1in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, stramineous, naked or slightly
scaly. _fronds_ 2in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 2in. broad, acute or
bluntish, the base cuneate or spathulate, the edge entire. _barren
fronds_ narrower than the fertile one. _A. laurifolium_, _A.
obtusilobum_, and several others, are identical with the foregoing.
Tropical America, also in the Old World. Stove species. SYN.
_Elaphoglossum conforme_.
=A. crinitum= (hairy).* _cau._ woody, erect. _sti._ of barren
fronds 4in. to 8in. long, densely clothed with long scales. _barren
fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 9in. wide, broadly oblong;
apex blunt, base rounded, edge entire and ciliated, texture
subcoriaceous, both sides scattered over with scales like those of
the stipes. _fertile fronds_ like the others, but much smaller,
the stipes longer. West Indies, &c., 1793. Stove species. SYNS.
_Chrysodium_ and _Hymenodium crinitum_.
=A. cylindricum= (cylindrical). Synonymous with _A. osmundaceum_.
=A. Dombeyanum= (Dombey's). A form of _A. lepidotum_.
=A. flagelliferum= (rod-shaped). _rhiz._ woody, creeping. _sti._
of barren fronds 6in. to 12in. long, nearly naked. _barren fronds_
simple or with one to three pairs of pinnæ, the terminal one ovate
lanceolate, entire or repand, often elongated and rooting at the
point, the lateral ones 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad;
fertile pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, about 1/2in. broad. India, &c.,
1828. Stove species. SYN. _Gymnopteris flagellifera_.
=A. fœniculaceum= (fennel-leaved).* _rhiz._ slender, creeping.
_sti._ distant, slender, 2in. to 8in. long, scaly. _barren fronds_
1in. to 2in. broad, usually dichotomously forked, with filiform
divisions. _fertile fronds_ 3/8in. broad, two-lobed. Andes of
Ecuador. Stove species. (For culture, see _A. peltatum_). SYN.
_Rhipidopteris fœniculaceum_.
=A. Herminieri= (Herminier's).* _rhiz._ stout, creeping. _sti._
very short, or none. _barren fronds_ 1-1/2ft. to 3ft. long, 1in.
to 1-1/2in. broad, simple, acuminate, the lower part narrowed very
gradually. _fertile fronds_ short-stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, 1in.
to 1-1/2in. broad. Tropical America, 1871. Stove species. SYN.
_Elaphoglossum Herminieri_.
=A. heteromorphum= (various-formed). _rhiz._ slender, wide
creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1in. to 3in. long, slender, slightly scaly.
_barren fronds_ 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad,
simple, bluntish, the base rounded, both surfaces scattered over
with linear dark castaneous scales. _fertile fronds_ much smaller,
and the stipes much longer. Columbia and Ecuador. Stove species.
SYN. _Elaphoglossum heteromorphum_.
=A. Langsdorffii= (Langsdorff's). Synonymous with _A. muscosum_.
=A. latifolium= (broad-leaved).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, creeping,
scaly. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, naked, or scaly.
_barren fronds_ 9in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simple,
acute, gradually narrowed below, entire; texture leathery.
_fertile fronds_ considerably narrower than the barren ones. _A.
longifolium_, _A. callæfolium_, &c., are only varieties of this
species. Mexico, Brazil, &c. Stove species. SYN. _Elaphoglossum
latifolium_.
=A. lepidotum= (scaly).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, very scaly. _sti._
1in. to 3in. long, firm, scaly throughout. _barren fronds_ 3in.
to 6in. long, about 1/2in. broad, simple, usually blunt, the base
cuneate or rather rounded, both surfaces and midrib very scaly. _A.
Dombeyanum_, of garden origin, is a varietal form of this, of which
there are several others. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN.
_Elaphoglossum lepidotum_.
=A. longifolium= (long-leaved). A form of _A. latifolium_.
=A. Meyerianum= (Meyer's). Synonymous with _A. tenuifolium_.
=A. muscosum= (mossy).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 4in.
to 6in. long, firm, clothed with large pale brown scales. _barren
fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, simple,
narrowed at both ends; upper surface slightly scaly; lower quite
hidden by imbricated brownish scales. _barren fronds_ much smaller
than the others, the stipes longer. Madeira. Greenhouse species.
