Читать книгу The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car - Various - Страница 10

A. Anthora (Anthora).* fl. pale yellow; panicles generally pubescent; spur refracted; lip obcordate; helmet arched. July. l. palmately cut into linear lobes. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Pyrenees, 1596. The following varieties of A. Anthora are erroneously classed as species by some authors:

A. a. Decandollii (Decandolle's). fl. yellow; panicle and flowers pubescent; helmet rather conical, bent, with a short, abrupt, and acuminated beak. l. with rather large dark green lobes. Alps of Jura, 1873.

A. a. eulophum (well-crested). fl. yellow; panicles and flowers puberulous; helmet conical. Caucasus, 1821.

A. a. grandiflorum (large-flowered). fl. yellow, large; panicle, flowers, and fruit pubescent; helmet rather conical. Alps of Jura, 1821.

A. a. Jacquinii (Jacquin's). fl. yellow, smooth; helmet somewhat conical, drawn out into an elongated beak.

A. a. nemorosum (grove-loving).* fl. yellow; panicle and flowers pubescent; helmet somewhat conical, bent; beak short. l. with broad lobes.

A. autumnale (autumn-flowering).* fl. bluish-purple, in loose panicles; peduncles rigidly spreading; spur capitate; helmet closed; lip very long, refracted. July. l. with cuneate, bipinnate lobes. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Europe.

A. barbatum (bearded).* fl. cream coloured, middle sized; racemes dense, puberulous; spur straightish, obtuse; bottom of helmet conical; middle sepals densely bearded. July. l. opaque, with the lobes divided into many linear segments, on long stalks, which are villous as well as the nerves. h. 2ft. to 6ft. Siberia, 1807. SYN. A. squarrosum.

A. chinense (Chinese).* fl. intense and very bright blue, in large compound racemes; pedicels slightly hairy above. Summer. l. lower ones large, deeply cut into three wedge-shaped segments, tapering at the base; upper ones sessile, gradually becoming more entire. h. 4ft. to 6ft. China, 1833.

A. Lamarckii (Lamarck's). fl. cream-coloured, pubescent; racemes long, cylindrical, crowded, branched at the base; spur spiral; helmet constricted, clavate. July. l. large, seven to nine-parted, with the lobes unequally cleft. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Pyrenees, 1800.

A. lupicidum (Wolf's-bane). Synonymous with A. Vulparia.

A. macrophyllum (large-leaved). fl. yellow, numerous, panicled; spur arched; helmet large, somewhat ventricose at the apex. July. l. large, more or less dissected. h. 4ft. to 8ft. Germany.

A. Nuttallii (Nuttall's). Synonymous with A. ochroleucum.

A. ochroleucum (yellowish-white).* fl. cream coloured, large; spur arched; bottom of helmet conico-cylindrical; middle sepals covered with short hairs; racemes puberulous, rather loose. July. l. five to seven-parted, deep green, the first ones are puberulous above. h. 2ft. to 4ft. Russia, 1794. SYNS. A. Nuttallii, A. pallidum.

A. Pallasii (Pallas'). Probably a mere variety, with a continuous spur, of A. anthora.

A. pallidum (pale). Synonymous with A. ochroleucum.

A. pyrenaicum (Pyrenean).* fl. yellow, rather large; spur hooked; bottom of helmet cylindrical, rounded; racemes elongated, dense, puberulous. June. l. parted almost to the base, with pinnatifid lobes, rather hispid beneath, but smooth above, on long stalks. h. 2ft. Pyrenees, &c., 1739.

A. squarrosum (rough). Synonymous with A. barbatum.

A. vulparia (Fox-bane).* fl. pale yellow, smooth; spur spiral; helmet cylindrical, large; beak stretched out, acute; racemes crowded. July. l. three or five-lobed, ciliated. h. 1ft. to 3ft. Europe, 1821. SYN. A. lupicidum. The principal varieties of this species are:—

A. v. carpaticum (Carpathian). fl. panicled, of a lurid colour, sometimes variegated with yellow; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed; peduncles smooth. l. profoundly cut. Stems smooth. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Carpathian Mountains, 1810.

A. v. Cynoctonum (tall Dog's-bane). fl. (and stem) yellow, smoothish, numerous, panicled. h. 3ft. to 4ft. France, 1820.

A. v. moldavicum (Moldavian). fl. violet, panicled; helmet cylindrical, compressed. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Moldavia.

A. v. rubicundum (reddish). fl. livid violet, panicled, villous, variegated with yellow; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Siberia, 1819.

A. v. septentrionale (northern).* fl. blue, panicled, villous; helmet conico-cylindrical, compressed. h. 4ft. North Europe, 1800.

ACONTIAS. See Xanthosoma.

ACORN. The seed or fruit of the oak. See Quercus.

