globose. July. _l._ oblong, smoothish; stipules lanceolate. Stem
rather hairy. _h._ 2ft. Tauria, 1820. A very showy, erect, border
perennial.
=A. purpureus= (purple). _fl._ purplish blue, disposed in capitate
spikes; peduncles longer than the leaves. June. _l._, leaflets
obovate, bidentate at the apex; stipules connate, opposite the
leaves. Plant diffuse, procumbent, rather hairy. _h._ 3in. to 6in.
Provence, 1820. Perennial.
=A. sulcatus= (furrowed).* _fl._ pale violet, but with a white
keel, tipped with brown; racemes pedunculate, longer than the
leaves. July. _l._ with linear-lanceolate leaflets. Plant erect,
glabrous; stem furrowed. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Siberia, 1783. Perennial.
=A. Tragacantha= (great goat's thorn).* Gum Tragacanth. _fl._ pale
violet, two to five together, axillary, sessile. June. _l._ with
eight to nine pairs of linear hispid leaflets; young stipules
connate, clothed with silky hairs; adult ones glabrous; petioles
permanent, at length becoming hardened spines. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to
3ft. Levant, 1640. Evergreen shrub. Tragacanth, a partially soluble
gum, was formerly supposed to be furnished by this plant. It is,
however, now known that _A. Tragacantha_ yields none. Several
species from mountainous regions in Asia Minor, &c., furnish the
gum.
=A. vaginatus= (sheathed-stipuled). _fl._ rosy-purple, with
white-tipped wings; calyx rather inflated, covered with soft white
and black hairs; spikes dense. Summer. _l._ impari-pinnate, with
seven or eight pairs of elongated-oblong leaflets, both surfaces
covered with short silvery hairs. _h._ 1ft. Siberia. Perennial.
=A. vesicarius= (bladdery). _fl._, upper petal purple, the wings
yellow, and the keel white, tipped with yellow; calyx clothed with
black adpressed down and long white spreading hairs; peduncles
longer than the leaves. July. _l._ with five to seven pairs of
elliptic leaflets. Plant diffusely procumbent, hoary from adpressed
silky down. _h._ 6in. to 9in. France, 1737. Perennial trailer.
=A viminens= (twiggy). _fl._, upper petal purplish rose, much
longer than the pure white wings; calyx clothed with black hairs;
spikes somewhat capitate, pedunculate, longer than the leaves.
June. _l._ with four to six pairs of lanceolate acute leaflets,
beset with adpressed hairs. _h._ 6in. to 1ft. Siberia, 1816. A
handsome perennial.
=A. virescens= (greenish). Synonymous with _A. falcata_.
=A. vulpinus= (fox).* _fl._ pale yellow; spikes nearly globose, on
very short peduncles. June. _l._ with obovate, obtuse, emarginate,
rather velvety leaflets. Plant erect; stem glabrous. _h._ 2ft. to
3ft. Caucasus, 1815. A handsome border perennial.
=ASTRANTIA= (from _astron_, a star, and _anti_, in composition
signifying comparison; in reference to the appearance of the umbels of
flowers). ORD. _Umbelliferæ_. Ornamental, hardy, herbaceous perennials,
natives of Europe and Caucasus. Universal umbels irregular, of few
rays, surrounded by variable involucre; partial umbels regular, and
containing many flowers, surrounded by many-leaved involucels. Radical
leaves petiolate, palmately lobed; cauline ones few, sessile. Roots
blackish. These are suited for borders, banks, and woodlands, growing
well in any ordinary garden soil, but preferring a damp position.
Easily increased by root divisions in autumn or spring.
=A. carniolica= (Carniolan).* _fl._ white. May. _l._ of involucre
twelve to thirteen, quite entire, white, with a green line running
along the middle of each, tinged with red; radical ones palmate;
lobes five to seven, oblong, acuminated, unequally serrated. _h._
6in. to 12in. Carniola, 1812. A pretty species.
=A. helleborifolia= (Hellebore-leaved).* _fl._ (and involucre)
pink, pedicellate. June. _l._ of involucre twelve to thirteen,
ovate-lanceolate, exceeding the umbel a little, bristly; radical
ones palmate; lobes three, ovate-lanceolate, unequally serrated.
_h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Eastern Caucasus, 1804. SYN. _A. maxima_.
=A. major= (greater).* _fl._ pinkish, pedicellate. May. _l._ of
involucre fifteen to twenty, linear-lanceolate, quite entire,
hardly longer than the umbel; radical ones palmate; lobes five,
ovate-lanceolate, acute, rather trifid, toothed. _h._ 1ft to 2ft.
Europe, 1596. Very distinct and ornamental.
=A. maxima= (greatest). Synonymous with _A. helleborifolia_.
