Читать книгу The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car - Various - Страница 6

FIG. 2. GROUP OF ABUTILONS.

Purple-coloured. EMPEROR,* flowers large, rich purple magenta shaded, habit vigorous; LOUIS VAN HOUTTE, very free, rosy purple; PURPUREA,* deep purple shaded lake, very attractive; SOUVENIR DE ST. MAURICE, flowers medium size, very profuse; VIOLET QUEEN,* bright violet purple, very distinct and free.

Red and Crimson-flowered. BRILLIANT,* flowers of good form and substance, brilliant red inside, rather paler outside, dwarf and free; CRIMSON BANNER,* rich crimson, dwarf, very floriferous; FIRE KING,* bright red, orange shaded, veined with crimson; LUSTROUS,* brilliant red crimson, large, most profusely produced, habit dwarf; NE PLUS ULTRA,* intense crimson, of excellent form; SCARLET GEM,* flowers medium sized, brilliant scarlet, habit dwarf and free.

Rose-coloured. ADMIRATION, light pink, shaded salmon, of good form and shape; ANNA CROZY,* deep pink, lilac shade, veined white, very showy; CLOCHETTE,* deep rosy pink, with crimson veins, very dwarf and free; DELICATUM, pale salmon rose, with deeper vein, flowers very large; KING OF THE ROSES,* rich deep rose, of good size and substance, habit dwarf and very free; LADY OF THE LAKE,* flowers medium sized, rich pink; LOUIS MARIGNAC, pale pink, veined white, splendid habit, a charming variety; PRINCESS MARIE,†* flowers rich rosy lake, very profuse, of excellent form; ROSÆFLORUM,†* pale salmon rose, veined with crimson.

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

FIG. 3. FLOWER OF ABUTILON INSIGNE.

Yellow-flowered. CANARY BIRD,†* similar in habit to Boule de Niege, bright primrose, very lovely; COURONNE D'OR,* bright yellow, of the finest form and substance, very bold foliage; GOLDEN GEM, rich canary yellow, extremely free, of dwarf habit; LEMOINEI,† very fine, pale yellow, good size; QUEEN OF THE YELLOWS,* very large, lemon yellow, good substance; YELLOW PRINCE,* rich golden yellow, of medium size, very profuse.

ABYSSINIAN PRIMROSE. A common name for Primula Boveana (which see).

ACACIA (from ac, a point, in Celtic; or from akazo, to sharpen; many of the species are furnished with spines). See also Albizzia. ORD. Leguminosæ. Shrubs or trees, very variable in habit and leaves. Flowers yellow, white, rarely red, disposed in globular heads or spikes, decandrous or polyandrous. Spines stipular, scattered, or wanting. This is a very polymorphous genus, and the majority of species described are known in this country only from herbarium specimens. It is very doubtful whether the entire genus is represented in our gardens by more than about fifty species, many of which are only to be found in botanic gardens; but this number is, without doubt, sufficiently characteristic. The number of species is close upon 400, and the genus one of the largest known. In our enumeration, we have strictly confined ourselves to describing such as are unquestionably in cultivation, and to this end we have adopted the only accurate method of deciding which are and which are not grown, viz., by consulting the trade lists of nurserymen, both in this country and on the Continent. Such lists, however, are not always correct, from a scientific point of view, in the matter of nomenclature. The species best deserving of cultivation are all natives of Australia, New South Wales, or other temperate regions, and are among the hardiest and most easily cultivated of all greenhouse plants. They are very floriferous. The greenhouse species are sufficiently hardy to withstand the winter in a temperature very little higher than freezing point. Cultivation: Some have a tendency to make long straight shoots; these should be selected for training upon rafters or pillars, on which they thrive well and form splendid ornaments in spring; whilst the more shrubby kinds will be equally at home in pots in the form of bushes. Roots and tops grow with great rapidity, and an abundance of water is required at all times. Immediately after flowering (usually about May) is the best time to prune Acacias; they may then be placed in the open air, and fully exposed to the sun, until October. They make a far healthier, cleaner growth, and ripen their wood much better outside than under glass; all they require is copious waterings, never allowing them to become dry, and keeping clear of weeds. In the first week in October house the plants, and winter in a temperature of 40deg. to 50deg. They delight in a light rich compost of equal parts turfy loam and leaf mould, freely intermixed with sand, or peat may be used instead of the leaf mould. Propagation: Cuttings of the half-ripened wood, put in with a heel, root readily during the summer. They do not bear heat well, nor do they require it. The soil should be equal parts peat and sand, covered with pure sand, thoroughly consolidated. Insert the cuttings as soon as made; water home, and leave them in the shade till dry. Then place the bell glasses over them, shade and water so as to prevent flagging. Pot off as soon as rooted, and keep in a close pit or house until the plants are thoroughly established. Seeds should be sown as soon as ripe, in sandy peat; about ¼in. deep, or a little more, for large seeds. A temperature of 55deg. to 60deg. suits them well. Pot off when large enough to handle, and place in a cool close pit or house until quite established. The culture and propagation of the stove species are the same as for the greenhouse sorts, but the former require, of course, greater heat. Their flowers, however, are much less frequently produced than their more temperate congeners, consequently they are not so much grown.

A. affinis.* fl. yellow. May. h. 5ft. New Holland, 1822. Greenhouse species.

A. albicans (whitish).* fl. white; heads, two to five, aggregate, rising in racemes from the axils to the leaves. l. with eight to nine pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing nineteen to twenty-two pairs of oblong linear-leaflets. h. 5ft. Swan River.