ACORUS (from a, without, and kore, the pupil of the eye; in allusion to its reputed medicinal qualities). ORD. Aroideæ. A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants. Flowers on a sessile spadix; perianth six-cleft, inferior, persistent. They thrive best in a moist soil, and are very suitable for the banks of water, or even as aquatics in shallow water. Propagated easily by divisions during spring.

A. Calamus (sweet-flag).* fl. yellowish, small, borne on a cylindrical spadix 4in. to 6in. long. Summer. l. sword-shaped, erect, striated 3ft. long. The root is cylindrical, channelled, and very fragrant. Europe. The variety with gold-striped leaves is more useful as a decorative plant. See Fig. 20.

FIG. 20. ACORUS CALAMUS.

A. gramineus (grass-leaved). China, 1796. This is much smaller in all its parts than the above, but very pretty.

A. g. variegatus.* A pretty variety with white striped leaves, forming handsome little tufts.

ACOTYLEDONS. Plants having no cotyledons, or seed leaves, as in Cuscuta, but usually applied to cryptogamic or flowerless plants, such as ferns, mosses, &c.

ACRADENIA (from akra, top, and aden, a gland; referring to the five glands on the top of the ovary). ORD. Rutaceæ. An excellent neat and compact evergreen bush, suitable for the cool conservatory. It requires a rich loam and leaf mould. Propagated by seeds and cuttings under a bell glass.

A. Frankliniæ (Lady Franklin's).* fl. white, produced in great profusion, in terminal clusters. August. l. fragrant, opposite, trifoliate, gland-dotted. h. 8ft. Tasmania, 1845.

ACRE (from agros, an open field). The English Statute acre consists of 160 square rods (perches, poles, roods, or lugs); or 4840 square yards; or 43,560 square feet. The following list shows the differentiation in the number of square yards per acre in the various districts of Great Britain and Ireland: Cheshire, 10,240; Cornish, 5760; Cunningham, 6250; Derby (W.), 9000; Devonshire, 4000; Herefordshire, 3226⅔; Irish, 7840; Leicestershire, 2308¾; Scotch, 6150; Wales, North (customary), 3240; ditto (erw), 4320; Westmoreland, 6760; Wiltshire, 3630.

ACRIDOCARPUS (from akris, a locust; and karpos, fruit; meaning not obvious). ORD. Malpighiaceæ. A handsome sub-tropical or warm greenhouse climber, requiring plenty of water, and a very free drainage. Increased by imported seeds, and by cuttings in bottom heat.

A. natalitius (Natal).* fl. pale yellow; petals five, rounded, wedge-shaped, crenately-toothed at the edge; racemes simple, elongated, terminal. July. l. oblong or obovate, obtuse, leathery. Natal, 1867.

ACRIOPSIS (from akros, top, and opsis, eye). ORD. Orchidaceæ. A small genus of pretty stove epiphytal orchids, almost unknown to cultivation. Flowers small, arranged in loose panicles; lip adnate to the very curious column, from which it projects at right angles.

A. densiflora (crowded-flowered).* fl. green and pink. May. l. linear-lanceolate. h. 6in. Borneo, 1845.

A. javanica (Javanese). fl. yellow, green. May. l. linear-lanceolate. h. 3in. Java, 1840.

A. picta (painted).* fl. white, green, and purple. May. l. solitary, linear. h. 6in. Bantam, 1843.

ACROCLINIUM (from akros, top, and kline, a bed; referring to the open flowers). ORD. Compositæ. A small genus of elegant half hardy annuals with "everlasting" flower heads, which are solitary, terminal, and consist of tubular florets; involucrum many-leaved, imbricated. Leaves numerous, linear, smooth, acuminated. Stems numerous, erect. They thrive best in a loamy soil, and constitute very neat summer flowering annuals if sown out of doors in patches in June; they are also useful as winter decorative greenhouse plants if seed is sown in August in pots placed in a cold frame. The flower-heads should be gathered when young, if it is desired to preserve them.

FIG. 21. ACROCLINIUM ROSEUM, showing Habit and Flower-head.

A. roseum (rosy).* fl.-heads pretty rose, solitary, terminal, on erect, slender, and gracefully disposed branches. l. linear, acute. h. 1ft. to 2ft. S. W. Australia, 1854. See Fig. 21.

A. r. album (rosy white).* A very pretty white form of the preceding.

A. r. grandiflorum (large-flowered).* fl.-heads rose, larger than in the type.

ACROCOMIA (from akros, top, and kome, tuft; referring to the position of the leaves). ORD. Palmeæ. A genus of South American palms, containing about eleven species, which are not easily distinguished, but having the following general characteristics: Trunk from 20ft. to 50ft. high, and clad with long prickles. The flowers, which appear in the axils of the lower leaves, are greenish or yellow, and their drupes are much the same colour. Leaves pinnate, with seventy to eighty leaflets on each side of the pinnæ. They require a warm greenhouse and rich sandy loam. Increased by suckers. Two species only are in general cultivation.

