Читать книгу The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car - Various - Страница 15
ОглавлениеFIG. 56. ALISMA NATANS.
A. natans (floating).* fl. white; peduncles simple. July. l. elliptical-obtuse; stem ones floating, on long stalks, scarcely nerved; those at the base of the plant are long, linear-lanceolate, membranous scales, or abortive root leaves. North Wales and Cumberland, but very rare; abundant in other parts of Europe. See Fig. 56.
A. Plantago (plantain).* fl. delicate pale rose coloured; scape branched upwards. July. l. ovate, acute, all radical, on long stalks; branches all whorled, bracteated, compound. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Britain. A very handsome aquatic for naturalising. See Fig. 57.
FIG. 57. PORTION OF
INFLORESCENCE
OF ALISMA PLANTAGO.
A. P. lanceolata (lance-shaped leaves). fl. pure white. July. l. lanceolate. Britain.
A. ranunculoides (ranunculus-like). In general appearance very like the last named species, but smaller. Britain.
ALISMACEÆ. A small order of aquatic or marsh plants, with three-petaled flowers, on leafless scapes, and simple radical leaves. The genera best known are Alisma and Sagittaria.
ALKANET. See Anchusa tinctoria.
ALLAMANDA (named in memory of Dr. Allamand, of Leyden, who first communicated seeds of this genus to Linnæus). ORD. Apocynaceæ. Elegant climbing evergreen stove plants. Peduncles terminal and many-flowered; corolla funnel-shaped, with a narrow tube, gamopetalous, large, inflated, five-cleft at the apex. Leaves verticillate. This genus differs from all others of the same order, in the figure of the corolla. Of comparatively easy culture. To obtain their beauty of foliage and flowers, the shoots should be tied to wires placed within 8in. or 9in. of the glass that forms the roof of the structure in which the plants are growing. Trained in this way, and the shoots allowed to ramble in a somewhat natural manner, the effect, when the plants are in flower, is grander and more pleasing in every respect than when the shoots are tied to a formal trellis, of whatever shape. When thoroughly established, they succeed admirably in a compost of three parts good fibry loam, and one part wood charcoal or coarse river sand, with some rotten cow manure added. When potting the plants, make the fresh compost firm round the old balls of soil, and do not fill the pots too full; leave room for plenty of water, as, when in active growth, they require a liberal daily supply. They must be pruned annually in January or February, cutting the previous year's shoots back to within a joint or two of the old wood. Allamandas should be exposed to the light as much as possible at all seasons of the year. In winter months they require but little water, but the drainage must always be perfect. They are remarkably free from insect attacks of any kind. It may be also observed that the temperature should never fall below 55deg. This genus is easily propagated by cuttings, which will root at any time of the year in a bottom heat of from 70deg. to 80deg. The usual time is, however, in spring, when the old plants are pruned back. Choose the tops of the shoots, retaining two or three joints to each cutting; place these in a compost of sand and peat or leaf mould in equal proportions, singly, in small pots. Press the soil firmly around each cutting, and, when all are inserted, give a good watering, and plunge the pots in the propagating bed. Attend to shading and watering, and in about three weeks' time they will have emitted roots, and started to grow at the tops. The pots should now be raised out of the plunging material, and placed upon the surface thereof, and there allowed to remain two or three weeks longer; when the young roots will have, by this time, filled the little pots, and a shift into the larger ones will be necessary. Return the plants to the propagating bed, but do not plunge them therein. As soon as it is certain that the roots have commenced growth in the fresh soil, pinch the point of each plant that is intended to be grown on a trellis. This will cause the remaining buds to push out fresh shoots; and these, as soon as they have made two joints or whorls of leaves each, should have their points pinched out also. By repotting the plants as often as they fill their pots with roots during the first season of their growth, and pinching the points out of the shoots twice or thrice in the same time, a good foundation will be formed, from which the future specimens will spring. In the case of plants intended to be trained up rafters or pillars, they should not have their points pinched out until they attain to the height where it is desirable they should have more than one shoot, and be repotted as recommended above, for the first year; but, after that, they will require to be repotted only once a year, and this should be done soon after the buds have started to grow afresh in the spring.
A. Aubletii (Aublet's).* fl. yellow, large. June. l. four to five in a whorl, broad-oblong, acuminated, rather hairy beneath. Guiana, 1848.
A. cathartica (purging).* fl. yellow, large. June. l. four in a whorl, obovate, obtuse, acutish, with sub-undulated edges, glabrous. Guiana, 1785. SYN. A. Linnæi.
A. chelsoni (Chelsea).* fl. yellow, large. Summer. This splendid plant is least suited of any for trellis training, from its wood being stiffer and harder, and is therefore best for the roof of a house; it is one of the best kinds for cutting. Garden hybrid.
A. grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl. distinct pale yellow, rather large, very free bloomer. June. Brazil, 1844.
A. Linnæi (Linnæus's). Synonymous with A. cathartica.
A. neriifolia (oleander-leaved).* fl. deep golden yellow, elegantly streaked with orange, between funnel and bell shaped, the tube being wide, 1in. long; panicle many-flowered. June. l. oblong, on short petioles, acuminate. h. 3ft. South America, 1847. Shrub erect, glabrous.
A. nobilis (noble).* fl. bright yellow, rather deeper tinted in the throat, large, full circular form, but without streaks or any other markings. July. l. in whorls of four or of three, tapered to the base, sessile, oblong, abruptly acuminate, membranaceous, hairy on both surfaces, especially beneath and on the midrib. Brazil, 1867. One of the best species.
A. Schottii (Schott's).* fl. yellow, large, throat beautifully striped with rich brown. September. l. oblong, acuminated, four in a whorl, quite glabrous, on both surfaces. h. 10ft. Brazil, 1847. This species is a very strong grower, and suits the roof system best; it is also a very free bloomer.
A. verticillata (whorl-leaved). fl. yellow, large. June. l. usually six in a whorl, ovate-oblong, obtuse, quite glabrous. South America, 1812.
