well as in the stove.
These plants sometimes produce a few suckers, but the
principle methcd of increasing them is by seeds.

E. guineensis.—The plant from whence is obtained the
African Palm Oil, and some idea may be formed of its
importance, when we state that oil to the value of about
a million and a half of money is annually imported to this
country. The stem rises to a height of twenty or thirty
204 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

feet, and supports a handsome crown of leaves, which are
pinnate, some fifteen feet in length, and rich dark green in
colour. It is with this plant in its young state, however,
that most cultivators will have to deal, and then it is
admirably adapted for the decoration of the dinner table or
‘drawing room, and also forms a very attractive object in
the plant stove. This species flowered in the year 1858,
for the first time in England. It is abundant on the West
Coast of Africa.

E. melanococca.—A. plant of somewhat decumbent habit,
and like the preceding, producing large quantities of oil.
In general appearance it somewhat resembles the pre-
ceding, but it never assumes the proportions of the African
species. It is a native of Tropical America.

ENCEPHALARTOS,

A genus of Cycadeaceous plants which in most instances
form very stout stems, and which must be many years in
arriving at maturity. They are magnificent plants for the
greenhouse or conservatory, and also make splendid orna-
ments when used in the sub-tropical garden in the summer
months, either plunged in the lawn as single specimens, or
grouped with other plants. Zncephalartos caffer is the
species from which the Caffre tribes obtain some of their
food, and which has led to this plant being called Caffre
bread ; the part used is the pith of the trunk near the top,
which is scooped out, and then buried under ground, when
after having lain for some six or eight weeks, it is taken
up, made into cakes, partially baked, and eaten with great
relish, The large seeds are also roasted and eaten, and
these probably would be a greater delicacy to a Huropean
than the bread. The pots for these plants should be well
drained, as they mostly inhabit dry stony places, and they
ENCEPHALARTOS. 205:

should be potted in strong loam and river sand. Very
little water will be necessary when not growing, but at the:
time they are making new growth a liberal supply is.
necessary, both from the watering-can and the syringe..
These plants will frequently stand several years without
making fresh growth, but this should not be a source of”
uneasiness to the amateur, as it appears quite natural for~
them to stand thus, and nothing, as far as our experience:
goes, can artificially force them into growth. Increased:
by seeds.

E, AltensteintiiThis is a very handsome plant, with a.
stout stem ; leaves pinnate, from two to six feet in length ;:
petioles much swollen at the base, which causes the leaves:
to stand somewhat wide apart; pinns coriaceous, oblong--
acuminate, about six inches long, and one inch broad, dark
green above, paler below, armed at the apex and edges: -
with long sharp spines. Native of the Cape of Good.
Hope. ’

Ei. brachyphyllus.—Stem stout; petioles thickly clothed’
with a short tomentum ; leaves pinnate, spreading, the -
pinne continued down the rachis to within six inches of”
the base. The erect pinne are some five inches long,
and barely a quarter of an inch wide, stiff, and armed at.
the point with a sharp spine. The whole plant is of a
bluish green tinge, paler on the under side. This is a.
very handsome species, with somewhat the habit of Cycas-
vevoluta. Native of South Africa.

E. caffer.—This is the species from which the Cajffre-
tribes of South Africa make the Caffre bread. The stems
are from eight to eighteen feet in height, and threé or four-
in circumference, clothed at the crown with numerous
abortive scales. From the summit of this massive trunk
arise the leaves, which are pinnate, three to four feet in.
206 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

length, very stiff and harsh in texture, spreading, and
recurved at the apex; pinne numerous, linear-lanceolate,
from four to six inches in length, and one in breadth,
somewhat erect, ending in a short, sharp, brown spine, and
dark bright green in colour. In young plants the pinnzy
are sometimes toothed, but this is a character which dis-
appears with age. This species is sometimes found in
collections under the name of H. longifolius,. Native of
South Africa, ~

EB. Ghellinckii.i—As a small plant, this is perhaps one
of the most handsome of the genus, but what character
it may assume with age, or to what height it attains, we
are unable to say. In our gardens it has a somewhat
stout base, which is furnished with woolly scales; the
leaves are pinnate, erect, spreading out from about the
middle, from two to four feet in height; pinne very narrow,
linear, and, as well as the petioles, densely clothed with a
short grey tomentum, the whole plant being destitute of
spines. It is a most desirable species. Native of South
Africa.

E. horridus.—This is a remarkable and formidable-look-
ing plant. The stem is stout and short; leaves pinnate,
from two to six feet in length, erect, and turned back
abruptly at the top; pinnz about four inches in length,
armed at the point with a long and very sharp brownish
white spine. In some forms of this plant the inferior
margin of the pinn is also armed with two similar spines,
and then it is sometimes called H. horridus trispinosus.
Whole plant blue green, and very harsh in texture. Native
of South Africa,

E. lanuginosus—A noble-growing plant, but we have
hitherto been unable to find the reason for its name,
which may, however, apply to the cone, which we have
ERANTHEMUM. 207

never seen. Stem six or eight feet in height, and three
feet in circumference; leaves pinnate, from three to six
feet long, erect, recurved towards the apex ; pinns cordate-
lanceolate, blunt-pointed, very thick, about six inches in
length by one and a half in breadth, frequently with a
tooth upon the inferior margin. Whole plant destitute
of spines, and of a dark heavy green. Native of South
Africa.

EH, Lehmanni.s-Stem stout, two to three feet in circum-
ference; whole plant very glaucous. Leaves pinnate, six
feet in length; pinnse somewhat erect, five to seven inches
in length and about a fourth of an inch in width, tapering
to a point, and there armed with a short brown spine.

#. villosus—This is a very handsome plant. The
petioles and scales of the stem are clothed with a dense
tomentum ; leaves pinnate, from two to four feet in length,
tapering at the base and apex; pinne from six to eight
inches in length, and one in breadth, tapering to a point,
ending in a sharp spine, the edges also distinctly armed ;
both surfaces bright green. Native of Natal.

ERANTHEMUM,.

The genus to which we here direct attention is remark-
able for having many species with beautiful flowers; the
plants here introduced are, however, of the most beautiful
of the dwarf-growing variegated-leaved plants which have
been introduced to our gardens. They should be grown
in peat, leaf mould, and sand, in about equal parts, and
may be increased by seeds, cuttings, or divisions.

E. aureo reticulatum.—This reminds one very much of
the pretty Lonicera awreo reticulata, the veination being
precisely the same; leaves ovate, lanceolate, acuminate.
Native of the South Sea Islands.
208 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

E. Fenzlii—This very pretty Acanthaceous plant is
named in honour of Mr. Fenzl, of the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Vienna. As an ornamental plant it is very
effective. It is a somewhat shrubby plant, the leaves are
opposite, oblong, and rather obtuse at the apex; they are
from three to four inches long and about two inches in
breadth ; ground colour green, beautifully and irregularly
marbled with greyish green and creamy white.

#, igneum.—A. pretty dwarf-growing species, with very
dark green oblong leaves, attenuated at the base, the mid-
rib and primary veins being bright copper coloured,
margined with fiery red, the under side is dull red. It is
a very desirable plant. Native of South America.

E. Moorei.—A very distinct and curious species. The
centre of the leaf is of a dull sap green, gradually softening
off to a bright canary yellow, producing a very pretty
effect. Native of the South Sea Islands.

FERDINANDA.

F. eminens.—This is one of the grandest sub-tropical
plants, attaining a height of from six to nine feet, or even
more. The leaves are opposite, and very large, dark
green on the upper side, paler below. It is a most
attractive plant in the open air during the summer months;
during winter, greenhouse temperature is all that is neces-
sary. The old plants should not be used a second season,
as cuttings struck in March form by far the most sym-
metrical plants.

Ficus.

In this family we have some of the most ornamental
plants which it is possible to find for the decoration of the
conservatory or stove, whilst the coriaceous texture of their
FICUS. 209

leaves, and their robust constitution, eminently adapt them
for window culture and for planting in the sub-tropical
garden during the summer months. Independent of this,
however, they possess great interest on account of the
various species being of vast importance in an economic
point of view. For instance, F. elastica supplies an
immense quantity of the india rubber of commerce, as do
indeed many other species. Again, we have from F, carica
the delicious figs of our gardens, and the same fruit in a
dried state is imported in large quantities from the eastern
parts of Europe, as an addition to the dessert. The
famous Banyan Tree of India, which spreads over such
immense spaces by its branches sending down adventitious
roots, and thus forming a miniature forest, is also a Fig
(F. indica), Another species, F’. religiosa, one of the most
ornamental kinds, is highly esteemed by the Hindoos,
under the name of Pippul Tree. The juice of all the
species is milky, and in nearly all cases hot and biting to
the taste. These plants are easily grown, and many of
them will withstand a great deal of rough treatment with
impunity. They should be potted in somewhat heavy soil
—that is a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in the pro-
portion of three parts of the former to one of the last
named. Ficus may be easily increased from cuttings, and
also from seed.

F. barbata.—This is a superb plant for covering walls
in a stove and such-like places, as it adheres close to them,
and is not liable to the attacks of insects. The leaves
are about three inches in length, cordate, with the point
lengthened out, dark green, clothed at the edges with long
brown hairs. Native of Singapore, &e.

F. Brassit.—This fine species has large somewhat fiddle-
shaped leaves, which are rich deep green in colour, whilst

P
210 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

the stems and petioles are clothed with a ferrugineous
tomentum. It is a free-growing and very useful plant,
being equally at home in the stove, greenhouse, or even in
sub-tropical garden during summer. Native of Sierra
Leone.

F. dealbata.—A plant of recent introduction, and one
that promises to be an object of great beauty ; the leaves
are from six to twelve inches in length, acuminate at the
apex, bright dark green above, and snowy white on the
under side. It should be in every collection. Native of
the Upper Amazon.

F, elasticus.—This is a well-known plant, and is grown
in many a cottage window, under the name of India-rubber
Plant ; it is admirably adapted for the decoration of apart-
ments or halls, and also as a sub-tropical plant during
summer. The leaves are from six to eighteen inches in
length, and from three to six inches in width ; the upper
side is dark bright shining green, yellowish green below.
Native of the East Indies.

F. Parcellii.— A very pretty variegated plant ; the leaves
are bright green, irregularly blotched with dark green and
ivory white. The plant is of free growth, and will prove
a very useful addition to our stoves for decorative purposes.
Native of the South Sea Islands.

F. Porteana.—The plant now under consideration differs
materially from the previously named species. Here the
leaves are not thick and leathery, but thin in texture, from
six to twenty inches long, somewhat oblong in shape, with
an acuminate apex, the edges serrate, and the upper sur-
face dark shining green, paler below. It is an extremely
ornamental plant, suitable for the conservatory during
summer, but in winter requiring stove temperature.
Native of the Philippine Islands.
 

FICUS PARCELII.
FITTONIA. Q11

F, religiosa (The “ Pippul Tree” of the Hindoos).—Is a
‘very ornamental plant, forming a compact and handsome
bush ; its leaves, which are light bright green, are nearly
‘cordate in shape, with the apex lengthened out to a long
tail-like process. It forms a beautiful plant for the decora-
tion of apartments, and should be more extensively grown
than has hitherto been the case. Native of the East Indies.

Ff, stipulata.—This little species is frequently to be seen
in collections of plants under the name of F. repens. It is
a climber, attaching itself to walls or stems of trees, and
forms a beautiful object, its small dark green leaves lying
so close to the wall; and as it is not subject to the attacks
‘of insects, it is a valuable climbing plant to recommend the
amateur. Native of the East Indies.

F. Suringarii.—An excellent erect-growing species, very
ornamental in stove or greenhouse, or even in the open
air during summer; the leaves are of considerable size,
heart-shaped, with serrate edges, the upper surface rich
dark green, the main ribs of which and the nodes from
which the petioles spring are deep red. Native of
Amboyna.

Frrronia.

An Acanthaceous genus possessing several species of
great beauty. They are trailing plants of easy growth,
and have very brilliant marked leaves. As ornaments
for a Wardian case they are unequalled, and when grown
as pyramids they form beautiful objects in the stove. For
planting upon the surface of the pots or tubs in which
Palms or other large specimens are growing they are very
useful, and also for forming narrow borders as edges to the
walks in the stove. To grow them well, plant in a mixture
of peat and loam, with a liberal addition of silver sand;

P 2
212 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

let them be liberally supplied with water, and always well
shaded, as this intensifies the rich colour of the veins.
Fittonias are readily increased by cuttings, and by divisions
of the plants; and on account of their bright colours and’
neat manner of growth, no collection should be without
some of the species. Some of the under-named plants are
also found in collections under the name of Gymnostachyum:
and Gymnostachys.

EF, argyroneura.—A very neat and compact-growing
plant. The leaves are somewhat ovate, about four inches
long and nearly three wide ; when well grown the ground
colour is vivid green, with a shining surface over which is
an elegant net-work of silvery white. It is a beautiful
plant, and deserves general cultivation. Native of Peru.

F. gigantea.—In this species we have a plant of more
robust constitution than I’. Verschaffeliti and Pearcet, and
also producing larger leaves, which are deep rich green,
and beautifully netted and veined with clear rose, but notso
brightly coloured as in the species just alluded to. Itis a
native of Tropical America.

I. Pearcet.—This plant resembles the first species in its
general habit, but is even more compact than it. The
leaves are from three to four inches long, and two to three
broad, and somewhat obtuse at the point. The upper sur-
face is of a light but very bright green colour, the broad
mid-rib and veins being light bright carmine, which gives.
it a most beautiful appearance; the under side is some-
what glaucous. Like its congeners it is a shade-loving
plant, and deserves a place in every collection. Native of
Tropical America.

F. Verschaffeltti—Another very beautiful kind, but
closely resembling I, Pearcet. The leaves are similar in
shape but larger, and the ground colour is dark green, the
GEONOMA. 213

mid-rib and veins being deep red; under side pale green.
A very elegant trailing plant. Native of Brazil.

GEoNOMA.

This very elegant family of Palms merit the attention of
all plant growers, their dwarf habit and beautiful crown of
leaves specially recommending them to those with small
houses, In their native habitats they are not exposed to
the direct rays of the sun, but are found in great quantities
luxuriating in the shade of larger Palms, and indeed under
many other denizens of the forest, but in no instance
-have they been found in the open removed from other
trees; hence it would seem a large amount of shade is
necessary to their existence, and this should be carefully
noted by the cultivator. Geonomas are found in abundance
in most of the forests of the Peruvian and Equatorial
Andes, up to an elevation of about 4,000 feet, but those
Species which are natives of New Grenada and Mexico
‘grow at even greater elevations. This genus is nearly
related to Chamedorea, which it somewhat resembles.
The flower spikes are simple or branched; the flowers
are unisexual, produced upon the same plant, but on dis-
itinct spikes; the fruits are one-seeded. Geonomas should
‘be potted in spongy peat and loam, in the proportion of
two parts of the former to one of the latter ; they require
‘an abundant supply of water—indeed, many of them grow
best when plunged in a tank, and should any of them fall
into bad health, if stood in a tank of water, with a little
extra heat, they will speedily recover. They are increased
by seeds and suckers only. For stove decoration, or the
decoration of the dinner table, these plants are superb,
but we cannot recommend them for the embellishment of
apartments, for wherever we have seen them tried, they
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216 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

twenty inches in length, and beautifully arched; pinne
sessile, and distant, six to eight inches long, and two
inches broad, the apex deeply bifid. A very ornamental
plant for table decoration. Native of Brazil.

G. procumbens.—In this plant we have one of the most
majestic species in the whole genus. Stem stout; leaves
two to four feet in length, pinnate and arching ; pinne
pendent, upwards of twelve inches in length, from one to
two inches in breadth, and very deep green. It should be
in every collection. Native of Costa Rica.

G. pumila.—An elegant small-growing species, admirably
adapted for dinner-table decoration; the leaves are broad
and deeply cleft at the apex, supported upon slender terete
petioles, which are sheathing at the base. A very desirable
plant. Native of Tropical America.

G. Schottiana.—This is a superb plant for table decora-
tion. Stem slender ; petioles sheathing at base, long and
arching ; leaves pinnate, from two to three or more feet in
length ; pinne long, and tapering to a tail-like point. It
is an exceedingly handsome plant, well deserving a place in
every collection. Native of Brazil.

G. undata.—This is a large-growing species, with a stout
stem, measuring from nine to twelve inches in circum-
ference ; leaves irregularly pinnate, arching, and from two
to three feet long; pinne plaited, terminal one deeply
bifid, dark green; petioles sheathing, enclosed at the base
ina rough fibrous tissue. Native of Caraccas.

G. Verschaffeltit.—A beautiful plant; leaves upwards of
two feet long, unequally pinnate, the terminal lobe broad
and deeply cleft, full deep green on both surfaces ; petioles
flat, sheathing at the base, where they are furnished with
long brown woody fibres. Native of Chiapas.

G. Willdenovii.—This is to be found in some collections
GRIAS. 217

under the name of G. Porteana, which it much resembles,
‘although distinct ; neither is it so rare, but it well deserves
‘the attention of all lovers of this elegant genus. Native of
‘Tropical America.

GLAZIOVA.

A genus of Palms nearly allied to Cocos, which it
resembles in a great degree. The species here enume-
rated should be potted in a compost of rich loam, with a
little sand added.

G. insignis—A thoroughly distinct and extremely
‘peautiful Palm ; in habit of growth it much resembles that
most popular plant Cocos Weddeliana, but in this plant the
stem is stouter, the leaves are broader and longer, and the
whole plant is more robust in all its parts. In a young
state the leaves are simple, entire, much plaited, and dark
green above; eventually, however, they divide, and it
becomes a beautiful pinnate Palm, with long arching leaves
-and graceful pinne, which are dark green on the upper side
-and silvery white below. Another feature in the qualifica-
tions of this fine Palm is, that as it withstands unharmed
‘a somewhat low temperature, it may be used for the deco-
ration of apartments, in perfect safety.

GRIAS.

A tree of very stately growth, well deserving a place in
every stove. It is of quick growth, and very striking in
character. It should be potted in rich loam, and a small
‘portion of peat. When grown upon a single stem, and
sufficient room can be given it, the effect of its large leaves
towering above other plants is very striking. It may be
cincreased by cuttings of ripe wood in spring.

G, cauliflora.—This is known by the name of Anchovy
218 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Pear, the fruits being somewhat pear-shaped, russet brown
in colour, and after being pickled are said to be eaten in
the same way as Mangoes. The leaves are between three-
and four feet long, and about nine inches broad, of a rich
dark green. The flowers are not handsome, but very
sweet, and are peculiar in being produced on short pe-
duncles from the old stem, far below any of the leaves. It
is a native of Jamaica, and various other places throughout
the Spanish Main.

G. zamorensis—Another noble-growing plant of recent
introduction, The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape and
from one to two feet long : from what we have seen of this.
plant, it bids fair to attain first rank asa striking ornamental
foliage plant. Native of Loxa, South America.

GUILIELMA.
f

The only species of this genus known is a cultivated!
plant, and its origin is a mystery. It is largely culti-
vated by the Venezuelians, Brazilians, and Peruvians, and
is abundant in and about the Indian villages, but it has
never been discovered in a wild state. The stems are tall
and slender, densely armed with long black spines. Asa
genus it appears to be very nearly allied to Bactris. The
flower spike is branched, and the flowers, although uni-
sexual, are produced upon the same branch. The fruits are-
produced in large pendulous bunches, ovate, about the size-
of a peach, and one-seeded; a variety, however, exists
which is destitute of any seeds; when ripe the fruits are
tichly coloured yellow and red, and have somewhat the
flavour of a chestnut when cooked. These plants should be
potted in loam and vegetable mould, in equal parts ; the pots
must be well drained, and a liberal supply of water given.
Multiplication is effected both by suckers and seeds.
 

HABROTHAMNUS ELEGANS ARGENTEUS.
HABROTHAMNUS. 219"

G. speciosa (The Peach Palm of the Amazon).—Is a very
elegant plant. When young it is well adapted for table:
decoration, and forms a beautiful ornament in the plant
stove. In this state the stem is slender, with leaves from
two to four feet in length, pinnate, the petioles broadly
sheathing at the base, and they are thickly armed with
slender long black sharp spines; the pinne are about
twelve inches long and one wide, and deep green ; the apex
is, however, broader and bifid; the nerves on the upper:
side are clothed with slender black bristles. When this
plant obtains maturity, the stems reach some sixty or eighty
feet in height, producing pendulous leaves about seven feet
in length, and they usually grow in clusters, having a
beautiful appearance. The plant has been introduced to
our gardens from the Amazon.

HABROTHAMNUS.

This genus belongs to the natural order Solanace. The
variety here described is a sport from the well-known
H. elegans. It will succeed well in a compost of loam,
sand, and leaf soil.

H. elegans argentea.—In this we have one of the most
beautifully variegated greenhouse climbers known. It may
be grown as an ornamental shrub or used for covering a
wall or pillar in the greenhouse or conservatory, in the
latter situation it is especially ornamental ; the leaves are
alternate, entire, oblong-lanceolate in shape and acuminate,.
about six inches in length by one inch in breadth; nearly
the whole of the surface is soft creamy white, beautifully
tinged with rose and relieved by irregular blotches of light.
green ; the flowers are produced in dense racemes, tubular,
about an inch in length, and deep reddish purple in colour,
220 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

affording a splendid contrast to the delicate white of the
foliage. Garden variety.

Huiscos.

This is a large genus of Malvaceous plants, containing
annual, perennial, and arborescent species, some of which
-are hardy and others tender. The beautiful Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis is a charming shrub, cultivated for its showy
‘flowers (of which there are several varieties), and the plant
here introduced is a variety producing exquisitely varie-
gated leaves. It requires to be grown in the stove to
develope its full beauty, but during the summer may be
‘Kept ina warm greenhouse. It should be potted in the
ordinary compost of peat and loam, and is increased by
cuttings. ,

H. Cooperi.—This handsome plant is most desirable for
the decoration of the plant stove, and when nicely grown,
it is no mean object on the festive board, its gay and
brilliant coloured leaves adding materially to the effect
of the table. The leaves are irregularly ovate-lanceolate
in shape, cuneate at the base, and bluntly serrated at the
edges, the ground colour vivid green, splashed and blotched
with dark olive green, creamy white, and crimson, and
margined, in addition, with a broad and irregular feathery
border of reddish carmine. The young branches, the foot-
‘stalks of the leaves, and the stipules are of the same
‘colour. It is easily grown into a handsome bush, and is
one of the prettiest plants that can be grown, especially
in a small collection. Native of the Tropical Islands of
the Pacific.

HIGGINsIA.

A Rubiaceous genus, better known by the name of
HIGGINSIA. 221

Campylobotrys, which latter name the species have borne
for a long time in our gardens, but it seems erroneously.
The Higginsias are all plants of easy culture, and though
not attaining any great size, are still plants of great
beauty, well deserving more attention than they are
receiving at the present time from the hands of plant
growers generally. They should be potted in good fibrous
peat, adding a little loam, leaf mould, and silver sand. The
pots must be well drained, and a liberal supply of water
given; the plants must also be well shaded from the
direct rays of the sun. Being in most instances of low
growth, they have a very nice effect when used to clothe.
the surface of the pots of some of the larger-growing stove
plants. They are easily increased by cuttings, at almost
any season of the year.

H. argyroneura.—This is a dwarf-growing handsome
species. The leaves are from five to ten inches in length,
spathulate, and of a very dark metallic green colour,
almost, indeed, approaching to black, and peculiarly
plaited, the under side being of a dull reddish purple.
Ii is a most beautiful plant, and well deserves the attention
of all plant growers. Native of South America.

H. discolor—The oldest species in cultivation, and a
plant that will be better remembered by the name of
Campylobotrys discolor, under which name it has long
been known in our gardens. The leaves are some six
inches long, obovate-elliptic, and of a dark olive green,
with a satiny lustre on the upper side, and somewhat
plaited ; the under side is dull red. Native of Brazil.

H. Ghiesbreghtii.—This is a taller-growing species than
either of the others here enumerated, and when well
grown forms a dense specimen three to four feet high,
The stems are winged at the angles, and green; leaves
929 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

‘from nine to twelve inches long, oblong-lanceolate in
‘shape, tapering to a point, and-narrowed at the base,
the upper surface of a uniform dark rich velvety green,
the lower reddish purple; the flowers are inconspicuous.
Native of South America,

H. pyrophylia.—The present species produces leaves from
‘six to nine inches in length, somewhat spathulate in shape,
and densely clothed with short fiery red hairs, giving the
whole plant a distinct and beautiful appearance—indeed, it
‘is one of the most desirable of the genus. Native of South
America.

H. refulgens.—An erect-growing dwarf plant; the leaves
are from three to six inches long, somewhat obovate, and
subacute, in texture fleshy, and in the ground colour heavy
green, beautifully suffused with deep red, the under side
pale red. It is an elegant plant, requiring little care or
-space to develop its beauties. Native of South America.

H. regalis.—This is another fine species, well deserving
-every attention. The leaves are from six to nine inches
long, rotund, or broadly ovate, suddenly tapering to a
point, and peculiarly plaited; the colour on the upper
‘side is a deep olive green, beautifully relieved with a
bloom almost similar to a ripe plum ; the lower side is of
a uniform rich deep red. Native of South America.

H. smaragdina.—This is an elegant and very distinct
plant, not so tall in growth as the preceding species,
neither has it the deep colour so prevalent in this genus.
The leaves are from three to six inches in length, some-
what spathulate, light apple green, and plaited. Well
deserving a place in every collection. Native of South
America.
HOMALONEMA. 223

HIproMANE.

A small genus of Huphorbiacew, typical of a section of
‘the order. These plants form handsome specimens in
‘the stove, and can be grown into good specimens with
little trouble, Pot in a compost of two parts peat, one
‘part sand, and one loam ; they are increased by cuttings.

H. spinosa.—An elegant erect-growing plant, with al-
ternate leaves about eighteen inches long and three inches
broad, obtuse at the apex, lobed at the edges, each lobe
being armed with a long sharp spine, dark green on the
upper side, paler below. Native of Brazil.

HoMALONEMA.

A genus of Arads containing several plants of con-
siderable beauty, which form handsome specimens for the
decoration of the stove, drawing room, or sub-tropical
garden. In the latter situation the chief requirements are
abundant drainage and shade. They are easily managed,
and should be potted in rich loam and peat, in the pro-
portion of two parts of the former to one of the latter, to
which a portion of either river or silver sand should be
added. These plants are increased by suckers, and by
cuttings of the old stem.

H rubescens.—In habit this plant resembles an Alocasia.
The leaves are borne upon blood red footstalks, and are
cordate, about eighteen inches in length, and of a deep
bronzy red colour. It is a beautiful species, well deserving
general attention, being equally at home in the sub-tropical
garden as in the stove. Native of the Hast Indies.

Hf, Wendlandit.—A fine species. The footstalks are
some two and a half feet in length, dark red at base,
passing into green towards the blade, which is sagittato-
224 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

cordate, about eighteen inches in length, and twelve inches:
in breadth, the upper surface dark green, superbly polished.
and paler below. Native of Central America.

HYoPHORBE.