=ASTRAPÆA= (from _astrape_, lightning; alluding to the brightness of
the flowers). ORD. _Sterculiaceæ_. Elegant stove evergreen trees.
Peduncles axillary, long, bearing on their apex an umbel of large
sessile flowers, enclosed in a leafy involucre. Leaves alternate,
stalked, cordate, three to five-lobed. They thrive well in a mixture of
loam and peat, and require a plentiful supply of water; but the best
results accrue if the bottom of the pot can be stood in a saucer or tub
of water. Propagated by cuttings of young wood, made in April, placed
in a compost of loam and peat, or sand, under a bell glass, in heat.
=A. tiliæflora= (Lime-tree leaved). _fl._ pink. _h._ 20ft. Isle of
Bourbon, 1824.
=A. viscosa= (clammy). _fl._ pink. _h._ 20ft. Madagascar, 1823.
=A. Wallichii= (Wallich's).* _fl._ scarlet; umbels drooping.
July. _l._ large, cordate, angularly lobed; stipulas leafy,
ovate-acuminated; peduncles long, hairy. _h._ 30ft. Madagascar,
1820. This splendid species has often been described as being one
of the finest plants ever introduced into this country; and, when
in full flower, nothing can exceed it in beauty and grandeur.
=ASTROCARYUM= (from _astron_, a star, and _karyon_, a nut; referring to
the disposition of the fruit). SYN. _Phœnico-phorum_. ORD. _Palmaceæ_.
Very ornamental stove palms, allied to _Cocos_, having the trunk (when
present), foliage, fruit-stalks, spathes, and sometimes the fruit,
covered with spines. The flowers develop from the axils of the old
decayed leaves. Drupes oval, one-seeded, orange or yellow, in some
species fragrant. Leaves pinnate, with linear segments, dark green
above, and often of a silvery white below. The species thrive in a
compost of two-thirds rich loam and one-third vegetable mould; water
may be given copiously. Propagation may be effected by seeds, which
should be sown in spring in a hotbed; or by suckers, if they are to be
obtained.
=A. acaule= (stemless). _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 10ft. long, slender
and spreading; pinnæ narrow, arranged in clusters, pendent. Spines
very numerous, long, flat, black. _h._ 10ft. Brazil, 1820.
=A. aculeatum= (prickly). _h._ 40ft. Guiana, 1824.
=A. argenteum= (silvery).* _l._ arching, wedge-shaped, pinnate,
distinctly plicate, bright green on the upper surface, the under
surface, as well as the stalks, covered with a fine white scurf,
which gives them a silvered appearance. Columbia, 1875. One of the
best of silver palms.
=A. filare= (thready).* _l._ erect, narrowly cuneate, with
two divergent lobes; petioles covered with white scurf, both
on the upper and under surfaces. Distinct and elegant, with a
comparatively small and slender growth. Columbia, 1875.
=A. granatense= (New Grenadan). _l._ pinnate, with oblong-acuminate
segments; the rachis is spiny, like the petiole, both on the upper
and lower surfaces; leafstalks brownish, armed with numerous
scattered needle-shaped dark-coloured spines. Columbia, 1876.
=A. mexicanum= (Mexican). Mexico, 1864.
=A. Muru-Muru= (Murumuru). _l._ pinnate, 10ft. to 12ft. long;
leaflets lanceolate, sub-falcate, dark green above, silvery white
below. Stem 12ft. to 15ft. high, densely clothed with strong
reflexed black spines, over 6in. long. _h._ 40ft. Brazil, 1825.
=A. rostratum= (beak-sheathed). _l._ irregularly pinnate, 3ft. to
8ft. long; pinnæ 12in. to 18in. long; terminal lobe much larger
and bifid, dark green above, silvery white below; petioles broadly
sheathing at the base, densely armed with black spines, sometimes
2in. long. Stem slender, densely clothed with long black spines. A
slow grower, ultimately becoming 30ft. high. Brazil, 1854.
=A. vulgare= (common). _h._ 30ft. Brazil, 1825.
=ASTROLOBIUM.= _See_ =Ornithopus=.
=ASTROLOMA= (from _astron_, a star, and _loma_, a fringe; in reference
to the bearded limb of the corolla). ORD. _Epacridaceæ_. Very handsome,
little, diffuse, greenhouse, evergreen shrubs. Flowers solitary,
axillary; corolla tubular, distended above the middle, and with
five bundles of hairs in the inside, near its base. Leaves crowded,
alternate, linear, or obovate-lanceolate and mucronate. They thrive
best in an equal mixture of sand, loam, and peat, with thorough
drainage. Propagated by young cuttings, which root readily in sandy
soil, under a bell glass, in a cool house.