A. aculeata (prickly). h. 40ft. West Indies, 1791.

A. fusiformis (spindle-shaped). h. 40ft. Trinidad, 1731.

A. globosa (globular). h. 20ft. St. Vincent, 1824.

A. horrida (horrid). h. 30ft. Trinidad, 1820.

A. lasiospatha (hairy spathed). l. drooping. Trunk about 40ft. high, smooth and ringed. Para, 1846.

A. sclerocarpa (hard-fruited).* A very elegant species bearing a head of spreading pinnate leaves, with the rachises and petioles aculeate, and the leaflets linear, taper-pointed, glaucous underneath, about 1ft. long. h. 40ft. West Indies, 1731. SYN. Cocos fusiformis.

A. tenuifolia (fine-leaved). h. 30ft. Brazil, 1824.

ACROGENS. Plants increasing at the summit, as Ferns, &c.

ACRONYCHIA (from akron, tuft, and onux, a claw; referring to the curved points of the petals). ORD. Rutaceæ. An ornamental rue-like greenhouse evergreen shrub. Petals and sepals four; stamens eight, inserted on a disk; fruit berry-like. It requires ordinary greenhouse treatment. Increased by cuttings in July in sand, under a bell glass.

A. Cunninghami (Cunningham's).* fl. white, in clusters, resembling those of an orange, with an exquisite fragrance. July. h. 7ft. Moreton Bay, 1838.

ACROPERA. See Gongora.

ACROPHORUS. See Davallia.

ACROPHYLLUM (from akros, top, and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the way in which the leaves are produced at the summit of the branches, above the flowers). ORD. Cunoniaceæ. Handsome greenhouse small, erect-growing, evergreen shrubs, flowering profusely during the spring months. They require a mixture of fibrous peat, a little loam, and sharp sand; thorough drainage, an airy situation, and as little artificial heat as possible, are important to its well-being. Re-pot in February. Propagated by cuttings of the half ripened shoots, which strike freely in a soil of sand and peat, if covered with a hand glass, and placed in a cool house. The roots should not be allowed to get dry, and light syringing during late spring and summer will be found beneficial in assisting to keep down thrips.

A. verticillatum (whorled). A synonym of A. venosum.

A. venosum (veined).* fl. pinkish white, in dense axillary spikes, which are borne on the upper part of the stems and branches. May and June. l. nearly sessile, oblong, cordate, acute, serrate, in whorls of threes. h. 6ft. New South Wales. SYN. A. verticillatum.

ACROPTERIS. See Asplenium.

ACROSTICHUM (from akros, top, and stichos, order; meaning very obscure). ORD. Filices. This genus includes Aconiopteris, Chrysodium, Egenolfia, Elaphoglossum, Gymnopteris, Olfersia, Photinopteris, Pœcilipteris, Polybotrya, Rhipidopteris, Soromanes, Stenochlæna, Stenosemia. A large and almost entirely tropical genus; it includes groups with a wide range in venation and cutting. Sori spread over the whole surface of the frond or upper pinnæ, or occasionally over both surfaces. The species having long fronds, are admirably suited for growing in suspended baskets, and the dwarfer sorts do well in Wardian cases. A compost of peat, chopped sphagnum, and sand, is most suitable. For general culture, see Ferns.

A. acuminatum (taper-pointed).* rhiz. thick, climbing. sti. 4in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly throughout. barren fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, deltoid, bipinnate; upper pinnæ oblong-lanceolate, slightly lobed, truncate on the lower side at the base, 2in. to 3in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad; lower pinnæ, 6in. to 8in. long, 4in. to 5in. broad, with several small pinnules on each side; light green, with a firm texture. fertile fronds 1ft. long, deltoid, tripinnate. Brazil. Stove species. SYN. Polybotrya acuminatum.

A. alienum (foreign). rhiz. woody. sti. 6in. to 18in. long, scaly downwards. barren fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, often 1ft. broad, the upper part deeply pinnatifid, with lanceolate lobes, the lower part pinnate, with entire or deeply pinnatifid lower pinnæ. fertile fronds much smaller, with distant narrow linear or pinnatifid leafy pinnæ. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris aliena.

A. apiifolium (parsley-leaved).* cau. stout, woody, erect. sti. of barren fronds 2in. to 3in. long, erect, densely clothed with tomentum. barren fronds 4in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, tripinnate; pinnæ close, only the lowest pair with pinnatifid pinnules, ultimate divisions oblong-rhomboidal, ¼in. to ⅓in. long, the base cuneate, the outer edge slightly toothed. fertile fronds on a slender naked stem 6in. to 8in. long, the fronds panicled with a few distant, slender, simple, or compound branches. Philippine Islands, 1862. Stove species. SYN. Polybotrya apiifolia.