The Palms comprising this genus are all massive and’
elegant objects, well deserving cultivation, even in the
most limited collection of ornamental-leaved stove plants.
They are frequently grown under the name of Areca, from.
which, however, they differ considerably. They attain a
medium height, and bear aloft a crown of graceful pinnate
leaves. The flowers are usually unisexual, but produced
on distinct trees, though more rarely they are both found
upon the same spike. The flower spike, which -is simply
branched, is produced below the oldest leaves, and has a
single spathe at its base. Fruits one-seeded. Pot these
plants in loam and peat in about equal parts, with some.
sand added. They like a liberal supply of water, and
therefore should be drained well.

H. amaricaulis.—A noble and massive species, even in a.
young state. The stem is very stout and much swollen at
the base; trunk and petioles very stout, deep maroon,
glaucous, with an orange line extending along the outer:
edges of the mid-rib; leaves pinnate, erect when young,
ultimately spreading from four to six feet in length; pinne
stout, broad, and closely set together, about two inches in.
breadth, tapering to a fine point, and rich full green on
both sides; whole plant quite smooth. This plant is
also known in collections as Areca speciosa. Native of the
Mauritius.

H. indica. —This is at present an extremely rare plant in
cultivation, but its elegant appearance will cause it to.
become a general favourite. The stem is slender, quite.
HYPHENE. 225:

destitute of spines, somewhat swollen at the base,-and, as
well as the petioles, slightly glaucous; leaves pinnate,
from two to twelve feet in length, and beautifully arched ;
pinne from one to two feet in length, and nearly two
inches in breadth, tapering to a fine point, and full rich
green on both surfaces. The present plant must not be:
confounded with one which is. frequently found in col-;
lections under this name, and which we have referred to
Areca. Native of the Mauritius.

HI. Verschaffeltti.—Another really grand species, well de-
serving general cultivation. The stem is very stout and
where sheathed with the old petioles it.is quite triangular.
The leaves are from four to six feet in length, pinnate .
petiole broadly sheathing at the base, glaucous brown,
having a bright orange stripe extending up the back from
base to apex; pinne from eighteen to twenty-four inches
in length, and upwards of an inch in breadth, tapering to a
fine point, dark green, with the mid-ribs white ; the whole
plant is perfectly smooth, It is frequently found in col-
lections under the name of Areca Verschaffeltii. This forms
a magnificent object in the stove, and is a fine plant for
public exhibition. Native of the Mauritius.

HyPHENeE.

The present genus of Palms is remarkable in this, that
while the species, when young, have only simple stems
like the majority of this order, yet as they acquire age
they invariably become branched. A few examples of
other Palms producing branched stems are upon record,
but the plants referred to this genus are invariably so
when aged. It was originally supposed that Hyphene
contained only one species, which is very common through.
out Nubia, Arabia, and Abyssinia, growing to the height,

Q ;
226 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

of twenty and thirty feet. The researches, however, of.
Baikie, Livingstone, and Speke and Grant have not only
proved that the original species has a much wider distribu-
tion, but have added several more species to the genus. In
Upper Egypt the fibrous mealy covering of the fruit forms
a considerable portion of the fare of the lower classes,
and the peculiar flavour of which has given rise to its:
popular name of Gingerbread Palm. The fruits of A.
thebaica are large, and so also are those of a species sent
home by Dr. Livingstone, whilst those of a species dis-
covered by Speke and Grant are small (not larger than
a large marble), and perfectly round. The flowers are
produced upon long branching catkin-like spikes; they are
unisexual, and the sexes are produced upon separate trees,
Fruits produced in clusters of from one to two hundred,
one-seeded.

H. thebaica——The Doum Palm, or Doom or Dum Palm,
but more. popularly known as the Gingerbread Palm.
The stem is branched, and each branch terminates in a
tuft of large fan-shaped leaves, from amongst which the
branching catkins are produced. Native of Nubia, and
the adjacent countries. It is an extremely difficult plant

to cultivate.

IRIARTEA,

This genus of Palms has the peculiarity of supporting
its stems upon a cone of long prickly roots, so that the
base of the stem is often five or six feet from the ground,
and ‘some instances are recorded of large specimens having
a cone of roots ten or twelve feet high, with a stem up-
wards of fifty feet in height. The leaves are pinnate, and
the pinne are somewhat trapezoid. The flower spikes
produce unisexual flowers of both sexes upon one spike,
‘IRIARTELLA. 227

and although they are enclosed by several spathes, it is
only the inner one which completely covers them, The
fruits are somewhat oval, andone-seeded. JIriartcas are
elegant pinnate Palms, but extremely difficult to cultivate ;
they should be potted in nearly all loam and sand, and
plunged ina tank of water, without which it is impos-
sible to keep them alive, Seeds are the chief means of
multiplication,

I. gigantea.—An elegant plant, but at the same time
one of the most difficult Palms to cultivate. Stem slender ;
petioles sheathing ; leaves pinnate; and from two to six
or more feet in length; pinne six to eighteen inches in
length, wedge-shaped at base, expanding to a broad erose
apex ; apical pinnz much larger than the others ; colour a
rich dark green on both sides. Whole piant destitute of
spines. Native of Tropical America.

I. robustus.—A very handsome plant, quite destitute of
spines. Petioles round, sheathing at the base; leaves
pinnate; pinnz about two inches broad, sessile, erose at
the apex, and full dark on both sides; the apical pinns
much larger, being from six to twelve inches in length,
and from six to eight inches in breadth. It is a very
elegant and distinct plant, known in some collections by
the name of Catoblastus robustus. Native of New Grenada.

TRIARTELLA.

As the name implies, these plants may be regarded as
small Iriarteas ; indeed, some trifling differences in the
flowers furnish their only distinction, and it is question-
able if it is really a good genus. The stems are more
slender, and do not attain to the dimensions of the last-
named plants, but soil and treatment should be exactly
similar.

Qa
228 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

J. setigera.—This is an elegant plant, with a slender
stem some twelve or eighteen feet high, but seldom ex-
‘ ceeding an inch in thickness. From the stem of this Palm
the Indians form the blow-pipe (or Gravatana) from which
they discharge their poisoned arrows. The plant is rare
in cultivation, and is very similar in appearance to a
miniature Iriartea gigantea.

IRESINE.

A genus of Amaranthacee, containing many plants pos-
sessing no horticultural merit; some few, however, are
highly ornamental on account of the colouring of their
leaves. For flower-garden purposes these plants take first
rank, and for the decoration of the dinner-table they are
also particularly serviceable. They are plants of rapid
growth, and can therefore be readily increased by cuttings.
The soil should be peat, leaf mould,. and loam, in equal
proportions, with a little sand.

I. Herbstit.—This is one of the most ornamental-foliaged
plants for bedding purposes that have ever been introduced.
‘Tt grows from twelve to eighteen inches high, or more,
but can be easily kept to any size by frequent pinchings.
The leaves are opposite, somewhat cordate in shape, deeply
bilobed at the apex, and concave; the stem and branches
are bright carmine, almost transparent; the upper side of
the leaf is dark maroon, the mid-rib and primary veins
being broadly margined with carmine, the under side is a
uniform deep crimson. It has the advantage of never
flowering when used for greenhouse or out-door decora-
tion, and withstands the cold and damp of our summer and
autumn climate well. To grow Iresine Herbstii properly
for table decoration, it must be kept in the stove, where
the beautiful transparent carmine veins come out much.
JUBA, 229

brighter than in a’ lower temperature, and where it pro-
duces its nodding panicles of white flowers, which add
materially to its grace and beauty for this purpose. Native
of Brazil.

I. Herbstii acuminata.—A variety of the preceding, with
large leaves, which, instead of being deeply bilobed at the
apex, are sharply acuminate. Should this remain constant,
and as hardy as the species, it will be a great acquisition.
A garden variety.

I, Lindenit.—A. most effective and beautiful compact-
growing plant, Like the former species, it has not a green
spot about it; the leaves are narrow, oblong-lanceolate in
shape, rich deep blood red in colour, with a band of
amaranth running down the centre of each. It is a most
striking plant, and may be used either in the stove, or
warm greenhouse, or out of doors during summer with
advantage. It isa native of the Peruvian Andes, where
it grows at an elevation of 9,000 feet.

JUBEA.

The present genus of Palms is characterised by having

the branching flower spike enclosed in a double spathe; the
flowers are unisexual, but produced upon the same spike ;
and the fruits somewhat ovate, and one-seeded. Jubea
grows farther south than any other American Palm known.
It is a very handsore hardy plant, thriving admirably in
.the greenhouse, and for the sub-tropical garden during
:summer if is specially adapted. The soil for these plants
should be rich loam, two parts, the remaining two parts
sto be composed of peat, leaf mould, and sand. They are
increased from seeds. It is sometimes found in collections
sunder the name of Molinca.

J. spectabilis (the Coquito Palm)—lLeaves pinnate and
230 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

spreading, six to twelve feet in length; pinnw twelve to
eighteen inches long, and about an inch wide, springing
in pairs from nearly the same spot, and standing out in
different directions, full deep green; the petioles very:
thick at the base, where they are broad, and enclosed in a
dense mass of rough brown fibres which grow upon their
lower edges. As the plant attains maturity it is said to
develop a stout cylindrical trunk, and to form a majestic
tree, but we have not seen it in cultivation larger than we
have described. It is a native of Chili, where the boys use
its seeds in the same manner as do the boys of this country
their marbles.

Kentta.

A genus of greenhouse Palms, sometimes included in.
the genus Areca, from which, however, it has been
separated by our best authorities, one of its distinguish-
ing characters being a decumbent growth in its young
state, whilst Arecas are erect in growth from the earliest
stage. The Kentias are handsome robust plants, with
pinnate leaves, which, together with petioles and stem,
are quite destitute of spines. They are splendid objects.
for the decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory, and
succeed admirably during the summer months in the-
sub-tropical garden, and in addition may be used with
splendid effect as table decorators, when in a young state..
Since the publication of the first edition of this book, there.
have been four new species introduced from Lord Howe’s.
Island, all of which will form fine objects either for the-
greenhouse or drawing-room. The soil best adapted for -
their cultivation is a mixture of loam and peat in about
equal proportions, adding a little silver or river sand to
keep it open and sweet. These plants require an abundant.
KENTIA, 231

supply of water and. ample pot room. They are increased
from seeds.

K. australis.—A very handsome slender growing plant ;
leaves pinnate, long and slender, and rich dark green in
colour. When this species attains a little size, it will
become a general favourite with all lovers of this order.
Native of Lord Howe’s Island.

K. Bauerii—A species of great beauty, attaining a
height of twenty feet (exclusive of its crown of fronds)
in its native country. The leaves are from six to twelve
feet long, pinnate; pinne eighteen inches to two feet
in length. The flowers are produced upon a branching
spadix, and are ivory white, succeeded by bright scarlet
shining globose berries: this is a description of the plant
when some years old. In its young state it is a handsome
window plant, or is well adapted for vases in sitting-rooms,
and for the decoration of the dinner-table; and in its
larger state it forms a magnificent. object during summer
in the sub-tropical garden. It is to be found in collections
under the name of Areca Baueri and Seaforthia robusta.
Native of Norfolk Island.

K. Belmoreana.—This is a very beautiful plant, known
in its native country as the “curly-leaved Palm,” when
mature it reaches a height of from forty to fifty feet; the
leaves are pinnate and deep green, the leaflets having a
handsome and curious curled appearance. It is a very
graceful species. Native of Lord Howe’s Island.

K. Canterburyana.—This is a truly handsome species ; its.
native name being the “ Umbrella Palm ;”
twenty or thirty feet, ar. is of very robust habit. The
stem is stout and unarmed, as also are the petioles; the
leaves are pinnate, resembling Ptyschosperma Cunninghamii,.
saving that the leaflets are more robust than in that plant,

it attains some
232 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and very rich bright green in colour. It-is exceedingly
ornamental. Native of Lord Howe’s Island.

_K. Fosteriana.—In its native country this plant is known
as the “ Thatch Palm,” on account of its leaves being used
‘in thatching houses; it is a robust-growing species,
attaining a.height of from forty to fifty feet. Its leaves
are pinnate and very deep green, differing from the pre-
ceding, inasmuch as whereas in that species they are
curled in this plant they lie quite flat. Native of Lord
Howe’s Island.

K. , sapida, —whis bears some resemblance to the pre-
ceding ; it is, however, more slender in all its parts, and
the fruits are smaller, and oval. It produces a beautiful
crown of pinnate bright green leaves, which lend a charm
to greenhouse or conservatory, as well as the sub-tropical
garden. .Ina young state it is well adapted for the de-
coration of apartments, and should be in. every collection.
Native of New Zealand.

Latania,

A handsome family of Palms with large fan-like leaves;
they form splendid objects for the decoration of the stove,
greenhouse, or sub-tropical garden in summer, and in a
young staté they form beautifil window plants. The
species of this genus are easily grown into good specimens,
and should be potted in a mixture of rich loam and peat,
in the proportion of two parts of the former to one of
the latter, adding a portion of sand. The drainage should
be good, for although these plants enjoy an abundant
supply of water, it should not be allowed to stagnate in
the soil. They are multiplied by seed. This small genus
of Palms, which are all natives of the African Islands, is
characterised by the male and female flowers being’ pro-
LATANIA. 238

duced upon separate plants, the former being produced
in abundance upon the spikes, whilst the females are much
less plentiful. The fruits are three-seeded, each one being
enclosed in a hard shell.

L. aurea.—A superb’ plant, sometimes found in col-
lections under the name of L. Verschaffeltii, The stem
is ‘stout, and reaches some twenty feet in height; with us,
however, but very little stem has been developed at
present. The petioles are stout, erect, yellow, slightly
glaucous at the base, unarmed, from two to four feet in
length, supporting large, plaited, palmate leaves, measuring
from two to three feet from the point of attachment to the
margin ; these are split down for half their length, forming
marrow segments, rich bright green on both surfaces, and
in addition! the mid-rib of each on the under side is deep
red. Native of the Island of’ Rodriguez, one of the depen-
‘dencies of the Mauritius.

L. Commersonii.—This is a grand and massive plant.
‘The petioles are stout and glaucous at the base, tinged with
red towards the top. The flabellate leaves are large, bright
shining green, except the nerves, which are crimson, the
young leaves being wholly crimson before they have ex
panded. It is frequently known in collections as an inferior
‘variety of L. rubra, its inferiority beitig, however, only
‘applicable to the want of colour, which the last-named
plant retains in all its stages; otherwise it is a noble
ofmament to the plant stove. Native of Round Island,
-one of the dependencies of the Mauritius.

ZL. glaucophylla.—This plant assumes gigantic propor-
‘tions, and from what we have seen, its leaves attain their
full size by the time it begins to form the stem. The
petioles are from two to eight feet in length, stout and
spreading, very glaucous green, in young plants slightly
234 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

tinged with red; this, however, it loses as it acquires age-
The leaves are palmate, plaited, from two to four feet or
more from point of attachment to the margin, split down
about one-third their length into broad segments; colour
bright green, with a somewhat glaucous hue. A splendid
plant for the sub-tropical garden ; it is sometimes known
by the name of ZL. Loddigesii. Native of one of the depen-
dencies of the Mauritius.

L. rubra.—Undoubtedly the finest species of this genus.
The petioles are erect, spreading, from two to four feet
in length, quite smooth, and deep crimson, slightly glaucous
at base. The leaves are palmate, plaited, measuring from
two to three feet from the point of attachment to the
margin, where they are split into segments for about half
their length ; colour rich shining bronzy green, changing
with age to dark green. Native of the Mauritius.

LEUCADENDRON.

A Proteaceous genus, which we have introduced here in
order to draw particular attention to one species, the Silver.
Tree of the Cape of Good Hope. This beautiful plant,
although introduced so long ago as the year 1693, is rarely
to be found in cultivation, but it is never seen without
eliciting the praise of all for its extreme beauty. We have
never seen it very large, although in its native localities it.
attains a height of fifteen or twenty feet, in which state it. .
probably is not so handsome as when younger. The soil
should be peat and loam, about two parts of the latter to.
one of the former, to which add a little sand and a few
lumps of sandstone; the drainage must be carefully at-
tended to, as stagnant water about the roots is certain to
kill the plant. In watering, never allow the water to lie.
in the heart of. the plant, as it is apt to rot the crown, and
LICUALA. 235

thus not only destroy the beauty, but cause its speedy
death. Leucadendrons are increased by seed, which should
have but a very slight covering of soil, the seed pot being
placed in a gentle heat ; and also by cuttings of well-ripened
wood, placed in sand under a bell-glass, kept cool for a
week or two, and then removed into a brisk heat.

L. argentewn.—This is an elegant plant, growing in its
native habitat from fifteen to twenty feet high ; with us,
however, it has not attained such proportions. It is called
the Silver Tree by the colonists of the Cape, on account of
the shining white of its leaves, which are densely clothed
with pure white and shining satiny hairs. The leaves are
closely set upon the stems, lanceolate in shape, from four.
to six inches long and nearly an inch broad, in colour a
beautiful silvery white, and soft to the touch. It also
produces a terminal head of yellow flowers, which, how-
ever, are only of secondary importance. This is without
doubt one of the most attractive and ornamental green.
house plants in cultivation, and young plants produce a
striking and peculiarly beautiful effect upon the dinner
table. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Licvana.

A genus of elegant fan-leaved Palms, belonging to the
section Coryphes. They are of somewhat slow growth,
and seldom exceed ten or twenty feet in height, exclusive of
their crown of fronds, but some species are much dwarfer.
The genus is characterised by its small branching flower
spike, which bears perfect flowers. Licuwala acutifida is the
plant which, in Pulo-Penang, yields the much-esteemed
walking canes known as “Penang Lawyers.” To grow
these plants well they should be potted in a mixture of two.
parts peat and one of sandy loam, and, if possible, placed.
236 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

in a tank of hot water, at a temperature of 75° or 80°,
plunging the pots into the water about as high as the
drainage reaches, for Licualas luxuriate in a strong moist
heat. They are increased from seeds, though sometimes a
few side shoots are made from the base; these should be
taken off with roots, if possible, and carefully treated until
established.

L. elegans.—A slow-growing’ plant. Leaves fan-shaped,
and supported upon erect petioles, some two or three feet
in length, and armed on both edges with long stout black
spines. The leaves are divided into segments quite down
to the point of attachment, the segments plaited, preemorse

‘at the ends, about eighteen inches in length, and of a
dight shining green colour. Native of Sumatra.

L. horrida.—This is a plait somewhat similar to the
preceding, with dark green plaited fan-shaped leaves of
considerable size ; the petioles are ‘stout, and armed at the
edges with very stout and formidable-looking spines.
When well grown it forms a beautiful object for exhibition
“purposes, and for the decoration of the stove, but is not
sufficiently hardy for the greenhouse or conservatory.
Native of the Indian Archipelago.

L. peltata.— Another handsome species, similar in many
respects to the first-named species, the leaves, however, are
of a darker green, premose at the margins, and divided
into segments down to the ligule. It is a very ornamental
stove plant. Native of the East Indian Islands,

LivIsToNA,

A grand and noble genus of Palms, the leaves of which
are strong in texture and supported upon stout petioles,
their bases enclosed in a mass of netted fibres, and mostly
LIVISTONA, 237

armed with spines along the edges. They are suitable for
general decorative purposes, as well as for public exhi-
bition. If these plants are used for the sub-tropical gar-
den, they should be somewhat shaded by surrounding
trees. Livistonas are all strong robust plants, with large
flabelliform leaves, and stout stems, varying in different
species from ten to a hundred feet in height; they are
widely distributed through the East Indies and the Indian
Archipelago, extending even to the Australian continent.
The flower spikes are branched, and produced from
amongst the leaves, the footstalks being sheathed with
several abortive spathes; the flowers are perfect. Fruits
clothed with a dry skin, one-seeded.

Being strong rooting plants, they should he potted in a
compost consisting of two parts loam, and one peat, with a
little sand added ; they should, however, be liberally sup-
plied with water during summer, and although less is re-
quired in winter, they must then by no means be dried or
allowed to suffer. Increased by seeds.

L. altissima,—A noble plant, the stem as it acquires age
becoming stout, and of considerable height. In a younger
state the petioles are from two to six feet in length, the
upper part green, the base brown, enclosed in a, reddish
brown network of woody fibres, and armed on each edge
with stout and sharp recurved black spines. Its fan-like
plaited leaves are eighteen to twenty-four inches from
point of insertion to the margin, and divided into segments.
about one-third the way down, each segment bifid at the
top; colour bright shining green. Native of the Indian
Archipelago.

L. australis.—This is one of the most useful and orna-
mental greenhouse Palms in cultivation, perhaps better.
known to many of our readers by the mame Corypha
238 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

australis. This plant with age attains noble proportions ;
as a young plant it has stout dark brown petioles enclosed
in a network of fibrous matter at the base, and armed at
the edges with stout spines; the leaves are nearly circular,
much plaited, divided round the edge into narrow seg-
ments, and dark green. It forms a splendid specimen in
the conservatory, and is equally at home in the sub-tropical
garden during summer, where it also produces a beautiful
effect. Native of Australia.

L. borbonica. — This is a well-known and favourite
species, perhaps better known as Latania borbonica and
Livistona chinensis. The leaves are large, fan-shaped, with
pendent marginal segments; they are supported upon
petioles, some four or five feet in length, rounded below,
flat above, and armed edges with short reflexed spines,
enveloped at the base in a net-work of brown fibrous tissue.
The hardy constitution and cheerful green of the whole
plant, render this eminently adapted for general decorative
purposes, either within or without doors. Native of the
East Indies.

L. Hoogendorpii.—A superb and majestic stove species,
at present somewhat rare in cultivation. Petioles stout,
blackish brown, enclosed in a net-work of reddish brown
fibres, and armed at the edges with long, stout, and sharp
spines; the leaves form a complete circle, much plaited,
deeply divided into segments, and rich dark green. Native
of the Indian Archipelago.

L. humilis—When mature this plant has a stont tall
stem and large crown of leaves. In a young state it isa
beautiful species for greenhouse decoration and for the
adornment of the drawing room, and plants sufficiently
grown make a splendid appearance in the sub-tropical
garden. The petioles are clothed at their edges with close-
LODOICEA. 939

set spines. The leaves are large, fan-shaped, spreading,
and dark green. Native of Australia.

L. Jenkinsiana.—This fine plant forms a beautiful orna-
ment to a greenhouse, and is valuable for producing a
tropical effect in the open air during the summer months,
while young specimens form handsome objects in the
window or as table decorators. The petioles vary in
length from two to ten feet, according to the age of
the plant; they are somewhat keeled below, flat above,
and armed at the edges with very stout sharp-pointed
spines, which are slightly recurved. The leaves are fan-
shaped, two to four feet across, plaited, and of a rich dark
green; the margin is divided into somewhat broad seg-
ments. Native of Sikkim.

L. oliveformis,—This is a very handsome species, the
Saribus oliveformis of some authors. In a young state
this somewhat resembles ZL. altissima. The petioles are
from two to four feet in height, stout, brown at the base,
sand enclosed in a tissue of dark brown netted fibres, armed
with a few small reddish spines. The leaf is rather reni-
form than flabellate, from two to three feet from the point
of attachment to the margin, divided into pendulous seg-
ments for about one-third of the length, and of a shining
dark green in colour. Native of Java,

Loporcea,

A genus belonging to Palmacew, which contains but
‘one species. It is characterised by its large fan-shaped
leaves, which are some ten or twelve feet in diameter, and
its straight slender stem, which frequently attains a height
of fifty or sixty feet. The flowers are unisexual, and
produced upon ‘separate plants, though both sexes are
similarly constructed in their outward parts. The fruits
240 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

are immensely large, and clothed with a similar fibre to
that of Cocos nucifera, and contain one seed (rarely two) ;
the nuts are deeply two-lobed, which has given rise to
the name of double cocoa-nut. The soil should be rich:
loam and vegetable mould in equal parts; the pots should
be. well drained, as they require an abundant supply of
water, and a very strong heat. From the leaves of this
plant, the French residents in the Seychelles Islands con-
struct some of the most elegant and recherché articles it
has ever been our pleasure to see, in the shape of baskets,
fans, hats, bonnets, artificial flowers, and other things,
which are of a delicate straw colour.

L. Sechellarum.—This is an exceedingly rare plant in
cultivation, and we have introduced it here chiefly with
the view of fixing the attention of any one who may
have an opportunity of procuring seeds for importation.
The plant is rare in its native habitat, and we, therefore,.
are extremely anxious to see plants of it well established
in this country. The seeds are very large, and one of |
the chief difficulties in establishing this plant is its peculiar
manner of germination. The radicle grows down in the-
form of a stout tap root for three feet or more, and splitting~
open at the end allows the plumule to ascend, and if at this.
stage the young plant can be potted, success is likely to-
ensue. We have several times had plants make a few
leaves, but have to record all our efforts unsuccessful to
thoroughly establish them. It is a native of the Islands of”
Praslin and Curieur, in the Seychelles group.

Lomart.

A small Proteaceous genus including several plants of
elegant growth, which should be extensively grown as
ornaments for the greenhouse or conservatory. In these.
MACROZAMIA. 241

days also, when the fashion is to wear a flower in the coat,,
a leaf of Lomatia silaifolia forms the most elegant back-
ground for a Rose, a truss of Pelargonium, a sprig of Erica,
or indeed almost any flower, and therefore is valuable on
that account. These plant should be grown in equal parts
of loam, peat, and sand, with ample drainage, They may
be increased by cuttings of well-ripened wood under a bell-
glass, placed in moderate heat.

L. elegantissima.—The leaves of this species are about
six inches long, bipinnatifid, and most elegantly divided,
resembling very much a small frond of some of the finely
cut Davallias, but more coriaceous in texture, and bright
dark green on both surfaces. This should be in every
collection. Native of New Zealand.

L. ferruginea.—This is a larger-growing plant than the
preceding, but extremely handsome in its own way. The
leaves are bipinnatifid; the pinnsze somewhat ovate, and
trifid at the points; the petioles and back of the leaf
clothed with a short tomentum, the upper side is very dark
green. Native of the southern parts of Chili.

L. silaifolia.—A more spreading plant than either of the
preceding. The leaves are bipinnatifid, and smooth;
pinne lanceolate, irregularly cut, and acute, the under side
slightly glaucons, but bright green above, the reticulated
veins being prominent, and adding considerably to its
beauty. Native of South Australia.

MacrozaMiA.

This is an Australian genus of Cycadacew, admirably
adapted for the. decoration either of the stove, green-.
house, or sub-tropical garden during summer. They grow
naturally on open forest land, among various species of
Eucalyptus, Acacia, &c., none of which afford them much.

R
242 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

shade, and the soil in such situations is usually sandy or
stony, and not rich. They succeed well potted in a com-
post consisting of a sandy loam two parts, peat one part.
To the foregoing remarks, however, an exception must be
made in favour of two plants which, unlike the others,
are found in very shady spots about the borders, or in
dense scrubs, where the atmosphere is more moist, and
the soil contains more decomposed vegetable matter, and
this they require in cultivation ; these are the plants which
have been introduced to our gardens under the name of
Catakidozamia Hopei and C. McLeayi, but which have been
reduced to the genus now under consideration, by those
well versed in the order Cycadeace.

M. Denisoni.—A noble plant, reaching as we are told,
the height of sixty feet in its native country. This, how-
ever, should not discourage the cultivator, for these plants
do not rapidly form a stem, but are very slow in growth.
Stem slender, in mature plants about a foot in diameter ;
leaves pinnate, three to six feet in length; petioles glau-
cous when young, pinne entire, linear, from six to twelve
inches long, less than an inch broad, dark green above,
tinged with red at the base, paler below. This plant has
been introduced to our gardens under the name of Cata-
kidozamia Hopei. Native of Hastern Australia.