A. violacea (violet). fl. purple. Brazil, 1859.
ALLANTODIA (from allantos, a sausage; in reference to the cylindrical form of the indusium). ORD. Filices. A greenhouse monotypic genus, differing from Asplenium in the dehiscence of the involucre, and it may receive similar treatment to the Spleenworts. Sori dorsal, linear-oblong, attached to the primary veins. Involucre the same shape as the sorus and quite inclosing it, bursting in an irregular line down to the centre.
A. Brunoniana (Brown's).* fronds often 1ft. to 2ft. long, ½ft. to 1ft. broad; pinnæ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, entire. sori confined to the anterior vein of the first fork. Himalayas, up to 6000ft., &c. SYN. Asplenium javanicum.
ALLARDTIA. See Tillandsia.
ALLEYS. Small walks of various widths, but generally 1½ft. or 2ft. wide, and formed in right lines, parallel to the main walks, or borders, sometimes covered with a thin coat of sand, gravel, or shells, or paved with flints, pebbles, &c. Spaces left between beds of seedling plants are generally meant when alleys are referred to.
ALL-HEAL. See Prunella vulgaris.
ALLIACEOUS. Pertaining to the Garlic family.
ALLIARIA. See Sisymbrium.
ALLIGATOR APPLE. See Anona palustris.
ALLIGATOR PEAR. See Persea gratissima.
ALLIUM (from all, meaning hot or burning; in allusion to the well-known properties of the Onion tribe). Including Porrum, Schœnoprasum. ORD. Liliaceæ. Hardy bulbous plants, with flat or terete radical leaves, and capitate or umbellate flowers, enclosed in a membranous spathe at the summit of a slender, naked, or leafy scape; perianth spreading or campanulate. They are of very easy culture, increasing rapidly by offsets. The little bulbs, which are produced in clusters, may be separated and replanted, in autumn or early spring, about 4in. deep. Seeds are also easily obtainable. These may be sown thinly in light soil, in February or March, where they should remain until the autumn or following spring, when they may be transplanted to their flowering situations. During the growing season, all the attention required will be to keep the plants free of weeds, and place stakes to the tall-growing kinds.
A. acuminatum (taper-pointed).* fl. deep rose, ½in. to 1in. across, in many-flowered umbels. July and August. l. rather shorter than the stems, very narrow, only about a line wide. h. 6in. to 10in. North-West America, 1840.
A. a. rubrum (red). fl. deep red-purple; in other respects like the type. California.
A. ascalonicum (Eschallot). fl. purple; umbels globose; scape rounded. Summer. l. subulate. h. 9in. Palestine, 1546. For culture, see Eschallot.
A. azureum (sky-blue).* fl. deep sky-blue, with a dark line through the middle of each division; umbels dense, globular, longer than the spathes which envelop them before expanding. Summer. l. triangular, from 6in. to 12in. long. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Siberia, 1830. One of the handsomest species grown.
A. Bidwelliæ (Mrs. Bidwell's).* fl. bright rose, about ½in. across, in few-flowered umbels. July. l. narrow, rather longer than the stem. h. 2in. to 3in. Sierra Nevada, 1880. A very charming little species for the rockery.
A. Breweri (Brewer's).* fl. deep rose, nearly or quite 1in. across, in few-flowered umbels. July. l. much longer than the flower-stem, ¼in. or more broad. h. 1in. to 3in. California, 1882.
A. Cepa (common Onion). fl. white; scape ventricose, longer than the leaves. June, July. l. fistular, rounded. h. 3ft. For culture, see Onion.
A. C. aggregatum. Aggregated, Tree, or Potato Onion. See Onion.
A. cœruleum (blue-flowered).* fl. blue, in large compact globular heads. June. h. 8in. Russia, 1840. Very distinct.
A. Douglasii (Douglas'). Synonymous with A. unifolium.
A. Erdelii (Erdel's). fl. white, keeled with green, in compact umbels. h. 6in. Palestine, 1879. A rare but pretty species, and should be planted in a warm position on the rockery.
A. falcifolium (sickle-leaved).* fl. pale rose, ½in. to ¾in. across, in few-flowered umbels. August. l. two in number, thick, broadly linear, falcate. h. 2in. to 3in. North-West America, 1880.
A. falciforme (sickle-formed). Probably a variety of A. unifolium, with pure white flowers, in several-flowered umbels. h. 6in. California, 1882.
A. flavum (golden). fl. yellow, bell-shaped, and somewhat drooping, in pretty umbels; scape leafy at the base. l. round, not hollow, flattish above the base. h. about 1ft. Italy, 1759. A slender species.
A. fragrans. See Nothoscordum.
A. karataviense (Karatavian). fl. white, in dense globose heads. May. l. very broad, flat, glaucous, sometimes variegated. h. 6in. Turkestan, 1878.
A. Macnabianum (MacNab's).* fl. deep magenta, a colour quite unique in this family, in large umbels. l. nearly as long as the stem, channelled, about ¼in. broad. h. 1ft. North America.
A. magicum (enchanting). Synonymous with A. nigrum.
FIG. 58. ALLIUM MOLY.
A. Moly (Moly).* fl. bright yellow, numerous, in compact umbels. Spring. l. few, broadly lanceolate. Stem sub-cylindrical. h. 10in. to 15in. South Europe, 1604. A very old favourite; bright-flowered and very fine in masses. See Fig. 58.
A. Murrayanum (Murray's).* fl. rosy purple, in large heads. l. narrow, longer than the stem. h. 1ft. North America. A good variety of A. acuminatum.
A. mutabile (changeable). fl. white, changing to rose, in many-flowered umbels. July. l. shorter than the stem, narrow, channelled. h. 12in. to 24in. North America, 1824.
A. neapolitanum (Neapolitan).* fl. white, with green stamens, numerous, in a loose umbel, on stems exceeding the leaves in length; pedicels much longer than the flowers. Early summer. l. two or three, sheathing the flower stem, strap-shaped, about 1in. across. h. 15in. to 18in. South Europe, 1823. Probably the most ornamental white-flowered species.
A. nevadense (Sierra Nevada). fl. white, or pale rose, about ½in. across, in several-flowered umbels. July. l. flat, rather longer than the stem, about ¼in. wide. h. 3in. to 6in. Sierra Nevada and Utah, 1882.