A. apodum (stemless).* cau. thick, woody, the scales dense, linear, brown, crisped. sti. tufted, very short, or obsolete. barren fronds 1ft. or more long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, the apex acuminate, the lower part narrowed very gradually, the edge and midrib densely fringed with soft, short, brown hairs. fertile fronds much smaller than the barren ones. West Indies to Peru, 1824. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum apodum.

A. appendiculatum (appendaged).* rhiz. firm, woody. barren fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, simply pinnate. sti. 3in. to 6in. long, erect, naked, or slightly scaly; pinnæ 2in. to 4in. long, ⅜in. to ¾in. broad, the edge varying from sub-entire to cut half-way down to the midrib of the blunt lobes, the upper side often auricled, the lower one obliquely truncate, dark green. fertile fronds narrower, on a longer spike, the pinnæ roundish or oblong, often distinctly stalked. India, &c., 1824. Stove species. SYN. Egenolfia appendiculata.

A. aureum (golden).* cau. erect. sti. erect, 1ft. to 2ft. long, strong. fronds 2ft. to 6ft. long, 1ft. to 2ft. broad, the upper pinnæ fertile, rather smaller than the barren ones, which are usually stalked, ligulate oblong, 3in. to 1ft. long, ½in. to 3in. broad, acute or blunt, sometimes retuse with a mucro; edge quite entire, base sub-cuneate. Widely distributed in the tropics of both hemispheres, 1815. An evergreen aquatic stove species, requiring abundance of heat and moisture. SYN. Chrysodium aureum.

A. auritum (eared).* cau. erect, woody. barren fronds with a stipe 6in. to 9in. long, deltoid, 8in. to 12in. each way, ternate, the central segments deeply pinnatifid, with lanceolate entire lobes; the lateral ones unequal sided, with lanceolate oblong-lobed lower pinnules. fertile fronds with a stem 12in. to 18in. long, deltoid, with distant linear pinnæ half line broad; upper simple, lower pinnatifid. Philippine Islands. Stove species. SYN. Stenosemia aurita.

A. axillare (axillary). rhiz. slender, wide scandent. barren fronds 6in. to 18in. long, about 1in. broad, simple, the point bluntish, the edge entire, the lower half tapering very gradually to the base or short stem. fertile fronds 6in. to 12in. long, one to three lines broad, flexuose, on a stem 1in. to 6in. long. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN. Chrysodium axillare.

A. barbatum (bearded). Synonymous with A. scolopendrifolium.

A. bifurcatum (twice-forked). sti. densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long, slender, stramineous, naked. fronds 3in. to 4in. long, about ½in. broad, pinnate; lower pinnæ of fertile fronds two or three cleft, with linear divisions; those of the barren pinnæ broader, and not so deep. St. Helena. Greenhouse species. SYN. Polybotrya bifurcata.

A. Blumeanum (Blume's).* rhiz. woody, wide climbing. sti. of barren fronds 6in. long, scaly. barren fronds 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, with numerous sessile pinnæ on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad; apex acuminate, the edge slightly toothed; base rounded. fertile fronds with distant pinnæ 4in. to 8in. long, ⅛in. to ¼in. broad. Assam. Greenhouse species. SYN. Chrysodium Blumeanum.

A. callæfolium (calla-leaved). A form of A. latifolium.

A. canaliculatum (channelled).* rhiz. woody, wide climbing, spinulose and scaly. sti. 1ft. or more long, scaly throughout. fertile fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower barren pinnæ, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 5in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, stalked, with oblong segments, both surfaces naked; fertile pinnules close, the segments ¼in. long, bearing three to four sessile balls of sori. Venezuela. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. Polybotrya canaliculata.

A. caudatum (tailed). A synonym of A. petiolosum.

A. cervinum (stag-horned).* rhiz. woody, creeping, scaly. sti. 1ft. or more long, scaly. barren fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, pinnate; pinnæ 4in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, entire or nearly so, unequal at the base; fertile pinnæ distant, linear, lanceolate, bipinnate, with short spreading sub-cylindrical pinnules. Brazil, 1840. Stove species. SYN. Olfersia cervina.

A. conforme (conformed). rhiz. wide creeping, scaly. sti. 1in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, stramineous, naked or slightly scaly. fronds 2in. to 9in. long, ½in. to 2in. broad, acute or bluntish, the base cuneate or spathulate, the edge entire. barren fronds narrower than the fertile one. A. laurifolium, A. obtusilobum, and several others, are identical with the foregoing. Tropical America, also in the Old World. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum conforme.

A. crinitum (hairy).* cau. woody, erect. sti. of barren fronds 4in. to 8in. long, densely clothed with long scales. barren fronds 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 9in. wide, broadly oblong; apex blunt, base rounded, edge entire and ciliated, texture subcoriaceous, both sides scattered over with scales like those of the stipes. fertile fronds like the others, but much smaller, the stipes longer. West Indies, &c., 1793. Stove species. SYNS. Chrysodium and Hymenodium crinitum.