SYN. _A. Langsdorffii_.
=A. Neitnerii.= Synonymous with _A. quercifolium_.
=A. nicotianæfolium= (tobacco-leaved).* _rhiz._ woody, wide
creeping, scaly. _sti._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., scaly below. _barren
fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, with a large
terminal pinna, and one to three lateral pairs, which are 6in. to
9in. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, acuminate, entire, or nearly so,
the base slightly rounded, fertile pinnæ distant, 3in. to 4in.
long, 3/4in. broad. Cuba, &c. Stove species. SYN. _Gymnopteris
nicotianæfolium_.
=A. osmundaceum= (osmunda-like).* _rhiz._ woody, wide scandent,
scaly. _sti._ 12in. to 18in. long, firm, erect, scaly at the base.
_barren fronds_ ample, bi- or tripinnate; the lower pinnæ 1ft.
to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules stalked, lanceolate,
with closely set sub-entire segments, of a light green colour;
both surfaces naked. _fertile fronds_ nearly or quite as large as
the barren ones; segments linear cylindrical, 1/4in. to 1/2in.
long. Tropical America. Stove species. SYNS. _A. cylindricum_, and
_Polybotrya osmundaceum_.
=A. paleaceum= (chaffy). Synonymous with _A. squamosum_.
[Illustration: FIG. 22. ACROSTICHUM PELTATUM.]
=A. peltatum= (peltate-leaved).* _rhiz._ slender, wide creeping.
_sti._ distant, slender, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly throughout.
_barren fronds_ 1in. to 2in. each way, repeatedly dichotomously
forked, with narrow linear ultimate divisions, quarter to half line
broad. _fertile fronds_ 1/2in. broad, often two-lobed. West Indies.
Stove or greenhouse species. This elegant little fern requires a
liberal supply of water all the year round, and is best grown in a
well drained pan of good fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with
some nodules of sandstone raised above the rim of the pan; do not
disturb it more than is necessary. SYN. _Rhipidopteris peltata_.
See Fig. 22.
=A. petiolosum= (petioled). _rhiz._ woody, wide scandent.
_sti._ woody, erect, scaly at the base. _fronds_ bipinnate, or
tripinnatifid, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; the
upper barren pinnæ lanceolate, pinnatifid, the longest sometimes
18in. long, and 6in. to 10in. broad; pinnules with long falcate
lobes reaching half-way down to the midrib, both surfaces naked;
fertile pinnules very narrow, and dangling, continuous or beaded.
West Indies, Mexico, &c. Stove species. SYNS. _Polybotrya_ and _A.
caudatum_.
=A. piloselloides= (mouse ear-leaved). Synonymous with _A.
spathulatum_.
=A. platyrhynchos= (broad-beaked). _sti._ tufted, scarcely any.
_fronds_ 12in. to 16in. long, 1in. broad, simple. _sori_ in a patch
at the apex, 1in. to 2in. long, 3/8in. broad, which does not reach
to the entire edge; the lower part narrowed gradually, with naked
surfaces, and a coriaceous texture. Philippines. Stove species.
SYN. _Hymenolepis platyrhynchos_.
=A. quercifolium= (oak-leaved).* _rhiz._ stout, wide creeping.
_sti._ of barren fronds 1in. to 2in. long, clothed with brownish
hairs. _barren fronds_ 3in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad,
the terminal pinnæ with blunt rounded lobes. _fertile fronds_ with
a terminal pinna, 1in. to 2in. long, one line broad, and a pair
of smaller lateral ones, with slender stipes 6in. to 9in. long,
hairy at the base. Ceylon. Stove species. SYNS. _A. Neitnerii_ (of
gardens), _Gymnopteris quercifolia_.
=A. scandens= (climbing).* _rhiz._ woody, wide climbing. _sti._
3in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long,
1ft. or more broad, simply pinnate; barren pinnæ, 4in. to 8in.
long, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acuminate, the edge thickened
and serrulate, the base cuneate, sessile, or slightly stalked,
articulated; fertile pinnæ, 6in. to 12in. long, one and a half to
two lines broad, the lower ones distant. Himalayas, &c., 1841.
Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. _Stenochlæna scandens_.