A. nigrum (blackish).* fl. dull violet, or whitish, with a green vein, very numerous, in a large umbel. Summer. l. thick, broadly lanceolate, acute, ciliated, toothed at the edges, at first erect and glaucescent, afterwards green and spreading, much shorter than the stem. h. 2½ft. to 3¼ft. South of Europe. Very vigorous and free flowering. SYN. A. magicum.
A. paradoxum (wonderful). fl. white, gracefully pendulous, borne on long footstalks springing from little nests of yellow bulbils. Spring. l. one or two, as long as the scape, linear-lanceolate, acute, keeled, striated, smooth, ¼in. broad, drooping and recurved. h. 9in. to 14in. Siberia, 1823.
A. pedemontanum (Piedmont).* fl. rosy-purple, large, bell-shaped, in large, graceful drooping clusters. July. l. lanceolate, shorter than the stem. Piedmont, 1817. A neat little plant for rockwork, or warm border. One of the handsomest species grown.
A. reticulatum (netted). fl. varying from pink to white. Summer. l. narrow, or almost filiform, shorter than the stem. h. 9in. to 15in. North-West America, 1882. A rare species.
A. r. attenuifolium (attenuate-leaved).* This may be regarded as an extremely handsome white-flowered variety. North-West America.
A. roseum (rose-coloured).* fl. pale lilac-rose, large, in umbels of ten or twelve; stems round, rather longer than the leaves. Summer. l. strap-shaped, channelled, rolled inwards at the top, not hairy. h. 12in. to 16in. South Europe, 1752.
A. sativum (cultivated). Garlic. fl. white; umbel bulbiferous. Summer. l. flat. h. 1½ft. Sicily, 1548. For culture, see Garlic.
A. schœnoprasum (rush-leaved onion). Chives. fl. purple; umbel many-flowered, globose, without bulbils. June and July. l. cylindrical, somewhat tapering towards the point; stem with one leaf, or naked. h. 1ft. England. For cultivation, see Chives.
A. Scorodoprasum. Rocambole; Sand Leek. fl., perianth ⅓in. long, the segments red-purple, with white margins; head loose-flowered, with purple bulbils; scape slender. May to August. l. 6in. to 8in. long, flat, keeled, the edges scabrid. h. 3ft. Europe (Britain), 1596. See also Rocambole.
A. sphærocephalum (globe-headed).* fl. densely packed in a subspherical head; in a bud state the upper ones are reddish-purple, the lower green. June. l. narrow, shorter than the long terete stems. h. 1½ft. to 2½ft. South Europe, 1759.
A. stramineum (straw-coloured). fl. yellow, in dense globular umbels. July. l. narrow, shorter than the stems. h. 1½ft. to 2ft. Siberia.
A. striatum (striated). See Nothoscordum.
A. triquetrum (three-cornered). fl. white, somewhat bell-shaped, with a narrow streak of pure green down each petal, in a loose, slightly drooping umbel, on erect triangular stems shorter than the leaves. Summer. l. green, broadly strap-shaped, keeled in a triangular manner, sometimes very long. h. 12in. to 18in. South Europe, 1789.
A. unifolium (one-leaved). fl. bright rose. July. h. 1ft. to 2ft. California, 1873. A handsome species, from California, resembling A. roseum, but differing from all known species by the circumstance that its bulbs are developed at a distance from each other, and are connected by a thread-like rhizome, ½in. to 1in. long. SYN. A. Douglasii.
FIG. 59. ALLIUM URSINUM.
A. ursinum (bear). Broad-leaved Garlic; Ramsons. fl. pure white, with acute perianth segments; umbel level at top; scape triangular. Summer. l. one or two, radical, ovate-lanceolate, stalked, large, bright green. h. 1ft. Britain. See Fig. 59.
A. validum (strong). fl. pure white or rose-coloured, in large, rather drooping umbels. Summer. l. ¼in. to ½in. broad, nearly as long as the stem. h. 12in. to 30in. Oregon and California, 1881. A pretty species.
A. Victorialis (Victoria's). fl. greenish-white, in many-flowered, spicate umbels. May. l. broadly ovate-oblong, channelled, shorter than the stem. h. 1½ft. to 2ft. Southern and Eastern Europe, 1739. Conspicuous from its broad leaves. Rare.
ALLOBROGIA. A synonym of Paradisia (which see).
ALLOCHLAMYS. A synonym of Pleuropetalum (which see).
ALLOPHYLLUS. A synonym of Schmidelia (which see).
ALLOPLECTUS (from allos, diverse, and pleco, to plait; the calyx appears as if it was plaited in diverse directions). ORD. Gesneraceæ. Very handsome stove evergreen shrubs. Corolla tubular or club-shaped, straightish; calyx coloured. Leaves opposite, one in each pair smaller than the other, petiolate, fleshy, scattered or decumbent, or erect, the under surface generally reddish; branches opposite. For cultivation, see Gesnera.
A. bicolor (two-coloured). fl. yellow, purple; corolla pilose; pedicels axillary, one-flowered. June. l. ovate, oblong, acuminate, denticulate, pilose above, downy beneath; branches tetragonal. h. 1ft. New Grenada, 1840. Plant erect, rather woody.
A. capitatus (headed). fl. capitate; sepals red, leafy; corolla silky, ventricose above the middle; peduncles axillary. March. l. large, ovate, serrated, downy, reddish beneath. Stem bluntly tetragonal, red. h. 2ft. South America, 1847.
A. dichrous (two-coloured). fl. purple, yellow, axillary, crowded, nearly sessile. l. ovate-lanceolate, quite entire, pubescent. Brazil, 1845. A climber.
A. peltatus (peltate-leaved).* fl. whitish, about 2in. long, in axillary tufts. August. l. opposite, one is 1in. to 2in. long, and the other 6in. to 9in. long, and 2in. wide, oblong, shortly acuminate, rounded, peltate at the base, and raised on stout footstalks, 1in. to 2in. long. h. 1ft. Costa Rica, 1877.