A. amœna (pleasing). This closely resembles A. heterophylla.

A. angustifolia (narrow-leaved). fl. yellow, in heads two to four together, pedunculate. April. l. with fifteen to twenty pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing thirty to forty pairs of linear-acute, ciliated leaflets. h. 4ft. New South Wales, 1816. One of the numerous varieties of A. longifolia.

A. arabica (Arabian).* Gum Arabic. fl. white; heads pedunculate, axillary, usually in threes. l. with four to six pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing ten to twenty pairs of oblong-linear leaflets. h. 20ft. Arabia, East Indies, &c., 1820. Greenhouse species. See Fig. 4.

A. argyrophylla (silver-leaved). A synonym of A. brachybotrya.

A. armata (armed, simple leaved).* fl. yellow, in solitary globular heads. April. l. phyllodia obliquely ovate-oblong, quite entire, one-nerved. h. 6ft. to 10ft. Australia, 1803.

A. Benthami (Bentham's). A synonym of A. cochlearis.

A. brachybotrya (short-bunched).* fl. yellow, in axillary stalked globular heads. April. l. phyllodia silvery silky, obliquely obovate, or oblong. h. 8ft. Swan River. SYN. A. argyrophylla.

A. Catechu (catechu). fl. yellow; spikes cylindrical, solitary, twin, or tern, axillary. March. l. with ten pairs of pinnæ, each of which bears forty to fifty pairs of linear pubescent leaflets. h. 20ft. to 40ft. East Indies, 1790.

A. cavenia (Cavenia).* fl. yellow, disposed in globose heads, peduncles, axillary, aggregate. l. with usually about five pairs of pinnæ, each of which bears nine to ten pairs of linear-oblong leaflets, clothed with scabrous pubescence. h. 20ft. Chili. Greenhouse species.

A. cochlearis (spoon-leaved). fl. yellow, in solitary globular heads. April. l. phyllodia linear lanceolate, many-nerved at the base, quite entire, mucronate. h. 4ft. West Australia, 1818. SYN. A. Benthami.

A. cultriformis (knife-formed).* fl. yellow, in crowded heads, disposed in either axillary or terminal racemes. April. l. phyllodia eight to ten lines long, four lines broad, cultriform, ending in an acute hooked point, which bears to one side. h. 4ft. New South Wales, 1820.

A. cuneata (wedge-shaped).* fl. yellow. April. Swan River, 1837. Greenhouse species.

A. cyanophylla (blue-leaved). fl. yellow; racemes axillary; heads globose. March. l. phyllodia lanceolate, often 1ft. long, glaucous green, almost blue; branches drooping. h. 18ft. Swan River, 1838. Arboreous.

A. dealbata (whitened).* The Silver Wattle. fl. yellow, in pedicellate heads, disposed in racemes along the axillary branches. July. l. from ten to twenty pairs of pinnæ, each of which bears thirty to thirty-five pairs of linear, much crowded pubescent leaflets. h. 10ft. to 20ft. Australia and Tasmania, 1820.

A. diffusa (spreading). fl. yellow, in globular heads, which are usually twin. May. l. phyllodia linear, one-nerved, ending in an oblique acumen; branches diffusely procumbent, angular. h. 2ft. Victoria and Tasmania, 1814.

A. Drummondi (Drummond's).* fl. pale lemon; spikes axillary, drooping, cylindrical, simple. April. l. with two pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing two to three pairs of linear obtuse leaflets. Plant unarmed, silky. h. 10ft. Swan River. Very handsome and one of the best grown, forming a somewhat dwarf shrub.

FIG. 4. ACACIA ARABICA (a) Flowering Branch, (b) Seed-pod.

A. Farnesiana (Farnesian). fl. yellow, sweet-scented, disposed in axillary, usually twin, unequally pedunculate heads. July. l. with five to eight pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing from fifteen to twenty pairs of linear glabrous leaflets. h. 6ft. to 10ft. St. Domingo, 1656. Greenhouse species.

A. glauca (milky white).* fl. white; spikes globose, stalked, axillary, usually twin. July. l. with four to six pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing about twelve to fifteen pairs of linear, distant, acute leaflets, which are glaucous beneath. h. 5ft. to 10ft. South America, 1690.

A. glaucescens (greyish). fl. yellow; spikes twin, but solitary on the peduncles, axillary. June. l. phyllodia linear-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, falcate, three-nerved. h. 6ft. to 8ft. Queensland, 1822. SYN. A. homomalla.

A. grandis (great).* fl. yellow; heads globular; peduncles solitary or twin, axillary, one-headed. February to May. l. with one pair of pinnæ, each pinna bearing eight to ten pairs of linear-lanceolate leaflets; branches hairy. h. 6ft. West Australia, 1850. A variety of A. pulchella.

A. heterophylla (variable-leaved).* fl. yellow, in heads, disposed in a kind of raceme. May. l. phyllodia linear, attenuated at both ends, many-nerved. h. 5ft. Isle of Bourbon, 1824. A. amœna is very like this.

A. hispidissima (hairiest). A variety of A. pulchella.

A. holosericea (all silky). fl. yellow, in axillary spikes, usually twin. May. l. 6in. long, oblong-lanceolate, ending in a soft point at the apex, three-nerved. h. 10ft. to 20ft. Australia, 1818. The whole aspect of this tree is silky. SYN. A. leucophylla.