A. cylindricum (cylindrical). Synonymous with A. osmundaceum.

A. Dombeyanum (Dombey's). A form of A. lepidotum.

A. flagelliferum (rod-shaped). rhiz. woody, creeping. sti. of barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, nearly naked. barren fronds simple or with one to three pairs of pinnæ, the terminal one ovate lanceolate, entire or repand, often elongated and rooting at the point, the lateral ones 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; fertile pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, about ½in. broad. India, &c., 1828. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris flagellifera.

A. fœniculaceum (fennel-leaved).* rhiz. slender, creeping. sti. distant, slender, 2in. to 8in. long, scaly. barren fronds 1in. to 2in. broad, usually dichotomously forked, with filiform divisions. fertile fronds ⅜in. broad, two-lobed. Andes of Ecuador. Stove species. (For culture, see A. peltatum). SYN. Rhipidopteris fœniculaceum.

A. Herminieri (Herminier's).* rhiz. stout, creeping. sti. very short, or none. barren fronds 1½ft. to 3ft. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, simple, acuminate, the lower part narrowed very gradually. fertile fronds short-stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad. Tropical America, 1871. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum Herminieri.

A. heteromorphum (various-formed). rhiz. slender, wide creeping, scaly. sti. 1in. to 3in. long, slender, slightly scaly. barren fronds 1½in. to 2in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad, simple, bluntish, the base rounded, both surfaces scattered over with linear dark castaneous scales. fertile fronds much smaller, and the stipes much longer. Columbia and Ecuador. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum heteromorphum.

A. Langsdorffii (Langsdorff's). Synonymous with A. muscosum.

A. latifolium (broad-leaved).* rhiz. thick, woody, creeping, scaly. sti. 6in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, naked, or scaly. barren fronds 9in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simple, acute, gradually narrowed below, entire; texture leathery. fertile fronds considerably narrower than the barren ones. A. longifolium, A. callæfolium, &c., are only varieties of this species. Mexico, Brazil, &c. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum latifolium.

A. lepidotum (scaly).* rhiz. thick, woody, very scaly. sti. 1in. to 3in. long, firm, scaly throughout. barren fronds 3in. to 6in. long, about ½in. broad, simple, usually blunt, the base cuneate or rather rounded, both surfaces and midrib very scaly. A. Dombeyanum, of garden origin, is a varietal form of this, of which there are several others. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum lepidotum.

A. longifolium (long-leaved). A form of A. latifolium.

A. Meyerianum (Meyer's). Synonymous with A. tenuifolium.

A. muscosum (mossy).* rhiz. woody, densely scaly. sti. 4in. to 6in. long, firm, clothed with large pale brown scales. barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, simple, narrowed at both ends; upper surface slightly scaly; lower quite hidden by imbricated brownish scales. barren fronds much smaller than the others, the stipes longer. Madeira. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. Langsdorffii.

A. Neitnerii. Synonymous with A. quercifolium.

A. nicotianæfolium (tobacco-leaved).* rhiz. woody, wide creeping, scaly. sti. 1½ft. to 2ft., scaly below. barren fronds 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, with a large terminal pinna, and one to three lateral pairs, which are 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, acuminate, entire, or nearly so, the base slightly rounded, fertile pinnæ distant, 3in. to 4in. long, ¾in. broad. Cuba, &c. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris nicotianæfolium.

A. osmundaceum (osmunda-like).* rhiz. woody, wide scandent, scaly. sti. 12in. to 18in. long, firm, erect, scaly at the base. barren fronds ample, bi- or tripinnate; the lower pinnæ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules stalked, lanceolate, with closely set sub-entire segments, of a light green colour; both surfaces naked. fertile fronds nearly or quite as large as the barren ones; segments linear cylindrical, ¼in. to ½in. long. Tropical America. Stove species. SYNS. A. cylindricum, and Polybotrya osmundaceum.

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

FIG. 22. ACROSTICHUM PELTATUM.

A. peltatum (peltate-leaved).* rhiz. slender, wide creeping. sti. distant, slender, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly throughout. barren fronds 1in. to 2in. each way, repeatedly dichotomously forked, with narrow linear ultimate divisions, quarter to half line broad. fertile fronds ½in. broad, often two-lobed. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. This elegant little fern requires a liberal supply of water all the year round, and is best grown in a well drained pan of good fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with some nodules of sandstone raised above the rim of the pan; do not disturb it more than is necessary. SYN. Rhipidopteris peltata. See Fig. 22.