A. repens (creeping). fl. yellow; corolla with curved tube, four lobed; sepals ovate, spotted; peduncles axillary, solitary. February. l. ovate, rather fleshy, serrate, on short petioles. St. Martha, 1845. Plant downy; an evergreen trailer.
A. vittatus (striped). fl., calyx crimson; corolla pale yellow; terminal and fasciculate, surrounded by vivid red foliaceous bracts. l. large, shortly-stalked, broadly-ovate, of a deep velvety green, having a broad greyish-green band down the centre, branching off along the course of the principal veins. Stems erect, fleshy. Peru, 1870.
A. zamorensis (Zamora).* fl. yellow; sepals orange-red. h. 1ft. Columbia, 1875.
ALLOSORUS. See Cryptogramme and Pellæa.
ALLOTMENT GARDENS. A system of assigning small portions of land to be cultivated by labourers after their ordinary day's work.
The following are the most important rules to be carried out; but, should occasion arise, other rules must be made to meet particular cases:—
1. Each Allotment should consist of a rood of land (=¼ acre) to be let yearly at a rent of not more than 10s.
2. The Allotment to be let for one year only, to be re-let to the same occupier, provided his character has been satisfactory during the preceding year.
3. The rent shall be considered due at Michaelmas. If it remains unpaid for one month after that date, the Allotment shall be forfeited.
4. The Allotment to be cultivated solely by spade husbandry, and the same crop shall not be planted on the same part two years in succession.
5. Separate Allotments shall be divided by a space not less than 18in.
6. Any occupier trespassing on his neighbour's Allotment, or in any way interfering or damaging the same, shall not be allowed to hold his Allotment after the expiration of the year.
ALLSPICE. See Calycanthus.
ALLSPICE TREE. See Pimenta.
ALMEIDEA (in honour of J. R. P. de Almeida, a Brazilian, who was of great assistance to St. Hilaire while travelling in Brazil). ORD. Rutaceæ. Stove trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, entire, stalked leaves. Racemes terminal, divided at the apex into compound thyrse-like panicles. The undermentioned species will grow freely in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. Partly ripened cuttings will root in sand under a hand glass, in heat.
A. rubra (red). fl. pink; petals very blunt; racemes compound. September. l. lanceolate, acute at base. h. 12ft. Brazil, 1849. Evergreen shrub.
ALMOND. See Amygdalus.
ALMOND-LEAVED WILLOW. See Salix triandra.
ALNUS (from al, near, and lan, the bank of a river; general habitat of the genus). The Alder Tree. ORD. Betulaceæ. A genus of deciduous trees and shrubs. Flowers monœcious; barren ones in long drooping autumnal catkins, lasting through the winter; fertile ones, produced in spring, in oval catkins, resembling a fir-cone in shape, the fleshy scales of which become indurated and ligneous as they approach maturity. Leaves stalked, roundish, blunt. Propagated usually by seeds, which are gathered towards the end of October; they require to be well dried, in order that the cones do not become mouldy. The seeds are sprinkled lightly on the ground with the slightest possible covering. Towards the end of the year, the seedlings will be about 10in. high. They are then planted in rows 1½ft. apart, and 6in. from each other, where they may remain for two years, after which they can be placed out in the situations where they are intended to stand. Planting is best done in November or March; and, if it is designed to make a plantation of Alder, the young trees should be put in holes, made with an ordinary garden spade, about 9in. deep, and about 4ft. apart. They are also increased, but rarely, by cuttings, by suckers, and by grafting.
A. cordifolia (heart-shaped-leaved).* fl. greenish-brown. March and April, before the development of the leaves. l. heart-shaped, acuminate, dark green, and shining. h. 15ft. to 50ft. Calabria and Naples, 1820. A large, very distinct, and handsome round-headed tree. It grows rapidly in dry soil, and is one of the most interesting of ornamental trees.
A. firma (firm).* l. oval lanceolate, acuminate, sharply serrated, many-nerved. Japan. One of the most distinct of all the Alders.
FIG. 60. ALNUS GLUTINOSA, showing Catkins and Fruit.
A. glutinosa (sticky).* barren catkins long, large, and cylindrical, pendent, their footstalks branched. fertile catkins small, ovate, with deep red scales. Spring. l. roundish-cuneiform, obtuse lobed at the margin, and serrated, somewhat glutinous, downy in the axils of the nerves beneath. h. 50ft. to 60ft. Britain. The Alder affects moist and damp situations, and, as it grows quickly, it is a useful tree to plant in bare situations. It is valuable as a nurse to other trees by the sea-side. See Fig. 60.
A. g. aurea (golden).* Foliage golden colour.
A. g. incisa (incised).* Compact form, with leaves quite like those of common hawthorn. SYN. A. g. oxyacanthifolia.
A. g. laciniata (cut).* l. oblong and pinnatifid, with the lobes acute. This has elegant drooping branches and fern-like leaves, and is one of the best.
A. g. oxyacanthifolia (sharp-prickled). Synonymous with A. g. incisa.
A. g. quercifolia (oak-leaved).* l. with a sinuate outline, like that of the common oak. A very distinct form. The variety imperialis (=asplenifolia) slightly differs in its more or less lobed or cut foliage; A. g. variegata is a variegated form.
A. incana (hoary).* l. broadly oval or ovate, rounded at the base, sharply serrate, whitened, and mostly downy beneath. h. 8ft. to 20ft. North Temperate regions. This affects drier situations than our native A. glutinosa.
A. viridis (green). fertile catkins slender stalked, clustered, ovoid. l. round oval or slightly heart-shaped, glutinous and smooth or softly downy beneath, serrate, with very sharp and closely set teeth. Mountainous regions of northern hemisphere.
ALOCASIA (from a, without, and Colocasia). Allied to Colocasia. ORD. Aroideæ. Stove plants of great beauty, often with large and handsomely variegated, usually peltate, leaves, and shortly petiolate glaucous spathes. They are not difficult to grow, with a strong moist heat, and an abundant supply of water to the roots. The soil should consist of fibrous peat, with a little light fibry loam, in large lumps; to this add a good proportion of sphagnum and lumps of charcoal, with plenty of silver sand. Keep the bulbs and soil raised well above the rim of the pots, and finish off with a surfacing of either sphagnum or cocoa-nut fibre. The latter will soon encourage new rootlets. Crock the pot quite two-thirds up with clean, broken potsherds. Water freely when in good growth, and give liquid manure once or twice a week through the growing season. Shade during bright sunshine in the spring and summer months. Increased by seeds and division of the stems or rhizome. Winter temperature, 60deg. to 65deg.; summer, 75deg. to 85deg. See also Caladium and Colocasia.