A. homomalla (equal-woolled). A synonym of A. glaucescens.

A. Hugelii (Baron Hugel's). fl. pale yellow. February. West Australia, 1846. Greenhouse species.

A. ixiophylla (Ixia-leaved). fl. yellow; heads about twenty-flowered; peduncles downy, shortly racemose or solitary. March. l. narrow, oblong-lanceolate, sub-falcate, obtuse, obliquely mucronate, much branched. h. 2ft. New South Wales, 1844.

A. juniperina (juniper-leaved). fl. yellow, in solitary heads. May. l. linear-subulate, ending in a pungent point; branches terete, pubescent. h. 6ft. Australia and Tasmania, 1790. Greenhouse.

A. Lebbek (Lebbek).* fl. yellow, sweet-scented; heads many-flowered, pedunculate, three or four together, from the crowded upper nodes. May. l. with two to four pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing about six to eight pairs of oval, somewhat dimidiate leaflets, which are obtuse at both ends. h. 20ft. East and West Indies, 1823. Stove species.

A. leprosa (leprous). fl. yellow, mostly five-parted, numerous in a globular head; peduncles mostly in pairs or clusters, ¼in. long. May. l. narrow, linear-lanceolate, acute or obtuse with a small callous point, narrowed at base, 1½in. to 3in. long, those of the barren shoots broader. Branchlets pendulous, more or less glutinous. Australia, 1817. (B. R. 1441.)

A. leucophylla (white-leaved). A synonym of A. holosericea.

A. lineata (lined). fl. yellow, mostly five-parted, ten to fifteen or rarely more in a small, globular head; peduncles slender, rarely exceeding the leaves. April. l. linear, with a small hooked point, about ½in., rarely ¾in., long, one-nerved. Branches nearly terete, usually pubescent or villous. h. 6ft. Australia, 1824. (B. M. 3346.)

A. l. longissima (longest). Synonymous with A. longissima.

A. longifolia (long-leaved).* fl. yellow; spikes loose, axillary, cylindrical. March. l. phyllodia linear-lanceolate, narrowed at each end, three-nerved, striated. h. 10ft. Australia, 1792. A fine erect-growing greenhouse species.

A. longissima (longest-leaved). fl. yellow; spikes several, axillary, generally branched. May. l. phyllodia very long, filiform, one-nerved, spreading. h. 4ft. New South Wales, 1819. Stove species. SYN. A. linearis longissima.

A. lunata (half-moon).* fl. yellow; heads disposed in racemes, which are longer than the phyllodia. April. l. phyllodia obliquely oblong, rather falcate, narrowed at the base, terminating in an oblique callous mucrone. h. 2ft. to 4ft. Australia, 1810. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. oleæfolia.

A. melanoxylon (black wooded). fl. yellow; heads few, disposed in a kind of raceme. April. l. phyllodia lanceolate-oblong, rather falcate, obtuse, quite entire, many-nerved. h. 6ft. to 10ft. Australia, 1818. Greenhouse species.

A. mollissima (softest-leaved).* fl. yellow; heads pedicellate, disposed in racemes along the axillary peduncles. July. l. with eight to eighteen pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing thirty to forty pairs of linear, much crowded, pubescent leaflets, which are clothed with yellowish velvety down when young; branches and petioles angular. h. 10ft. to 20ft. Van Diemens Land, 1810.

A. oleæfolia (olive-leaved). A synonym of A. lunata.

A. oxycedrus (sharp-cedrus).* fl. yellow; spikes axillary, solitary, elongated. April. l. phyllodia scattered, or somewhat verticillate, lanceolate-linear, ending in a pungent point, three-nerved. h. 6ft. to 10ft. New South Wales, 1823. Greenhouse species.

A. paradoxa (paradoxical). fl. yellow, disposed in solitary heads. March. l. phyllodia obliquely oblong-lanceolate, entire, wavy, one-nerved; branches clammy, glabrous. h. 6ft. New Holland. Greenhouse species.

A. penninervis (feather-nerved). fl. yellow; heads about the size of a pea, racemose. April. l. phyllodia oblong, acuminated at both ends, straight, 2in. to 3in. long, ½in. broad, feather veined. h. 4ft. to 6ft. New Holland, 1824.

A. platyptera (broad-winged).* fl. yellow; heads solitary, on short peduncles. March. l. phyllodia short, bifarious, decurrent, obliquely truncate, mucronate; branches broadly winged. h. 3ft., Swan River, 1840. Greenhouse species.

A. pubescens (downy).* fl. yellow; heads small, globose pedicellate, disposed in racemes along the axillary peduncles. March. l. with three to ten pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing six to eighteen pairs of linear glabrous leaflets. h. 6ft. to 10ft. Branches terete, hairy. New Holland, 1790.

A. pulchella (pretty).* fl. yellow; heads solitary. April. l., pinnæ bearing five to seven pairs of oblong-ovate, obtuse leaflets. h. 2ft. to 3ft. New Holland, 1803. Greenhouse species. The variety hispidissima has white flowers.

A. Riceana (Rice's).* fl. pale yellow, in long, solitary, axillary spikes. May. l. linear, in clusters, dark green, scattered or whorled. h. 20ft. Tasmania. Habit graceful, like a weeping willow. Very handsome and distinct. SYN. A. setigera. See Fig. 5.

A. rotundifolia (round-leaved). fl. yellow; heads globose, solitary, on long peduncles. March. l. phyllodia on short petioles, obliquely rounded, obtuse or retuse, mucronate. Branches angular, puberulous. h. 6ft. New Holland, 1842.

A. saligna (willow-like). fl. yellow; heads solitary, on short peduncles. March. l. phyllodia linear, attenuated at both ends, quite entire, almost nerveless. h. 6ft. to 10ft. New Holland, 1818. Greenhouse species.