M. Fraseri.—This most beautiful species is very distinct.
The stem is some four or five feet in circumference ; leaves
pinnate, pendulous, and from six to eight feet in length ;
pinne linear, tapering to a fine spiny point, swollen at the
base, forming a joint or umbo, light green or greenish
white, about six inches long, less than a fourth of an inch
in breadth ; the upper surface is almost black green, the
under side dark green. Native of Australia,

M. McLeayi—A beautiful plant as far as we are ac-
 

MACROZAMIA PLUMOSA.
MALORTIEA, 248

‘quainted with it. The leaves are from one to three or
more feet in length, bearing long dark green lanceolate
‘acuminate pinnse. We have heard little or nothing of the
history of this species, but judging from the very large
seeds which have been sent home, it must produce a
gigantic cone. It is known to many collections by the
name of Catakidozamia McLeayi. Native of Australia.

M. spiralis.—This we only know in a young state, and
it appears a very beautiful plant. Leaves pinnate, one to
‘three feet in length; pinnz linear, bright shining green,
-except at the base, and there ivory white, forming a broad
central white stripe; whole plant unarmed. Native of
Australia,

Matortiga.

This genus contains some elegant little dwarf plants,
‘so small, indeed, that they may be grown in a Wardian or
Waltonian case, and for table decoration they are also
eminently adapted. Malortiea would seem to be very
nearly allied to Geonoma. Pot these plants in peat and
‘sand, with a little sandy loam added, and let them be well
supplied with water.

M. gracilis.—A beautiful dwarf-growing Palm, with
slender stem some two or more feet high. The leaves
are supported on very slender petivles, and are of a dark
green colour, split into segments, which are toothed at the
margin, and the lobes split in the centre so as to cause the
name of fenestrata to be applied by some authors. It is an
elegant plant for table decoration. It is also found in some
collections under the name of Chanwedorea fenestrata, and
Geonoma fenestrata. Native of Guatemala.

M. simplec.—This species is a dwarf-growing plant with
a slender stem. It somewhat resembles the preceding, but

RQ
244 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

is destitute of the peculiar window-like holes in its leaves.
In this plant they are somewhat elongate or oblong, bifid
at the apex, and dark green, It is an elegant plant for
table decoration, and, on account of its small size, can be
grown in even the smallest plant stove. It isa native of
Costa Rica.

Manranta.

A genus of very elegant and ornamental plants, a great:
majority of the species of which have their foliage more or:
less variegated, and many of them in the most beautiful
manner. As ornamental-foliaged plants for the decoration
of the stove, and for exhibition purposes, few plants can
equal them, but few of them are adapted for the greenhouse
or the window, as most of them being natives of moist
warm places, they consequently cannot withstand a dry cool
atmosphere. Marantas are plants very easily grown into
handsome specimens, if a strong moist heat can be main-
tained. The soil should be good fibrous peat, with silver
sand, and a small portion of rich loam added. The drain-
age must be good, as although Marantas enjoy most liberal
waterings, they will not suffer it with impunity to remain
in a stagnant state about their roots. These plants are
increased by divisions of the roots, which may be done
at almost any season, although spring is far the best.
Some of the species are referred by botanists to Calathem
and Phrynium ; indeed, until flowers are produced, it is
impossible to determine to which group they belong.

M. Baraquinii—This is a very distinct and handsome
species. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape, and may
probably attain a much greater size by cultivation than we
have at present seen it ; the ground colour is bright green,
MARANTA. 245

which is relieved by beautiful bands of silvery white. It
is a native of South America.

M. bicolor—An old but pretty species, of spreading
habit. The leaves are orbicular, the ground colour pale
glaucous green, whilst midway between the mid-rib and
margin, are irregular-shaped blotches of polished dark
olive, which give a peculiar and pleasing appearance to
the plant; the under side is rosy purple. Native of Brazil.

M. chimboracensis.—This is a very beautiful plant. The
leaves are from*six to twelve inches in length, or more ;
ground colour light green, having a zigzag zone of olive
green traversing the entire length, a little distance from
the mid-rib, the outer edge of this zone is bordered with
white. Native of Ecuador.

M. fasciata.—A very distinct and handsome plant, dwarf
in habit, and producing leaves from eight to twelve inches
long, and from six to eight inches wide, broadly heart-
shaped; ground colour bright green, with broad bands
of white running across from mid-rib to the margin, the
under side pale green, tinged with purple. A very desira-
le and ornamental plant, from Brazil,

M. hieroglyphica,—This is a plant of dwarf habit, but of
great beauty, and very distinct. The leaves are broadly
obovate, and obtuse. The ground colour is rich dark
velvety green, which towards the mid-rib shades off into
light emerald green; the primary veins are oblique, and
the spaces between them are ornamented with irregular.
shaped streaks and bars of silvery white; the reverse side
is of a uniform dark vinous purple. Native of New
Grenada.

M. illustris—This very fine plant is a dwarf grower,
but makes leaves of a considerable size, somewhat ovate
in shape, the upper surface of a bright pea green, streaked
246 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

with transverse bands of a deeper green; the mid-rib
is pink, and in addition to this, two irregular bands of
white traverse the leaves from base to point, midway
between the margin and costa ; the under side is of a
uniform deep purple. Native of Ecuador.

M. Legreiliana.—Another dwarf-growing and pretty
species. The ground colour of the leaf is very dark
green, which is relieved by a feathery band of white, ex-
tending the whole length between the mid-rib and margin.
Native of South America.

M. Lindeniana—A very handsome free-growing kind,
with leaves from six to twelve inches long; they are.
oblong in shape, and deep green in colour, with blotches.
of yellowish green on each side of the mid-rib; the under
side is purplish rose, through which the markings of the
upper side are visible, producing a charming effect. Native
of Peru.

M. Makoyana.—Known also in gardens under the name
of M. olwvaris, but whichever name be accepted, it is at.
once a dwarf and extremely beautiful species. The petioles
are slender, and purplish red in colour ; blade of leaf some
six or eight inches long, and upwards of four inches broad ;
they are oblong and somewhat unequal sided, the outer
margin is deep green, the central portion is semi-trans-
parent, and beautifully blotched with creamy-yellow and
white; in addition to this, the central portion of the leaf
is ornamented between the transverse veins, with oblong
blotches of deep green, rendering it very beautiful and
entirely distinct from any other variety. Native of
Tropical America.

'M, micans.—This is a lovely little species, certainly the
smallest in the genus, as it does not grow more than about
six inches high. It has oblong-acuminate leaves, two or
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MARANTA, 247

three inches in length, and a little more than one in
breadth, the- colour is dark shining green, with a white
feathery stripe down the centre. It is spreading in habit,
and quickly forms dense and beautiful tufts. It is a species
which should be in every collection. Native of Tropical
America.

M. ornata.—Plant from one to two feet high; leaves
from six to nine inches long and three or more broad,
oblong-acuminate, and yellowish-green, relieved by broad
transverse bands of dark olive green, the under side tinged
with purple. It is an elegant and attractive plant, suitable
for either a large or small collection. Native of Columbia.

M. pardina.—A very ornamental plant, said to be a
variety of M. villosa. The leaves are from ten to eighteen
inches long, and five or six wide, ovate, pale green, with
large dark brown blotches on each side the mid-rib, and
which occur at regular intervals the whole length of the
leaf. It also produces handsome large yellow flowers in
great abundance. This, unlike the most of its relatives, is
a deciduous plant, and requires considerable care to keep it
through the winter, for although dormant, it must not be
dried, or will never start into life again. It is a native of
the Valley of Magdalena, New Grenada.

M. Porteana.—An elegant erect plant, growing about
three feet high, sometimes more; the leaves are oblong-
acuminate, bright green on the upper side, striped with
transverse bars of white, the under side rich purple. A
highly ornamental species. Native of Brazil.

M. princeps.—This is a superb large-growing species,
attaining a height of three or four feet. The leaves
measure from twelve to eighteen inches in length; the
centre of these is rich dark green, broadly margined with
yellowish green. It is a very distinct and handsome
248 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

ornament for the stove. Native of the banks of the
Amazon.

M. pulchella.—A plant very much resembling M. zebrina
in general appearance; it however does not grow quite
so strong, and the leaves are not so dark, owing to the
under side being destitute of the purple colour which is
so conspicuous in the last-named species. The present
plant is very ornamental, and well deserves general atten-
tion. Native of Tropical America.

M. roseo-lineata.—This species grows from one to three
or more feet high. The leaves are from three to nine
inches in length, broadly ovate and sharp-pointed, the
ground colour dark olive green, with oblique lines of rose
colour reaching from near the mid-rib almost to the
margin; the under side is deep purple, almost approach-
ing black. A most desirable kind. Native of Tropical
America.

M. roseo-picta.—A beautiful plant of dwarf compact
habit. The leaves are somewhat orbicular in shape, and
of a beautiful rich glossy green; the mid-rib of a lovely
rose colour, and midway between the margin and mid-rib
are two irregular bands of the same colour, traversing the
entire length of the leaf. It is a very handsome and
highly ornamental species. Native of Amazon, about
Loreta and Iquitos.

M. splendida.—A very fine species, with large oblong-
lanceolate deflexed leaves, from ten to eighteen inches
long, of a rich dark olive green colour, with distinet
blotches of greenish yellow. Native of Para.

M. striata.—Amongst the dwarfest species, seldom grow-
ing more than about six inches high; the leaves are about
five inches long and two wide, bright green, profusely
streaked and striped with white and pale yellow. A very
MARANTA, 249

desirable plant, and distinct from any other species. Native
of the Philippine Islands.

M. tubispatha.—A most dopant plant, producing leaves
from six to twelve inches high, somewhat obovate in shape,
and blunt-pointed ; the ground colour is pale greenish
yellow, beautifully relieved by a row of rich brown oblong
blotches, set in pairs on each side of the mid-rib, through-
out the entire length of the leaf; it is a very striking and
pleasing addition to our ornamental - foliaged plants, and
should be in every collection. Native of Western Tropical
America.

M. Vanden Heckei.—A very distinct and handsome erect-
growing species, with rich dark green glossy leaves, which
are shaded with transverse bands of a lighter green; the
mid-rib is broadly margined with silvery white, and in
addition two bands of the same traverse the leaf from
base to apex, midway between the mid-rib and margin ;
the under side is of a uniform purplish crimson. Native of
Brazil.

M. Veitchti.—This superb plant is the gem of the whole
genus at present, known to us. It attains the height of
three feet, or even more, bearing large ovate-elliptic leaves
upwards of a foot long, independent of the foot-stalks ; the
upper surface is very glossy and rich deep green, marked
along each side the mid-rib with crescent-shaped blotches
of yellow, which is softened by shades of green and white ;
the under surface is light purple, and as the variegation of
the upper side shows through upon this ground colour, the
effect is charming. No collection should lack this striking
and beautiful plant. Native of Western Tropical America.

M, virginalis—Leaves broadly ovate, of considerable
size, varying in this respect according to the encourage-
ment given it, The ground colour is a light pleasing
250 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. '

green, the mid-rib white, and having in addition a white
band on each side; the under side is of a greyish green
colour throughout; a handsome plant, of dwarf compact.
habit. Native of the Amazon Valley, South America. °

Af. vittata.—A species which is seldom encouraged suffi-
ciently in our gardens, and consequently does not exhibit
its beauties to the fullest extent; when well grown ithe
plant attains the height of three feet or more. The leaves
are about nine inches long, ovate-acuminate in shape, and.
very light green in colour, with narrow transverse bars
of white on each side the mid-rib ; it should be in every
collection. Native of Tropical America.

M. WallistiiThis species is somewhat rare ; it is very
distinct, and will form a pleasing contrast to the other:
members of this genus. The leaves are moderate-sized,
and of a peculiar and pleasing light green, beautifully
.Yelieved with a ray of rich dark green. Native of Peru.

M. Warscewicsii—A noble-growing plant, attaining a
height of three feet or more. The leaves are two feet
long, and about eight inches wide, deep velvety green in
colour, relieved by a feathery stripe of yellowish green on
either side the mid-rib, and which extends from the base to
point. It is well deserving general cultivation. Native of”
Central America.

M. zebrina.—This is an old inhabitant of our stoves, but.
it is a noble-growing plant, producing leaves from two to
three feet long, and from six to eight inches or more wide ;.
they are a beautiful velvety light green on the upper side,
barred with greenish purple, the under side being of a
uniform dull purple. It is also known as Calathea zebrina.
Native of Brazil.
MARTINEZIA, 251

MARriNnrzia.

An exceedingly ornamental genus of American Palms,
which form small trees rarely exceeding twenty feet in
height. The leaves are pinnate, and the pinnz cuneate.
The flower spike is enveloped in a double spathe, and but
little branched. The flowers are unisexual, but produced
on the same spike, both sexes having flowers with three-
parted sepals and petals. The fruits are round, and one-
seeded. Too grow these Palms successfully, pot them in
sandy loam and peat, in about equal parts. They enjoy
a strong heat and an abundance of water. “Mar tinezias
when in a young state may be used with good effect for
table decoration, without the slightest injury, and from
their distinct character should find a place in every col-
lection. They are increased by seeds.

M. caryotefolia. — Stem slender, and, as well as the
petioles and back of the leaves, densely clothed with long
black spines. Leaves pinnate, three to six feet in length ;
pinne cuneate, preemorse, from six to twelve inches in
length, from four to six inches in breadth at the apex,
and full dark grgen on both surfaces. The arrangement
of the pinne is very peculiar, as several pairs are produced
in close proximity, and succeeded by six or ten inches of
bare petiole. It is a very ornamental plant. Native of
Peru, &c.

M, Lindeniana,—this very distinct and handsome plant
bids fair to become useful, not only as an ornament to‘
the stove, but also to the dinner table, and for public
exhibition purposes. It is of recent introduction, and we
only know it asa young plant, in which state the leaves
are pinnate, the terminal pinnw being considerably the
largest ; the sheathing petiole is profusely armed with long
252 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

sharp slender black spines; the upper surface is smooth
and bright green, paler below. This elegant plant is de-
serving general cultivation. Native of Tropical America.

Mavriria.

An elegant genus of Palms peculiar to South America,
some of the species attaining a great height, and supporting
a crown of large leaves, which are apparently fan-shaped,
an appearance which is brought about by the rachis near
the apex being so much contracted, that the pinne seem
all to spring from the same or nearly the same place, but
it is not a truly fan-shaped leaf. The flower spikes issue
from among the leaves, and are pendulous and branching.
The flowers are unisexual, and produced upon distinct
plants, but sometimes are found mixed together. The
fruits are large, clothed with hard scales, overlapping like
a coat of mail. These plants mostly grow upon the river
banks, and during the overflowing of the great American
rivers, they are the resort of the Guaranes Indians, who
erect stages in their tops, upon which they dwell until the
water subsides. Mauritias should be grown in loam and
peat, and the pots should be stood in deep pans of water, or
plunged in a tank if such convenience exists. They are
ancreased by seeds.

M. aculeata.—This is one of the few species of this genus
which it is possible to cultivate. It is a beautiful plant,
“with somewhat pinnate leaves, which are bright green on
the upper side and white below. This plant requires to be
potted in equal parts of peat and loam, and the pot must
be either plunged into a tank or placed in a deep pan of
water—out of water we have not found it possible to keep
italive. It is a very singular and beautiful stove Palm.
Native of Tropical America.
MIMOSA. 253

M. fleewosa.—Another superb plant, which must be grown
standing in water. The petioles are quite smooth, broadly
sheathing at the base; leaves forming a complete ray, and
split into segments quite down to the rachis; these are
pendent and dark green, producing a very graceful effect.
Native of Tropical America. .

Maxim Iniana,

This small genus contains the most majestic and hand-
some Palm yet discovered upon the American continent.
The stems are slender and quite destitute of spines, and
are reported to exceed in some instances a hundred feet
in height. The flower spikes are branched, and completely
enclosed in a woody boat-like spathe, some five or six feet
in length and two in breadth ; these spathes remain upon.
the trunk several years after the flowers and fruit have
fallen away, and present an exceedingly curious appearance ;
the flowers are unisexual, frequently produced upon the
same spike, but sometimes only upon separate ones. As a
genus it is evidently allied to Cocos, and requires the same
treatment.

M. regia.—This plant is only known to us in a young
state. The leaves, when mature, attain a length of from
thirty to fifty feet ; they are pinnate, the pinne being long,
narrow,, pendent, and dark green. It forms a beautiful
object in the stove, and also for the decoration of apart-
ments. Native of South America.

Monrosa.

A somewhat extensive genus, belonging to the order
Fabacee, many of them remarkable for handsome flowers,
but none, that we are aware of, possessing much beauty in
foliage. The name is derived from Mimos, a mimic, in
254 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

allusion to the animal sensibility displayed more or less by
all the species, and upon this account we have introduced
the most remarkable kind in this place. The soil best
adapted for this genus is loam and peat in about equal
parts, with a small portion of sand.

M. pudica.—This is usually called the Sensitive Plant ;
Mimosa sensitiva is, however, the true plant, although far
less sensitive than this species. The plantis of a branching
habit, with a prickly stem; leaves digitately pinnate, each
pinne bearing many pairs of light green leaflets, which
close up and the whole leaf drops by the lightest touch.
It is supposed by many to be an annual, and not to be
increased by cuttings ; these ideas, are, however, erroneous,
but by far the best plants are obtained from seeds in
spring. Native cf Brazil.

Morenita.

A genus of elegant Palms, comprising two or three
species only. These are well adapted for the decoration
of the dinner table, and for the drawing. room, while they
also form graceful ornaments in the stove. The soil best
adapted for their culture is peat, loam, and sand, in the
proportion of two parts of the former to one each of the
latter. They should be supplied liberally with water, and
grown in the shadiest part of the house. Morenias are
increased from seeds, which, like all others of this order,
should be sown immediately they are received from their
native country, irrespective of the season.

M. corallina,—This is an exceedingly handsome plant,
and is admirably adapted for dinner-table or drawing-room
decoration, The stem is moderately stout, quite smooth,
almost ivory white, and reaches to some twenty feet in
height. Leaves pinnate, from two to four feet in length,
MUSA. 255

6

and beautifully arched ; pinne broad, sessile at the base,
tapering upwards to an acuminate point, from six to twelve
inches in length, and of a light green colour. A most
beautiful and useful plant, very suitable for small houses.
Native of Santa Fe de Bogota.

M. fragrans.—An elegant plant, with a reed-like stem,
seldom exceeding two or three feet in height. The leaves
are bluntly ovate in outline, pinnatisect, and from one to
two feet in length; pinne lanceolate, narrow, acute, and
dark green; whole plant destitute of spines. Native of
Peru.

Musa.

This genus contains many highly ornamental species and
varieties, some of which produce those delicious fruits the
Banana and the Plantain. They appear to be indigenous
in all tropical countries, and so much are they esteemed
that great attention is bestowed upon the raising of
superior fruit-bearing varieties. Thus in Jamaica, Trini-
dad, and many other tropical islands, an immense number
of varieties are cultivated under local names. The fruits
are eaten in a raw state, as well as stewed and fried; in
either way they are exceedingly delicate and nutritious.
Many of the finest flavoured varieties are tall-growing
plants, and can only be accommodated by those possessing
large stoves, but the dwarf-growing Chinese species, M.
Cavendishii (M. sinensis as it is sometimes called) can be
easily accommodated, as it seldom exceeds five or six feet
in height. These plants all require rich soil, and at the
time of fruiting should have a little stimulant applied if (as
is frequently the case) the root space is limited. and sus-
tenance deficient. The soil should be made up of about
two parts rich loam and two parts decomposed manure
256 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and leaf mould, to which should be added a liberal quantity
of clean river sand. Drain well, and water copiously.
They are mostly increased by suckers, which are thrown
up during the time of fruiting, but some few kinds, such
as M. ensete and M. superba, never produce suckers, and
consequently must be increased by seeds. The varieties
which yield suckers would appear to have been altered in
character by cultivation, since their fruits never contain
seeds. Musas are well adapted for out-door decoration in
the sub-tropical garden, if thoroughly sheltered places be
chosen for them, and their broad and handsome leaves give
a truly tropical appearance to the garden.

M. Cavendishii.—A dwarf-growing kind, seldom exceed-
ing five or six feet in height. The leaves are oblong, two
to three feet in length, and one to two feet wide, deep
green. It is a very ornamental plant, and gives a very
tropical appearance to the stove, and also the sub-tropical
garden. Itdoes not require great heat to bring it to a
fruiting state, and on account of its low stature it can be
easily accommodated. It is sometimes grown under the
name of WM, sinensis. Native of China.

M. ensete—This is the most gigantic species of the
genus, and, although it has such a succulent appearance,
it not only stands uninjured in the open air during sum-
mer, but actually makes growth if a sheltered place is
selected for it. In the open air the leaf stalks appear to
grow somewhat shorter, which will be the means of adding.
strength to the plant, enabling it the better to support the
large leaves. It attains a height of twenty feet or more.
The leaves themselves are oblong in shape, about sixteen
feet long and four feet wide, of a beautiful bright green ;
the mid-rib very stout, and of a deep red colour. This
splendid species never produces suckers, so that when it
MUSA, 257

blooms the flowers should be fertilised, to induce them to
seed more freely, as after fruiting the plant dies. It is
only in a few places sufficient house room can be given
this plant to fully develope itself, but good large plants can
be easily accommodated for the decoration of the sub-
tropical garden during summer, and it stands the tempera-.
ture of the conservatory in winter without injury. Native
of Abyssinia.

M. sapientun.—A_ tall-growing kind, reaching some
twenty feet or more in height. The leaves are oblong,
from eight to ten feet long, and a foot wide, of a deep
green colour. There are an immense number of varieties
of this species, differing in size and in the quality of the
fruits. The best we ever saw was a red-stemmed form
from Jamaica, which produced in this country a splendid
cluster of fruits, weighing upwards of 60 lbs., and of a
most delicious flavour.

M. sapientum var. vitiata.—This is an elegant variety of
the preceding species, growing under good cultivation to
about the same height. The leaves have a bright green
ground, which is beautifully striped and blotched with
white. Its fruit is not edible, but the beauty of its varie-
gation fully compensates for that deficiency. It was dis-
covered at some considerable elevation in the Isle of St.
Thomas, Western Africa.

M. superba.—A very distinct and handsome plant, but
requiring strong heat and a very moist atmosphere to
develope its beauties. In a young state it is not very
different in appearance from M. sapientum and its varieties,
but as its leaves increase in size, the stem becomes swollen

.. towards the base, and the whole plant assumes more the
appearance of a grand compact form of M. ensete, though
from this plant it is abundantly distinct. M. superba is a

s
258 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

somewhat rare and magnificent plant, but from its size
only suitable for those possessing ample room and a large
collection. Native of the East Indies.

M. zebrina.—This is a very distinct plant, seldom ex-
ceeding ten feet in height, and well deserving a place in
stoves where a large collection of ornamental plants are
grown. The stem is slender; leaves oblong, dark green,
with broad blotches of bronzy red and purple irregularly
scattered over them, giving the plant a very picturesque
appearance. Native of the East Indies.

NEPENTHES.

This singular and highly ornamental genus is, it would
seem, the only one at present known in the order to which
it gives its name, and the affinities of which do not seem
to be thoroughly understood. “Pitcher Plants,” as the
Nepenthes are popularly called, are highly interesting and
curious, never failing to elicit admiration. They seem
to be entirely confined to the Old World, and find their
homes chiefly in the islands of the Indian Archipelago,
where they usually grow at considerable elevations, the
mountain of Kina Balou in Borneo appearing to be their
head-quarters, for many extraordinary forms of this genus
are known to exist there, and which, although known to
science, have yet never been brought to this country in a
living state. In addition to those in the islands of the
Indian Archipelago, two species are also known to exist
in Madagascar, while the Philippine Islands produce one
or two species, which, however, are not peculiar to them.
One species which grows plentifully in Java is to be found
in New Caledonia, and one species is said to be found grow-
ing on the Khasia Hills, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, and
marks the northern limit of the genus.
NEPENTHES, 259

Many absurd stories are in circulation, respecting the
uses of the curious ascidia, or pitchers, developed at the
extremities of the leaves of these plants. The most popular
amongst these, describes how the plants are endowed with
such extraordinary vitality as to enable them to grow in
arid sandy deserts, where nothing else in the shape of
vegetation exists; that they have the power of distilling
water, and filling their pitchers and closing the lid down
when the vessel is full; and that birds, animals of various
kinds, and even man is accustomed to resort to them to
quench: their thirst with the cool and pure water found
therein. This is, however, nothing but a pretty fancy—
the fact is they grow upon boggy swampy soils, and
cannot exist long in an arid atmosphere..

The Nepenthes are dicecious plants: that is, the flowers
are not perfect, and each sex is produced upon a separate
plant, so that, as frequently happens, either one sex only
may exist, even in large collections of these plants, or one
may only be in flower at the same time. To this must be
attributed the non-appearance of garden hybrids until
recently, for as the cultivation of these plants has greatly
increased of late years, more opportunities have occurred
for hybridising and cross-breeding.

Few people have had the pleasure of raising Nepenthes
from seed, on account of the seed being so short-lived, that
af not sent home immediately it is gathered, and sown at
once, its vitality is gone. This, in conjunction with the
fact that home-grown seed is very rare, causes it to fall
to the lot of but few to accomplish or to engage in this
task, but it is fraught with the greatest interest, and gives
rise to more hopes and fears than in the case of any other
¢lass of plants which we have attempted to raise from

seeds. The seeds of the Nepenthes appear to be about half
82
260 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

an inch in length, and filiform; this, however, is only the:
outer loose covering, the seed itself being very small, and
situated in the centre of this loose tunic, whose office, it
would appear, is to float the seed upon the marshy grounds.
until it germinates and becomes fixed in the earth.

The seed having been obtained, take a properly pre-
pared seed-pan, using for soil a finer mixture of that
recommended for the strong plants, filling it to within an
inch of the rim, upon which, after watering, sprinkle the
seeds ; they will not require any covering, but should be
enclosed in a bell-glass, or placed in a moist close frame,
with a bottom heat of 80° or 85°. In this temperature
they should begin to germinate in about a month, and the
very first leaf which is made after the seed leaves, is to all
appearance like a diminutive Sarracenia purpurea, or like
a small hollow mid-rib, with fringes or wings on each side.
They continue to make a quantity of these leaves, and
should, as soon as possible, be transplanted into small pots,
when in the course of a few months they develop their
normal forms. These plants may also be increased by
cuttings, and the well-ripened one-year-old wood we con-
sider the best for this purpose. The cuttings should be
inserted singly in small pots, and plunged into strong
bottom heat until rooted.

Nepenthes thrive admirably, and become very ornamental,
if placed in a moist atmosphere, and in a temperature of
about 70°, which should be maintained during summer, and
which may be allowed to increase by the influence of the
sun many more degrees. In winter 65° should be the
minimum, and, of course, less water must be given. The
soil best adapted for these plants is good brown fibrous
peat and sphagnum moss, about two parts of the former
to one of the latter. They are surface-rooting plants, and
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NEPENTHES CHELSONI.
NEPENTHES, 261

‘do not require much depth, consequently they thrive
admirably, and display their singular beauties to great
advantage when grown in baskets. Water must be sup-
plied bountifully in the summer, both from the watering-
can and the syringe, and even during winter the supply
must be larger than for the majority of stove plants.