A. alba (white). fl. white. h. 1½ft. Java, 1854.
A. amabilis (lovely). Synonymous with A. longiloba.
A. chelsonii (Chelsea).* An interesting hybrid between A. cuprea and A. longiloba. l. large, upper surface deep green, glossy and metallic, under side purplish, as in A. cuprea.
A. cucullata (hood-leaved). fl. green, whitish. Spring. h. 2ft. India, 1826.
A. cuprea (coppery).* fl., spathe purplish-red, with short lamina. l. cordate-ovate, peltate, deflexed, 12in. to 18in. long, rich bronze colour, purple beneath. h. 2ft. Borneo, 1860. SYNS. A. metallica, Xanthosoma plumbea.
A. gigantea (gigantic). Synonymous with A. longiloba.
A. guttata (spotted). fl., spathe white, spotted with purple. l. leafstalk also spotted. h. 2½ft. Borneo, 1879.
A. hybrida (hybrid).* A cross between A. Lowii and A. cuprea. l. elliptic in outline, with a very short acuminate point, and very slightly parted at the base, deep olive-tinted green on the upper surface, having stout, well-defined ribs, and the margin of an ivory white; dull purple at the back.
A. illustris (bright). l. ovate-sagittate, rich green, with olive-black patches, deflexed, 1½ft. long. India, 1873.
A. Jenningsii (Jennings's).* l. peltate, cordate-ovate, acuminate, with their blades deflexed from the top of the erect mottled stalks, ground colour green, surface marked with large wedge-shaped blotches of dark brown; veins bright green, 6in. to 8in. long. India, 1867. A very distinct and free growing species.
A. Johnstoni (Johnston's).* l. semi-erect, arrow-shaped, peltate, the front lobe being about 12in. long, and the two back lobes 14in. long and divergent, olive-green, prettily variegated and strikingly veined with bright rosy red. The leafstalks are furnished at intervals with irregular whorls of stiff spines, the points of which are turned upwards. Stem darkly mottled with flesh-coloured bands just above the spines. Solomon Isles, 1875. This plant has quite a unique appearance.
A. Liervalii (Lierval's). l. bright green. Philippines, 1869.
A. longiloba (long-lobed). l. large, sagittate, with the upper part spreading out, green, with silvery veins. h. 4ft. Java, 1864. SYNS. A. amabilis, A. gigantea.
A. Lowii (Low's). fl., spathe white. l. cordate-sagittate, 14in. to 16in. long, peltate, deflexed, olive-green, with thick white ribs, deep purple beneath. Borneo, 1862.
A. macrorhiza (long-rooted). fl. green, whitish. h. 5ft. Polynesia.
A. m. variegata (variegated). l. large, somewhat cordate, with slightly waved margins, bright green, blotched and marbled with white, sometimes nearly quite white; footstalks broadly streaked with pure white. Ceylon. A very striking and effective large growing plant.
A. Marshallii (Marshall's). l. green, with dark blotches, and broad central silvery band. India, 1811.
A. metallica (metallic). Synonymous with A. cuprea.
A. navicularis (boat-shaped spathe). fl., spathe boat-shaped, whitish. h. 1ft. India, 1855.
A. Roezlii. See Caladium marmoratum.
A. scabriuscula (roughish).* fl., spathe entirely white; limb 3in. long, oblong, cuspidate. l. spreading, not deflexed, sagittate, not in the least peltate, deep shining green above, pale green beneath, extreme length 22in. to 31in. h. 4ft. to 4½ft. North-West Borneo, 1878. Although this is not such an ornamental species as A. Lowii, A. Thibautiana, or A. cuprea, it has the merit of being a much larger and bolder plant than either of these, and is one of the largest species in the genus.
A. Sedeni (Seden's).* A hybrid between A. Lowii and A. cuprea. l. oval, cordate, sagittate, deflexed, bronzy green, purple beneath, veins distinct ivory white.
A. Thibautiana (Thibaut's).* l. ovate-acute, deeply cordate; basal lobes rounded and not sharply pointed, deep olive greyish-green, traversed by numerous grey veinlets branching from the midrib, which is greyish-white, purple beneath. Borneo, 1878. This is said to be by far the finest of the genus.
A. variegata (variegated). fl. whitish. l. leafstalk mottled with violet. India, 1854.
A. zebrina (zebra).* l. erect, broadly sagittate, rich dark green borne upon stout footstalks, which are pale green, mottled and striped with zigzag bands of dark green. h. 4ft. or more. Philippine Isles, 1862.
ALOE (from Alloeh, its Arabic name). Allied genera: Apicra, Haworthia, Pachidendron, Phylloma. Including Rhipodendron. ORD. Liliaceæ. This hitherto much confused genus, and its allies, have been completely revised by Mr. J. G. Baker (vide "Journal of the Linnean Society," vol. xxviii. pp. 152-182), to whose account we are indebted for many of the following particulars:—Plant with or without stems; shrubs or (rarely) trees; leaves thick, fleshy, frequently in a rosette; peduncles simple or racemed, endowed with few or many empty bracts. Flowers racemed; pedicels bracteated at base, solitary; perianth-tube straight or slightly recurved; segments elongated; stamens hypogynous, as long as the perianth, or longer. Mr. Baker describes over eighty species, many of which, for various and important reasons, have no claim upon our space. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope, except where otherwise stated. These very interesting and curious plants thrive well in a mixture of open loam and peat, together with a small quantity of well decomposed manure. If old brick rubbish, or any other similar material is mixed with the soil to ensure perfect and rapid drainage, so much the better. Water, especially during winter, must be carefully administered. They thrive in an ordinary greenhouse, and cannot have too much light at any time.