A. Senegal (Senegal). Gum Senegal. fl. white, small, glabrous, distant; spikes axillary, solitary, slender. l. with five to eight pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing fifteen to eighteen pairs of oblong-linear, obtuse, glabrous leaflets; branches white; prickles sometimes wanting. h. 20ft. Arabia, 1823. Stove species.

A. setigera (bristly). Synonymous with A. Riceana.

A. sophoræ (sophora-podded). fl. yellow; spikes usually twin, axillary. May. l. phyllodia obovate, oblong or lanceolate, quite entire, many nerved; sometimes there are bipinnate leaves at the tops of the branches. h. 20ft. New Holland, 1805.

A. sphærocephala (round-headed).* fl. yellow; racemes axillary, usually twin, ovate-roundish. l. with numerous close-set linear falcate pinnules, which are usually tipped by a glandular yellow "food body;" spines twin, hollow. Mexico. A very remarkable stove species, inhabited by ants during certain seasons in its native country.

A. uncinifolia (hook-leaved). fl. yellow; spikes usually twin, dense, on short peduncles, cylindrical. March. l. phyllodia long, linear-subulate, flat, recurved, mucronate, three-nerved; branches angular. h. 6ft. Swan River, 1846.

A. vera (true). Egyptian Thorn; Gum Arabic. fl. white, usually in twin heads, pedunculate, axillary. July. l. with two pairs of pinnæ, each pinna bearing eight to ten pairs of oblong linear leaflets; branches and spines red. h. 20ft. Egypt, 1596.

FIG. 5. A FLOWERING BRANCH OF ACACIA RICEANA.

A. verticillata (whorl-leaved).* fl. yellow; spikes axillary, solitary, oblong. March. l. phyllodia linear, ending in a pungent mucrone, disposed somewhat verticillately. h. 6ft. to 10ft. A spreading, prickly, greenhouse species, of variable habit. New Holland, 1780.

A. vestita (clothed).* fl. yellow, in loosely racemose heads, along the peduncles; upper ones solitary. June. l. phyllodia obliquely elliptic-lanceolate, one-nerved, ending in an awnlike mucrone, hispid. h. 4ft. New Holland, 1820.

A. viscidula (clammy).* fl. yellow; heads globular, on short stalks, axillary, solitary or twin. February. l. linear, clammy; branches slender, clammy. h. 6ft., erect. New South Wales, 1844.

ACÆNA (from akaina, a thorn; in allusion to the slender spines on the calyx or fruit). ORD. Rosaceæ. A genus of dwarf sub-shrubby plants. Flowers capitate, or interruptedly spicate, uninteresting; petals absent. Leaves alternate, impari-pinnate. Excepting for rockwork, or as edgings to flower beds, they are not of much value; their habit is, however, very compact and neat. They require similar treatment to other hardy herbaceous plants, in ordinary soil. Increased by cuttings, creeping rootlets, divisions, and by seeds.

A. microphylla (small-leaved).* fl. green, small, in close heads, furnished with showy, long crimson spines. Summer. l. small, pinnate. h. 1in. to 2in. New Zealand. A neat evergreen with a compact and cushion-like growth; it is a very effective subject for the rock garden, and grows freely in most situations. The crimson globular heads of spine-formed calyces form a conspicuous and ornamental feature of the plant. SYN. A. Novæ Zealandiæ. See Fig. 6.

A. millefolia (myriad-leaved).* fl. inconspicuous. A very distinct species with finely-cut pale green leaves. The fruiting spikes of this are not collected in globular heads, as in the others, and their presence detract from its value as an ornamental plant. Otherwise, it is very graceful.

FIG. 6. ACÆNA MICROPHYLLA.

A. myriophylla (many-leaved).* fl. green, small, in rounded spikes. June. l. pinnate; leaflets deeply cut. h. 6in. to 1ft. Chili, 1828. Small, fern-like.

A. Novæ Zealandiæ (New Zealand). A synonym of A. microphylla.

A. ovalifolia (oval-leaved). fl. green. Summer. h. 9in. Chili, 1868. Good for rock gardens.

A. pulchella (pretty).* fl. inconspicuous. A pretty bronzy-leaved species, admirably suited for rockwork crevices, where space is no object. It grows very rapidly, and forms handsome tufts.

ACALYPHA (the name given by Hippocrates to the Nettle). ORD. Euphorbiaceæ. Stove ornamental and variegated nettle-like leaved shrubs. Flowers greenish or reddish, inconspicuous, in erect or drooping bracted axillary or terminal spikes; those of the upper portion sterile, of the lower, fertile. The undermentioned only are those most worthy of cultivation. They are very easily grown, with ordinary stove treatment, and in a peat and loam compost. When well cultivated, the leaves of the hybridised varieties are highly coloured, but rather coarse than otherwise. Increased by cuttings under a glass in sandy soil, in stove heat, during April.

A. Macafeeana (Macafee's). l. red, blotched with bronzy crimson. 1877.

A. macrophylla (large-leaved).* l. cordate ovate, russet brown, blotched with paler spots. The best and handsomest stove species.

A. marginata (margined). l. large, very hairy, ovate-acuminate, centre brown, with a distinct margin of rosy carmine, about ¼in. wide. Fiji Islands, 1875.

A. musaica (mosaic).* l. bronzy green, variegated with orange and dull red. Polynesia, 1877.

A. torta (twisted). l. dark olive, tinted green; margin cut into blunt, oblong segments. Samoan Islands. Remarkable for its curiously contorted foliage. It has erect stems, which are terete, and covered by the leaves in a very singular way.