N. ampullacea.—A. robust-growing species, with broad
-oblong leaves, upon the apex of which are situated its
somewhat ovate pitchers ; the terminal lid is very small ;
-colour a uniform light green. This plant frequently pro-
-duces a quantity of suckers from base of the stem, which
form quite a nest of pitchers near the ground, giving a
very peculiar and interesting appearance. It is a native
-of Borneo, Sumatra, and Malacca.

N. ampullacea picta.—In every respect resembles the
‘species, saving in the colour of the pitchers, which differ
in being light green, streaked and spotted with reddish
brown. Native of Borneo.

N. Chelsonit,—This is a garden hybrid, the result of a
-cross between N. Dominiana and N. Hookerit; its habit is
intermediate between the two. This species is well worthy
-of cultivation. Garden hybrid.

N. distillatoria.—As far as we are aware this species is
peculiar to the Island of Ceylon. The plant is of free
-growth, with bright light green leaves and pitchers, the
latter being some six or eight inches in length, It forms
:a fine specimen, and withstands a lower temperature than
-any other kind we know. Native of Ceylon.

N. distillatoria rubra.—This variety differs from the
preceding in having deep blood red pitchers, which render
it very distinct and ornamental. It originated in this
‘country, from a packet of seeds of N. distillatoria received
from Ceylon.
.

262 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

N. Dominiana.—This is said to be a garden hybrid, and
is very handsome and ornamental. It is of robust habit,.
producing stout, broad, oblong, dark green leaves; the
pitchers are several inches long, slightly spotted, and deep
green in colour.

N. gracilis.—A species which has been considered iden-
tical with N. levis, but however great the resemblance in
a dried state, the plants appear distinct when living. Un-
fortunately we have not been able to compare the living
flowers. The stem of the plant now under consideration.
is slender; the leaves are sessile, and broadly decurrent,
forming almost an uninterrupted wing between each leaf’;
it tapers to a point, and the pitchers are from three to four
inches in length, having two rows of ciliate hairs in front,.
and, together with the leaves, are of a deep shining green..
Native of Borneo.

N. gracilis major.—This is said to be a variety of the
preceding, but we cannot think it bears any relation to-
that plant; it is very handsome, and well deserves
general cultivation. The stem is somewhat slender ;
leaves broad (not decurrent), and dark green; the pitchers.
are much larger than in N, gracilis, contracted upwards.
somewhat a little above the centre, winged and furnished
with ciliate hairs in front; ground colour dark green,
streaked and blotched with reddish brown. Native of
Borneo.

N. hybrida.—lLeaves oblong, broad, and deep green. It.
produces pitchers abont eight inches in length, winged and
ciliated in front, dark green in colour. It is said to be of
garden origin.

N. hybrida maculata.—This is also said to be a garden.
variety. It resembles the preceding in general appearance,
but the pitchers, which are some ten inches long, are
‘

NEPENTHES. 263

profusely streaked with reddish purple upon a dark green
ground, A very handsome plant.

N. Hookeriana.—This is a magnificent species, with large
broad oblong leaves, which are thick and leathery in
texture, dark green on the upper side, paler below. The
pitchers in the young plants are broadest at the base,
measuring some four inches in length, and two inches in
diameter; the edge of the mouth is rolled inwards, and
ornamented with an annular disc; lid much smaller than
the mouth. The front is ornamented with broad wings,
which are ciliate at the edges. As the plants increase in
height and age, the pitchers assume a totally different

‘ shape, they become narrow at the base, and lose the broad
wings which ornament them in a young state ; the portion
of the mid-rib which supports them is attached to the base
of the pitcher, in front when young, but in the second
state it is completely reversed, and its attachment is
behind. What is the cause of this we cannot say, the
change is, however, not sudden. We have had plants with
pitchers of both forms upon them at the same time, and
also pitchers exactly intermediate, and these intermediate
ones always between the extreme forms. The pitchers
in both stages are dark green, profusely streaked and
blotched with dark red, rendering it very attractive and
interesting. Native of Sarawak.

N. intermedia.—A hybrid from N. Rafflesiana; the
pitchers are sofnewhat similar in shape with those of that
species, they are, however, much longer and less spotted.
Garden hybrid.

N, levis——A very elegant small-growing plant, very
much resembling the previously named N. gracilis... It
is, however, more robust in habit; its leaves are not
decurrent as in that species, but merely sessile, they are
264 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

not so long, and are more obtuse; the leaves are dark
green above, paler below; pitchers about three inches
long, and somewhat lighter coloured than the leaves.
Native of Borneo.

N. albo marginata.—This is a very dwarf-growing
species; leaves narrow, nine to twelve inches long,
pitchers light green below, reddish above, towards the
mouth of the pitcher there is a distinct white ring. This
makes a very pretty plant for a basket.

N. phyllamphora.—A species of free growth, and some-
- what robust habit, producing large broad oblong leaves, of
a bright apple green. The pitchers are of the same
colour, and measure from five to ten inches in length, not
winged, but furnished with a few hairs in front. It is
very handsome, and is the most abundant kind in cultiva-
tion. Native of the Labuan Mountains in Borneo, at
an elevation of 2,500 feet; it also occurs in Malacca,

Singapore, Java, and New Guinea.

N. Rafiesiana.—The present species somewhat resembles
N. Hookeriana in habit. The plant is very robust; the
leaves large, oblong, thick and leathery in texture, dark
-green on the upper surface, paler below. The pitchers
-are from six to twelve inches in length, the lid large,
margin of the mouth rolled inwards, and ornamented. with
an annular disc; the colour is dark green, beautifully
spotted and blotched with red. The pitchers are winged
-in front, when produced upon leaves near the base of the
stem or upon young laterals, but afterwards they undergo
the same changes as those of N. Hookeriana. It is found
‘on the mountain of Kina Balou, in Borneo, at 3,500 feet
elevation, and upon the mountain of Labuan; also in

Sumatra, Singapore, and Malacca,
N. rubra.—A very pretty species from Ceylon. It pro-
 

 

NEPEN THES RAFFLESIANA.

.

Borneo, &e.
NIDULARIUM, 265

duces pitchers of a bright red colour, and is of very free
growth. It is at present very rare in collections.

N. sanguinea.—This is an extremely rare plant in culti-
vation, and, as far as we are aware, it is far from common
in its native habitat, or at least it has rarely been found
‘by plant collectors. The leaves are dark green, but the
pitchers are it chief attraction, being from five to ten
inches in length, and of a deep blood red colour. Itisa
native of Java ?

N. Sedenit.—This is a garden hybrid, having been ob-
tained from seed in this country, N. distillatoria being one
of the parents, the habit of which this plant seems to bear.
It is a free-growing variety, and produces pitchers very
freely: these are medium sized, light green, profusely
blotched and freckled with brownish crimson. It is a very
desirable addition to this curious and interesting genus of
plants.

N. villosa,—This is a rare plant in cultivation, of robust
habit, producing broad somewhat spathulate leaves of a
dark ferrugineous green. The pitchers are from ten to.
twelve inches long, dull green, faintly blotched with red-
dish brown, winged in front, the wings deeply lacerated at
the edges. The' annular disc of the mouth is very broad,
and reddish pink in colour. Lid small, rusty green,
blotched with reddish brown. It is found growing in
swampy places on the mountain of Kina Balou, Borneo,
at 8,000 and 9,000 feet altitude.

NIDULARIUM.

A genus of short-stemmed plants, belonging to the
order Bromeliacee, and nearly allied to Billbergia. The
name is derived from “nidus,” a nest, from the circum-
stance of their flowers being produced low down in the
266 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

centre of the plant, surrounded by their coloured leafy
bracts, which are the chief attractions of the genus. Nidu-
lariwms are handsome spreading vase-like plants, remark-
ably easy to grow into good specimens; and as the rich
colouring of the inner leaves retain their brilliancy for
several months, they become valuable for decorative pur-
poses, more especially when this occurs, as it frequently
does, during winter. Pot these plants in a mixture of peat
and leaf mould, in equal parts, adding a little sand. They
require stove treatment to bring them to a flowering state,
but when in bloom, they may be used without injury for
the decoration of apartments. Increase is effected by
suckers and seeds.

N. Innocentii—A compact-growing plant, with large
lanceolate leaves, the margins prettily serrated, dark green
on the upper side, deep reddish purple beneath. The
flowers are produced in the nest-like crown, and are bright
orange red. Native of Brazil.

N. Laurentii.—This elegant plant has ligulate recurved,
leaves which become suddenly acuminate at the apex, light
green in colour, dotted with dark brown; the inner ones.
are white towards the base, contrasting beautifully with
the pale blue flowers. Native of South, America.

N. Scheremettefii.—The leaves of this species, like all the
genus, are arranged in a rosulate manner, ligulate and
spreading, dark rich green, the inner ones brilliant red.
Flowers blue. A very elegant plant. Native of South
America.

CENocaRPUSs.

A group of Palms entirely confined to South America,
and which seem to be very nearly related to the genus
Euterpe, from, which, however, they differ considerably in
ONCOSPERMA. 267

the arrangement and construction of their flowers. The
species of Gnocarpus have, when mature, straight and
lofty stems, with long, very much plaited, pinnate leaves,
and they have a peculiarly stiff flower spike, which springs
from beneath the leaves, and is encased in double woody
spathes, the inner one in the immature state entirely
covering it, but which eventually falls away. The flowers
are unisexual, but both sexes are produced on the same
spike. The fruits are oval, usually purplish black, and
one-seeded. They should be grown in peat and loam in
equal parts, and require stove temperature.

@. Bataua.—This is an elegant Palm, having a naked
stem, and pinnate dark green leaves, about fifteen inches
in length, which, however, are not produced in great
abundance, thus giving the crown of leaves a somewhat
thin appearance. It is a native of South America.

@. minor.—Stem attaining a height of about twenty
feet. The leaves are pinnate, from six to eight feet in
length, and handsomely arched; pinne dark green on the
upper side, clothed on the under with a short white to-
mentum. It is a pretty plant for the stove. Native of
woods on the Rio Negro, South America.

ONcOSPERMA.

The plants comprising this genus are nearly allied to
Acanthopheniz, and through this to Areca; they possess
several distinctions, however, of a botanical character, and
in addition make offshoots, thus forming tufts or dense
masses of shoots from the base, this habit itself proving
its distinctiveness from Acanthophaniz, which rises erect
upon a single stem. Oncosperma includes some very
elegant plants, which are admirably adapted for the deco-
ration of the stove and for public exhibition, and when
268 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

used as ornaments for the dinner-table are exceedingly
beautiful, but they are not sufficiently hardy to thrive well
-out of the atmosphere of the warm stove. They are found
in the islands of the Indian Archipelago, and under culti-
vation luxuriate in a copious supply of water, and may even
be stood in a tank of water with considerable advantage.
These plants should be potted in two parts peat, one part
loam, and one part river or silver sand. They may be
increased by seeds or by suckers.

O. fasciculata.—An exceedingly beautiful plant for stove
decoration. The leaves are pinnate, and dark green,
pinne long and somewhat pendent; the petioles are
sheathing, and clothed with slender black spines. Native
of Java, &e.

O. Van Houtteana.—This is a very elegant species,
sometimes to be found in collections under the names of
Areca nobilis and A. rubra vera, from which genus, how-
ever, it can readily be distinguished by its spiny petioles,
all true Arecas being totally unarmed. The petioles of
this plant are deep brick red, and profusely clothed with
long black spines. The leaves are pinnate, gracefully
arched, and the pendent pinnew are of a rich full green on
both surfaces. Native of Java, &.

OrREopOxA.

A noble genus of Palms, remarkable on account of their
much swollen stems. It includes some very graceful
plants, some of which are upwards of one hundred feet
in height. The leaves are long, pinnate, the petioles
broadly clasping the stem ; the flower spikes are enclosed
in double spathes, which are woody in texture, and the
flowers unisexual, clothed with little bracts at their base.
0. oleracea is the species called in the West Indies the
OREOPANAX, 269

Cabbage Palm, from the fact that a delicious vegetable
is afforded by the. compressed young leaves, but as this
can only be obtained at the cost of the plant’s life, the
return is very inadequate. Pot in loam with a little peat
and sand. They will form beautiful ornaments in the
sub-tropical garden, and also for the decoration of apart-
ments, but out-doors require to be sheltered from wind.
Increased by seeds.

O. oleracea.—Stem slender, swollen at the base, dark
green, freckled with blackish brown, but clothed for some
time with the persistent petioles, which are brown; leaves
pinnate, four to six feet in length, and beautifully arched ;
pinne one to two feet in length, and bright dark green. .
A most elegant plant. From the stem of this a farinaceous
substance is obtained resembling sago. Native of the
West Indies.

O. regia.—This is a slender-growing and graceful spe-
cies. The leaves are pinnate, from three to six feet in
length ; pinne six to twelve inches in length, and less than
one inch in breadth, the colour bright green on both sides.
Native of Cuba.

O. ventricosa.—As its name implies, the stem of this
species is very much swollen at the base, with a narrow
neck, and clothed with the broad pale brown persistent
sheaths. The leaves are pinnate, six feet or more long,
beautifully arched, the petioles glaucous, the pinne eighteen
to twenty-four inches in length, and one to one and a half
inches in width, and bright green. Like the preceding
species, this is wholly destitute of spines. Native of
South America.

OREOPANAX.

A genus of Araliacee, the species included in which are
270 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

by many authorities retained in Aralia. They are very
ornamental plants, forming splendid specimens for the
decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory; they are
also very effective in the open air during summer, when
sufficiently large. The species of Oreopanaz, like those of
Aralia, should be grown in sandy loam, to which may be
added some peat and leaf mould. They may be increased
by cuttings or eyes.

O. dactylifoliwm.—An elegant erect-growing plant, with
palmate leaves, usually having about seven lobes, which
are divided deeply down, and measure from six to eighteen
inches in diameter. The stem, petioles, and under side of
the leaf are clothed with a rusty tomentum ; the upper side
_ is smooth and deep green. It should be in every collection
of greenhouse plants. Native of Mexico.

O. plantanifolia.—This is another cool-house species, and
is a superb plant for general decorative purposes. The
leaves are from six to eighteen inches or even more in
diameter, having from five to seven lobes, dark green on
the upper side, paler below; the base of the petioles is
swollen, and clothed with a ferrugineous tomentum. Na-
tive of the mountains of Peru.

OUVIRANDRA.

This is a small genus belonging to the order Junca-
ginacece, It consists of aquatic plants, which grow beneath
and not upon the surface of the water, yet as it is for
the beanty and singularity of the foliage that the species
are grown, it would not be politic to ignore them in these
pages. The natives say the roots grow to a considerable
size, and are an article of considerable importance to them,
as at certain seasons they collect the roots, and use them
for food after their being cooked, hence it is called by
OUVIRANDRA. 271

them the Water Yam. How far this may be correct
we cannot assert, but plants which have attained a very
large size with us, have never increased much in the ‘size
of their roots. In their native country the Ouvirandras
grow near the margins of running streams, but we have
grown them in large inverted bell-glasses and tubs,
cleansing and agitating the water by running in daily,
with a rose-headed watering pot, some fresh water at the
proper temperature. They seem to luxuriate in a mixture
of loam and decayed vegetable matter, in about equal
parts, but as the water will make the soil too light for
the roots to cling to if left to itself, some large pieces of
stones or tiles must be laid upon the surface to keep it
firm. Various opinions have been expressed as to the
depth of water required, but we have always succeeded
best with it- when the floating leaves have been covered
by about two ‘inches of water. The depth at which the
crown is placed must be regulated by the size of the
plant; if it be a small plant, very little depth will be
required, but if (as we have had this plant) it be furnished
with from eighty to a hundred leaves, each measuring a
foot in the blade, and some three or four inches broad, a
equsiderable quantity of water will be necessary to cover
it, and the safest guide is to have the highest part covered
with some two or three inches of water. The temperature
of the water should be about 70° or 75° Fahrenheit, and
the plant may be grown to a considerable size in a large
inverted bell-glass or an aquarium. When raised to about
the level of the eye it is seen to the greatest advantage,
and as it enjoys full exposure to the light, such a position
has no injurious effect upon it. The plant enjoys frequent
mulchings with water, in which some fresh mould has
been stirred, and although this necessitates a thorough
272 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

cleaning of the leaves when the water again becomes settled
down, the trouble is amply repaid by the increased vigour
of the plant. It has been the practice of most people
who have grown this plant to use some white material
on the surface of the soil, so that the dark green lattice-
like leaves may be seen to the greatest advantage. This,
when one’is looking down upon the plant, shows off: the
leaves beautifully. Such materials as broken Derbyshire
spas, broken oyster shells, silver sand, white China plates,
white glazed tiles, and various other things have been
used for this purpose, but we consider them all bad,
there being something in the manner in which the light
acts upon these substances, which from experience we find
injurious to the plants; and if they are grown in aqua.
riums, and stood so as to come into the line of vision,
nothing of the sort will be necessary, while in no other
position do they display their beauties in an equal degree.
The only disease (if disease it may be called) to which
we have found the Owvirandras liable, is that they become
clothed with a green confervoid growth, which if neglected
speedily kills the leaves, and soon robs the whole plant
of its beauty, and ultimately of its life. This we have
found can be eradicated in a few days by tying a thick
cloth over the vessel in which the plant is growing, so
as to envelope it in perfect darkness. When uncovered
the soil should be renewed, and if any dead leaves are
upon the plant, they should be carefully removed.

O. Bernieriana.—This species resembles O. fenestralis
in general structure, the leaves, however, being much nar-
rower and longer, and the nerves much closer, so that it
does not present such a striking net-like appearance. The
flower stem in this species is divided into four spikes at
the apex, and the flowers are of a pale rose colour. The
PANAX, 273

stems are much inflated about the middle, which is pro-:
bably a provision of nature to uphold them, for as this
plant is more erect in its growth than the preceding,
it will probably grow naturally in deeper water, although:
the two species are sometimes found intermixed in a:
state of nature. It, like O. fenestralis, is a native of
Madagascar.

O. fenestralis—This is popularly known as the Lace-leaf,
or the Lattice-leaf, and is one of the most singular plants
in existence. The leaves are from six to eighteen inches
in length, and from two to four inches in breadth, oblong, '
with an obtuse apex, and spreading out horizontally be-
neath the surface of the water. They are of a dark green
colour, and consist of a strong mid-rib, and what would
be called the primary nerves of an ordinary leaf, and thus»
present the appearance of a beautiful piece of network,
or of a skeletonised leaf—indeed, it is a veritable living '
skeleton. The flowers are inconspicuous; they rise from
between the leaves upon a scape, which at the apex be-
comes forked, or split into two spikes, upon which the
greenish white flowers are situated. If these are fertilised °
and the seeds allowed to fall into the water, they find
their way to the soil and germinate freely in a short time.
This most extraordinary production of nature is a native
of Madagascar.

Pawnax,

P. eacelsa.—Under this name a plant has been for some
time an inhabitant of our gardens, but if correctly so '
called we are unable to say. It is a very graceful and
ornamental plant, with arching compound leaves; the
divisions of the leaves are deeply lobed, and armed at the
margins with soft white spidy teeth, which stand erect, |

T
274 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

and present a curious appearance; leaves dark shining
green on the upper side, paler below. A splendid plant
for table decoration. It requires stove heat, and should be
grown in a mixture of two parts peat and one part loam,
and liberally supplied with water.

PanDANvs.

The plants comprising this genus are familiarly known
as Screw Pines, from the very peculiar spiral arrangement
of their leaves. They usually inhabit the muddy banks
of rivers and marshy places, and are found principally
in the Indian and African Islands, some few extending to
Australia, but as far as we are aware none have hitherto
been found in the Western Hemisphere. In a state of
nature Pandanads grow to a great size, reaching twenty
or thirty feet in height, and becoming much branched ;
in this form they present a peculiar appearance, from the
stem being elevated above the soil upon a cone of roots,
which adventitious roots are produced at intervals from
the stem, and are protected at the points by a covering
of thick scales, until they reach the ground. These plants
form conspicuous objects in a stove, especially in positions
from which they have not to be often removed, for then
their long leaves do not get broken; another great ob-
jection to moving Pandanus, when they get large, is that
their very spiny leaves commit such havoc amongst the
leaves of neighbouring plants. In a young state many
of the species of Pandanus are admirably adapted for
window plants and for table decoration, The soil for their
successful cultivation is sandy loam, and the drainage
should be good, as they enjoy a copious supply of water.
They are increased by cuttings, suckers, and seeds.
PANDANUS. 275

P. candelabrum.—This plant, we are told by travellers
‘in Western Africa, forms a magnificent branching tree
attaining a height of thirty feet or even more, and
sending down large roots, which look like stems, and
secure them in their positions, which—from the increasing
spread of the branches, and the force of the streams
near or in which they grow—would, without these sup-
ports, be much endangered. The leaves are three feet
in length, and about two inches in breadth, dark green,
and armed at the edges with brown spines. This plant
is frequently sent home from the West Indian Islands,
and thought to be indigenous there, but as far as we
are aware it is only found in a wild state in Western
Africa.

P. elegantissimus,—An elegant plant, and one that is
admirably adapted for table decoration or public exhibition.
The leaves are ascending, from two to three feet in length,
glaucous at the base, dark green on the upper side, paler
below, and armed at the margins and back of the mid-rib
with deep red spines. In general appearance this plant
resembles P. utilis, but is better adapted for those with
limited accommodation, as it is less robust in habit. Native
of the Mauritius.

P. javanicus variegatus.—Leaves narrow, from three to
six or more feet Iong, slightly pendulous, armed with
white spines on the edges, and reversed ones at the back
of the mid-rib. The ground colour is bright green, upon
which are bands of pure white, extending from base to
apex. A plant of great beauty, and the fact of its being
so extensively cultivated proves its great popularity.
Native of Java, &c.

P. ornatus.—A noble-growing species, attaining a height
of several feet in its native country. The leaves are

TQ
276 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

broad, ascending, from three to six feet or even more im
length, of a dark shining green above, lighter or some--
what glaucous beneath, armed at the margins and the
back of the mid-rib with short white spines. It is a very
handsome and ornamental plant. Native of the Philip-
pines.

P. refleews,—This is one of the handsomest of the whole-
genus. The leaves are pendulous or bent back, from
four to six feet long, dark shining green, armed with long
white spines on the edges, and reversed ones on the under
side of the mid-rib. Native of the East Indies.

P. utilis—Leaves broad, from three to six or eight feet
in length, tapering to a long point, glaucous green, saving” ’
at the margins, where they are dark red, and, as well as
the back of the mid-rib, armed with dark red spines; the
base of the leaves is also a dark red. Ina young state the
leaves are slightly pendulous, and then they are invaluable
as window plants, and for dinner-table decoration. Native
of Bourbon.

P. Vandermeerschii—A very handsome and graceful
plant. The leaves are narrow, ascending in a young state,
ultimately becoming pendulous, dark green, glaucous at
the base, the margins and back of the mid-rib armed with '
long dark crimson spines. Native of and peculiar to.
Round Island, a dependency of the Mauritius.

P. Veitchii.—This very beautiful plant is of recent intro-
duction. The leaves are broad, somewhat pendulous, spiny
as in the other species, of a dark shining green in the
centre, and bordered with broad bands of pure white. It
is a native of the South Sea Islands, and was one of the
introductions of the late Mr. John Gould Veitch, whose
early loss is much to be regretted.
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PAULLINIA, 277

Papyrus.

A genus of Cyperacew, introduced here upon account of
its graceful panicles of drooping feathery heads of foliage
and inflorescence. It is the Egyptian Papyrus or Paper
Plant, the pith of P. antiquorum having yielded the ma-
terial for the greatest portion of the paper used by the
ancients, The plant is usually considered an aquatic, but
it may be grown in the stove if kept constantly standing
in a pan of water, and it also makes a splendid group in
‘the sub-tropical garden, ptoducing an effect which is
yielded by no other plant. Increased by seeds and by
division of the rhizome.

P. antiquorum.—This is a tall-growing plant, with dark
green, angular, jointless stems, supporting at the top an
uumbel of pendent leaves, which give it a graceful and
striking appearance in the stove. It can be made to form
a splendid object in the sub-tropical garden, if it is kept
somewhat cool during winter, and gradually inured to cold
dreatment in spring. Native of Egypt.

PAavLiinia.

A genus of Sapindaceew, which have not found much
favour in general with plant growers; the species intro-
duced into these pages, however, is perhaps one of the
most elegant and strikingly beautiful plants of recent
introduction. It is a plant of tolerably free growth, and
enjoys a humid atmosphere.

P. Thalictrifolia.—This very beautiful plant should be
grown by every one possessing a stove; it is of scandent
habit, and may be either trained upon a trellis or, if
pinched back frequently, may be kept in the bush form,
but in its natural character as a climber it is most beau-
278 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

tiful. It grows freely, and produces much divided dark
green leaves of a bright green, these very much resemble:
fronds of a Maiden-hair Fern; so finely are they divided
and so elegant are they in general outline. The leaves
last a considerable time when cut, and may be used with
the best effect for all purposes of decoration. Native of"
Brazil.

PAveErta.

A genus nearly allied to Ivora, and containing several
species, one only, as far as we are aware, being worthy of
cultivation for the beauty of its foliage. The soil best
adapted for its growth is loam and: peat, in equal parts,
with plenty of sand. It should be well drained, and
liberally supplied with water. It delights in strong heat,.
and almost full exposure to the sun, for if much shaded
the markings of the leaves—which constitute its chief
beauty—are not so bright and well defined. To increase-
‘it, insert cuttings in strong heat in spring.

P. borbonica.—This beautiful plant deserves a place in
every collection, as it will stand exposure well; it is a
splendid object for the decoration of the corridor, or as a
window plant in summer time. It frequently grows erect,
with but a single stem, and in this state, when small, it is
very ornamental for decorating the dinner table, but if a
bushy plant is required, it must be stopped occasionally to-
induce lateral growths. The leaves are opposite, oblong-
lanceolate, from six to ten inches long. The ground colour:
is dark olive green, upon which are white spots thickly
studded over the whole surface, and these are shaded with
a very light green, whilst the mid-rib is bright salmon red ;.
these colours are rendered more intense by full exposure to-
the sun’s light. Native of the Isle of Bourbon.
PEPEROMIA. 279

PEPEROMIA.

A genus which until lately has been very much neglected.
Since, however, public taste has so much improved, and
the beautiful markings of leaves, as well as flowers, can
make an impression upon our better feelings, many plants
have been introduced to our gardens, and highly appre-
ciated there, which a few years ago would have found no
abiding place. Amongst such are several species of the
family now under consideration. The interest attached to
this order (Piperacee) in am economic and commercial
point of view is very great, but that we shall pass over,
and devote our remarks to it in a horticultural point of
view only. The species and varieties of Peperomia here
given are easily grown, and they are elegant plants, which
may be brought from the stove and placed in vases, for
the temporary decoration of the sitting-room, as their
stout succulent leaves enable them to successfully with-
stand the change from a moist toa dry atmosphere. They
should be grown in good fibrous peat and loam, adding
some silver sand, and must be kept in rather small pots,
giving a liberal supply of water during summer, but less
in winter, though they must not be kept quite dry at any
season. They are increased by cuttings, and by seed
when it can be obtained; from the latter fresh forms of
variegation may be looked for, and this is a point well
deserving the attention of the amateur cultivator.