=A. scolopendrifolium= (scolopendrium-leaved).* _rhiz._ woody,
creeping, scaly. _sti._ 4in. to 12in. long, firm, erect, densely
clothed with blackish scales. _barren fronds_ often 1ft. long,
1-1/2in. to 3in. broad, simple, acute, the base narrowed gradually;
edge and midrib scaly. _fertile fronds_ much smaller than the
barren ones. Guatemala, &c. Stove species. SYN. _A. barbatum_.
=A. serratifolium= (serrate-leaved). _rhiz._ woody, short
creeping. _sti._ of barren fronds 12in. to 18in. long, slightly
scaly. _barren fronds_ 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with
numerous sessile pinnæ on each side, 3in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to
1-1/2in. broad, inciso-crenate, the base cuneate; fertile pinnæ
distant, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, blunt, entire.
Venezuela, &c. Stove species. SYN. _Chrysodium serratifolium_.
=A. simplex= (simple-leaved). _rhiz._ woody, creeping, scaly.
_sti._ 1in. to 4in. long, firm, erect, naked. _barren fronds_ 4in.
to 12in. long, about 1-1/2in. broad, very acute, the lower part
narrowed very gradually. _fertile fronds_ narrower than the barren
ones, with longer stipes. Cuba to Brazil, 1798. Stove species. SYN.
_Elaphoglossum simplex_.
=A. sorbifolium= (service-leaved).* _rhiz._ thick, woody, often
30ft. to 40ft. long, clasping trees like a cable, sometimes
prickly. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, simply
pinnate; barren pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, about 1/2in. broad, three
to twenty on each side, articulated at the base, entire or toothed;
fertile pinnæ 1in. to 2in. apart, 2in. to 4in. long, about 1/4in.
broad. West Indies, 1793. There are several varieties of this
species, chiefly differing in the number of pinnæ. Stove species.
SYN. _Stenochlæna sorbifolia_.
=A. s. cuspidatum= (cuspidate).* This is only a variety of the
above species with long-stalked, ligulate-cuspidate pinnæ; but it
is usually regarded as a distinct species in gardens.
=A. spathulatum= (spoon-shaped). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long,
firm, erect, scaly. _barren fronds_ 1/2in. to 4in. long, 1/4in.
to 1/2in. broad, obovate-spathulate, blunt, tapering narrowly or
gradually at the base, with a coriaceous texture; both surfaces
and the margins copiously scaly. _fertile fronds_ smaller than the
barren, with longer stipes. Tropical America, South Africa, &c.
Stove species. SYN. _A. piloselloides_.
=A. spicatum= (spiked). _rhiz._ woody, short creeping. _sti._ 1in.
to 2in. long, firm. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 1/2in. to 1in.
broad, the upper part contracted and fertile, entire, the lower
part narrowed very gradually. Himalayas, &c. Greenhouse species.
SYN. _Hymenolepis brachystachys_.
=A. squamosum= (scaly).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 2in.
to 4in. long, densely clothed with pale or dark-coloured scales.
_barren fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, about 1in. broad, simple,
acute, the base narrowed gradually; both sides matted, and the edge
densely ciliated with reddish scales. _fertile fronds_ as long as
the barren ones, but much narrower, the stipes much longer. Widely
distributed in both hemispheres. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.
_A. paleaceum_.
=A. subdiaphanum= (semi-transparent).* _cau._ woody, erect. _sti._
tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly. _barren fronds_ 4in.
to 8in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, simple, both ends narrowed,
the edge entire. _fertile fronds_ much narrower, on longer stipes.
St. Helena. Greenhouse species. SYN. _Aconiopteris subdiaphana_.
=A. subrepandum= (slighty-waved).* _rhiz._ woody, wide-creeping.
_sti._ of barren fronds stout, erect, nearly naked. _barren fronds_
from 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 12in. broad, copiously pinnate,
with linear-oblong entire or subrepand pinnæ on each side, which
are sometimes 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad. _fertile fronds_
like the others, but smaller. Isle of Luzon, &c. Stove species.
SYN. _Gymnopteris subrepanda_.
=A. taccæfolium= (yew-leaved).* _cau._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._
of barren fronds 1in. to 4in. long, scaly. _barren fronds_ from
1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 12in. broad, simple, oblong-lanceolate,
entire, copiously pinnate, with oblong-lanceolate pinnæ, 1in.
to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1-1/2in. broad, the upper ones narrowly
decurrent, the lower ones forked at the base on the under side.