A. petiolosum (petioled). rhiz. woody, wide scandent. sti. woody, erect, scaly at the base. fronds bipinnate, or tripinnatifid, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; the upper barren pinnæ lanceolate, pinnatifid, the longest sometimes 18in. long, and 6in. to 10in. broad; pinnules with long falcate lobes reaching half-way down to the midrib, both surfaces naked; fertile pinnules very narrow, and dangling, continuous or beaded. West Indies, Mexico, &c. Stove species. SYNS. Polybotrya and A. caudatum.

A. piloselloides (mouse ear-leaved). Synonymous with A. spathulatum.

A. platyrhynchos (broad-beaked). sti. tufted, scarcely any. fronds 12in. to 16in. long, 1in. broad, simple. sori in a patch at the apex, 1in. to 2in. long, ⅜in. broad, which does not reach to the entire edge; the lower part narrowed gradually, with naked surfaces, and a coriaceous texture. Philippines. Stove species. SYN. Hymenolepis platyrhynchos.

A. quercifolium (oak-leaved).* rhiz. stout, wide creeping. sti. of barren fronds 1in. to 2in. long, clothed with brownish hairs. barren fronds 3in. to 4in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, the terminal pinnæ with blunt rounded lobes. fertile fronds with a terminal pinna, 1in. to 2in. long, one line broad, and a pair of smaller lateral ones, with slender stipes 6in. to 9in. long, hairy at the base. Ceylon. Stove species. SYNS. A. Neitnerii (of gardens), Gymnopteris quercifolia.

A. scandens (climbing).* rhiz. woody, wide climbing. sti. 3in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. fronds 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, simply pinnate; barren pinnæ, 4in. to 8in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, the base cuneate, sessile, or slightly stalked, articulated; fertile pinnæ, 6in. to 12in. long, one and a half to two lines broad, the lower ones distant. Himalayas, &c., 1841. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. Stenochlæna scandens.

A. scolopendrifolium (scolopendrium-leaved).* rhiz. woody, creeping, scaly. sti. 4in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, densely clothed with blackish scales. barren fronds often 1ft. long, 1½in. to 3in. broad, simple, acute, the base narrowed gradually; edge and midrib scaly. fertile fronds much smaller than the barren ones. Guatemala, &c. Stove species. SYN. A. barbatum.

A. serratifolium (serrate-leaved). rhiz. woody, short creeping. sti. of barren fronds 12in. to 18in. long, slightly scaly. barren fronds 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with numerous sessile pinnæ on each side, 3in. to 6in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, inciso-crenate, the base cuneate; fertile pinnæ distant, 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, blunt, entire. Venezuela, &c. Stove species. SYN. Chrysodium serratifolium.

A. simplex (simple-leaved). rhiz. woody, creeping, scaly. sti. 1in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. barren fronds 4in. to 12in. long, about 1½in. broad, very acute, the lower part narrowed very gradually. fertile fronds narrower than the barren ones, with longer stipes. Cuba to Brazil, 1798. Stove species. SYN. Elaphoglossum simplex.

A. sorbifolium (service-leaved).* rhiz. thick, woody, often 30ft. to 40ft. long, clasping trees like a cable, sometimes prickly. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; barren pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, about ½in. broad, three to twenty on each side, articulated at the base, entire or toothed; fertile pinnæ 1in. to 2in. apart, 2in. to 4in. long, about ¼in. broad. West Indies, 1793. There are several varieties of this species, chiefly differing in the number of pinnæ. Stove species. SYN. Stenochlæna sorbifolia.

A. s. cuspidatum (cuspidate).* This is only a variety of the above species with long-stalked, ligulate-cuspidate pinnæ; but it is usually regarded as a distinct species in gardens.

A. spathulatum (spoon-shaped). sti. tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, firm, erect, scaly. barren fronds ½in. to 4in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, obovate-spathulate, blunt, tapering narrowly or gradually at the base, with a coriaceous texture; both surfaces and the margins copiously scaly. fertile fronds smaller than the barren, with longer stipes. Tropical America, South Africa, &c. Stove species. SYN. A. piloselloides.

A. spicatum (spiked). rhiz. woody, short creeping. sti. 1in. to 2in. long, firm. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, ½in. to 1in. broad, the upper part contracted and fertile, entire, the lower part narrowed very gradually. Himalayas, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN. Hymenolepis brachystachys.

A. squamosum (scaly).* rhiz. woody, densely scaly. sti. 2in. to 4in. long, densely clothed with pale or dark-coloured scales. barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, about 1in. broad, simple, acute, the base narrowed gradually; both sides matted, and the edge densely ciliated with reddish scales. fertile fronds as long as the barren ones, but much narrower, the stipes much longer. Widely distributed in both hemispheres. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. A. paleaceum.

A. subdiaphanum (semi-transparent).* cau. woody, erect. sti. tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly. barren fronds 4in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, simple, both ends narrowed, the edge entire. fertile fronds much narrower, on longer stipes. St. Helena. Greenhouse species. SYN. Aconiopteris subdiaphana.