P. arifolia argyrea.—Another very handsome plant, and
one which, on account of its compact habit, can be grown
in the most limited collection, as it seldom exceeds eight
or ten inches in height. The footstalks, which are deep
red, support its handsome obicular or ovate leaves, which,
when well grown, measure about five inches in length;
280 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

they are thick and fleshy in texture, the colour along the
veins is bright green, the interstices being a metallic
white. A perfect little gem for any situation where a
small] plant can be used. Native of Brazil.

P. maculosa.—This species is well adapted for the adorn-
‘ment of the sitting-room, on account of the great substance
of its leaves, which are very fleshy, ovate-lanceolate in
‘shape, and of a bright shining green colour, the footstalks
being beautifully spotted with purple. Native of the West
‘Indies.

P. marmorata.—This little gem is one of the introduc-
tions of the Horticultural Society, and merits a place in
every stove. It is very dwarf and compact in habit. The

cleaves are thick and fleshy in texture, somewhat ovate,
tapering to a point, the ground colour a rich bright green,
beautifully variegated with white. It is admirably adapted
‘for the decoration of the dinner-table or sitting-room.
-This plant was for some time grown under the name of
P. arifolia, which belongs to a different species. Native of
‘Brazil.

PERISTROPHE.

A small genus of Acanthads, nearly allied to Justicia.
The only kind introduced here is admirably adapted for a
‘basket plant, either in the stove or greenhouse, and during
‘summer it forms a beautiful contrast in the sub-tropical
garden with such plants as Alternantheras, Iresine, &e.
‘Succeeds in a mixture of peat, loam, and leaf mould, and is
increased by cuttings.

P. angustifolia aureo variegata.—An elegant little dense
‘spreading plant, seldom exceeding six or nine inches in
height, although it extends laterally to a considerable
-extent, The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape, bright
PHILODENDRON. 281

orange in the centre, margined with dark green. It is
a perfect little gem, and should be extensively cultivated.
Native of the Java Mountains.

PHILODENDRON,

An exceedingly handsome genus of Aracew, which mostly
scramble over the forest trees in tropical countries ; many
species are fine ornaments to our stoves, and some few will
thrive in a greenhouse, whilst others, upon account of their
coriaceous leaves, form splendid objects in the sub-tropical
garden during summer. They should be grown in a com-
post consisting of peat and loam in equal parts, adding
a little sand, and during summer liberally supplied with
water. Increase is effected by seeds and by division of the
roots.

P. cannefolium,—This is a dense compact-growing plant
of considerable beauty, though scarcely to be specially
recommended for a collection containing but few species,
as there are so many of this order well deserving culti-
vation. The footstalks are very stout, and look as though
inflated, and are about twelve inches in length. The
leaves are about the same length, ovate-lanceolate, and of
a deep shining green colour. It is a very distinct plant,
and one which would be of great beauty in the sub-tropical
garden, if it is sufficiently hardy to stand exposure. Native
of Brazil.

P. erubescens.—This fine species is very useful for cover-
ang pillars, or a back wallin the stove. The leaves are
borne upon short footstalks; they are heart-shaped and
from six to twelve inches in length, bronzy red in a young
state, changing with age to a deep shining green; the
terminal point is enclosed in a large sheathing bract of a
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‘284 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

sheathing, and densely armed with formidable black spines
between three and four inches in length; the blade is
‘perfectly unarmed, deep green, spotted with dull orange.
It is known in some continental gardens by the name
of Astrocaryum aureo pictum. Native of the Seychelles
‘Islands.

PHeENIX.

This genus of Palms is very interesting and extremely
useful, P. dactylifera being the plant from whence the
Dates of our shops are obtained, and though used but to
‘a small extent by us, these form an all-important crop to
ithe tribes who cultivate the Date Palm. The plants com-
prising this genus vary much in habit, for whilst some are
almost destitute of stem, others attain considerable height,
their crown of long pinnate leaves being supported upon
stout trunks. The flower spikes are produced from
amongst the leaves, and not below them, male and female
flowers being produced on separate plants. The fruits are
ovate, fleshy, and one-seeded. The seeds of Phanix can be
easily distinguished from all other Palms, by the deep
groove extending down the back. To grow these plants
quickly, use loam and peat in equal parts for potting them
in, and give an abundance of heat and moisture, but if the
plants have attained to a size sufficiently large for the
accommodation at command, pot them in loam and sand,
and keep them in a greenhouse. Nearly all the species
are well adapted for the decoration of apartments, or for
the sub-tropical garden in summer, and in the young state
they form elegant objects upon the dinner table. Seeds
afford the best and readiest means of increasing them,
but suckers are also frequently to be obtained before the
base of the stem is formed.
PHOENIX. 285-

P. acaulis—Stem very low or entirely wanting ; leaves
one to three feet or more long, pinnate, spreading ; the
pinne narrow, and swollen at the base, dark green, the
lower ones being reduced to broad flat spines. An orna-
mental species, suitable for any decorative purposes, and,
being a small-growing plant, it is valuable to those cul-
tivators with limited accommodation. Native of Sikkim.

P. dactylifera.—This, the Date Palm, is an erect hand-
some plant, with long pinnate dark green leaves; the
pinne are linear lanceolate, and stand out quite straight.
It is a superb plant for the decoration of apartments when
young, and for the sub-tropical garden when large. It
succeeds either in the greenhouse or stove. Native of
Northern Africa and Tropical Asia.

P. farinifera.—This is an elegant and compact-growing
species. The leaves are pinnate, three to four feet in
length ; pinnse ovate-acuminate, about six inches in length,
and ending in a sharp spine, the lower ones reduced to
spines; whole plant glaucous. It is well adapted for
greenhouse decoration, and also for the sub-tropical garden
during summer. Native of Hast Indies.

P. reclinata.—A. very fine large-growing species. The
stem becomes stout with age; leaves pinnate; pinnm
linear, somewhat triangular and spreading. It is a fine.
greenhouse Palm, and stands uninjured in the sub-tropical
garden during summer. Native of South Africa.

P. rupicola.—The most beautiful species of the whole-
genus ; it produces long pendent pinnate leaves, the pinne-
of which are long and beautifully arched, and about six
inches in length. At present this species is extremely rare-
in collections.

P. sylvestris.—This is sometimes called the Wild Date.
Iti resembles P. dactylifera somewhat, but is more lax in
286 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

its growth ; the leaves are more spreading, and the pinnx
are longer and not so wide. It is one of the hardiest
Palms, suitable for greenhouse decoration, and is invaluable
for out-door decoration in summer. This is a common
plant throughout the East Indies.

P. tenuis—This is the most elegant species as a young
plant, and it is of too recent introduction to our gardens
to speak of it in any other way. Resembling P. dactylifera
in general appearance, it is, however, more slender and
finer in all its parts; it will prove a valuable addition
for the decoration of apartments and the dinner table,
as well as for the beautifying of the plant stove. Native
of the East Indies.

PHORMIUM.

A genus of highly ornamental plants, belonging to the
natural order Liliacee. The species longest known, and
upon which the genus was founded—P. tenaxz, commonly
called New Zealand Flax—produces a most excellent fibre,
and it is a matter of regret that the cultivation of this
plant has not been largely carried on, as the plant is of
easy quick growth, and the fibre it yields possesses every
good quality. But leaving their economic qualities, we
turn to their points of interest to the horticulturist, as
‘it is in this light, we doubt not, that most of our readers
will view them; and as decorative plants they certainly
take first rank. P. tenaz is almost hardy; indeed, in
Ireland we have frequently seen magnificent masses of this
‘species, which have stood quite unscathed the rigours of an
Trish winter. Whether the variegated kinds will prove
equally hardy we cannot say, but we do not think it prob-
able; still they will always be most valuable for the deco.
ration of the greenhouse and conservatory, for halls and
PHYLLOGATHIS. 287

sitting rooms, for window ornamentation, and to lend an
additional charm to the sub-tropical garden. They should
be potted in good rich loam, with the addition of a very
small portion of peat and some river sand. To increase
them, divide the plants in spring, and keep a little close
until fresh roots appear.

P. Colensoi variegata.—This very elegant species pro-
duces long narrow lanceolate coriaceous dark green leaves,
which are margined with a beautiful white border. It is
very graceful in habit, and is worthy a place in every col-
lection of greenhouse plants. Native of New Zealand.

P. tenaz.—Leaves from four to upwards of six feet in
length, rigid, erect, and dark green, with a narrow reddish
brown margin. It isa noble-growing species, well adapted
for the decoration of the greenhouse and the sub-tropical
garden. Native of New Zealand.

P. tenax atropurpureum.—A beautiful form of this now
familiar plant, it differs in no respect from the normal state
of the plant saving in the colour of its leaves, which are
wholly of a beautiful purple, suffused with a reddish tinge.
Native of New Zealand.

P. tenax variegatum.—This plant forms one of the most
attractive objects in a conservatory or greenhouse. It is
equally as’ robust as the preceding. Leaves dark green,
broadly striped with rich yellow and white. Native of
New Zealand.

PHYLLOGATHIS.

A genus of Melastomace, which, as far as we are aware,
has but one species to represent it in cultivation, and that
being a native of Sumatra, and probably several other
islands of the Malayan Archipelago, requires a very moist
and warm atmosphere. It requires to be potted in rough
288 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

peat and sand, to which may be added a little leaf mould.
It is increased by leaf-cuttings, and should be grown in’
a close frame in the stove, or under a hand-glass until it
is well established. ‘

P. rotundifolia —A handsome plant, with a square stout
stem, seldom rising more than a foot in height. The
leaves are opposite and sub-rotund, from six to nine inches
long, and from four to six wide, the upper surface plaited |
and shining, of a rich deep metallic green, slightly tinged
with red, the under side dark red, with very prominent
ribs. The flowers are borne in a terminal head, and are
dark purple, but are of no interest in an ornamental point
of view. It should be grown in all choice collections of
ornamental-leaved stove plants. Native of Sumatra.

PHYLLOTENIUM.

This is anew and remarkable genus, belonging to the
family of Aroids. The species here described will succeed -
well in a compost of loam and sand with a little leaf soil:
added. It requires a temperature of about 70°.

P. Lindeniii—A magnificent and at the same time the
only species at present. known. The leaves are large
measuring from nine inches in length, and six inches in
breadth, they are broadly sagittate, with large lobes or
ears, the ground colour is light shining green, the mid-rib-
is silvery white, as also are the branching mid-ribs of the
lobes, the secondary veins are also striped with the same
metallic lustre. The petioles are round, curiously striped
with black, and usually from one to two feet in height,
It is equally effective as an ornament to the stove, or the
exhibition table, and should find a place in every collection
where ornamental-leaved plants are grown. Native of the
forests of New Grenada,
PHYTELEPHAS. 289

PHYTELEPHAS,

In general appearance these plants resemble the Palms,
with which they are now classed, although they were
formerly considered to be distinct from that order. The
species here given is commonly known as the Ivory-nut
Palm, and it is from the fruits of this plant that the vege-
table ivory toys, and various other articles now so common.
in our shops, are made, and as these are so exceedingly
cheap, vast numbers must be annually imported. The sub-
stance yielded by the fruits of P. macrocarpa is whiter than
animal ivory, and becomes quite as hard, and it has become
an article of great importance to the turner and carver for
‘the construction of small ornaments. This plant is said
to grow in vast groves, excluding almost every other tree,
and even low herbs are said not to grow beneath its shade.
It appears never to attain any great height, but forms a
creeping decumbent stem; nevertheless it forms a beau-
tiful ornament to our stoves, and in favourable summers
we have seen this plant thriving beautifully in the open
air, where it presents a grand appearance. The soil best
adapted for it is one half rich loam, the remaining portion
peat and river sand, in equal parts. It enjoys a liberal
supply of water, and therefore must be drained well; so
that none may become stagnant about it.

P. macrocarpa.—The large-fruited Ivory-nut plant. In
its native country this plant is said to trail along the
ground for some ten or twenty feet, seldom rising above
six feet from the ground. Under cultivation it is many
years before it commences to trail, but it forms a beautiful
and graceful plant, with large, erect, and beautifully arched,
pinnate, rich dark green fronds; the pinne are very long,
and altogether it is a magnificent and highly ornamental

U
290 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

object, independent of the interest attached to it as an
economic plant. It is found in damp confined valleys, on
river banks, &c., on the South American continent, from
the coast region up to nearly 3,000 feet elevation.

PINANGA.

A small genus of low-growing slender-stemmed Palms,
usually regarded as a section or sub-genus of Seaforthia.
The flower spikes are mostly simple; the flowers are
usually disposed in straight lines, and the albumen of the
seed is beautifully netted with dark lines. They are
elegant-growing plants, admirably adapted in the young
state for table decoration, but require to be grown in stove
temperature, and treated to an abundant supply of water—
indeed, they may be stood in pans of water, or a tank if
convenient, with great advantage. Pot in a compost of
one part loam, two parts peat, and a little sand, Increased
by seeds.

P. maculata.—This beautiful and rare species forms a
slender smooth stem; it has pinnate leaves, the pinne of
which are broad, sessile, and pendent; they are bright
green, blotched and spotted on the upper side with dark
olive green, which gives them a unique and pleasing
appearance. Native of the Philippine Islands.

P. Smithii.—A most beautiful species, which will pro-
bably prove to be well adapted for the decoration of the
greenhouse. The plant is quite smooth; stem slender;
leaves pinnate, four to six feet in length, or even more;
pinne: twelve to eighteen inches in length, and from one to
one and a half inches in breadth, tapering to a fine point,
bright light green above, silvery grey beneath. Native of
Queensland.
PRITCHARDIA. 291

PLEcrocowa.

A genus of Indian Palms, which, although ascending
in habit, like the Calami, produce much stouter stems.
The leaves are pinnate, and furnished at the extremities
with long whip-like tails, which are armed upon the under
side with large, stout, and very strong compound claw-like
spines, resembling a hand, or more nearly perhaps the foot
of the mole (Talpa ewropea). The flowers are, borne upon
long branches, which are produced from the axils of the
leaves ; the spathes are in two rows, and overlapping, and
each encloses its own spike of bloom; the sexes are pro-
duced separately and upon distinct plants. The fruits are
round, clothed with rough overlapping scales, and are
one-seeded. Plectocomias are very handsome as young
plants, and are well deserving general cultivation. They
are easily grown, and as they frequently produce suckers,
@ succession of young plants can be maintained to replace
the older ones when too large. They should be potted in
rich loam and peat, in about equal parts.

P. assamica.—An elegant robust-growing plant, with
gracefully arched leaves, which in a young state are broad
and deeply bifid, but ultimately become pinnate; the upper
side is deep green, and the under side a beautiful powdery
white. Native of Assam.

P. elongata.—This is a species of great beauty. In a
young state the leaves are broad, deeply bifid, and dark
green, these eventually become pinnate; the petioles
are clothed with long sharp spines. Native of the East.
Indies.

PRITCHARDIA,

A small genus of Palms, with flabellate plaited leaves and
u2
292 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

unarmed stems. They are splendid ornaments to the stove,
but will in all probability be too tender for conservatory
or greenhouse decoration. These plants should be grown
in two parts peat and one part loam and sand, and liberally
supplied with water. They are increased by seeds only.

P. Martii.—This is a species of recent introduction, and.
one which bids fair to form a handsome stove specimen,
but it will undoubtedly always require stove temperature.
The leaves are flabelliform, plaited, and dark green, sup-
ported upon smooth unarmed petioles, which are enclosed.
at the base in a few rough brown fibres. The seeds of this.
species are small, and it is totally distinct from P.-pacifica,.
although many cultivators have treated them as the same
species. Native of the South Sea Islands.

P. pacifica.—A species which will probably prove of.
more robust growth than the preceding. The petioles are
clothed with a white scaly tomentum, flat above, rounded.
below, enclosed at the base in a few coarse brown fibres,
‘and totally unarmed. The leaves are large, flabellate,
plaited, and of a rich dark green. This is a most superb.
plant for stove decoration : its seeds are much larger than
those of P. Martii. Native of the Pacific Islands.

PrycHOSsPERMA.

The members of this exceedingly handsome genus of
Palms, which is closely allied to Seaforthia, have all some-
what slender stems, varying from ten to eighty feet in
height. They are all smooth, and quite unarmed. The
leaves are pinnate. The flower spikes are produced from
below the leaves, enclosed in spathes, which, when at.
their full size, sometimes burst with a considerable report ;
the flowers unisexual, but produced upon the same spike,
the upper branches bearing male flowers only, in pairs,,
PUYA, 293

while on the lower branches a female flower is seated
between the two males. Fruit small, one-seeded. The
soil best adapted for their cultivation is a compost com-
posed of loam, peat, and sand, in about equal parts; drain
the pots well, and give an abundant supply of water.

P, Alexandra.—This is an extremely elegant somewhat
slender-stemmed species. The whole plant is smooth ; the
leaves pinnate, and beautifully arched, light green when
mature ; but in a young state quite red. At present this is
rare in cultivation, but it will become a very popular plant
on account of its being so eminently adapted for dinner-
table and drawing-room decoration ; it also forms a beauti-
ful ornament in the greenhouse. Native of Australia, and
probably Lord Howe’s Island also.

P. Cunninghamii, see Seaforthia elegans.

P. rupicola.—This is a very handsome plant, and forms
a beautiful object on the dinner-table, or in a jardinette,
-as well as in the stove. The petioles are unarmed and
sheathing ; leaves pinnate, or divided into broad segments,
which are some twelve inches in length, and four in
breadth; leaf stalks and leaves deep crimson when young,
changing with age to dark green. Native of Ceylon.

Pura

A genus of Bromeliads, containing many coarse-growing
plants which are not admissible, in select groups of orna-
mental-foliage. The species introduced here, however,
is very handsome, although somewhat large. It should be
potted in sandy loam and peat, and kept in the green.
house ; increase is effected by suckers, and by seeds when
obtainable.

P. coarctata,—A very ornamental vase-like plant. Leaves
294 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

from three to four feet long, broad at the base, tapering up
to the point, recurved and armed at the edges with opposite,
somewhat distant, recurved spines, and clothed on the upper
side with a grey tomentum, and silvery white below.
Native of Chili.

Rapa.

A genus of scaly-fruited pinnate-leaved Palms, which
form handsome plants in their natural habitats, but which
are extremely difficult to cultivate, as they require to have
their roots always in water. Pot in a mixture of two
parts peat, one part loam, and one part leaf mould and
sand. They are increased by seeds, which require strong
bottom heat to induce them to germinate.

RK. Hookerii— This plant is very rare in cultivation, and
exists in our collections in a young state only. The leaves
are pinnate, and of a dark green colour; the petioles are
clothed with coarse dark brown fibres; and the whole
plant is destitute of spines. Native of Western Tropical
Africa.

R. Rufia.—Leaves from two to six or more feet in
length, pinnate ; pinne about twelve inches long, and of a
bright dark green ; the petioles are unarmed, dark green,
except at the base, where they are brown, and fringed at
the edges with coarse fibres. Native of Madagascar and
various African Islands,

Ri. teedigera.—A superb. plant, the stem of which rarely
exceeds eight or ten feet in height, whilst its pinnate
leaves often reach the extraordinary dimensions of forty
and fifty feet in length, presenting a magnificent plume-
like crown. It isa very handsome plant in a young state,
but is rare in cultivation. Native of Tropical America.
RHAPIS, 295

Raaris.

A genus of slender-growing Palms, with fan-shaped
leaves, admirably adapted for the decoration of the green-
house, the dinner-table or drawing-room, or for the sub-
tropical garden during the summer months. They are
very ornamental plants, and withstand unharmed a consider-
able amount of rough treatment. For soil use loam and
peat in equal parts, adding a little sand. They produce
suckers freely, and may be increased by this means, and
also by seeds when they are obtainable. As far as we
know, the genus has neither flowered nor fruited in this
country.

R. flabelliformis—This elegant slender-growing plant,
which forms a beautiful object for the dinner-table, for the
centre of a jardinette, or for the decoration of apartments
generally, is equally at home in the stove or greenhouse.
The stems are slender; the leaves flabellate, upon short
footstalks, and of a dark green colour; the petioles are
slender, sheathing at base, and firmly enclosed in a tissue
of brown fibres. The leaves are very persistent, so that a
plant with a stem of six feet may be frequently seen with
perfect leaves down to the very bottom. Walking-canes
are made from the stems, and imported under the name of
Ground Rattans. Native of China and Japan.

R, flabelliformis variegata.—A beautiful variety of the
preceding, with broad longitudinal bands of white and
yellow, which give the leaves a strikingly handsome
character. It is, however, somewhat rare in cultivation.
Native of Japan.

R. humilis—The present species is grown in some
collections under the name of R, Sierotzik. It resembles
R. flabelliformis in general habit, but the leaves are larger,
296 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and the segments arc more pendent, rendering it a beau-
tifal object for dinner-table decoration, or for the adorn-
ment of apartments, &c. Native of Japan.

RHopata.

This very ornamental family of plants is met with in
South America, a country in which very few of the Pro-
teacee occur. The order contains many plants remarkable
for the beauty of their flowers, as well as those whose
chief ornament consists in their leaves, but it is not im-
portant in either a medicinal or economic point of view.
The Rhopalas (sometimes written Ropala) are, however,
very ornamental plants, and may easily be grown into
good specimens, They should be potted in a soil com-
posed of about equal parts of loam and peat, to which must
be added a small portion of sand. During the growing
season they require a good supply of heat and a moist
atmosphere in order to develope their leaves properly, but
when growth is completed a drier and cooler house suits
them admirably, so that although stove heat is necessary
when their shoots are immature, they afterwards form
splendid objects for the decoration of the greenhouse or
conservatory. These plants are increased by cuttings, but
they are somewhat difficult to strike; ripe lateral shoots
form the best cuttings, and these should be inserted in
sand, and not kept very warm; they must not, however,
be allowed to remain in a damp state. The old stems cut
up into single eyes also produce young plants, but they
are not easily rooted. If seeds can be procured in a fresh.
state they will germinate pretty freely, and produce plants
of better form than those obtained from cuttings or eyes.

R, awrea.—A very fine-growing plant, with large,
oblong, somewhat oblique leaves, with serrated edges, dark
RICINUS. 297

green above, paler below ; it is distinguished by the young
growth being clothed with a golden yellow tomentum.
Native of Brazil.

R. corcovadense.—This is a fine plant, and one that
forms a beautiful ornament in the greenhouse. The leaves
‘are from one to three feet in length; pinnate pinne, six
to eight inches in length, oblong-acuminate, with an
oblique base, and deeply serrated edges, they are dark
shining green on the upper side, paler below; the young
growth is clothed with a rich brown tomentum, which falls
off with age. Native of Brazil.

2. Jonghei.—A noble plant, similar in general character
to the previous species; the leaves, however, are longer,
and the pinne much broader, and the whole plant is of a
much paler green. It forms a beautiful ornament to the
stove. Native of Brazil.

R. Skinneriit.—This is a very much smaller plant in
every respect than any of the species we have enumerated.
‘The leaves are slender, and the pinne very narrow,
attenuated at the base, tapering to a point and serrated at
the edges, dark green above, paler below; when well
grown it is an elegant plant for table decoration. Native
‘of Guatemala.

Ricinus.

This genus of Huphorbiacee contains the plant popularly
-known as Palma Christi (2. communis), from the seeds
-of which is obtained the medicine known as Castor Oil.
Ricinus will thrive in any rich soil, and as the plants are
‘magnificent objects in the sub-tropical garden, they cannot
‘be encouraged too much. There are numerous varieties of
_R. communis, differing in size and in their leaf tints, but
sthey are not of sufficient difference to be described indi-
298 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

vidoally, The seeds are readily obtainable at the seed
shops, and should be sown in heat about February, and
the young plants potted and grown on as stocky as.
possible, previous to being fully hardened off for planting
out in the early part of June.

ER. communis.—This very ornamental plant and _ its
varieties attain a height of from four to six feet. The
stems are branching and glaucous, the leaves large,
palmate, and serrate at the edges of the lobes, and alto-
gether of a noble character. The varieties differ chiefly
in the tint of the stalks and leaves, some being reddish,,
some greyish, from the strong glaucous bloom on the
surface, and some glossy green. Those known as sanguinea,.
borbonica, and viridis are among the best for decorative
purposes. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

Sapau.

A genus of magnificent fan-leaved Palms, belonging to-
the section Coryphew. They are distinguished by their:
irregularly branched flower spikes, which are produced
from amongst leaves; the flowers are all perfect, and the
fruits are one-seeded. Many of them grow to an immense-
size, but are all highly ornamental in a young state, and
will stand well in the sub-tropical garden during summer.
They are plants of robust constitution, which enables them
to withstand uninjured a low temperature, and, in con-.
sequence, several of the species form excellent window
plants, and our continental neighbours avail themselves of”
these and many others to a much greater extent than has.
hitherto been practised in Great Britain. This disgrace-
to us as plant growers and plant lovers is, however,.
fast being removed, as Palms fortunately and deservedly-
SABAL. 299

are becoming a favourite class of plants. Sabale sometimes
make a few suckers, which should be taken off when about
a foot in length, when, if they have no roots, they must be
carefully nursed until they are rooted; but the ordinary
and best mode of increasing them is by seeds.

S. Adansoni.—An extremely slow-growing species, one
which we have never seen with an erect stem ; it, however,
forms a very ornamental plant in the greenhouse, and is
also very useful for grouping in the sub-tropical garden.
Petioles two to three feet in length, supporting deeply cleft
flabelliform leaves, which are dark green above, silvery
grey beneath. The leaves of this plant are used for plait-
ing into hats. Native of the Southern United States.

S. Blackburniana.—This species, when mature, produces
leaves of immense size; they are flabellate, plaited, and
divided at the margins into narrow pendent segments of
a blue green colour, saving the centre of the leaf close to
the ligule, or point of attachment to the petiole, and there
occurs a large triangular blotch or mark of yellowish
white, extending upwards. The petioles are sheathing,
perfectly smooth, and enclosed in a mass of rough fibrous
matter at the base. Itis admirably suited for a window
plant when small, and for the sub-tropical garden in sum-
mer. Native of the West Indies.

S. umbraculifera.—-The plant we have in our gardens
under this name, so far as we have been able to discover,
differs from S. Blackburniana only in colour; in the last-
named species the leaves are very glaucous, whilst in S.
wmbraculifera they are dark green. It is of robust con-
stitution, and may be used wherever a plant of this cha-
racter is required for decoration. Native of the West
Indies.
300 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

Saccoarum.

A genus of peculiar interest, on account of one species
yielding us so much of our sugar. Indeed, when cane
sugar was the only kind imported, this species produced
‘all we consumed ; now, however, this article is procured
from many other sources. These plants are very orna-
mental, and have a beautiful effect in the decoration of
apartments, and in the summer assist greatly in the orna-
mentation ofthe open garden, if a sheltered spot is selected
for their reception. The soil should consist of loam and
-well-decomposed manure, in equal parts, adding a little
peat and leaf mould. They may be increased by inserting
the joints or eyes as cuttings in a moderate bottom heat.

S. officinarum (the Sugar Cane),—A tall-growing grass,
with stout erect stems, and long, broad, dark green leaves,
which hang in graceful curves, forming an elegant and
beautiful object amongst a collection of plants. It is a
native of both the East and West Indies.