_fertile fronds_ simple, 6in. to 12in. long, 1/8in. broad, or
pinnate, with forked linear pinnæ. The three-lobed form of this
species is sometimes known as _A. trilobum_. Philippines. Stove
species. SYN. _Gymnopteris taccæfolia_.
=A. tenuifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _rhiz._ wide scandent, woody,
slightly scaly. _barren fronds_ simply pinnate, the stipes 4in.
to 6in. long, naked, firm, erect, the fronds 3ft. to 5ft. long,
12in. to 18in. broad; pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 3/4in. to 1-1/2in.
broad, acuminate, the edge thickened and serrulate, short-stalked.
_fertile fronds_ bipinnate, with longer stipes; pinnæ long-stalked,
with numerous distant pinnules. South Africa. Stove or greenhouse
species. SYNS. _A. Meyerianum_ and _Stenochlæna tenuifolia_.
=A. trilobum= (three-lobed). A form of _A. taccæfolium_.
=A. villosum= (hairy).* _rhiz._ woody, densely scaly. _sti._ 2in.
to 4in. long, slender, densely clothed with scales. _barren fronds_
6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, acute, the lower part
narrowed gradually; both surfaces scaly, and the edge more or less
ciliated. _fertile fronds_ much smaller than the others. Mexico,
&c. Stove species.
=A. viscosum= (clammy).* _rhiz._ woody, creeping, densely scaly.
_sti._ 3in. to 6in. long, firm, erect, scaly, often viscous.
_barren fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, simple,
acute, the lower part narrowed gradually; both surfaces more or
less viscid, and minutely scaly. _fertile fronds_ smaller, with
longer stipes. Tropical America and the tropics of the Old World,
1826. Very variable in form. Stove species.
=ACROTRICHE= (from _akros_, top, _i.e._, outermost--and _thrix_, a
hair; the tips of the petals are bearded). ORD. _Epacridaceæ_. A genus
of eight or nine species of dwarf, much branched, ornamental greenhouse
evergreen shrubs. Flowers white or red; spikes axillary, short; corolla
funnel-shaped; petals with deflexed hairs at apex. Cultivated in an
equal mixture of sandy loam and peat, and propagated by cuttings made
of the young shoots, pricked in sand, covered with a bell glass, and
placed in a cool house; afterwards treated like _Epacris_.
=A. cordata= (heart-leaved).* _fl._ white, small, axillary, twin,
or solitary. April. _l._ cordate, flat, striated below. _h._ 1ft.
New Holland, 1823.
=A. divaricata= (straggling).* _fl._ white, small, in axillary
spikes. May. _l._ lanceolate, mucronate, divaricate, flat, both
surfaces green. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. New South Wales, 1824.
=A. ovalifolia= (oval-leaved). _fl._ white, small, in axillary
spikes. March. _l._ ovate and oval, obtuse, flat, with smooth
margins. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. New Holland, 1824.
=ACTÆA= (from _aktaia_, an Elder; in allusion to the resemblance of
the foliage to that of the Elder). Baneberry. ORD. _Ranunculaceæ_. A
small genus of perennial herbaceous plants, with bi- or triternate
leaves, and long, erect racemes of whitish flowers, which are succeeded
by poisonous berries. They are excellent subjects for shady places,
beneath trees, or in the wild garden. Easily increased by division of
the roots, and seed during spring.
=A. alba= (white).* _fl._ white; racemes simple. May, June. _l._
ovate-lanceolate, serrate or cut. Berries white, ovate-oblong, _h._
1ft. to 1-1/2ft. N. America.
[Illustration: FIG. 23. ACTÆA SPICATA, showing Habit and Raceme of
Flowers.]
=A. spicata= (spiked).* _fl._ white, or bluish; racemes ovate.
Summer. _l._ bi- or triternate, serrated. Berries oblong, black,
poisonous. _h._ 1ft. England. See Fig. 23.
=A. s. rubra= (red).* This differs from the type in having bright
red berries, which are disposed in dense clusters on spikes
overtopping the foliage. North America. A very handsome hardy
perennial.