A. abyssinica (Abyssinian).* fl., perianth twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme dense-oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to 3in. broad; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncle branched, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. about twenty in a rosette, ensiform, 1½ft. to 2½ft. long, acuminate, green, sometimes spotted, five to six lines thick in middle; back rounded; marginal prickles distant, deltoid, one to two lines long. Stem simple, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. Abyssinia, 1777. SYN. A. maculata.
A. a. Peacockii (Peacock's). This is a rare variety.
A. africana (African). fl., perianth yellow, fifteen to eighteen lines long; racemes dense, 1ft. in length, 3in. in diameter; peduncle very strong, branched. l. in a dense rosette, ensiform, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 2½in. to 3in. broad, slowly narrowing from base to the apex, channelled above the middle, where it is four to five lines thick; marginal prickles close, one and a half to two lines long. Stem simple, when fully grown, 20ft.
A. albispina (white-spined).* fl., perianth red, 1½in. long; raceme dense, nearly 1ft. long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. l. loosely disposed, lanceolate, ascending, 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. broad, green, without spots or lines; face concave upwards; middle three to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles white, horny, two lines long. Stem simple, short, 1in. to 1½in. in diameter. 1796.
A. albocincta (white-banded).* fl., perianth brilliant red, ten to twelve lines long; racemes twenty or more, shortly capitate, 2in. to 2½in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels ascending, six to nine lines long; scape stout, branched, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, outer ones recurved, lanceolate, 1½ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, glaucous, obscurely lined and spotted; middle three to four lines thick; margin red or white tinted. Stems in old specimens, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. in diameter. SYNS. A. Hanburyana, A. paniculata, and A. striata.
A. arborescens (tree-like).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft.; pedicels ascending, twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles strong, 1½ft., simple or branched. l. (rosette 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter) dense, aggregate, ensiform, 1½ft. to 2ft.; base 2in. broad, thence to apex attenuated, acuminated, green, rather glaucous, without spots or lines; middle three to four lines long; base five to six lines thick; upper surface beyond the base channelled; marginal prickles close, one and a half to two lines long, horny. Stem simple, finally 10ft. to 12ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. 1700.
A. a. frutescens (shrubby). Dwarfer. l. often loose, and shorter, intensely glaucous; peduncle simple. Stem slender, sometimes racemosed.
A. aristata (awned). fl., perianth red, fourteen to sixteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 4in. to 6in. long, and about 4in. broad; pedicels sub-patent, thirteen to eighteen lines long; scape simple, 1ft. l. about fifty in a dense rosette, ascending, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines broad, without spots or lines; face flat, sparingly tubercled; middle one and a half lines thick; back copiously tubercled; apex bearded with a pellucid awn; marginal teeth diffuse, white, half line long. 1824.
A. Bainesii (Baines').* fl., perianth fifteen to sixteen lines long, yellowish red; raceme simple, dense, oblong, 3½in. to 4in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels thick, two to three lines long; peduncles upright, strong, eight to nine lines in diameter. l. closely packed at the top of the branch, ensiform, 1ft. to 1½ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter, green, spotted, deeply channelled, recurved; middle two to three lines thick; marginal prickles pale, rather distant, one to one and a half lines long. Arborescent, branched. h. 40ft. to 60ft.; trunk 4ft. to 5ft. in diameter. SYNS. A. Barberæ, A. Zeyheri.
A. barbadensis (Barbadoes). Synonymous with A. vera.
A. Barberæ (Barber's). Synonymous with A. Bainesii.
A. brevifolia (short-leaved).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. long, 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; pedicels upright, six to twelve lines long; peduncles simple, hardly 1ft. long. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 1in. broad at the base, glaucous, without spots or lines; face unarmed, below swollen or flat; middle three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly tubercled; marginal teeth whitish, one to one and a half lines long. Stem short, simple. SYN. A. prolifera.
A. b. depressa (depressed). fl. somewhat larger; peduncles 1½ft. to 2ft. long. l. 6in. long; bottom 1½in. to 2in. broad; face sometimes sparingly tubercled.
A. cæsia (bluish-grey).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; racemes dense, nearly 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape simple, 6in. l. rather dense, lanceolate acuminate, 1ft. to 1½ft.; bottom 2in. to 3in. broad, intensely glaucous, without spot or lines, slightly channelled upwards; middle 3in. to 4in. thick; marginal prickles red, one to one and a half lines long. Stem simple, finally, in old specimens, 12ft. to 14ft. 1815.
A. Candollei (De Candolle's). A mere form of A. humilis.
A. chinensis (Chinese). fl., perianth yellow, 1in. long; raceme loose, simple, 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels one and a half to two lines long; peduncle simple, 6in. to 12in. l. fifteen to twenty in a dense rosette, ensiform, 9in. to 12in. long, 1½in. broad at the bottom, pale green, not lined; base nearly flat; middle three to four lines thick; upper surface channelled; marginal prickles distant, pale, one to one and a half lines long. Stem short, simple. China, 1817.
A. ciliata (ciliated).* fl., perianth brilliant red, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 2in. to 4in. long; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender, simple. l. linear, widely spreading, amplexicaul, green, 4in. to 6in. long; base six to nine lines broad, slowly narrowing towards the apex, without spots or lines; middle one line thick; marginal teeth minute, white. Stems long, sarmentose; branches three to four lines in diameter; internodes six to twelve lines long, obscurely striated with green. 1826.
A. Commelyni (Commelin's). A mere form of A. mitræformis.
A. consobrina (related). fl., perianth yellowish red, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme rather loose, oblong, cylindrical, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; scape 1½ft., slender, branched. l. loosely disposed, ensiform, 6in. to 8in. long, and 1in. broad, green, spotted white; face channelled; middle three lines thick; marginal prickles minute, brownish; rosette 10in. to 12in. (sometimes 2ft.) in diameter; upper leaves ascending; central ones spreading half open; lower ones deflexed. Stem 2ft., simple, 1in. in diameter. South Africa, 1845.