8. violaceum.—This plant resembles the. preceding in
growth and general appearance—indeed, is probably only
a variety of that species—but it differs materially in the
- colour of its stem, which, instead of being yellowish green,
is of rich violet or plam colour. Native of the West
Indies.

#

SANCHEZIA.

This Acanthaceous genus we introduced into our work
upon “Choice Stove and Greenhouse Flowering Plants,”
and we are compelled to again allude to it here, upon
account of the extreme beauty of its variegation, more
especially as another handsome kind has recently been
introduced to our gardens. These plants should be potted
SARRACENIA, 301

in a mixture consisting of about equal parts of fibrous peat.,
and light loam, with some silver sand added. The pots
should be well drained, so that a copious supply of water
may be given. To ensure success with Sanchezias, and to
have perfect leaves developed, a careful watch must be
kept to destroy the various kinds of Aphis, which seem to
have a great partiality for the young and tender shoots.
They are easily increased by cuttings of the young wood,
inserted in a cutting pot, and plunged in a moist bottom.
heat.

8. glaucophylla.—This plant is very distinct from the
- following, and if possible more beautiful. The leaves are
more acuminate than in 8. nobilis variegata. The ground
colour is dark green, the primary veins and margins rich
yellow, whilst the mid-rib is deep crimson. The stems are
not winged as in the last-named plant, but are terete and
purplish red. Itisa native of Ecuador. _

8. nobilis variegata.—A free-growing handsome plant,
producing large opposite leaves, which are obovate-oblong,
and about twelve inches in length. The ground colour is
bright green, with the margins and all the primary veins
rich orange yellow. This most beautiful and free-growing
plant is a native of Ecuador.

SARRACENIA,

A genus of very singular plants, typical of the order
Sarraceniaceew. They have hollow cylindrical leaves, with
a jointed lid at the apex, which is said to be the true leaf.
These plants are all natives of North America, but with
the exception of one species, they will not stand out-doors
in the English climate, and this, in favoured and properly
prepared spots, may sometimes survive for a year or two.
In their native country they inhabit bogs and marsh land,
302 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

a fact which cultivators would do well to bear in mind.
The leaves of Sarracenias, like those of Nepenthes, seem
to be endowed. with the power of secreting a fluid which is
very attractive to insects of all kinds, and as the inside
of their pitcher-like leaves is clothed with bristles pointing
in a downward direction, it becomes an impossibility for
the victim once enclosed to escape. The soil best adapted
for these plants is peat and living sphagnum moss, in about
equal parts, and when growing they enjoy a top-dressing of
rich rotten manure. The pots should be thoroughly drained.
After potting many cultivators place the pots in pans of
water ; others strongly object to this practice, and strange
as it may appear, we have seen them thriving magnificently
under these extremes of treatment. We have usually
grown them with some moss between the pots, to assist in
keeping the roots cool and moist, and occasionally treating
them to a light sprinkling of water from the syringe.
During summer an abundant supply of water should be
administered by the watering-can, but in winter very little
will suffice, although they must by no means be allowed to
become dry or to feel the want of water. Sarracenias are
increased by divisions of the old plants, but the chief means
of maintaining the supply is by importations direct from
their native country. The best cultivator of this genus
whom we know is Mr. Baines, gardener to — Micholls,
Esq., Southgate, who grows them in a cool Fernhouse, and
as his success with these plants has been so great, we
cannot do better than advise our reader to follow his
example,

S. Drummondii.—This is one of the tallest and finest
kinds yet brought into cultivation. The crown of the
plant is bright red. The hollow pitchers attain a height
of from two to three feet, and are slender at the base,
SARRACENIA, 303

‘swelling upwards, broadly winged in front, and of a bright
light green colour, the lid and throat being in addition
beautifully mottled and streaked with reddish crimson.
The scape rises about two feet, and bears a single large
‘deep crimson flower.

8S. Drummondii alba.—In general appearance this re-
sembles the preceding, and the colour of the flower is the
same. The difference consists in the lid and throat, instead
of being reddish crimson, being beautifully blotched and
spotted with white, which affords a fine contrast with the
species. :

S. flava——There are in our collections three distinct
plants under this name, but that here described is, we
believe, the plant originally described and figured as 8.
flava. The pitchers are erect, and from two to three feet
in length, narrow at the base, widening upwards, and
forming a large open throat, with a broad lid; neither
throat nor lid is marked in this plant, but the colour
throughout is a uniform bright green. The flower scape
is about the height of the leaves, and bears a single large
light yellow flower. Native of the swamps of Virginia
and Florida.

S. flava maxima.—This plant attains a height of three
feet. The pitchers are small atthe base, swelling upwards;
they are slightly winged in front, and form a broad open
throat, which is somewhat thickened round the margins,
and white inside; the lid is large, very erect, curved back-
wards at the edges, and, as well as the whole plant, of a
full green colour. The scape bears a large light straw
coloured flower. This may be a form of the preceding, or
it may prove specifically distinct, but it is so different that
for convenience sake we have given it a provisional name.
Native of North America.
304 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

S. flava picta.—This is another plant which kas been’
distributed under the name of S. flava, though it is very
distinct from the normal state. It is erect in habit, pro-
ducing pitchers from one to three feet in length, broadly
‘winged in front, and of a bright light green colour, the
throat large, and beautifully streaked and veined with
crimson ; the lid is large, and protruding over the mouth.
The flowers are light yellow.

S. purpurea.—This plant is widely distributed in North
America, Jt is prostrate in habit, producing stout pitchers,
which are broadly winged in front, and of a dark reddish
green colour; the lid is large, erect, the throat and inside
of lid hairy, and beautifully veined and streaked with
deep crimson. The flowers are of a reddish purple colour.
This plant succeeds well in a cool frame, protected from
rough winds and storms. It is common about Quebec,
and in Canada generally, extending south to Carolina,

S. purpurea viridis—A variety of the preceding, re-
sembling it in shape and size, but the throat and lid is
destitute of the ‘rich crimson markings so conspicuous in
that species, and the whole plant is a uniform bright
green. Found in company with S. purpurea; under culti-
vation this proves more hardy, as with but a slight pro-
tection it will live in the open air during winter.

S. psittacina.—We have only seen this plant in a young
state, and cannot say to what size it may attain. In habit
it is prostrate. The pitchers are winged in front, with a
cucullate lid, somewhat resembling a parrot’s beak ; they
are reddish purple, mottled with white towards the apex ;
the flowers are purple. It is a very distinct species of
recent introduction. Native of swampy ground in Florida.

S. rubra.—A slender-growing plant, with leaves varying
from one to two feet in length, and of a bright green
SCHEELEA, 305

colour, the throat small, profusely striped with reddish
crimson veins. The lid is small, and the scape is tall,
supporting a single purplish red flower, which is very
sweetly scented, like violets. Native of Florida, &c.

8. variolaris, — This species varies from twelve to
eighteen inches in height, sometimes more. It is erect
in habit. The pitchers are broadly winged in front,
light green, the upper part cucullate, and handsomely
mottled with white; the flowers are light yellow. It is
sometimes to be found in collections under the name of
8. adunca. Native of North Carolina, &c.

ScHEELEA.

A genus of Palms with very little to distinguish it from
Attalea, although some of our best authorities upon this
order maintain it as generically distinct. It belongs to the
Cocoinee. All the species are unarmed, with pinnate
leaves ; the species we include here is a magnificent plant.
_ The soil. should be peat and loam in about equal parts,
adding a little sand. It should be grown in the stove,
and when small, is well adapted for the decoration of
apartments, and for public exhibition purposes when it
has attained age. Increase is effected by seeds.

S. unguis.—This is a most superb plant. We have not
seen it with any stem, and therefore cannot say to what
height it grows. The leaves are erect, pinnate, two to six
or more feet in length; the base of petioles is sheathing,
and clothed somewhat sparingly at the edges with brown
fibres ; the pinne are about twelve inches in length, and
oue inch in breadth, reaching nearly to the base of the
petiole, and of a rich deep green. The whole plant is ,
destitute of spines. Native of Tropical America,

x
206 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Scrnpapsvs.

A small genus of Aracew, mostly climbers. The single
species introduced here is admirably adapted for hanging
baskets, or for rock-work in the stove; it also looks very
elegant when trained upon the stems of Tree Ferns or
Palms. If grown in baskets, a mixture of fibrous peat
and sphagnum moss will suit it well; if in pots, peat and
sand. It is increased by cuttings or by division.

S. pictus.—This is an elegant trailing plant. The leaves
are alternate, obliquely-ovate in shape, and somewhat
fleshy in texture, of a deep green colour, blotched with
silvery white. As a basket plant, or when used to cover
a wall, it has a beautiful effect. This plant was distributed
under the name of Pothos argyrea, when first introduced
from Java; another somewhat inferior variety with larger
leaves, but not so brightly blotched with white, has also
been introduced to our gardens from Borneo.

SEAFORTHIA,

Of this genus we have only one species in cultivation,
although it would appear there are many species in the
East Indies yet to be introduced to our Gardens. It is
a most graceful plant, eminently adapted for the decoration
of greenhouse and the sub-tropical garden. Seaforthias
should be potted in a mixture of peat and loam, In a
young state, when the plants will be wanted to. grow
‘quickly, we advise that the soil should consist of a mixture
of two parts peat, to one of sand and loam; but when
they have attained some feet in height, many cultivators
may wish to retard them, and then we advise that the
‘soil should be nearly all sandy loam. Like most of this
order, Scaforthias are only increased by seeds.
SMILAX, 307

S. elegans. — Although this plant has been figured in
the Botanical Magazine under the name here adopted, it
is also known as Ptychosperma Cunninghamii, and many
botanists who are practically acquainted with this order,
declare it not to be the S. elegans of Rbt. Brown, and
that it should never have been so called. This plant, in
its native habitat, rises upon a somewhat stout straight
stem to the height of about thirty feet, but in this country
is requires many years to reach half that altitude. The
leaves are from two to ten feet in length; petioles broadly
sheathing at the base; pinne lanceolate, narrow, un-
equally bifid at the apex, from twelve to eighteen inches
in length, dark green; the whole plant perfectly smooth.
It makes a fine effect in the sub-tropical garden, is one
of the finest greenhouse or conservatory decorators, and
is also. well suited for a window plant. As above noted,
it is more correctly called Ptychosperma Cunninghami.
Native of the northen parts of Australia,

SMImax,

This genus of undershrubs is of scandent habit. Many
of the species have very ornamental foliage, and are well
adapted for pillar climbers, or training upon balloon-shaped
trellises. From various species of this genus the Sarsa-
parilla of commerce is obtained. The most esteemed kind
or quality of this drug is supposed to be yielded by Smilaz
officinalis. They succeed well potted in a mixture of rough
peat and loam, with a little river sand; drain the pots
well, and supply liberally with water. These plants may
be increased by cuttings, or by divisions of the roots, as
they frequently produce suckers.

8. longifolia variegata.—This species is one of our recent
introductions. It is a rough-stemmed climber, with oblong.

x2 :
308 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

acuminate dark green leaves, having four irregular bands
of silvery grey extending from the base to the apex. It is
a very ornamental plant. Native of Para.

S. macrophylla variegata,— A scandent plant with a
rough prickly stem, producing large ovate-acuminate
leaves, which are dark green, and irregularly blotched
upon the upper surface with silvery grey. It forms a
handsome specimen when trained upon a balloon trellis,
or upon a rafter or pillar in the stove. It is a native of
Tropical America.

Sonanum.

As a genus this is well known, on account of the Potato
being the produce of one species, S. tuberoswn. It is a
very large genus, and, as is frequently the case, it contains
many kinds which have no striking characters to recom-
mend them as garden decorators. On the other hand,
however, many are exceedingly ornamental, and form fine
additions to the gardens in the open air during the
summer months. Solanums delight in rich soil, and there-
fore should be potted in loam, leaf mould, and well-
decomposed manure, in equal parts, adding a little sand to
the whole, to keep it open. They are best grown from
seeds every year, to effect which these should be sown in a
gentle heat about March, when, if properly attended to,.
they will be ready for planting in the open air about the
end of May,

S. amazonium.—This very handsome species attains a.
height of about two feet, and is an undoubted acquisition
for out-door gardening during the summer months. The
leaves are dark green, somewhat ferrugineous, and quite
destitute of spines; it also produces in great profusion
flowers of rich dark purple. A native of Mexico.
SOLANUM. 309:

8. callicarpum.—Stem clothed with stout spines; the
leaves are very broad, one ‘to two feet in length, deeply
sinuate; they are supported upon deep purple footstalks,
which gives the whole plant a beautiful appearance. It
attains a height of about four feet, and is one of the best
for planting in the open air during summer, Native of
South America.

S. hybridum compactum.—Very great improvements have
been effected during the last few years, through hybridi-
sation, in the genus Solanum, more especially in the berry-
bearing section, of which S. capsicastrum may be taken as
the type, and which has been the parent of many very fine
varieties. Amongst all the superb forms, however, which
have been obtained by cross-breeding, the present stands
pre-eminent. SS. hybridum compactum is of fine dwarf and
compact habit, seldom exceeding eighteen inches in height,
and very close branching, thus forming a dense and hand-
some bush. The leaves are produced ‘in abundance, and
are from three to four inches in length, about one in
breadth, oblong-lanceolate in shape, tapering towards the
base, and deep rich full green. In early summer they aro
profusely adorned with small white flowers, which are
‘succeeded in autumn by large round bright red berries,
borne in clusters of from five to seven ; in this state they
are admirably adapted for the decoration of apartments, or
for the dinner-table, in addition to the beautiful effect they
produce in the greenhouse or conservatory. They are also
very ornamental in the open borders; being very hardy
they are not affected by early frosts, and thus, especially i in
mild autumns, the beauty of the borders or beds may be
considerably enhanced by the culture of this variety,

8. laciniatum elegans,—This plant forms beautiful com-
pact bushes, The leaves are long, pinnatifid, the segments:
310 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

’

linear-lanceolate, quite smooth, and of a dark green colour.
In addition, it produces an abundance of large bright blue
flowers, which render it a most attractive plant. Native
of Australia.

_ 8. macrophyllum.—This plant attains a height of about
six feet. The leaves are large, deeply sinuate; it
resembles 9. callicarpa very much, but has a less prickly
stem, and is taller in growth. A fine ornamental kind.
Native of Peru.

8. ‘marginutum.—Also found in collections under the:
name of 8. cabiliense argenteum; under whatever name,
however, it is grown, it is a decided acquisition to the
sub-tropical garden; it attains a height of three to four
feet. The stems are white, and armed with stout spines;
the leaves are broadly oblong in form, six or eight inches
in length, very white on the under side, greenish white
on the upper, margined with bluish white. Native of
Africa.

S. maronense.—An elegant kind, producing large sinuate
léaves, which are armed with a profusion of white ‘spines.
Like many others of this genus, which are so eminently
adapted for the embellishment of our gardens in summer,
its flowers are very attractive, being of considerable size,
and bright lilac in colour, and it is well deserving the
attention of all cultivators. Native of South America.

8. pyracanthum.—This very fine plant is a superb orna-
ment in the sub-tropical garden during the summer months.
The leaves are narrowly oblong, deeply sinuate, and armed
on both sides, as well as the stems, with long dark brown
spines. It is well deserving general cultivation for out-.
door work. Native of Madagascar.

S. robustum.—This species attains a height of four feet.
The stems are winged; the leaves very large, dark green,.
SONERILA, 311

and densely clothed with rich tawny hairs. A very
distinct and ornamental kind. Native of South Africa.

S. stramoniefolium.—tThis is a beautiful ornament to the
sub-tropical garden. It grows several feet in height, and
produces leaves from eighteen to twenty-four inches in
length, and about twelve inches in breadth, deeply lobed,
the upper side dark green, the under side rosy purple, and
the primary veins white, these latter, on both sides, being
furnished with stout spines. Native of the Hast Indies,

S. Warscewiczoides.—A fine plant for the sub-tropical
garden, producing broad deeply cut leaves, with the
primary veins white. The stems and both sides of the
leaves are clothed with stout brown spines. Native of
Tropical America.

SoNERILA,

A genus of dwarf-growing Melastomaceous plants of
great beauty. Many of them are exceedingly attractive
objects when laden with their bright coloured, although
small flowers; but the species here introduced is re-
markable for the beauty of its leaves, which is greatly
heightened by the charming flowers. They form beau-
tiful ornaments for the stove, and, as they increase freely,
a stock should be kept for the temporary decoration of
vases in the drawing-room, or for the dinner-table. To
manage these plants successfully, they should be grown
in good fibrous peat, with a little good leaf mould, and
a liberal addition of sand. Drain well, as during summer
an abundance of water is necessary, but during winter
it must be withheld. They must be placed near the
glass, and be but moderately shaded, as they enjoy expo-
sure to the light. To increase them, place rather small
312 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

cuttings in a properly prepared pot, plunged in bottom
heat, and cover with a bell-glass.

S. Hendersonii.—A very pretty variegated plant of dwarf
compact habit, leaves ovate, beautifully spotted with silvery
white and tiger-like spots upon a rich dark green ground ;
the under side is pale green. This species produces masses
of small pink flowers, and on that account will be found
invaluable as a basket plant. Garden hybrid.

8. margaritacea.—A beautiful low-growing plant, which
branches freely, and produces small somewhat oblong-
lanceolate leaves, which taper to a point, and are of a rich
dark green colour, scattered over with a quantity of round
pearly white spots, which give it a most elegant appear-
ance. These, again, are set off by the numerous small but
pleasing rose coloured flowers, which latter, however, must
be kept thinned, or they will be developed so abundantly
as to weaken the plant. Native of Java.

SPHEROGYNE,

The plants belonging to this genus are of noble aspect,
and highly ornamental. They somewhat resemble Cyano-
phyllum, although abundantly distinct. The soil and
treatment recommended for that genus at page 175 will,
however, suit them admirably. They require a very moist
atmosphere to keep them in full beauty; neglect of this
will cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown, by which
the beauty of the whole plant becomes marred. Increased
by cuttings, in a strong heat.

8. einnamomea.—A handsome ornamental-foliaged plant.
with opposite leaves from nine to eighteen inches in length,
and gbout eight inches in breadth ; the colour on the upper
side is bright light green, the under side paler ; the foot-
stalks and mid-rib, as well as the stem, are densely
STANGERIA. 813

clothed with short bright cinnamon coloured hairs, which
afford a pleasing contrast to the light green leaves. It
is an elegant quick-growing plant of great beauty, deserv-
ing of a place in every stove. Native of Costa Rica.

S. imperialis——This is another very fine species, pro-
ducing large elliptic leaves, the upper surface of which are
of rich dark velvety green, while the primary veins are
reddish towards the base. A superb plant, and thoroughly
distinct from other species of the genus. Native of Peru.

8. latifolia.—The stem and leaf stalks of this magnificent
species are clothed with rough light brown reversed hairs.
The leaves are opposite, a foot or more in length, ovate,
and of a beautiful rich dark olive green in colour on the
upper surface, the under side being dull red. No collec-
tion of ornamental plants should lack this superb and
elegant species. It is a native of Costa Rica.

STADMANNIA.

S. Jonghet.—This plant is a beautiful object for dinner-
table decoration, and when it becomes too large for that
_ purpose, it becomes a noble ornament in the stove; it
belongs to the order Sapindacee. The leaves are pinnate ;
pinne oblong-acuminate, serrate at the edges, dark shining
green on the upper side, much paler below. It should be
grown in the stove, and potted in peat and loam, with a
little sand added. Native of Australia.

STANGERIA.

A fine and very distinct genus of Cycadeacee, of which
only one species is at present known, and that so Fern-like
in its aspect, that dried specimens had been described by
some learned botanist under the name of Lomaria eriopus.
314 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

It is similar in habit to Encephalartos and Zamia, and re--
quires similar treatment. It will, however, succeed per-.
fectly in a dry warm greenhouse.

S. paradoxa.—A. distinct-looking plant, having a stout.
napiform stem, which does not appear to acquire any con-
siderable length. The leaves are pinnate, two to three
feet long, on stoutish petioles, which are somewhat woolly
at the base; pinne oblong lanceolate, bluntish (in some:
forms quite obtuse), and slightly toothed towards the apex.
A ready means of distinguishing this plant among the
Cycads is farnished by the position of the veins, which are
here transverse in the pinne, not longitudinal, as in all
other known forms of the order. The male and female:
cones are borne on separate plants, the former narrow-
cylindrical, the latter shorter and broader, so as to become:
of an ovate form. Native of Natal.

STENOCARPUS,

A genus of Proteacee which is well deserving more
general attention, as the species form beautiful objects in
the greenhouse or conservatory. They may be found
sometimes in collections under the generic names of
Agnostus and Embothrium. The soil for these should be
composed of peat and sandy loam in equal parts; and
they are increased by cuttings from the ripe wood.

S. Cunninghamii.—A slow-growing but beautiful plant..
The stem is erect; the leaves from twelve to eighteen
inches in length, four or five broad in the widest part,
deeply pinnatifid, and dark green on the upper surface,
somewhat ferrugineous below. In addition to its ornamen-
tal foliage, the bright scarlet flowers—which are produced:
from the stem—render it an object of great beauty and:
interest. Native of Moreton Bay. :
STRELITZIA. 815.

StRELITzIA.

This genus is very ornamental, both in foliage and
flower. It is, however, upon account of its ornamental
leaves that we wish to recommend it, as the leaves give
a very tropical appearance to the garden in the summer
season, and being of a leathery texture they are not easily
injured by the wind. These plants are very little trouble
to grow, and after they have served for ornamenting the
sub-tropical garden, they may be brought into the stove
during winter, when they frequently continue blooming
for several months. Strelitzias should be potted ina mix-
ture of two parts rich loam, and one part peat, with a little
river sand added ; they require a liberal supply of water
during summer, but if the object is to keep them dormant:

‘during winter, very little need be given, as their thick
fleshy roots support them for a considerable time. They
may be increased by suckers, by divisions of the old plants,
and by seeds when procurable ; these latter should be sown
in light soil, and plunged in a strong moist bottom heat,
when they will soon germinate, and increase in size
rapidly, if encouragement is given them.

S. augusta.—A noble-looking plant, producing a splen-
did effect in the stove or greenhouse, and as its leaves are
thick and leathery, it is equally effective in the sub-tropical
garden during the summer months. The leaves are ar-
ranged in a distichous manner, and are dark green in
colour ; the petioles are from three to six feet long, and
slightly glaucous, whilst the blade measures two feet or
more in length, and from twelve to eighteen inches in
breadth. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

S. regina.—This species resembles the preceding, but is
not so large in its growth, and the whole plant is glaucous

4
816 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

green. In addition to its fine foliage, it produces abun-
dance of its large orange and blue flowers, which render it
very attractive. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.

SyYAGRUs.

The present genus of Palms very much resembles Cocos
in appearance, and, indeed, is very nearly allied to that
genus, They are plants of medium height, and have
gracefully arched pinnate leaves; the flower spike is
branching, enclosed in a double spathe, and the flowers,
although produced on the same spike, are moncecious ; the
fruits are bony, and one-seeded. The treatment recom-
mended for the genus Cocos will suit these plants also.
They are multiplied by seeds.

S. campestris.—An elegant and highly ornamental plant.
Stem swollen at the base; petioles broadly sheathing and
very thick, clothed at the edges with some woody brown
fibres, and armed with a few stout dark reddish brown
spines on the naked portion of the petiole. Leaves pinnate,
spreading two to six feet or even more in length; pinne
eighteen to twenty-four inches in length, and not more
than half an inch in breadth. The whole plant is glaucous,
and very graceful in habit. It is very effective in the open
air during summer, if properly surrounded. Native of
Brazil,

TERMINALIA,

The plants in this genus contribute largely to our wants
and luxuries, yielding in abundance articles which are
used both in medicine and art. One species yields an
important dye, whilst several others are astringent and
tonic; from another species (7. catappa) the pigment
TESTUDINARIA. 317

known as Indian Ink is obtained, and various others are
equally serviceable to man. Upon their economic pro-
perties we, however, do not intend to enlarge, but content
ourselves with recommending those which contribute to
the embellishment of our gardens. They are plants of
wide distribution, being found in the East Indies, Mauritins,
Madagascar, South America, Guiana, Cape of Good Hope,
and various other places. Several other species besides
those here given have been in cultivation in our stoves,
but unfortunately, through some mischance, have disap-
peared. Terminalias are noble evergreens, and should be
potted in a mixture composed of equal parts loam and peat,
with a good portion of silver sand added. They enjoy a
strong moist heat and abundance of water, both in the
atmosphere and at the roots, in the growing season, but
both heat and moisture must be moderated to some extent
during winter. To increase them, cuttings of ripened
wood should be made in spring, but they require some
considerable time to make roots.

T. elegans.—This species is very handsome. The leaves
are trifoliate, the leaflets long and narrow, tapering to a
point; the ground colour is bright green, over which is
a beautiful network of dark coloured veins, and in addition
to this, the mid-rib is bright red. The plant grows in a
regular pyramidal form, and the beauty of its outline, and
its handsomely marked and glossy leaves, constitute it one
of the most appropriate plants for the decoration of the
dinner table, and a never-failing source of pleasure in the
stove. Itis a native of Madagascar.

| TESTUDINARIA.

This is a small genus belonging to the Dioscoreacee,
The species included in it are exceedingly interesting, on
318 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

account of their peculiar woody stem. They should be
grown in sandy loam, with a little well-decomposed leaf
mould.

T. elephantipes.—This singular plant is popularly known
as the Elephant’s Foot, from its curious thick plated trunk.
From this arises 2 slender climbing stem, producing some-
what small, reniform, mucronate leaves of a bright green.
It forms a nice climber for the greenhouse, and its massive
trunk is an object of great interest. Native of the Cape
of Good Hope.

THEOPHRASTA.

A genus of very ornamental stove plants, belonging to
the order Myrsinacee, with stout coriaceous leaves of great
beauty. The species introduced in this place are well
deserving general cultivation for their noble and majestic
appearance. The soil best adapted for their culture is
peat and loam in equal parts, with a little sand. They are
increased by cuttings and seeds.

T. imperialis—This magnificent plant is most orna-
mental when confined to a single stem, The leaves are
alternate, oblong or somewhat spathulate, and bluntly
acuminate, tapering slightly towards the base; they are
from two to three feet in length, and six to eight inches
broad, deep rich green on both sides, and armed at the
edges with sharp spines. It requires stove treatment,
and is found sometimes in collections under the name of
Curatella imperialis, Native of Brazil.

T. Jussiewi.mA superb stove plant, abundantly distinct
from the preceding species. The leaves are alternate,
closely set together, oblong, with an obtuse apex, and
armed at the edges with stout spines; they are from one
THRINAX. 319

to two feet in length, some three inches in breadth, and of
a dark green colour. Native of St. Domingo.

T, macrophylla.—A noble ornament to the stove. This
produces a stout stem; the leaves are from one to two
feet in length, obovate-lanceolate, tapering to a narrow
base, serrate at the edges, and ending ina sharp point;
they are rich bright green above, paler below. It also
produces a profusion of spikes of orange yellow flowers
from the axils of the leaves, which by contrast materially
enhance its beauty. It is found in some gardens under
the name of Claviia macrophylla. Native of Brazil.

THRINAX.