=ACTINELLA= (from _aktin_, a ray; small rayed). SYN. _Picradenia_. ORD.
_Compositæ_. A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, having radiate
capitules. The only species worth cultivating is _A. grandiflora_. It
thrives in an open border with a light soil. Increased by divisions of
the root in spring.
=A. grandiflora= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, large, and
handsome, 3in. in diameter. Summer. _h._ 6in. to 9in. Colorado. A
very pretty branched perennial, suitable for the alpine garden.
=A. lanata= (woolly). _See_ =Eriophyllum cæspitosum=.
=ACTINIDIA= (from _aktin_, a ray; the styles radiate like the spokes of
a wheel). ORD. _Ternstrœmiaceæ_. A genus of ornamental hardy deciduous
climbing shrubs, with axillary corymbs of flowers; sepals and petals
imbricate. Leaves entire. Excellent for trellis-work or walls, and
thriving best in a light rich soil. Increased by seeds, layers, or
cuttings; the latter should be put in under a hand light in autumn, in
sandy soil.
[Illustration: FIG. 24. ACTINIDIA VOLUBILIS.]
=A. Kolomikta= (Kolomikta).* _fl._ white, solitary, axillary, or
cymose, 1/2in. in diameter; peduncles about 1/2in. long. Summer.
_l._ ovate-oblong, petiolate, rounded or sub-cordate at the base,
and tapering into a long point, serrate; the autumnal tints are
very handsome, changing to white and red. N. E. Asia, 1880. Rarely
met with.
=A. polygama= (polygamous). _fl._ white, fragrant. Summer. _l._
cordate, serrate, petiolate. Japan, 1870. The berries of this
species are edible.
=A. volubilis= (twining).* _fl._ white, small. June. _l._ oval on
flowering branches, elliptic on climbing stems. Japan, 1874. A very
free growing species. See Fig. 24.
=ACTINIOPTERIS= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _pteris_, a fern; the
fronds are radiately cut into narrow segments). ORD. _Filices_. Sori
linear-elongated, sub-marginal; involucres (= indusia) the same shape
as the sorus, folded over it, placed one on each side of the narrow
segments of the frond, opening towards the midrib. A small genus of
beautiful and distinct stove ferns. They thrive in a compost of equal
parts crocks and charcoal, about the size of peas, which must be mixed
with silver sand and a very small portion of loam and peat. About
half the pot should be filled with crocks, perfect drainage being
necessary. A moist atmosphere is also essential, and the plants may be
syringed two or three times a day. A mean summer temperature of 78deg.
to 80deg., with a night one of not less than 65deg., is desirable. In
winter, a mean temperature of about 73deg., and a night one of not less
than 60deg., should be maintained.
=A. radiata= (rayed).* _sti._ densely tufted, 2in. to 6in. long.
_fronds_ fan shaped, 1in. to 1-1/2in. each way, composed of
numerous dichotomous segments, half line broad, those of the
fertile frond longer than those of the barren one. India, &c. (very
widely distributed), 1869. In form this elegant little species is
a perfect miniature of the Fan Palm, _Latania borbonica_.
=A. r. australis= (southern).* _fronds_, segments fewer, larger,
and subulate at the point. Plant much larger and more vigorous.
=ACTINOCARPUS= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _karpos_, fruit; referring
to the curiously radiated fruit, resembling a star fish). ORD.
_Alismaceæ_. Pretty little aquatic perennials, with habit and
inflorescence of _Alisma_. Carpels six to eight, connate at base,
spreading horizontally. Excellent for naturalising in bogs and pools.
Increased by seeds and divisions during spring.
=A. Damasonium= (Damasonium). Ray Pod. _fl._ white, very delicate;
each petal has a yellow spot at the base; scapes with a terminal
umbel. June. _l._ radical, on long petioles, sometimes floating,
elliptical, five-nerved. A native aquatic. The proper name of this
plant is _Damasonium stellatum_.
=A. minor= (smaller).* This greenhouse species, also with white
flowers, from New South Wales, is smaller.
=ACTINOMERIS= (from _aktin_, a ray, and _meris_, a part; referring
to the radiated aspect of the plants). SYN. _Pterophyton_. ORD.