A. Cooperi (Cooper's).* fl., perianth fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme close, 3in. to 6in. long, and 3in. to 4in. in diameter; lower pedicels 1in. to 2in. long; scape simple, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. when mature, 8in. to 10in. long, distichous, falcate, lined; outer ones 1½ft. to 2ft., above the base six to eight lines broad, greenish, deeply channelled, sparingly spotted; middle one and a half to two lines thick; marginal teeth minute, close, white. Plant stemless. Natal, 1862. SYN. A. Schmidtiana.
A. dichotoma (two-branched).* Quiver-tree. fl., perianth oblong, ten to twelve lines long; raceme loose, 2in. to 4in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles stout, branched. l. closely packed, at the top of the branch, lanceolate, 8in. to 12in. long; bottom twelve to fifteen lines broad, glaucous, without spots or lines, slightly channelled above the base; middle three to four lines thick, narrow-margined with white; marginal prickles minute, pale. Trunk short, sometimes 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter. h. 20ft. to 30ft. 1781. Arborescent, branched.
A. distans (distant).* fl., perianth pale red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme densely capitate, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; lower pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles 1½ft., usually simple. l. ascending, loosely disposed, ovate-lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, and 1½in. to 2in. broad, green, slightly glaucous, without spots and lines; face concave; middle three to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles close, white, horny, one to one and a half lines long. Stem short, simple, 1in. in diameter; internodes pale, striated green. 1732.
A. glauca (milky-green).* fl., perianth pale red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1ft. to 1½ft. long, 3½in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels 1in. to 1½in. long. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long; at the base 1½in. to 2in. broad, slowly narrowing towards the apex, intensely glaucous, spotless, obscurely lined; middle three to four lines thick; face above the base slightly concave; back tubercled at apex; marginal teeth spreading, brownish, one to one and a half lines long. Stem simple, at length, about 1ft., 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1731.
A. gracilis (graceful). fl., perianth yellow, straight, fourteen to sixteen lines long; raceme densely packed, simple, 2in. to 3in.; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncle simple, 6in. to 9in. long, two-edged at the base. l. loosely disposed, spreading, 6in. to 10in. long; base ten to twelve lines broad, ensiform, acuminated, glaucous, spotless and without lines; face slightly channelled; back rounded; marginal prickles close, minute. Stem leafy, simple. 1822.
A. Greenii (Green's).* fl., perianth pale red, fourteen to fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, 4in. to 8in. long, and 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels five to six lines long; scape 2ft. long. l. in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 18in. long; bottom 2½in. to 3in. broad, slowly narrowing from middle to the apex; middle three to four lines thick; face flat, shining green, obscurely lined and spotted white; marginal prickles spreading, one and a half to two lines long, horny. Stem short, simple, 1½in. in diameter. South Africa, 1875.
A. Hanburyana (Hanbury's). Synonymous with A. albocincta.
A. humilis (humble).* fl., perianth brilliant red, eighteen lines long; raceme loose, simple, 6in. long, and 2in. to 2½in. in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles about 1ft. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ascending, lanceolate, acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines broad, glaucous green, obscurely lined; face slightly concave above, sparingly tubercled; middle three lines thick; back convex; marginal prickles pale, one line long. Plant stemless. 1731.
A. h. acuminata (taper-pointed). l. ovate-lanceolate, 4in. to 5in. long, fifteen to eighteen lines broad; marginal prickles pale, two to two and a half lines long. A. incurva, A. suberecta, and A. subtuberculata, of Haworth; A. Candollei, and A. macilenta, of Baker, are mere forms of the foregoing species.
A. incurva (incurved). A mere form of A. humilis.
A. latifolia (broad-leaved).* fl., perianth brilliant golden scarlet, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, terminal, 4in. to 5in. long and wide; lower pedicels 1½in. to 2in. long; peduncle robust, 2ft., often branched. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, 6in. long, 2½in. to 3½in. broad at bottom, slowly narrowing from below the middle upwards, green, not lined, but copiously spotted white; middle three to four lines thick; marginal prickles one and a half to two lines long, horny, brownish. Stem at length, 1ft. to 2ft., 1½in. to 2in. in diameter, simple. 1795.
A. lineata (line-marked).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in.; pedicels hardly perpendicular, fifteen to eighteen lines long; scape simple, 1ft. l. in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. long, 2in. broad at base, narrowing slowly from thence to the apex, pale green, spotless, lined; middle three lines thick, channelled upwards on both sides, unarmed; marginal teeth numerous, red, one and a half to two lines long. Stem finally 6in. to 1ft., simple, 2in. in diameter. 1789.
A. macilenta (thin). A mere form of A. humilis.
A. macracantha (long-spined). fl. unknown. l. fifteen to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 20in. long, and 3in. to 4in. broad at the bottom, slightly narrowed from middle to apex; middle four lines thick; face flat, green, obscurely lined, spotted; marginal prickles horny, three to four lines long. Stem simple, 2ft. to 3ft., 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. South Africa, 1862.
A. macrocarpa (large-fruited).* fl., perianth club-shaped, brilliant red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; raceme loose, terminal, 6in. long, and 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels ½in. long; peduncles 2ft. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, less than 1ft. long; bottom 3in. to 4in. broad; top channelled; middle three to four lines thick, green, copiously spotted; marginal prickles spreading, half line long. Stem short, simple. Abyssinia, 1870.
A. maculata (spotted). Synonymous with A. abyssinica.
A. margaritifera (pearl-bearing). See Haworthia margaritifera.
A. mitræformis (mitre-shaped).* fl., perianth brilliant red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 4in. to 6in. long, and nearly as much in diameter; pedicels ascending; lower ones fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles strong, 1½ft., sometimes branched. l. rather loosely disposed, ascending, lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; green, slightly glaucous, without spots or lines; face concave; middle three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly tubercled; apex horny, pungent; marginal prickles rather close, pale, one to one and a half lines long. Stem finally 3ft. to 4ft., simple, 1in. to 2in. in diameter.
A. m. flavispina (yellow-spined). Differs from the type in having narrower and more lanceolate leaves, and yellow spines. A. Commelyni, A. spinulosa, A. pachyphylla, and A. xanthacantha, are also forms of this species.