The name of this genus is derived from Thrinax, a fan,
from the resemblance of their leaves to that of a ladies’
fan, but the name is equally applicable to many other
previously mentioned genera, Thrinaz is distinguished by
having branched spikes, bearing greenish yellow perfect
flowers, which are succeeded by round-seeded berries.
These plants are admirably adapted for stove or green-
house decoration, where their fine leaves are objects of
extreme beauty. We have not, however, seen any species
used in the sub-tropical garden, although we have no
hesitation in saying that in all probability some of them
would stand there without the slightest injury during
summer. To grow them well use a mixture of rich loam
and peat, in the proportion of two parts of the former to
one of the latter, to which add a portion of sand. They
may be increased by seeds, and sometimes suckers are to
_be obtained.

T. arborea,—An elegant and very distinct species. The
petioles are erect, furnished at the base with a close white
fibrous texture. The leaves are flabellate and very
320 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,

peculiar, being divided nearly to the point of attachment
into broad bifid segments, which even in young plants are
upwards of two feet in length, bright green on the upper
side, and silvery white below.

QT. graminifolia.—This is a very elegant species. The
petioles are slender, about two feet in length, and enclosed
at the base in a network of white fibres. The fan-like
leaves are divided into narrow segments for about half
their diameter, bright green on the upper side, glaucous
below. Native of Tropical America,

T. grandis,—An elegant plant, with which we are only
acquainted in a young state; it appears, however, to be
very distinct. The petioles are slender, surrounded at the
base with a network of fine white fibres. The leaves are
flabellate, plaited, divided into narrow segments, and. full
green, Native of Tropical America.

T. miraguana.—A. very slow-growing but beautiful plant. —
Stem somewhat slender. Leaves fan-shaped, or forming
a complete circle, divided at its margin into narrow seg-
ments, the upper surface deep green, but below silvery
grey. The petioles are slender, quite smooth, and enclosed
‘at the base in a most peculiar network of fibres ; so close
and regular is it netted that it seems almost to have been
woven by hand, rather than by natural growth. Native
of Cuba.

T. multiflora.—This is one of the most magnificent Palms
in cultivation, and with age attains a considerable height.
The stem and petioles are slender, the latter from four to
six feet long, or even more, and furnished at the base
with large white woody fibres. The leaves are flabellate,
being, in a young state, from two to three feet in length
from the point of attachment to the margin; these are
divided for about half their length into segments of two
THRINAX, 821

inches in breadth, and thus form a beautiful pendent frill
round the lower portion of the leaf. The colour on the
upper side is bright green, silvery white beneath. It is
sometimes called 1. elegans, which is incorrect—T. elegans
is the same as 7. radiata. Native of Central America.

T. parviflora.—This is a dwarf-growing but very elegant
species. The petioles are slender, from eighteen to
twenty-four inches in length, clothed at the base with a
slight fibrous texture, and spreading outwards with the
weight of the palmate leaves, which are about twenty-four
inches from base to apex, divided about half way down
‘into somewhat narrow segments, and bright green in
colour. Native of the West Indies.

T. pumilio.—The petioles of this kind are erect and
slender, supporting large palmate leaves, from one to
three feet in diameter, and divided for about half their
length into narrow segments, bright green in colour.
It is a very desirable and handsome plant. Native of the
West Indies.

fT. radiata.—As its name implies, the leaves of this
species are spread out all round. The stem is slender,
swollen at the base; petioles two feet or more long, yel-
low, quite smooth, except at the base, where they are
furnished and enclosed with a profusion of light brown
fibrous network. The palmate leaves are about eighteen
to twenty-four inches from the point of attachment to
the margin, and are divided for about half that distance
into pendent segments; colour rich dark green on both
sides. This plant is usually found in collections under
the name of 7. elegans, but as radiata is the oldest name
it must necessarily take precedence. Native of the West
* Indies.
322 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

TILLANDSIA.

A genus of Bromeliaceous plants, containing many
species remarkable for the beauty of their flowers, but
the few kinds here introduced are plants of extreme
beauty of leaf, in addition to their floral attraction, These
plants should be grown in spongy peat, with the addition
of a little loam and sand; they may be increased by
suckers and seeds.

T. argentea.—This very elegant plant succeeds best
when grown upon a block. The leaves are arranged in
a@ rosulate manner, sheathing at the base, where they
are broad, tapering to a fine point, and clothed with close
white hairs, which give the appearance of frosted silver.
Native of Trinidad.

T. Lindeniii—Leaves arranged in a rosulate manner,
broad and sheathing at the base, tapering upwards, and
ending in a fine point, beautifully recurved, light green
on the upper side, suffused with rose underneath, and
marked with parallel lines of reddish brown. It bears
a handsome broad distichous scape, which is rosy carmine,
and the flowers are azure blue, with a pure white eye.
It is a most elegant plant, fit for table decoration or for
ornamental vases, and should be in every collection of
plants, however small. Native of the province of Huanca-
‘bamba, in Peru.

T. musaica.—This is a very handsome species. Leaves
ligulate in form, recurved at the apex, about one foot in
length and two inches broad; ground colour yellowish
green, marked in an irregular way with patches of dark
green, producing a mosaic appearance. A glance at our
illustration will give a better idea of the beauty of this
plant than a long description. Native of Colombia.
TRITHRINAX, 323

T. splendens.—A very beautiful old species, well deserving
more general attention than has been accorded it. The
leaves are rosulate, sheathing at the base, ligulate, and
recurved dark green on the upper side, striped with trans-
verse bands of purplish black below, in addition to which
it produces a brilliant scarlet distichous scape in the winter.
Native of Brazil. ‘

T. tessellata.—This is a beautiful dwarf and robust-
growing plant, the leaves are arranged in a rosulate
manner, sheathing at the base; they are ligulate-oblong
in shape, and semi-transparent, which renders the beautiful
reticulations of the veins to be seen very plainly; the
upper surface is light green, the netted veins being of a
much deeper shade; the lower surface is light green,’ the
veins being dull red.

TRITHRINAX.

A genus of handsome somewhat low-crowing Palms, very
ornamental and suitable for decoration of apartments. In
addition to their interest in the stove, some of the kinds
will stand well also in the sub-tropical garden during
summer, if provided with partial shade. The leaves are
fan-like, divided into long pendent segments ; the petioles
are armed with spines at their edges, and enclosed at the
base in a mass of rough fibres. The flowers are usually
perfect, and seated upon long branching spikes. Fruit
usually one-seeded. These plants are well suited to every
grower of ornamental-leaved plants, and thrive well in
loam and vegetable mould, with good drainage. They are
increased by seeds,

T. bragiliense.—A superb compact-growing plant, having
the petioles quite smooth, two feet or more in length, and
supporting elegant fan-like leaves, which measure some

¥2
824 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

eighteen to twenty-four inches from the point of attach-
ment to the margin, where they are divided about half
way down into narrow segments, bright green, and in a
young state slightly glaucous. The peculiar manner in
which the strong woody light brown fibres surrounding
the petioles are terminated by a circle of long spines,
readily distinguishes this plant. Native of Brazil.

TUPIDANTHUS.

T. calyptratus.—This is a noble sub-tropical plant, stand-
ing in the open air during summer without the slightest
injury, and in winter forming a beautiful ornament in the
conservatory or greenhouse. The leaves are large, digi-
tate, and dark shining green. It should be potted in a
mixture of two parts loam and one part peat, with the
addition of a little sand, and is increased by cuttings and
seeds. Native of Bengal. ;

URania.

A genus belonging to the order Musacew, containing
but one species, which is properly known as the Travel-
ler’s Tree, from the quantity of water which is secreted
in the base of the petioles, and which may be obtained
by piercing. The Uranias must be grown in strong rich
loam, to which has previously been added a little peat
and river sand ; drain well, and give an abundant supply
of water. This plant forms a thoroughly distinct character
in a large stove. They are increased by seeds.

U. speciosa.—A superb plant for the decoration of the
sub-tropical garden. The stem is simple and stout; the
leaves, which are some six feet in length and dark green,
are arranged in a distichous manner, from whence it
derives its singular and effective character. It is some-:
UROSPATHA, 825

times to be found in collections under the name of Ravenala
madagascariensis. Native of Madagascar.

URospatHa

A curious and interesting genus, containing some most
remarkable plants, which appear to be semi-aquatic in
their habit. We cannot speak of them from experience,
for we have never grown them, and neither have we
seen them well done in any collection, The Urospathas
belong to the Aroide, and have long creeping rhizomes,
and stout, leathery, persistent leaves. To grow them they
should be potted in loose turfy peat, with a little loam, and
river sand; the pots should be well drained, and during
the summer months placed in water for about a third of
their depth. If these plants should prove free growing,
they will be well deserving cultivation, as, in addition to
their peculiar bright colours, the leaves are fantastically
mottled, and present a singular and grotesque appearance.
They may be increased by divisions of the rhizomes. They
have all sagittate leaves, and are natives of Para.

U. varians.—Leaves sagittate, with the basal lobes much
elongated ; the ground colour is green, mottled with con-
fluent blotches of dull rose.

U. varians grandis.—The lobes of this variety are elon-
gate and divergent ; the ground colour is greenish yellow,
the veins being darker yellow.

U. varians picturata.—In this plant the basal lobes form
nearly two-thirds of the leaf, which is of a bronzy green
colour, mottled with silvery grey.

U. varians spectabilis——Leaves extremely curious; the
ground colour is green, and the whole surface is splashed
and mottled with yellow and silvery grey, except the mar-
gins, which are deep green,
326 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

U. varians splendens.—A handsome form, with the basal
lobes of the leaves much enlarged; the ground colour and
margins are deep green, the secondary veins are also green,
the remaining surface is prettily mottled with rose.

‘VERSCUAFFELTIA,

A noble genus of Palms, in a young state somewhat
resembling Pheenicophorium, although abundantly distinct.
Not the least striking difference, is the fact of its forming
a stem very rapidly, which is supported upon an inverted.
cone of adventitious spiny roots, after the manner of the
American genus /riartea. These plants should be treated
in precisely the same manner as that recommended for
Phenicophorium, at page 283, to which we refer our
readers for cultural information, They are increased by
seeds only.

V. melanochetes.—This is the most recently discovered
species of this genus, and since it has been named, it has
put on quite another appearance, which in all probability
will cause it to be removed into another group or receive
another generic title. In a young state the leaves are
entire, bifid at the apex, and deep bright green in colour.
As the plant obtains size, however, the leaves prove to
be pinnate, or divided into irregular sessile lobes. The
stem is stout, cylindrical; the petioles reddish, and, as
well as the stem, clothed with long sharp spines. Native
of the Seychelles Islands.

V. splendida.—A majestic and extremely ornamental
Palm. The stem is somewhat slender, elevated upon an
inverted cone of spiny roots. The petioles are sheathing
at the base, and clasping the stem, both being profusely
armed with reddish black spines. The footstalk of the
leaf is about six inches in length, and destitute of spines,
WALLICHIA. 827

while the blade of the leaf is of a rich bright green colour,
from two to four feet in length, and about the same
breadth, cleft at the apex, and divided round the edge
into regular short obtuse segments. Native of the Sey-
chelles Islands.

WALLICHIA.

The plants comprised in this genus of Palms somewhat
resemble the genus Caryota; the flowers are, however, very
differently arranged, and their leaves are not bipinnate.
Wallichias do not grow to any great height. They are
very ornamental, and therefore well suited for those who
have only the accommodation of small houses. They are
all natives of the East Indies, and are found growing from
the plains up to an elevation of 3,000 feet or more, conse-
quently some. species are well adapted for using during the
summer season in the greenhouse, although they mostly
delight in strong moist heat. They are increased by seeds,
or suckers when they can be obtained.

W. oblongifolia.—This is an elegant little species, of a
somewhat hardy constitution. Petioles densely clothed
with a short deep chocolate coloured tomentum, and en-
closed at the base with long black fibres. , The leaves
are pinnate, from three to six feet or more in length ;
pinne single, except the lowest, which are in pairs, about
six inches long and three wide, oblong, with a wedge,
shaped base, and erose apex and edges, bright green on
the upper surface, silvery white below. This is a pretty
plant, not often seen in collections, yet it is one of the
commonest species in the mountain valleys of Sikkim,
where it is found growing from the low grounds up to
nearly 3,000 feet elevation, and it seems to prefer shade ;
it is also found in Assam.
328 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLAN'S.

W. Orani.—An elegant slender-zrowing species, which
does not attain any great size. The leaves are pinnate,
about six feet in length, part of which is naked ; petioles
clothed with a short brown tomentum, and enveloped at
the base with a network of black fibres; pinnew distant,
alternate, three-lobed or trifid, with the central lobe much
elongated, six to eighteen inches in length and two to
six in width, bright green. Avery ornamental plant.
Native of the East Indies.

W. tremula.—A very handsome and distinct plant. The
leaves are pinnate, from two to six feet in length, perhaps
‘more, and the base of the petioles is furnished with lone
black fibres ; pinnee preemorse, and slightly serrated near
the ends, springing in pairs from the rachis, some two
feet in length and from one to two inches in breadth,
the terminal segment scarcely so long as the pinne, but
nearly six inches across, dark shining green above, silvery
grey beneath. This is a most desirable species. Native
of the East Indies.

WELFIA,

A small genus of Palms, nearly related to Geonoma;
indeed, as far as we know their differences are very
trivial. The peculiar name has been given to them in
honour of the Royal Family of the house of Hanover,
sand is therefore a modification of the word Guelph.
Welfias require the temperature of the stove, and enjoy
an abundance of water; they should be potted in a mix-
ture of two parts peat, and one part loam and sand. Seeds
are the only means of increasing these plants.

W. Georgii, — An extremely rare species, possessing
great beauty. The petioles are two to four feet or more
long, and unarmed, flat on the upper side, rounded below,
WIGANDIA, 829

and reddish brown in colour. The leaves are pinnate ;

inneea six to twelve inches long, and about two inches in
breadth, broad and sessile at the base, tapering to a tail-
like point, the apical pinnw broad and bifid; colour rich
bright green. Native of Costa Rica,

W. regia.—This is a more slender plant than the pre-
ceding, and is one of the most elegant of plants for din-
ner-table decoration. The petioles are long and slender,
and the leaves in a young state are bifid, eventually be-
coming pinnate. When immature these are of a deep
reddish crimson, changing to bright green, This ex-
tremely handsome small-growing species should be in
every collection. Native of New Grenada.

WIGANDIA.

_ These plants belong to the small order Mydroleacee,
which is not particularly conspicuous for its contributions
to our gardens. The species of this genus given here
are, however, amongst the finest of exotic plants which
have been used for the decoration of our gardens in the’
open air during summer. Wigandias succeed well in a
mixture composed of loam and peat, with the addition of
@ little sand and well-decomposed manure. To obtain
good handsome plants. for the sub-tropical garden, they
should be struck from cuttings every year, in about Feb-
ruary or March, or they propagate very freely from pieces
of the roots planted in a propagating house early in Feb-
ruary. The young plants require to be well hardened
before being planted out in June.

W. caracasana.—A noble shrubby plant, attaining in
cultivation, under ordinary circumstances, some five or six
feet in height, but becoming much larger if permitted.
The chief beauty of the plant is found in its magnificent
330 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

leaves, which are obtained by planting out young plants
into the summer sub-tropical garden annually, but these,
if lifted early in autumn and kept in a stove, bloom freely,
and are by no means devoid of beauty. The leaves are
broadly oblong, and rounded at the extremities, a foot to
a foot and a half in length, and of proportionate width,
of a very deep rich green colour, and having a remarkably
rugose surface. It is one of the most striking of all the
plants used for what is called sub-tropical gardening.
Native of the Caraccas.

W. wrens.—A plant very closely resembling W. caracasana
and W. Vigieri in its general characteristics. The leaves
are, however, somewhat more ovate in outline, and more
obviously hairy.

W. Vigiert.—This plant is, we believe, of garden origin.
It is of robust growth, yet perhaps less coarse than W.

caracasana, and the leaves are slightly glaucous. It is used.

as a sub-tropical plant, and is one of the most effective and
ornamental. It is supposed to be a hybrid between W.
caracasana and W. wrens.

XANTHORRHAA,

An exceedingly curious and interesting genus of Liliacee,
which are very ornamental objects in the greenhouse or
conservatory ; they are all natives of Australia, and are
popularly known as “Black Boys,” “Grass Gum Trees,”
and “Grass Trees.” Several species of this genus produce
stout stems, varying from six to eighteen feet in height,
supporting on their summit large crowns of pendvlous
grassy leaves; these stems are mostly simple and un-
branched, though some few examples are met with sup-
porting two and three distinct heads, whilst other species
never develope an arborescent stem. A gum resembling
 

XANTHORR#A AUSTRALIS.

Australia.
XANTHOSOMA. ° 331

Dragon’s Blood is obtained from some of these plants, and
imported under the name of “Black Boy Gum.” These
plants should be potted in a mixture of peat, loam, and
sand, in equal parts.

X. arborea.—This species developes a stout stem, which
is sometimes branched; the leaves are long, somewhat
triangular, and slightly glaucous. Native of Australia.

X. australis.—The accompanying woodcut will give an
excellent idea, not only of this species, but of most of the
arborescent kinds. The leaves of X. australis are not
three-cornered, as in the preceding plant, but are sword-
shaped. Native of Australia.

X. hastile-——Stem short, so far as we at present know
this plant; fhe leaves are sword-shaped, and somewhat
glaucous. It is known also by the name of X. media.
Native of Australia.

" XKANTHOSOMA.

’

This is a very fine genus of Aracee, but it requires con-
siderable space for its accommodation under glass. The
species are, however, of hardy constitution, and will bear
crowding together during winter, and in summer, after
being properly hardened, they may be planted with much
advantage in a sheltered corner of the garden, where their
large leaves give quite a tropical appearance to the scene.
Plant in rich loam and river sand. To increase these
plants the suckers must be taken off, or when the plant
gets old and forms a stem, it should be cut down, and the
stem cut into small pieces, and placed in a warm close
frame in some light soil.

X. sagittefolia.—A fine large-growing plant, sometimes
found in gardens under the name of Arum sagittefolia, but
by no means of recent introduction. The leaves are from
332 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

one or three feet in length, sagittato-ovate, tapering to a
blunt point, and of adeep. green colour. Native of Tropical
America,

Yucca.

These plants are familiar enough to all who take any
interest in the garden, as many of the species and varieties
are grown in the open borders, and are known popularly
as Adam’s Needle. Their dark green leaves and majestic
spikes of bloom render them very effective objects, either
grouped upon the lawn, or planted in the shrubbery border.
It is not with the more hardy kinds we have to do in this
place, but with those which are mostly (though not in suf-
ficient abundance) grown in the greenhouse., Some of the
kinds that we recommend for the house are, as we are
quite aware, by many persons considered to be hardy, but
although we would certainly use them largely in the open
air during summer, it is an unnecessary risk to leave these
handsome plants to the vicissitudes of our winter. As
ornaments for the sub-tropical garden, to plunge in and
about rock-work, or in such-like places, Yuccas are great
acquisitions, and they are much improved in appearance
by the exposure, as the sun and light intensifies the varie-
gation of their leaves, and thus increases their beauty for
the embellishment of the conservatory or hall during win-
ter. On account, also, of their robust constitution and
beautiful markings, they are well adapted for window
plants, and we trust the taste for them will largely
increase. Yuccas require to have their pots well drained,
and to be potted in rich loam, with a considerable addition
of river or silver sand. These plants may be increased
by suckers; and also from seed, when it is to be obtained,

Y. albo-spica.—An interesting and very elegant plant,
YUCCA, 833°

with long thin narrow leaves, which are from one to one
and a half feet in length, sometimes slightly twisted, dull
green, clothed at the edges with a profusion of long curled
white filaments. It is compact in habit, and forms an
exceedingly attractive object. Native of Mexico.

Y. alotfolia.—The leaves of this species are leathery in
texture, from twelve to eighteen inches in length, and
about two in breadth, widest about the middle, tapering
to a point, and there armed with a sharp spine, spreading
horizontally, and ofa dark green. It is an erect-growing
plant, and when grouped_with its variegated varieties,
affords a rich and beautiful contrast. Native of the West
Indies and South America.

Y. aloifolia variegata.—A superb plant, in habit resem:
bling the preceding. The leaves are from eighteen inches
to two feet in length, and about two inches in breadth,
tapering to a point and terminated with a sharp spine,
centre dark green, fading to grey, and bordered with
yellowish white. It is a very handsome and ornamental
variety.

Y. canaliculata—This is a fine bold plant of erect
growth. The leaves are from twelve to twenty-four
inches in length, narrow, channelled, lanceolate in shape,
furnished at the edges with a few distant white filaments,
and armed at the apex with a stout and sharp brown spine,
dark green on both sides. It forms a striking ornament
in the conservatory. Native of Mexico.

Y. concava.—This is of robust habit, and very distinct.
The leaves are stout, spreading, concave, from two to
three feet in length, and about three inches in width, dark
green, bordered with a narrow band of brown, and ending
in a short stout brown spine.

Y. concava longifolia.—A distinct form of the preceding
3384 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

variety, differing from it in its longer and narrower leaves,
and in being far less channelled ; the spine at the apex is
long and sharp, not short and blunt, as in the species.

Y. De Smetiana.—A very distinct and elegant species.
The stem is slender; the leaves much reflexed, narrow,
about twelve inches in length, and rather less than an
inch in breadth, dark green, glaucous, and suffused with
a rich metallic hue. This is an extremely rare species,
and totally distinct from any other plant at present in
cultivation.

Y. Draconis,—The stem of this species is stout at the
base. The Icaves are closely set, eighteen inches in
length, and two inches broad, thick and fleshy, dark green
and ending ina long thin unarmed point. A fine massive
ornamental species, one that will be a superb ornament to
the sub-tropical garden in the summer months. Native of
South America.

Y. ensifolia.—Stem short and stout, leaves narrowly lan-
ceolate, from two to two and a half feet in length, armed
at the apex with a spine, and glaucous green in colour, the
edges being bordered with brown, Flowers globose-cam-
panulate creamy-white inside, but tinged without with red.
Native of Mexico.

Y. jfilamentosa variegata.—This variety is of compact
habit, and very ornamental in appearance. The leaves
are from twelve to eighteen inches in length, and about
two in width, dark green in the centre, bordered with
pure white, and clothed at the edges with long white
filaments. Native of North America.

Y. Guatemalensis.—This is a fine greenhouse species,
forming a stem from five to six feet in height, the leaves
are lanceolate in shape, from two to three feet in length,
bright shining green in colour, the edges being rough,
YUCCA. 335

flowers somewhat campanulate and pure white. Native of
Mexico.

Y. quadricolor—A magnificent kind, well deserving a
place in any and every collection of plants. The leaves
are stout, spreading horizontally, and tapering to a point,
where they are armed with a sharp spine, from one to
two feet in length, and from one to one and a half inches
in breadth ; the upper surface creamy yellow in the centre,
tinged with crimson and orange yellow, and broadly bor-
dered with dark shining green; the under side and stem
is creamy yellow, the leaves being bordered with a narrow
green margin. Native of Mexico.

Y. quadricolor Stokesit.—In this plant we have all the
beauties of the preceding intensified. The colours are the
same, except that the creamy yellow is in this kind ex-
changed for a rich dark orange yellow, and the leaves
are more recurved. It is undoubtedly the finest of all the
variegated Yuccas. Native of Mexico.

Y. recurva.—Stem stout, six inches in diameter at the
pase, and from six to ten feet in height. The leaves are
stiff and rigid, from twelve to twenty inches in length, and
rather above an inch in width, sheathing at the base,
the point armed with a stout spine, and the edges spar-
ingly clothed with long white filaments; they are dark
green on both surfaces, except at the sheathing base, which
is reddish brown. Native of Georgia.

Y. serrxwlata—This is a compact small-growing plant,
with a slender stem, and leaves from one to two feet in
length, slightly more than an inch in width, finely serrated
at the edges, dark full green, and armed at the apex with
a stout brown spine. Native of Carolina.

Y. serrulata angustifolia.—Leaves from twelve to eigh-
teen inches in length, and less than an inch across, finely
836 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

toothed at the edges, dark green, slightly glaucous at the
base, and armed at the apex with a stout brown spine.
Native of Carolina,

Y. serrulata variegata.—An elegant and dwarf-growing
species, resembling Y. aloifolia variegata in miniature.
The leaves are finely toothed at the edges, from six to
twelve inches in length, and less than an inch in breadth ;
centre of the leaf deép green, the margins yellowish white
red at the base and slightly glaucous, the apex terminated
by a stout spine, Native of Carolina.

Y. Treculeana.—This is a very handsome plant. We
have not seen it sufficiently aged to produce a stem, but
it bids fair to be an extremely ornamental species. The
leaves are from two to three or more feet in length, and
two inches in breadth ; they are rich dark green on both
sides, with a narrow red margin ; the apex is armed with
a short stout spine. Native of Texas.

ZALACCA.

This is a genus of Palms found growing in marshy
swampy places in Assam, Burmah, Malacca, Sumatra, and
probably in many other islands in the Indian Seas, and
are all stemless. The leaves are pinnate, but destitute
of the whip-like elongation of the genus Calamus, to which
they are nearly related. The flower spikes are freely
produced, and are furnished with an indefinite number
of spdthes ; the sexes are produced separately, and upon
distinct plants. Fruits scaly, resembling those of Calamus
and from one to three-seeded. The species comprising this
genus are dwarf spreading plants, and very handsome.
They should be potted in principally vegetable mould,.
the pots well drained, and if possible plunged for some
depth in water. When the plants produce suckers or
 

ZAMIA CRASSIFOLIA.
ZAMIA. 337

lateral growths from the base, these should be taken off
‘and potted, but the usual mode of multiplication is by
‘seeds.

Z. edulis.—An elegant somewhat Oalamus-like plant, with
‘spreading pinnate leaves ; the petioles are broadly sheath-
ing at the base, dark ferrugineous brown, and armed with
black spines, an inch in length, produced two and three
together at the base, but towards the apex singly, and
there distant. The leaves are one or two feet in length ;
pinne six to ten inches long, dark green, the apex broadly
bilobed. It is sometimes found in collections under the
name of Z. Blumeana. Native of the Hast Indies.

Z. Wagneri,—The petioles of this beautiful species are
profusely armed with long white spines; leaves two to
four feet long, irregularly pinnate; pinne six to twelve
inches in length, two in breadth, and of a bright dark
green colour. Native of the East Indies.

ZAMIA,

A noble genus of Cycadeaceous plants, remarkable for
their stout fleshy stems, and their hard enduring leaves.
They are mainly related to Encephalartos, to which genus
the reader is referred for instructions on their cultivation.

Z. calocoma.—This is an exceedingly rare species. The
stem is slender, and slightly woolly in the crown ; leaves
pinnate, naked portion clothed with a thin coating of white
woolly scales; pinne six to ten inches or more long, taper-
ing to a point and set very close together, dark green on
the upper side, slightly paler below. It is an elegant
plant. Native of Tropical America.

Z. crassifolia.—This is a very distinct dense-growing
species. Leaves about two feet long, pinnate, petioles
covered with a dense silvery tomentum ; pinnz two to two

Zz
338 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS.

and a half inches long, sharp pointed, very closely set.
Native of Mexico, .