_Compositæ_. A small genus of herbaceous perennials allied to
_Helianthus_, but with compressed and winged achenes. Flower-heads
corymbose, Coreopsis-like. Leaves ovate or lanceolate, serrate. They
are hardy, ornamental plants, and of easy cultivation, in a loamy
soil. Increased in spring, by seeds and division of the roots, on a
warm border, with or without hand lights, or in cold frames. With the
exception of _A. helianthoides_, they are but little known in this
country.
=A. alata= (wing-stalked). _fl.-heads_ yellow. July. _h._ 3ft.
America. 1803.
=A. helianthoides= (sunflower-like).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, 2in.
across, July to September. _h._ 3ft. S. America, 1825.
=A. procera= (tall).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. September. _h._ 8ft. N.
America, 1766.
=A. squarrosa= (rough-headed).* _fl.-heads_ yellow, in loose
terminal panicles. July and August. _l._ decurrent, broadly
lanceolate, coarsely toothed. Stem square, winged. _h._ 3ft. North
America, 1640. SYN. _Verbesina Coreopsis_.
=ACTINOPHYLLUM.= _See_ =Sciadophyllum=.
=ACTINOSTACHYS.= Included under =Schizæa= (which _see_).
=ACTINOTUS= (from _actinotos_, furnished with rays; referring to the
involucre). ORD. _Umbelliferæ_. An Australian genus of greenhouse
herbaceous perennials. Flowers shortly pedicellate, numerously disposed
in simple umbels; petals none. Leaves alternate, petiolate. They
thrive best in loam and peat, and are increased by root division and
seeds. The latter should be sown on a hotbed, in spring, and in May
the seedlings may be transplanted out in the open border in a warm
situation, where they will flower and seed freely.
=A. helianthus= (sunflower).* _fl._ white, in many-flowered
capitate umbels; involucre many leaved, radiating, longer than the
flowers. June. _l._ alternate, bipinnatifid; lobules bluntish. _h._
2ft. 1821. SYN. _Eriocalia major_.
=A. leucocephalus= (white-headed). _fl._ white. June. _h._ 2ft.
1837.
[Illustration: FIG. 25. ADA AURANTIACA.]
=ACULEATUS.= Armed with prickles.
=ACULEOLATUS.= Armed with small prickles.
=ACULEUS.= A prickle; a conical elevation of the skin of a plant,
becoming hard and sharp-pointed.
=ACUMEN.= An acute terminal angle.
=ACUMINATE.= Extended into an acute terminal angle; this word is
confined to considerable extension.
=ACUNNA OBLONGA.= _See_ =Bejaria æstuans=.
=ACUTE.= Sharp-pointed.
=ACYNTHA.= A synonym of =Sanseviera= (which _see_).
=ADA= (a complimentary name). ORD. _Orchideæ_. An evergreen orchid,
very closely allied to _Brassia_, from which it differs chiefly
in having the lip parallel with, and solidly united to, the base
of the column. Some authorities now refer the plant to the genus
_Mesospinidium_. It requires to be potted in peat and sphagnum, in
equal parts. The drainage must be perfect, and, during summer, the
water supply profuse. Although in winter far less will suffice, the
plant should not be allowed to become dry. Propagated by divisions as
soon as the plant commences growth.
=A. aurantiaca= (orange).* _fl._ orange-scarlet, in long terminal
nodding racemes, each bearing from six to ten blossoms; petals
elongated, streaked with black inside. Winter and spring. _l._ two
or three to each plant, linear, dark green, about 6in. in length.
Habit erect, with somewhat cylindrical pseudo-bulbs, which taper
upwards. See Fig. 25.
=ADAMIA= (named after John Adam, some time Governor-General of
India, and a promoter of natural history). ORD. _Saxifrageæ_. A
small genus of Hydrangea-like greenhouse evergreen shrubs, having
many flowered terminal corymbs of flowers, and opposite, petiolate,
oblong-lanceolate, serrated leaves. They thrive well in a mixture of
loam, peat, and sand; and cuttings will root readily in a similar
compost, under a hand glass.
=A. cyanea= (blue-berried). _fl._ whitish, or pink. June. _h._ 6ft.
Nepaul, in rocky places, 1829.
=A. sylvatica= (wood). _fl._ blue; cymes nearly undivided, on short
peduncles, disposed in a close panicle. June. _h._ 6ft. Java, 1846.