A. subrepandum (slighty-waved).* rhiz. woody, wide-creeping. sti. of barren fronds stout, erect, nearly naked. barren fronds from 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 12in. broad, copiously pinnate, with linear-oblong entire or subrepand pinnæ on each side, which are sometimes 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad. fertile fronds like the others, but smaller. Isle of Luzon, &c. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris subrepanda.

A. taccæfolium (yew-leaved).* cau. woody, densely scaly. sti. of barren fronds 1in. to 4in. long, scaly. barren fronds from 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 12in. broad, simple, oblong-lanceolate, entire, copiously pinnate, with oblong-lanceolate pinnæ, 1in. to 6in. long, ½in. to 1½in. broad, the upper ones narrowly decurrent, the lower ones forked at the base on the under side. fertile fronds simple, 6in. to 12in. long, ⅛in. broad, or pinnate, with forked linear pinnæ. The three-lobed form of this species is sometimes known as A. trilobum. Philippines. Stove species. SYN. Gymnopteris taccæfolia.

A. tenuifolium (narrow-leaved).* rhiz. wide scandent, woody, slightly scaly. barren fronds simply pinnate, the stipes 4in. to 6in. long, naked, firm, erect, the fronds 3ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad; pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, ¾in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, short-stalked. fertile fronds bipinnate, with longer stipes; pinnæ long-stalked, with numerous distant pinnules. South Africa. Stove or greenhouse species. SYNS. A. Meyerianum and Stenochlæna tenuifolia.

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

A. villosum (hairy).* rhiz. woody, densely scaly. sti. 2in. to 4in. long, slender, densely clothed with scales. barren fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, acute, the lower part narrowed gradually; both surfaces scaly, and the edge more or less ciliated. fertile fronds much smaller than the others. Mexico, &c. Stove species.

A. viscosum (clammy).* rhiz. woody, creeping, densely scaly. sti. 3in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly, often viscous. barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, ½in. to 1in. broad, simple, acute, the lower part narrowed gradually; both surfaces more or less viscid, and minutely scaly. fertile fronds smaller, with longer stipes. Tropical America and the tropics of the Old World, 1826. Very variable in form. Stove species.

ACROTRICHE (from akros, top, i.e., outermost—and thrix, a hair; the tips of the petals are bearded). ORD. Epacridaceæ. A genus of eight or nine species of dwarf, much branched, ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Flowers white or red; spikes axillary, short; corolla funnel-shaped; petals with deflexed hairs at apex. Cultivated in an equal mixture of sandy loam and peat, and propagated by cuttings made of the young shoots, pricked in sand, covered with a bell glass, and placed in a cool house; afterwards treated like Epacris.

A. cordata (heart-leaved).* fl. white, small, axillary, twin, or solitary. April. l. cordate, flat, striated below. h. 1ft. New Holland, 1823.

A. divaricata (straggling).* fl. white, small, in axillary spikes. May. l. lanceolate, mucronate, divaricate, flat, both surfaces green. h. 6in. to 1ft. New South Wales, 1824.

A. ovalifolia (oval-leaved). fl. white, small, in axillary spikes. March. l. ovate and oval, obtuse, flat, with smooth margins. h. 6in. to 1ft. New Holland, 1824.

ACTÆA (from aktaia, an Elder; in allusion to the resemblance of the foliage to that of the Elder). Baneberry. ORD. Ranunculaceæ. A small genus of perennial herbaceous plants, with bi- or triternate leaves, and long, erect racemes of whitish flowers, which are succeeded by poisonous berries. They are excellent subjects for shady places, beneath trees, or in the wild garden. Easily increased by division of the roots, and seed during spring.

A. alba (white).* fl. white; racemes simple. May, June. l. ovate-lanceolate, serrate or cut. Berries white, ovate-oblong, h. 1ft. to 1½ft. N. America.

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

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

A. s. rubra (red).* This differs from the type in having bright red berries, which are disposed in dense clusters on spikes overtopping the foliage. North America. A very handsome hardy perennial.

ACTINELLA (from aktin, a ray; small rayed). SYN. Picradenia. ORD. Compositæ. A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, having radiate capitules. The only species worth cultivating is A. grandiflora. It thrives in an open border with a light soil. Increased by divisions of the root in spring.

A. grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl.-heads yellow, large, and handsome, 3in. in diameter. Summer. h. 6in. to 9in. Colorado. A very pretty branched perennial, suitable for the alpine garden.

A. lanata (woolly). See Eriophyllum cæspitosum.

ACTINIDIA (from aktin, a ray; the styles radiate like the spokes of a wheel). ORD. Ternstrœmiaceæ. A genus of ornamental hardy deciduous climbing shrubs, with axillary corymbs of flowers; sepals and petals imbricate. Leaves entire. Excellent for trellis-work or walls, and thriving best in a light rich soil. Increased by seeds, layers, or cuttings; the latter should be put in under a hand light in autumn, in sandy soil.