4. debilis—A pretty dwarf spreading species. The
leaves are pinnate, from one to two feet long, the petiole.
being naked about half its length; pinne from three to
six inches in length, and one in breadth, with a somewhat
serrated apex, and dark green on both surfaces. Native
of the West Indies.

4. eriolepis,—Stem slender ; leaves pinnate, bright green ;
the petioles are slightly spiny, and the pinnez have a few
small spines at their apex. A somewhat rare but very
desirable species in a collection of Cycadeacee.

4. Fischeri.—This species is a dwarf-growing kind, pro-
ducing a stem about nine inches in circumference. The
leaves are pinnate, from one to two feet in length, smooth ;,
pinne three inches in length, less than one inch in breadth,
tapering to a point, serrate at the edges, thin in texture,
and of a dark green colour. Native of Tropical America.

4. integrifolia.—Stem slender; leaves pinnate, one to:
three feet in length; pinne oblong, serrate at the edges,
about six inches long and one broad, dark shining green
above, paler below. This is a very distinct and pretty
species. Native of the West Indies.

Z. niveo-lanuginosa.—We are unable to say to what
height this species attains. The leaves are from one to
three feet in height, pinnate ; pinne linear, three to four
inches in length, dull green in colour, the rachis covered
with a dense tomentum, which, however, falls off with age,
and is quite lost as it forms a stem. It is a very hand-
some plant, and, like all the members of this order, does.
not speedily grow too large for even a small house. Native
of Cape of Good Hope.

Z. Sieboldtii—A very distinct species, with a smooth
TAMIA, 339

bare stem, something like Stangeria paradoxa, but taller.
The petioles are slender, furnished with fine teeth-like
spines; leaves pinnate, dark green; pinne also armed
with short spines at the apex. It is an extremely rare
plant in cultivation.

4. Skinveriti—A very distinct and handsome species.
The stem is from one to three feet in height, and six inches
in circumference. The leaves are from one to three feet
in length, pinnate, and somewhat spreading; petioles
black green, and, as well as the rachis, armed with short
sharp spines; pinne distant, somewhat elliptical-obovate,
leathery in texture, plaited, nine to twelve inches in length,
four in breadth, and bright shining green, and slightly
spiny towards the apex. Native of the Isthmus of
Panama, about Veraguas.

 
ABUTILON .

INDEX.

Selowianum monddrstine, 68

 

Thompsoni 68
vexillarium marmoratum . 68
ACALYPHA . é « 68
marginata . . - 69
Wilkesiana 69
ACANTHOPHENIX . 69
crinita, 5 ‘ 70
ruber. y - 70
ACANTHORREIZA é - 70
stauracantha . 71
Warscewiczii 71
AGAVE . i 71
americana. 73
—~ medio-picta - 7
—— mexicana . 73
—- striata 73
—— variegata . . 74
amena . . 74
applanaia . ‘ - TA
aureoacantha x 94
Besseriana amcena « 74
candida 75
Celsiana . « Fe
coccinea . a - 75
—— brevifolia . 75
Corderoyi . 75
cuspidata . ‘ 76
dasyliroides  . 76
de Smetiana . - 76
dealbata . é 76
densiflora . Fe 77
Ellemetiana 7 « a7
ensiformis . : UE.
ferox . . 3 - 7

 

AGAVE
filamentosa . .
filifera .. . 5
fourcroyoides . :
Galeottii .
geminiflora
—— filifera
Ghiesbreghtii
glaucescens
Hookeri .
horrida
—— levior eH :
Humboldtiana . :
hystrix . ,
Jacobiana . =
Jacquiniana . 7
Karatto .
Kellockii . ,
Kerchovei brevifolia .
Leopoldii . .
lophanta . - i
—— rubro-spina
macroacantha . .
Maximiliana
Noackii .
Ousselgheimiana
picta . ‘ . 6
— brevifolia . .
Poselgerii . :
potatorum . is .
pugioniformis . .
rigida 3 .
Salmiana .
Saundersii.
scabra, . . ‘
Schidigera. 5 7
342

AGAVE
Seemanni .
striata
Taylorii
Thomsoniana
univittata .
Verschaffeltii

virginica glauca

Warrelliana
Xalapensis.
xylacantha.
Yucceefolia
ALOE. i
abyssinica .
arborescens
plicatilis .
Soccotrina.
variegata .
AtocasIa.
gigantea
intermedia.
Jenningsii .
Lowii.

macrorhiza variegata

Sedeni

Veitchir

zebrina
ALTERNANTHERA

paronychioides .
sessilis var. amoona .

spathulata .
versicolor .
ANANASSA .
Porteana .

sativa variegata.

ANTHURIUM .
acaule
cordifolium
coriaceum .
erystallinum
Hookeri
magnificaum
regale .
signatam .
subsignatum
tetragonum

APHELANDRA.

> fascinator .
Leopoldii .
Roezlii

ARALIA
crassifolia .

 

punctata,

ae ae

INDEX.
PAGE.
ARALIA :

85 elegantissima .
85 Guilfoylei .

85 heteromorpha
86 leptophylla

86 Osyana . :
86 papyrifera. 2
86 pentaphylla .
87 reticulata . "
87 Sieboldii . i.
87 — variegata .
87 — — aurea
88 trifoliata .
88 Veitchii . anf
88 | ARAUCARIA . 2
88 Bidwillii .

88 Cookii r -
"89 Cunninghamii .
89 elegans. .

89 excelsa

89 Goldieana .

89 Rulei

90 | Aprca .

90 alba .

90 aurea

90 catechu

91 lutescens .
_91 monostachya

91 Wallichiana

91 | ARrocaRrUs .

92 Canonii .

92 incisa, .

92 | ASTROCARYUM

93 acaule : .
93 humile eZ 5
94 Murumuru

94 rostratum .

94 | ATTALEA

95 Cohune . :
95 funifera . ‘i
95 nucifera,

95 | Bacrris

95 baculifera .

96 flavispina .

96 | Bamwsusa A

96 arundinacea,

97 | BaNKSIA

97 australis . :
97 Caleyi %
97 Cunninghamii .
98 dryandroides
98 elatior i
93 foliosa é 2

 

PAGE.

99

99

99

99
100
100
100
101
101
101
101
101
102
102
103
103
103
104
104
104
104
105

: 105

105
106
106
106
107
107
108
108
109
109
109
109
110
110
110
111
111
111
112
112

413

113
118
114
114
115
115
115
115
BANKSIA
integrifolia
compar
latifolia
quercifolia :
solandra,
speciosa
BARRINGLONIA
speciosa
BEAUCARNEA .
glauca :
latifolia =.
longifolium
recurvata . .
stricta é .
BEGONIA
dadalea .
grandis
Griffithii
imperialis . e
Madame Wagner
Marshallii . ‘
metallica .
Regina.
Rex . ‘
Roi Leopold
Rollissonii
smaragdina
splendida argentea
BERTOLONIA .
guttata i
margaritacea .
marmorata a
pubescens .
superbissima
Van Houtteana .
Borassus ‘i
AXhthiopum .
flabelliformis
Bravwea
dulcis
BrReEXIA . :
chrysophylla
madagascariensis
spinosa
‘CALADIUM
argyrites
Baraquinii.
Beethoven.
Belleymei .
Ceres. 5 .
Chantinii .
Chelsoni

 

 

INDEX.
PAGE.'

CaLaniua
115 Dr. Lindley .
116 Duc de Cleveland
116. —— —— Nassau
116 Emmeline . “
116 Emperor Napoleon
117. Hercules
117 imperialis . 2
117 Louise Poirier
118 Lucy. -
118 Lurline. ‘
118 Madame Hunebelle
119 magnificum :
119 M. Alphand e
119 Meyerbeer. .
119 Miltoni f
121 mirabile . 8 :
121 Prince Albert Edward
121 Princess Alexandra .
121 Reine Victoria .
122 Theresa . ‘
122 tricolor
122 Troubetzkoy
122 Verschaffeltii .
122 Wallisii . 3
122 | Catamus a
122 accidens . .
122 adspersus .
128 asperrimus
123 ciliaris
123 Draco
123 fissus . «
124 flagellum
124 hystrix. .
124 Jenkinsianus  .
124 Lewisianus x
124 melanochztes
125 palembanicus
125 plumosus . :
126 Rotang . :
126 Royleanus . -
127 viminalis
127 | CaLyprrocyNE ‘
127 Ghiesbreghtii
127 spicigera .
128 | Canna . é .
129 Achiras variegata
129 Annzi ‘
129 —— rosea.
129 Auguste Ferrier
130 aurantiaca splendida.
130 atronigricans .
130 Biborelli . :

 

343

PAGE.

130
130
180
130
130
130
181
181
131
181
181
131
181
131

' 182

182
182
182
182
132
182
132
133
133
133
184
184
134
135
185
185
185
136
186
136
136
186
187
187
187
187
138
138
138
188
189
189
139
139
140
140
140
344

Canna

Caledoniensis peltata

Daniel Hoibrenk
discolor floribunda

expansa z
involventia, z
iridiflora hybrida
limbata

Madame Annei .
maxima . 5
metallica . ‘
metallicoides
nigricans .
peruviana . a
picturata fastuosa
Prémices de Nice
Van Houttei
CaRLUDOVICA
atrovirens .
humilis. ¥
palmata
purpurata .
rotundifolia
Caryora F
Cumingii . *
furfuracea .
Rumphiana
sobolifera .
urens. é
CEPHALOTUS .
follicularis . r
CERATOLOBUS. :
glaucescens
CERATOZAMIA.
Kiisteriana
mexicana (mas.)
(foem.)
Miqueliana
CEROXYLON . i.
andicola .
CHAMZDOREA
Arénbergii
brevifrons .
desmoncioides .
elegans.
Ernesti- Augusti.
geonomiformis .
glaucifolia .
graminifolia
lunata, 7 .
macrospadix
Martiana . i
microphylla.

 

INDEX.
PAGE.
CHAM#DOREA
140 Sartorii .
140 tepechilota
140 Warscewiczii
141 Wendlandii
141 | Cuama@roprs .
141 excelsa
141 Fortunei . ‘
141 humilis. 3; =
141 arborescens 5
142 —— macrocarpa 7
142 hystrix . :
142 Martiana . -
142 Palmetto me
142 | Curysopayntum
148 cainito :
143 macrophyllum .
143 | Cissus ‘ <
143 discolor
iia | _ Lindenit -
144 | Cocos . ‘ :
144 | butyracea.
145 elegantissimus .
145 nucifera . g
146 plumosus .
146 Romanzoffianus .
146 schizophyllus
147 Weddeliana
147 | Cocutrosrema
148 Jacobiana .
148 | Cozeus. é
148 atropurpurea .
148 Bareness Rothschild .
149 Beauty of Wedmore .
149 Berkeleyii. 7
149 Duchess of Edinburgh
149 Her Majesty
149 Princess Beatrice
150 of Wales .
150 — Royal 7
151 Teck.
151 Queen Victoria .
151 Ruckerii .
151 Scotti ci
152 Verschaffeltii
152 | Coprosma .
152 Baueriana variegata .
152 Stockii . %
1538 | CorypHa 7
153 Gebanga . 3
153 Talieri z i)
153 umbraculifera .

 

 

 

 

PAGE...

158
154
154
154
154
155
155
156
156
157
157
157
157
158
158
159
159
159
160:
160
161.
161
161
162
162
162
163
1638
164
164
164
164
165.
165.
165.
165
165.
165
165:
165.
165.
165.
165-
166.
166.
166:
166:
167
167
167
168
Cossienta
borbonica .

Croton.
angustifolium
cornutum .
elegantissimum .
Hillianum .
interruptum
irregulare .
longifolium
lacteum .
majesticum
pictum
spirale
undulatum .
variegatum
Veitchii
Wiesmanni.
Youngii

CurcuLico

recurvata striata.

 

variegata .
CYANOPHYLLUM .
magnificom
spectandrum
Cyrcas . , -
circinalis . ‘
inermis . :
Normanbyana

revoluta
Riuminiana
Rumphii
CYCLANTHES . .
bipartitus . .

cristatus .
plicatus 2
Crprrus 7 es

alternifolius %
variegatus.
DaBLincronia
californica . *
DASYLIRION . ‘a
acrotrichum :
brevifolium
gracile
glancum .
latifolium
plumosum .
serratifolium
DeEsMONCUS .
mexicanus . .
DICHORISANDRA.j
mosaica . "

 

 

 

 

INDEX.
PAGE.
168 | DicHorIsANDRA
168 undata
169 | DizrrenBacHIa
169 Bausei
170 Baraquiniana
170 Braziliensis
170 eburnea
170 gigantea .
171 nobilis .
171 Pearcei .
171 Weirii é
471 =| Dittenta x
172 speciosa .
172 | Dion. i
172 edule . .
172 | Dionma. a
173 muscipula .
178 | Dioscorra’ .
178 ancectochilus
174 discolor
174 — vittata
174 | DirLoraemtium
175 caudescens.
195 maritinnm .
176 | Dracena
176 amabilis
176 australis .
177 Baptistii .
177 cannzefolia .
177 Chelsoni
178 Cooperii .
178 excelsa
178 ferrea *
178 Fraserii
179 gracilis.
179 Guilfoylei .
179 Hibberdii .
179 hybrida .
180 imperialis .
180 indivisa (Cordyline) .
180 —.. é ‘
181 —— atropurpurea
181 —— lineata
181 —— Veitchii
182 limbata .
182 Macleayi .
182 marginata .
182 Moorei .
182 nigrescens
182 nigro-rubra
183 phrynioides
183 regina, 3
184. robusta .

 

.

345
PAGE.

184.
184
185.
185
185
186
186
186
186
187
187
187
183
183
188
189
189
190
190
190
190
190
191
191
192
191
192
192
192
192
193
193
193
193

194
194
194
195
195
195
195
195
196
196
196
196
196
197
197
197
197
346

Dracaena
Rumphii . ‘
Shepherdi.
splendens .
terminalis .

stricta,
umbraculifera
Weismanii
Youngii

Drosera a
binata 3 -
capensis .
lunata ‘
spathulata

DRYANDRA
nivea
plumosa
seneciifolia

Dyckia.
argentea
rariflora .

Exazis .
guineensis .
melanococca

EENCEPHALARTOS
Altensteinii
brachyphyllus
caffer “
Ghellinckii
horridus
lanuginosus
Lebmanni .
villosus

ERANTHEMUM i
aureo reticulatum
Fenzlii
igneum "
Moorei . ‘.

FERDINANDA . .
eminens

Ficus . <
barbata
Brassii
dealbata
elasticus .
Parcellii .
Porteana
religiosa . .
stipulata . j
Suringarii . :

Frrronta
argyroneura
gigantea

 

 

INDEX.
PAGE.
FITTONIA

198 Pearcei . 3 ‘

198 Verschaffeltii

188 | Gronoma  .

198 binervia

199 congesta .

199 elegans ; :

199 ferruginea , a

199 gracilis

200 macrostachys

200 magnifica .

201 Martiana .

201 Porteana .

201 procumbens

201 pumila

201 Schottiana

202 undata . . 5 .
202 Verschaffeltii . s .
202 Wildenovii ‘
202 | Guaziova

203 insignis 3 : 7
203 | Grias . ¥ < < *
203 cauliflora .

204 zamorensis

204 | GUILIELMA

205 speciosa f é ‘i
205 | HaBrRorHaMNUS . .
205 elegans argentea -

206 | Hipiscus ie

206 Cooperi

206 | HiccInsia .

207 argyroneura

207 discolor

207 Ghiesbreghtii

207 pyrophylla

208 refulgens ..

208 regalis

208 smaragdina

208 | Hirpomane . < :
208 spinosa...
ae HoMALONEMA

. rubescens . : ¢ 5
ovo | Wendlandi . .
210 HYOPHORBE .

210 amaricaulis

210 indica soo é
211 Verschaffeltii . i :
911 | HypHane . . : >
11 thebaica . . 3 a
2.1 | IRIARrEa “ : ‘ .
212 gigantea . : : .
212 robustus . “ : :

PAGE,

912
212
218
214
214
214
214
214
215
215
215
215
216
216
216
216
216
316
217
217
217
217
218
218
219
219
219
220
220
2.20
224
221
291
292
292
292
222
298
293
228
223
298
294
294
224
295
295
296
226
227
227
.

IRIARTELLA
setigera
IREsine .
Herbstii .
— acuminata.
Lindenii
JUBEA . a
spectabilis .
KEnNTIA . "
australis
Baueri
Belmoreana
‘Canterburyana .
Tosteriana .
sapida :
Larania
aurea.
Commersonii
glaucophylla
rubra. 2
LEUCADENDRON
argenteum .
Licuata, <
elegans
horrida .
peltata
Livistona
-altissima

australis .
borhbonica .
Hoogendorpii
humilis .
Jenkinsiana
oliveeformis
Lopoicra .
Sechellarum
Lomatra é
elogantissima
ferruginea .
silaifolia .
Macrozamia .
Denisoni
Fraseri
McLeayi
spiralis
Matorriea
gracilis
simplex
Maranta
Baraquinii .
bicolor .

:chimboracensis .

fasciata ,

se wm ee

.

INDEX,
PAGE,
227 | Maranra
228 hieroglyphica .
228 illustris .
228  Legrelliana
229 Lindeniana
229 Makoyana .
229 micans zi
229 ornata x
2380 pardina

231 Porteana . ,
231 princeps .
231 pulchella .
231 roseo-lineata
232 roseo-picta,
232 splendida .
232 striata ‘
238 tubispatha . 2
233 Vanden Heckei .
233 Veitchii . :
234 virginalis . é
234 vittata ‘
235. Wallisii ,
235 Warscewicsii .
236 zebrina =. :
236 | Marrinezia . :
236 caryotefolia .
236 Lindeniana,
237 | Mavuritia . 7
237 aculeata .
238 flexuosa . .
238 | MaxIMILLIANA ‘
238 regia . *
239 | Mimosa. 3
239 pudica . .
239 | Mormnra “ 7
240 corallina . 7
240 fragrans . :
241 | Musa . “ .
241 Cavendishii yi
241 ensete . i
241 sapientum . ‘
242 var. vittata
242 superba .

242 zebrina

2438 | NEPENTHES .

243 ampullacea

243 picta .

243 Chelsonii .

244 distillatoria

244, —— rubra. i
245 Dominiana, 7
245 gracilis . :
245 ——~ major i

 

 

 

eo 2 ee ew

Ce

Ce ee se

347

PAGE,

245
245
246
246
246
246
247
247
247
247
248
248
248
248
248
249

249
249
250
250
250
250
251
251
251
252
252
253
258
253
253
254
254
254
255
255
256
256
257
257
257
258
258
261
261
261
261
261
262
262
262
348

NEPENTHES
hybrida . S

maculata . .
Hookeriana :
intermedia.
levis . Z §
albo marginata .
phyllamphora :
Rafflesiana 4 z

* rubra. “
sanguinea .

Sedeni %
villosa é <

NIDULARIUM .
Tnnocentii .
Laurentii .
Scheremetteffii .

CinocaRPus .
Bataua .
minor a

ONCOSPERMA .
fasciculata.

Van Houtteana .

OREODOXxA
oleracea .
regia . é
ventricosa .

OREOPANAX . ‘ F
dactylifolium . 2 .
plantanifolia ;

OUVIRANDRA . Z : 5
Bernieriana
fenestralis .

PANax . ‘
excelsa, : ‘

PanDANUS . . .
candelabrum . x
elegantissimus . : 3
javanicus variegatus . 7
ornatus . . = 7
reflexus . : 7 ¥
utilis . i é *
Vandermeerschii 7 +
Veitchii . - ‘i

Papyrus ‘ :
antiquorum

PavLLINIA .

Thalictrifolia

PavETTA
borbonica .

PEPEROMIA :
arifolia argyrea f .
maculosa . . : F

 

 

INDEX.
PAGE. PAGE.
PEPEROMIA
262 marmorata : 280
262 | PERIsTROPHE . a 280
263 angustifolia aureo variegata 286
263 | PHILODENDRON , . 281
263 cannefolium . ‘ 281
264 erubescens. 2 Fi 281
264 laceratum . # ss 282°
264 pertusum . . - 282
264 pinnatifidum . 282
265 Simsii “ s 282
265 | PH@NICOPHORIUM . 283
265 sechellaruam ‘) é 283
265 | Poanrx. ; : 284
266 acaulis é 285
266 dactylifera. 285.
266 farinifera . 285
266 reclinata . . 285
267 rupicola . 285
267 sylvestris . : 285
267 tenuis 2 286
268 | PHormium . ni i 286:
268 Colensoi variegata . 287°
268 tenax. 287
269 atropurpureum : 287
269 . —— variegatum 287
269 | PuyLiocaTHIs : 287
269 rotundifolia 288
270 | PayLLor2Nium . 288
270 Lindenii 288
270 | PHYTELEPHAS : : 289
272 macrocarpa te 8 289
278 | Pinanea ‘ . 290
273 maculata, . 4 . -290
273 Smithii . . 3 - 290
274 | Prucrocomta. 291
275 assamica . 291
275 elongata . 291
a PRITCHARDIA . 291
th Martii 292
the pacifica 292

276
276 PrycHOsPERMA % 292
276 Alexandra. . i 293
277 Cunninghamii, see Sea-
277 forthia elegans.
277 rupicola 3 293
77 | Puva .. sew 298
278 coarctata . s a 293
278 | Rapuia. . 294
279 Hookerii . ‘ 7 294
279 Ruffia ‘ ‘ : 294
280 tedigera . . : . 294

 
Ragaris . ‘
flabelliformis .
— variegata .
humilis

RHOPALA
aurea ‘i
corcovadense
Jonghei . .
Skinnerii . 5

Ricinus 3
communis .

Saab
Adansoni .
Blackburniana .
umbraculifera .

SaccHARUM .
officinarum
violaceum .

SancHEzIA
glaucophylla
nobilis variegata

SARRACENIA .
Drummondii
—— alba .
flava . :
— maxima .

picta .
purpurea .
—- viridis
psittacina .
rubra e
variolaris .

ScHEELEA .

 

unguis 5 ‘
Scrnparsus . :
pictus . .
SEAFORTHIA .
elegans
SMILAX

longifolia. variegata .

macrophylla es

Sovanum
amazonium
callicarpum

hybridum compactum

laciniatum elegans
macrophyllum .
marginatum .
maronense
pyracanthum .
robustum . .
stramonizfolium
‘Warscewiczoides

 

INDEX,
PAGE.

295 | SONERILA . :
295 Hendersonii .
295 margaritacea .
295 | SPH@ROGYNE.

296 cinnamomea .
296 imperialis .

297 latifolia

297 | STADMANNIA .

297 Jonghei

297 | STANGERIA . i
298 paradoxa . s
298 | SrenocaRPus.

299 Cunninghamii .
299 | STRELITZIA . 3
299 augusta

300 regina

300 | Syacrus

300 campestris

300 | TERMINALIA . é
301 elegans. .
801 | TesruDINARIA

301 elephantipes
302 | THEOPHRASTA

303 imperialis . .
803 Jussieu. A
803 macrophylla =.
304 | Tarinax . %
304 arborea,

304 graminifolia .
304 grandis. ‘
304 miraguana .
305 multiflora .

305 parviflora . .
305 pumilio . .
306 radiata

3806 | TILLANDsIA

306 argentea :
307 Lindenii . .
307 musaica 3
307 splendens . .
308 tessellata . ‘
308 | TRITHRINAX . .
308 braziliense. 3
309 | TUPIDANTHUS.

309 calyptratus

309 | Urania. a
310 speciosa

310 | UrospatHa

310 varians

310 —— grandis
310 picturata .
311 —— spectabilis.
811 —— splendéns .

 

er

349

PAGE.
311
312
312
312
312
813
3138
313
313
313
314
314
314
315
315
315
316
316
316
317
317
318
318
318
318
319
319
319
320
320
320
320
821
321
321
322
322
322
822
823
323
323
328
324
324
324
324
825
325
325
825
825
326
 

TNDEX.

 

 

 

 

350
PAGE.

VERSCHAFFELTIA 326 | Yucca
melanochetes . 326 De Smetiana .
splendida . 326 Draconis . .

WaALLICHIA . 827 ensifolia . 7
oblongifolia 327 filamentosa variegata
Orani. 328 Guatemalensis .
tremula 328 quadricolor F

WELFIA . : 328 Stokesii .
Georgii. . 328 recurva . 7
regia . : 329 serrulata

WIGANDIA 329 —— angustifolia
caracasana. 329 variegata .
urens . 830 Treculeana 3
Vigieri 830 | ZaLacca

XANTHORRHZA 330 edulis.
arborea . 331 Wagneri
australis 3831 | ZaMIaA . ‘ .
hastile . . 331 calocoma . A

XANTHOSOMA . : 331 crassifolia . 5
sagitteefolia : 331 debilis  .

Yucca . . . 332 eriolepis . .
albo-spica . : 332 Fischeri . :
aloifolia 833 integrifolia c
—— variegata . 333 niveo-lanuginosa
canaliculata = 332 Sieboldtii . 7
concava . . 333 Skinnerii . é

longifolia . 333 ;
LONDON:

PAGE..

334
334
334
334
334
335
335
835
335
335
336
336
336
337
337
337
337
337
338
338
338
338
338.
338.
839-

H. M. Potzert, Horticultural and General Steam Printer, 12 to 15, Bridgewater Gardens,

Barbican, E.C.
ADVERTISEMENTS. i

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Published Monthly, Price Sixpence, profusely Illustrated.

THE VILLA GARDENER.

i igen Magazine is not intended for Professional Gardeners, who are already so

well supplied with ably conducted weekly and monthly journals, but for
that very large class—the dwellers in Suburban Residences and Villas—who are
interested in Gardening simply as.a relaxation from other pursuits, who do not
employ a regular gardener, and who have at present no Periodical devoted
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Its pages are occupied with matter concerning Villa and Town Gardens—to
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to exercise, on the ublic taste.

Special articles by some of the most competent writers of the day regularly
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sowing of seed, striking plants from cuttings, grafting, layering, pruning, training,
watering, and the innumerable other operations which require to be performed in
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hhave something to say on the best mode of dealing with the Pests of the Garden,
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Notices of New Flowers, Fruits, Ornamental Plants and Trees, and Culinary
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Number, and their respective merits or demerits are fairly criticises.

Particular attention is given to the construction of conservatories, greenhouses,
and hothouses, and of the varied modes of Heating and Ventilatmg.

Garden Architecture and the proper use of Statuary and other garden ornaments
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Tools, Implements, and other appliances are noticed and criticised.

Practical and plain instructions of what has to be done during the month, in all
the departments ofa Villa Garden, are given; and, in addition, plain directions
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It being unquestionable that it is on the Ladies of the household that the
general direction of the labour of a Flower Garden falls, as well as the care of
plants in the conservatory and drawing-room, it has been the particular study of
the Conductors, by imparting their experience on the best apie of management,
to make “ Every Lady her own Flower Gardener ;” and, in doing this, it is hoped
to effect a general improvement in the gardening tastes of that large class for
which the VitLa GaRDENER is specially intended. ;

In addition to the subjects mentioned above, a portion of the Magazine is
occasionally devoted to Villa Architecture, and the Management of Aviaries and
Aquariums, as adjuncts to the Villa.

The Queries of Correspondents on all subjects connected with Villa Gardening

receive every attention, and are replied to at such length as the general interest of
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XX
a
\ NA

\ \

\
a SN

-
.

~~