A. tricolor (three-coloured). A synonym of A. Wilkesiana.

A. Wilkesiana (Wilkes').* l. ovate-acuminate, curiously blotched, mottled, and splashed with red and crimson; ground colour coppery green. h. 6ft. to 10ft. New Hebrides, 1866. SYN. A. tricolor.

A. W. marginata (Wilkes's margined).* l. large, olive brown, margined with rosy carmine. Fiji Islands, 1875.

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

ACANTHEPHIPPIUM (the derivation of this word is not apparent). ORD. Orchideæ. A peculiar class of terrestrial stove orchids. Flowers rather large, racemose, few; sepals combined in a broad oblique pitcher, including the petals, which are adnate to the base of the column; column short, produced into a long foot. Pseudo-bulbs oblong. Leaves few, large, longer than the scapes. The best species are the two first-mentioned. They will thrive well in sandy peat, with a quantity of small stones, broken pots, or gravel. A great deal of heat and moisture are absolutely essential during the growing period. Propagated, as soon as growth commences, by dividing the pseudo-bulbs.

A. bicolor (two-coloured).* fl. purple and yellow, about 2in. long, campanulate, produced in clusters of three or four together; petals oblong-lanceolate, acutish; lateral lobes of lip rounded. June. h. 9in. Ceylon, 1833.

A. Curtisii (Curtis's).* fl. same shape as above (except the lip), with numerous purple spots, light rose, and flush; column white, nail of lip yellow, keels yellowish, laciniæ white with purple. Malay Archipelago, 1881. The five keels between the side laciniæ distinguish it from the foregoing species and A. sylhetense.

A. javanicum (Javanese).* fl. yellow and red, with distinct longitudinal stripes; petals triangular; lip three-lobed; lateral lobes truncate; intermediate lobe constricted in middle, ovate, and tuberculate at the apex, fleshy on both sides at base, with truncate emarginate inflexed teeth. September. h. 1½ft. Java, 1843.

A. sylhetense (Sylhet). fl. white, with many irregular spots and blotches towards the extremities of the outer portions. June. h. 9in. Sylhet, 1837.

ACANTHOLIMON (from akanthos, a spine, and limon, sea lavender). ORD. Plantagineæ. Dwarf hardy tufted evergreen plants, distinguished from allied genera in having sharp-pointed rigid leaves. They are of rather slow growth, thriving best in a sandy soil, and sunny position, on rockwork more particularly. The flowers are similar to Statice and Armeria. Increased by seeds (which germinate slowly), sown carefully on a warm but rather shaded border, and transplanted when large enough to handle; or by cuttings and very carefully made divisions. The cuttings should be made in late summer, and placed in a frame, to remain there during the winter.

A. glumaceum (prickly).* fl. rose, spicate, about ½in. across, six to eight in a spikelet. Summer. l. densely packed and sharply pointed with spines. h. 6in. Armenia, 1851. Very compact and distinct. SYN. Statice Ararati.

A. Kotschyi (Kotschy's). fl. white. A good species, but very rarely seen in British gardens.

FIG. 7. ACANTHOLIMON VENUSTUM.

A. venustum (charming).* fl. rose, spicate, from twelve to twenty in each spike. Summer. l. broader than in the last, and glaucous. h. 6in. or 8in. Cilicia, 1873. A rare and handsome alpine. Larger than the preceding. See Fig. 7.

ACANTHOPHOENIX (from akantha, a spine, and phoinix, the Date Palm). ORD. Palmæ. A very elegant stove palm, differing from Areca principally in habit, and requiring a light sandy soil and a summer temperature of 65deg. to 80deg., winter 55deg. to 65deg. Increased by seeds only; these germinate best in a moist bottom heat, and a well decomposed compost of one part loam, one of peat, one of leaf mould, and the remainder of sand. They may remain in this soil for two or three years.

A. crinita (hairy).* fl. spirally arranged, in threes, the central one being female. l. the fronds are arched, broadly ovate in outline, pectinately pinnate in division, with long linear acuminate segments, paler beneath. The stem is densely armed with black, needle-shaped spines, and much swollen towards the base. Seychelles, 1868.

ACANTHORHIZA (from akantha, a spine, and rhiza, a root). ORD. Palmæ. A small genus of stove palms, differing from Trithrinax by the aërial roots of the trunk hardening into spines (which are horizontal or pointed upwards), and by the blade of the leaf being divided down to the petiole. They delight in a rich loamy soil, and are propagated by seeds, in a moist, sweet hotbed, in spring.

A. aculeata (spiny).* l. orbicular, palmately slit into numerous linear-lanceolate, glabrous segments, deep-green above, silvery beneath; petioles slender; the trunk is covered with a network of branching spines. Mexico, 1879. SYN. Chamærops stauracantha.

A. Wallisii (Wallis's).* A recent introduction from tropical America, and not yet much cultivated; it is a tall palm with orbicular palmate leaves.

A. Warzcewiczii (Warzcewicz's).* This differs from the preceding species by its more irregularly divided leaf blade, which is white below. Tropical America.

ACANTHOSTACHYUM (from akanthos, a spine, and stachys, a spike). ORD. Bromeliaceæ. A monotypic genus of stove evergreen herbaceous plants; of easy culture in a compost of equal parts sand, decayed wood, and rotten leaves. Propagated by suckers, which strike readily in bottom heat.

A. strobilacea (cone-fruited). fl. red and yellow; scape simple, long, scurfy; bracts coloured. June. l. radical, very long, incurved, narrow, thick, pungent, channelled, spiny-toothed, covered with white scurf. h. 4ft. Brazil, 1840.