FIG. 24. ACTINIDIA VOLUBILIS.

A. Kolomikta (Kolomikta).* fl. white, solitary, axillary, or cymose, ½in. in diameter; peduncles about ½in. long. Summer. l. ovate-oblong, petiolate, rounded or sub-cordate at the base, and tapering into a long point, serrate; the autumnal tints are very handsome, changing to white and red. N. E. Asia, 1880. Rarely met with.

A. polygama (polygamous). fl. white, fragrant. Summer. l. cordate, serrate, petiolate. Japan, 1870. The berries of this species are edible.

A. volubilis (twining).* fl. white, small. June. l. oval on flowering branches, elliptic on climbing stems. Japan, 1874. A very free growing species. See Fig. 24.

ACTINIOPTERIS (from aktin, a ray, and pteris, a fern; the fronds are radiately cut into narrow segments). ORD. Filices. Sori linear-elongated, sub-marginal; involucres (= indusia) the same shape as the sorus, folded over it, placed one on each side of the narrow segments of the frond, opening towards the midrib. A small genus of beautiful and distinct stove ferns. They thrive in a compost of equal parts crocks and charcoal, about the size of peas, which must be mixed with silver sand and a very small portion of loam and peat. About half the pot should be filled with crocks, perfect drainage being necessary. A moist atmosphere is also essential, and the plants may be syringed two or three times a day. A mean summer temperature of 78deg. to 80deg., with a night one of not less than 65deg., is desirable. In winter, a mean temperature of about 73deg., and a night one of not less than 60deg., should be maintained.

A. radiata (rayed).* sti. densely tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. fronds fan shaped, 1in. to 1½in. each way, composed of numerous dichotomous segments, half line broad, those of the fertile frond longer than those of the barren one. India, &c. (very widely distributed), 1869. In form this elegant little species is a perfect miniature of the Fan Palm, Latania borbonica.

A. r. australis (southern).* fronds, segments fewer, larger, and subulate at the point. Plant much larger and more vigorous.

ACTINOCARPUS (from aktin, a ray, and karpos, fruit; referring to the curiously radiated fruit, resembling a star fish). ORD. Alismaceæ. Pretty little aquatic perennials, with habit and inflorescence of Alisma. Carpels six to eight, connate at base, spreading horizontally. Excellent for naturalising in bogs and pools. Increased by seeds and divisions during spring.

A. Damasonium (Damasonium). Ray Pod. fl. white, very delicate; each petal has a yellow spot at the base; scapes with a terminal umbel. June. l. radical, on long petioles, sometimes floating, elliptical, five-nerved. A native aquatic. The proper name of this plant is Damasonium stellatum.

A. minor (smaller).* This greenhouse species, also with white flowers, from New South Wales, is smaller.

ACTINOMERIS (from aktin, a ray, and meris, a part; referring to the radiated aspect of the plants). SYN. Pterophyton. ORD. Compositæ. A small genus of herbaceous perennials allied to Helianthus, but with compressed and winged achenes. Flower-heads corymbose, Coreopsis-like. Leaves ovate or lanceolate, serrate. They are hardy, ornamental plants, and of easy cultivation, in a loamy soil. Increased in spring, by seeds and division of the roots, on a warm border, with or without hand lights, or in cold frames. With the exception of A. helianthoides, they are but little known in this country.

A. alata (wing-stalked). fl.-heads yellow. July. h. 3ft. America. 1803.

A. helianthoides (sunflower-like).* fl.-heads yellow, 2in. across, July to September. h. 3ft. S. America, 1825.

A. procera (tall).* fl.-heads yellow. September. h. 8ft. N. America, 1766.

A. squarrosa (rough-headed).* fl.-heads yellow, in loose terminal panicles. July and August. l. decurrent, broadly lanceolate, coarsely toothed. Stem square, winged. h. 3ft. North America, 1640. SYN. Verbesina Coreopsis.

ACTINOPHYLLUM. See Sciadophyllum.

ACTINOSTACHYS. Included under Schizæa (which see).

ACTINOTUS (from actinotos, furnished with rays; referring to the involucre). ORD. Umbelliferæ. An Australian genus of greenhouse herbaceous perennials. Flowers shortly pedicellate, numerously disposed in simple umbels; petals none. Leaves alternate, petiolate. They thrive best in loam and peat, and are increased by root division and seeds. The latter should be sown on a hotbed, in spring, and in May the seedlings may be transplanted out in the open border in a warm situation, where they will flower and seed freely.

A. helianthus (sunflower).* fl. white, in many-flowered capitate umbels; involucre many leaved, radiating, longer than the flowers. June. l. alternate, bipinnatifid; lobules bluntish. h. 2ft. 1821. SYN. Eriocalia major.

A. leucocephalus (white-headed). fl. white. June. h. 2ft. 1837.