A. myriacantha (many-spined). fl., perianth pale red, eight to nine lines long; racemes densely capitate, 2in. in diameter; pedicels four to six lines long; peduncles slender, simple, 1ft. l. ten to twelve, falcate, linear, 5in. to 6in. long, four to five lines broad, green, glaucous; face deeply channelled; back convex, spotted white; marginal teeth numerous, white. Plant stemless. 1823.
A. nobilis (noble).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6 or more inches long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels 1½in. to 2in. long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. l. rather loosely disposed, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2¼in. to 4in. broad; face green, without spots or lines, concave above the base; middle three to four lines thick; apex rather pungent; back prickly upwards; marginal prickles rather close, one and a half to two lines long, horny. Stem simple, at length 3ft. to 4ft. high, 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1800.
A. pachyphylla (thick-leaved). A mere form of A. mitræformis.
A. paniculata (panicled). Synonymous with A. albocincta.
A. Perryi (Perry's).* fl., perianth greenish, nine to ten lines long; raceme dense, 3in. to 4in. long; pedicels three to four lines long; inflorescence 1½ft. long, commonly two-headed. l. in a rosette, lanceolate, 7in. to 8in. long, and 2½in. broad, from below the middle to the apex narrowed, pale glaucous green, spotless, obscurely lined, channelled above the base; middle three to four lines thick; marginal teeth close, horny, one line long. Stem simple, 1in. in diameter. Socotra, 1879.
A. prolifera (proliferous). Synonymous with A. brevifolia.
A. purpurascens (purplish). fl., perianth reddish, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. to 9in. long, and about 3in. in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; scape strong, simple, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. forty to fifty in a dense rosette, 1ft. to 1½ft. long, ensiform, 2in. broad at the base, slowly narrowed towards the apex, green; base flat; middle three lines thick, slightly channelled upwards, sometimes spotted; marginal prickles small, white. Stem 2ft. to 3ft., sometimes forked. 1789.
A. rhodocincta (red-margined), of gardens, is probably a form of A. albocincta.
A. saponaria (soapy).* fl., perianth brilliant red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 3in. to 4in. long and wide; lower pedicels 1½in. to 2in. long; scape 1ft. to 2ft., simple, or sparingly branched. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, eighteen to twenty-four lines broad, narrowed from below the middle upwards; middle three to four lines broad; face flat at bottom; back swollen, green, copiously spotted, distinctly lined; marginal prickles adjoining, horny, one and a half to two lines long. Stem short, simple, 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1727.
A. Schimperi (Schimper's).* fl., perianth bright red, eighteen to twenty-one lines long; racemes densely corymbose, 4in. in diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape strong, 3ft. long, strongly branched above. l. twenty in a dense rosette, oblong-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 4in. broad, glaucous green, lined, sometimes spotted, three to four lines thick at middle, above which they are channelled; teeth minute, spreading. Stem short, simple. Abyssinia, 1876.
A. Schmidtiana (Schmidt's). Synonymous with A. Cooperi.
A. serra (saw). fl., perianth brilliant red, eighteen lines long; raceme simple, dense, 6in. long or more, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels six to twelve lines long; scape simple, 1½ft. to 2ft. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, twelve to eighteen lines broad below, without spots and lines; base swollen, concave towards the apex; middle three to four lines thick, sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles close, one to one and a half lines long. Plant shortly stemmed. 1818.
A. serratula (finely-toothed).* fl., perianth red, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme rather dense, 6in. long; pedicels six to nine lines long; peduncles simple, about 1ft. l. twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long; bottom 1½in. to 2¼in. broad, pale green; face below the top flat or slightly concave, obscurely lined, spotted; margin minutely denticulated. Stem simple, finally 1ft. to 2ft. high, 1½in. to 2in. in diameter. 1789.
A. spinulosa (spiny). A mere form of A. mitræformis.
A. striata (striated). Synonymous with A. albocincta.
A. striatula (slightly striped).* fl., perianth yellow, twelve to fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, rather dense, simple, 3in. to 6in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels short; peduncles simple, nearly 1ft. l. linear, spreading, green, 6in. to 9in. long; base not dilated, six to eight lines broad, above the base upwards narrowed, slightly channelled; middle one line thick; marginal prickles deltoid. Stem long, sarmentose; floral branches three to six lines in diameter; internodes 6in. to 12in. long. 1823.
A. suberecta (slightly erect). A mere form of A. humilis.
A. subtuberculata (slightly knobbed). A mere form of A. humilis.
A. succotrina (Socotrine).* fl., perianth reddish, fifteen lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft. long, 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles simple, 1½ft. l. thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ensiform, acuminate, falcate, 1½ft. to 2ft. long; base 2in.; middle 1in. broad, green, slightly glaucous, sometimes spotted, slightly channelled upwards; marginal prickles pale, one line long. Stem 3ft. to 5ft., often forked. Isle of Socotra. 1731.
A. tenuior (thinned). fl., perianth pale yellow, five to six lines long; racemes rather loose, simple, oblong, nearly 1ft. 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender, simple, 4in. to 8in. l. loose, linear, 5in. to 8in. long, slowly narrowing from middle towards apex, green, spotless, slightly channelled; middle one line thick; marginal prickles minute, pale. Stem long, sarmentose. 1821.
A. tricolor (three-coloured).* fl., perianth coral red, fleshy; raceme loose, oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels ascending, three to four lines long; scape 1½ft. long, glaucous purple; panicle deltoid. l. twelve to sixteen in a close rosette, lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad at bottom, slowly narrowing from below the middle to apex; middle five to six lines thick; back rounded; face slightly swollen, copiously spotted, not lined; marginal prickles close, spreading, about one line long. Stem short, simple. South Africa, 1875.
A. variegata (variegated).* fl., perianth reddish, fifteen to sixteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 3in. to 4in. long and about 3in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; scape simple, tapering, 6in. to 8in. l. close, erecto-patent, lanceolate, 4in. to 5in. long, 1in. broad; face concave; back keeled, bright green, copiously spotted grey on both sides; margin whitish, denticulated. 1790. This is the variegated Aloe so frequently seen in cottage windows.