ACANTHUS (from akanthos, a spine; several species being spiny or prickly). Bear's Breech. ORD. Acanthaceæ. A group of stately, ornamental perennial plants, mostly hardy, remarkable for their vigorous growth and beautiful foliage. Flowers sessile, crowded, spicate; corolla tubular, one-lipped; lip three lobed. To attain perfection they require a deep soil, and a situation fully exposed to the sun. They will, however, thrive moderately well in common soil and partial shade. The habit being generally a bold one, they are most suited for isolated tufts, backgrounds of mixed borders, and the wild garden. Propagated by seeds, sown in gentle heat, or by division of the roots, in autumn or early spring.

A. carduifolius (thistle-leaved). fl. blue. August. h. 3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1816. Greenhouse species.

A. hispanicus (Spanish). fl. white. August. l. large, shining, and deeply cut. h. 2ft. Spain, 1700.

A. longifolius (long-leaved).* fl. purple, rose, in the axils of the bracts, which are oval, acuminate, spiny, of a reddish hue, forming a spike nearly 1ft. long. June. l. radical, 2ft. to 3ft. long; numerous. h. 3ft. to 4½ft. Dalmatia, 1869.

A. lusitanicus (Portugal). Synonymous with A. mollis latifolius.

A. mollis (soft).* fl. white or rose, sessile in the axils of the deeply-toothed bracts; spikes about 1½ft. Summer. l. sinuated, unarmed, heart-shaped in outline, 2ft. long by 1ft. broad. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Italy, 1548.

A. m. latifolius (broad-leaved).* A variety of A. mollis, but larger and more robust in every part. This very handsome form is probably the best grown; it is one of the most suitable for sub-tropical gardening. A warm sunny spot is needful. SYN. A. lusitanicus. See Fig. 8.

A. montanus (mountain).* fl. rose. August. h. 3ft. West Africa, 1865. A shrubby species.

A. niger (black). fl. purplish white. July to September. l. sinuated, unarmed, glabrous, shining green. h. 3ft. Portugal, 1759.

A. spinosissimus (most spiny).* fl. rosy, sessile, on a very handsome spike, with acute, recurved spines. Autumn. l. laciniate, pinnatifid, blistered, spiny; spines white. h. 3½ft. South Europe, 1629.

FIG. 8. ACANTHUS MOLLIS LATIFOLIUS.

A. spinosus (spiny).* fl. purplish, spicate; sepals spiny. Summer. l. deeply and regularly cut, each division terminated by a short spine. h. 3ft. to 4ft. South Europe. See Fig. 9.

ACAULESCENT. With apparently no stem.

ACCESSORY. Something additional, not usually present.

ACCRETE. Fastened with another body, and growing with it.

ACCUMBENT. Lying against anything, in distinction to incumbent, or lying upon.

ACER, (from acer, hard or sharp; wood is extremely hard, and was formerly much used for making pikes and lances). Maple. ORD. Sapindaceæ. A genus comprised, for the most part, of handsome hardy deciduous shrubs, or trees, adapted for forming shrubberies, plantations, &c. Flowers greenish, except where mentioned. A. Pseudo-platanus is one of our most useful forest trees. Several of the species produce very useful timber; sugar is one of the constituent parts of the sap of all of them, and is obtained in large quantities from A. saccharinum, in North America. They all prefer a somewhat sheltered position. The most satisfactory soil is one free, deep, loamy, and well drained; the latter is especially desirable with some of the Japanese varieties. The varieties of A. japonicum, and palmatum are well worth growing in pots for conservatory decoration. Propagation: By seeds, sown either in autumn or spring, covering them not more than a ¼in. deep; the common varieties may be sown outside, while the rarer ones should be sown in a frame. By layers, and by grafting; the latter method is adopted with many of the rarer species and varieties, especially the variegated kinds; they are also readily increased by budding in summer.

A. austriacum (Austrian). Synonymous with A. campestre austriacum.

A. campestre (field).* Common Maple. fl. on erect racemes. May. fr. wings of fruit much divaricated. l. small, cordate, with five-toothed lobes. h. 20ft. Britain. A small tree with rough bark, full of deep fissures; wood often beautifully veined, when it is highly valued.

A. c. austriacum (Austrian).* fl. much larger than those of the species. fr. smooth. Lobes of leaves somewhat acuminated. SYN. A. austriacum.

A. c. collinum (hill-loving).* fl. smaller. fr. smooth. Lobes of leaves obtuse. France.

A. c. hebecarpum (downy-fruited).* fr. clothed with velvety pubescence.

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

A. c. lævigatum (smooth-leaved). l. very smooth and shining.

A. c. nanum (dwarf). Dwarf habit.

A. c. tauricum (Taurian).* l. larger and less divided than in the species.

A. c. variegatum (variegated).* l. beautifully variegated with blotches and stripes of white or whitish yellow; very distinct.

A. circinatum (circinate).* fl. deep red, umbellate. April. l. seven to nine-lobed, serrulated. h. 5ft. to 6ft. North West America, 1827. A very beautiful species, having pendulous branches clothed with leaves, which change into a bright scarlet colour in the autumn.

A. creticum (Cretan). fl. on few-flowered erect corymbs. May. fr. smooth, with the wings hardly diverging. l. cuneated at the base, acutely three-lobed at the top. h. 4ft. Levant, 1752. Nearly evergreen.

A. dasycarpum (thick-fruited).* fl. conglomerate, on short pedicels, apetalous. April. l. truncate at the base, palmately five-lobed, with blunt recesses, and unequally and deeply-toothed lobes. h. 40ft. North America, 1725. SYNS. A. eriocarpon, A. tomentosum, A. glaucum, and A. virginianum.

A. Douglasii (Douglas). Synonymous with A. glabrum.

A. eriocarpon (hairy-fruited). Synonymous with A. dasycarpum.

A. Ginnala (Ginnalian).* fl. on compound, crowded, erect racemes. Amur River. This is generally classed as a variety of A. tartaricum, but its habit is much more graceful, and in this form the leaves are prettily cut and lobed, whilst the leafstalks and midrib are more deeply coloured.

A. glabrum (smooth).* fl. corymbose, on short two-leaved branchlets, greenish-yellow. June. l. roundish-cordate, deeply three to five-lobed, or partite; the lobes biserrate, of a light green. h. 15ft. to 30ft. North West America. SYNS. A. Douglasii, A. tripartitum.

A. glaucum (glaucous). Synonymous with A. dasycarpum.

A. heterophyllum (various-leaved).* fl. corymbose. May. l. small, ovate, entire, and three-lobed, slightly serrated, smooth. h. 4ft. Levant, 1759. An evergreen. SYN. A. sempervirens.

A. ibericum (Iberian). fl. corymbose. May. l. bluntly three-lobed; lobes with one or two teeth, lateral ones marked with the middle nerve to the insertion of the petiole. h. 20ft. Iberia, 1826.

A. japonicum (Japanese).* fl. deep purplish-red, large. April. l. many-lobed, in early spring very light green. h. 20ft. Japan, 1863. The varieties of this species, although not well fixed in many cases, rank amongst the most handsome of the deciduous small shrubs grown, but often change in character as they attain any considerable size. Plants from 1½ft. to 3ft. high are very useful in cool conservatories, and in the highly kept grounds surrounding the house.

A. laurifolium (laurel-leaved). Synonymous with A. oblongum.

A. Lobelii (Lobel's). l. very slightly heart-shaped, irregularly toothed, five-lobed; lobes more or less abruptly pointed.

A. macrophyllum (large-leaved).* fl. on erect, compound, racemes. May. l. digitately five-palmate, with roundish recesses; lobes somewhat three-lobed. h. 60ft. Northern California, 1812.

A. monspessulanum (Montpelier).* fl. on few-flowered corymbs, erect. May. l. cordate, three-lobed; lobes almost or quite entire, equal. h. 10ft. to 20ft. South Europe, 1739.

A. montanum (mountain). fl. on compound, erect racemes. May. l. cordate, three or slightly five-lobed, unequally and coarsely serrated. h. 18ft. Canada, 1750. SYN. A. spicatum.

A. Negundo. See Negundo fraxinifolium.

A. oblongum (oblong). fl. on compound racemes, pale yellow. February. l. oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, quite entire. h. 20ft. Nepaul, 1824. SYN. A. laurifolium.

A. obtusifolium (obtuse-leaved). fl. drooping, corymbose. May. l. rounded, bluntly three-lobed, crenately serrulate, about the length of the petioles. h. 15ft. Crete.

A. Opalus (Opalus). A synonym of A. opulifolium.

A. opulifolium (Guelder-rose-leaved).* fl. on nearly sessile corymbs. May. Ovaries and fruit smooth. l. cordate, five-lobed; lobes obtuse, bluntly and coarsely toothed. h. 8ft. France, 1823. SYN. A. Opalus.

A. o. obtusatum (bluntish).* A larger, strong growing, round-headed tree, with dark green leaves, which are covered with a whitish or rusty tomentum on the under surface.

A. palmatum (palmate-leaved).* fl. on five to seven-flowered umbels. May. l. palmately divided into five to seven lobes beyond the middle; lobes oblong, acuminated, serrated. h. 20ft. Japan, 1820.

A. p. atropurpureum (dark purple).* A vigorous handsome plant, with bold dark purple foliage. Japan.

A. p. crispum (crispy or waved).* l. green, with red stalked, convoluted edges. Japan, 1871. Very distinct, and like a miniature Lombardy poplar in habit of growth.

A. p. dissectum (finely-divided).* fl. red, on terminal-stalked racemes, five to six-flowered. May. l. nine to ten parted; lobes oblong, acuminated, deeply serrated. h. 30ft. Japan, 1845.

A. p. ornatum (beautiful).* Very ornamental, having finely cut deep red leaves, with lighter midribs. Japan, 1871. This variety is also known as dissectum.

A. p. palmatifidum (palmatifid).* l. very finely palmately divided, the lobes cut down quite to the midrib, of a beautiful light green colour. 1875.

A. p. reticulatum (netted).* l. palmately seven-lobed; lobes unequal, sharply serrate, emerald green, with dark green veins. Japan, 1875. A very elegant variety, with slender branches.

A. p. roseo-marginatum (rose-margined).* l. freely divided, the lobes deeply cut, light green, margined with rose. Japan, 1874. A very distinct and charming variety.

A. p. sanguineum (blood-red).* l. deeply five-lobed, the lobes serrated, of a deep reddish-crimson colour, much brighter than the variety atropurpureum. 1874. This presents a very striking contrast to the last.

A. p. septemlobum (seven-lobed).* fl. purplish, on numerous flowered umbels. Spring. l. varying much, from palmately five-lobed, with toothed undivided lobes, to deeply seven to nine-lobed, with more or less finely cut divisions. Japan, 1864. There are numerous beautiful forms of this variety.

There are many varieties of this much varying species, but we have only mentioned those best known; many are only known by their native names, and there is some doubt as to their distinctive characteristics. They are all extremely handsome.

A. pennsylvanicum (Pennsylvanian).* fl. in long drooping, simple racemes. May. l. cordate, three-lobed, acuminated, finely and acutely serrated. h. 20ft. Trunk elegantly striped with white lines. North America, 1755. SYN. A. striatum.

A. pictum (painted).* fl. corymbose, stalked. l. five to seven-lobed; lobes triangular or oblong, entire, acuminated. h. 15ft. to 20ft. Temperate Asia, 1840. A. p. connivens (converging), A. p. marmoratum (spotted), A. p. rubrum (red), and A. p. variegatum (variegated), are varieties differing principally in the colouring of the leaves. All are very desirable.

A. platanoides (plane-like).* The Norway Maple. fl. on nearly erect stalked corymbs. May, June. l. cordate, smooth, five-lobed; lobes acuminated, with a few coarse acute teeth. h. 50ft. Europe, 1683. A very ornamental hardy tree, growing with great rapidity when young. It prefers a deep, well-drained soil.

A. p. aureo variegatum (golden-variegated).* l. variegated with yellow. Europe, 1383. This, to retain the variegation, requires to be propagated by budding or grafting. The same remarks are equally applicable to the other varieties.

A. p. laciniatum (cut-leaved).* l. deeply and variously cut, green and yellow.

A. p. Schwedleri (Schwedler's).* l. very large, deep bronzy-red. A vigorous grower, and most effective.

A. p. variegatum (variegated).* l. variegated with white. There are several other varieties, but of less importance than the foregoing.

A. Pseudo-platanus (Mock-plane tree).* Sycamore. fl. on rather compound pendulous racemes. May. l. cordate, with five acuminated unequally-toothed lobes. h. 30ft. to 60ft. Europe. There are few deciduous trees so well adapted for standing singly in rough exposed situations. A deep, soft, dry soil is most suitable for it, but it will grow in soils of very opposite qualities.

A. P. albo variegata (white-variegated).* A very beautiful form, in spring especially. l. white and green.

A. P. flavo variegata (yellow-variegated). l. variegated with yellow.

A. P. longifolia (long-leaved).* l. more deeply cut, and the petioles much longer than in the species.

A. P. purpureum (purple).* l. purple underneath. The tree, when slightly ruffled by the wind, alternately appearing clothed in purple and pale green. Numerous other varieties of more or less excellence are grown.

A. rubrum (red).* Scarlet Maple. fl. scarlet, handsome, conglomerate, corymbose. l. cordate at the base, deeply and unequally toothed, palmately five-lobed, with acute recesses. Branches and fruit also scarlet. h. 20ft. Canada, 1656. A variety with leaves splashed with yellow is rare. An excellent species, thriving well in damp, swampy situations, and is commonly increased by layers.

A. rufinerve (red-nerved).* "The leaves vary both in size and outline, from 2½in. to 4in. each way; three to five-lobed, with irregularly toothed margins, glabrous above, but with reddish hairs along the nerves beneath. The young branches are conspicuous on account of the bluish-grey glaucescence with which they are covered."

A. r. albo-limbatum (white-margined).* differs only from the species in having a very distinct white margin—not always constant. Japan, 1869.

A. saccharinum (Sugar Maple).* fl. yellow, on drooping corymbs, on short peduncles; pedicels pilose. April. l. cordate, smooth, palmately five-lobed; lobes accuminated, sinuately toothed. h. 40ft. N. America, 1735.

A. s. nigrum (blackish).* fl. on sessile corymbs, nodding. April, May. l. cordate, with the recess closed; palmately five-lobed. h. 40ft. North America, 1812.

A. Semenovi (Semenov's).* A slender and graceful species, with leaves closely resembling those of A. Ginnala, but smaller. Turkestan, 1879.

A. sempervirens (evergreen). Synonymous with A. heterophyllum.

A. spicatum (spiked). Synonymous with A. montanum.

A. striatum (striated). Synonymous with A. pennsylvanicum.

A. tartaricum (Tartarian).* fl. white, on crowded, erect, compound racemes. May. l. more or less cordate, acuminated, serrated, with obsolete lobes. h. 20ft. 1759. This species is one of the first to expand its leaves in spring.

A. tomentosum (tomentose). Synonymous with A. dasycarpum.

A. tripartitum (three-parted). Synonymous with A. glabrum.

A. Van Volxemii (Van Volxem's). fl. not known in England. l. palmately three to five-lobed, very large, light green above, silvery and quite glabrous beneath. Caucasus, 1877. Distinct and fine.

A. villosum (hairy). fl. fragrant, on lateral racemes. April. Buds, fruit, and young leaves, silky, villous. l. cordate, five-lobed, villous beneath as well as the petioles; lobes ovate acute. h. 50ft. Himalaya, at high elevations. Not hardy.

A. virginianum (Virginian). Synonymous with A. dasycarpum.

ACERACEÆ. An order of very ornamental hardy trees, of which the sycamore and maple are well-known representatives.

ACERAS (from a, without, and keras, a horn; the lip having no spur). ORD. Orchidaceæ. An interesting genus of terrestrial orchids. Calyx of three ovate, equal, converging sepals; petals two, narrow, oblong; lip spurless, much longer than the calyx, narrow, oblong, with four linear lobes. The most interesting species is the native one. Indigenous to dry, chalky pastures in the south-east of England, and it will only thrive in similar soils when grown in gardens. Propagated by careful divisions of tubers only.