=A. denticulatum= (finely-toothed). _fl._ axillary, erect; corolla
pale red, with a ventricose tube. May to July. _l._ scattered,
lanceolate, ciliated, usually procumbent, but sometimes slightly
erect. _h._ 1ft. New Holland, 1824.
=A. humifusum= (trailing). _fl._ scarlet, similar to the foregoing.
May and June. _l._ lanceolate-linear, rather convex above, with
ciliated edges. Shrub prostrate, much branched. _h._ 1ft. New
Holland, 1807.
=ASTROPHYTUM MYRIOSTIGMA.= _See_ =Echinocactus myriostigma=.
=ASYSTASIA= (meaning not clear). ORD. _Acanthaceæ_. Stove evergreen
shrubs. Flowers disposed in axillary or terminal clusters; corolla
somewhat funnel-shaped, five-lobed; calyx five-lobed, regular. Branches
slender. They require a compost of peat and loam, with a little sand,
and, to induce a vigorous growth, a little dry cow-dung may be applied.
Propagated by cuttings of young shoots, placed in sandy soil, under a
bell glass, in April, with a brisk bottom heat.
=A. chelonioides= (Chelonia-like).* _fl._ in terminal racemes,
reddish purple, the border white. _l._ opposite, ovate-acute. _h._
34ft. India, 1871. A pretty dwarf sub-shrub.
=A. coromandeliana= (Coromandel). _fl._ deep lilac; racemes
axillary, elongated, secund, strict. July. _l._ opposite,
cordate-ovate; branches diffuse. _h._ 4ft. India, 1845. SYN.
_Justicia gangetica_.
=A. macrophylla= (large-leaved).* _fl._ bilabiate, bell-shaped,
rosy purple outside, and almost pure white within; spikes terminal,
erect, 1ft. long. June. _l._ very large, obovate-lanceolate. _h._
8ft. to 20ft. Fernando Po, 1867.
=A. scandens= (climbing).* _fl._ cream-coloured; tube of corolla
widened and recurved above, lobes of limb crenately curved; racemes
terminal, compact, thyrse-formed. July. _l._ obovate or ovate
acute, glabrous. _h._ 6ft. Sierra Leone, 1845. This handsome stove
climber requires a high, moist temperature after shifting. SYN.
_Henfreya scandens_.
=A. violacea= (violet).* _fl._ violet purple, striped with white,
in terminal racemes. _l._ shortly-stalked, ovate-acuminate, deep
green, minutely hairy on both surfaces. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. India,
1870. A pretty dwarf plant.
=ATACCIA CRISTATA.= _See_ =Tacca integrifolia=.
=ATALANTIA= (mythological: Atalanta, the daughter of Schœneus). ORD.
_Rutaceæ_. A genus of ornamental stove evergreen shrubs, having the
eight stamens united below into a tube, and with undivided leaves. It
comprises about ten species. They thrive well in a mixture of loam and
peat. Propagated by means of ripened cuttings, which will root readily
if planted in sand under a hand glass, in heat.
=A. monophylla= (one-leaved). _fl._ small, white, in axillary
racemes. _fr._ golden yellow, about the size of a nutmeg. June.
_l._ simple, ovate-oblong, emarginate at the apex. Spines small,
simple. _h._ 8ft. India, 1777. A thorny shrub.
=ATAMASCO LILY.= _See_ =Zephyranthes Atamasco=.
=ATHAMANTA= (named from Mount Athamas, in Sicily, where some species
are found). ORD. _Umbelliferæ_. A genus of greenhouse or hardy
herbaceous plants, usually velvety from villi on the stem, leaves, and
fruit. Flowers white; involucra of one or few leaves; involucel of many
leaves. The undermentioned is the only species in cultivation, and is a
very graceful perennial, with Fennel-like foliage. It thrives well in
any ordinary soil. Increased by divisions, or by seeds sown in spring.
=A. Matthioli= (Matthioli's). _fl._ white, twelve to twenty-five
to an umbel. Summer. _l._ three or four ternate; leaflets
linear-filiform, elongated, divaricate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Alps of
Carinthia, 1802.
=ATHANASIA= (from _a_, not, and _thanatos_, death; alluding to the
length of time which the flowers last). ORD. _Compositæ_. Rather
ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs with yellow flowers, from the
Cape of Good Hope. They grow well in a soil consisting of three parts
loam and one part peat. Propagation is effected by cuttings, taken from
half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand, under a hand glass.
=A. capitata= (headed).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. March. _l._
pinnati-partite; younger hoary, older smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Cape of
Good Hope, 1774.
=A. pubescens= (downy). _fl.-heads_ yellow. July. _l._ oblong,
entire (or tridentate), softly hairy on both sides; when old,
sub-glabrous. _h._ 6ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1768.
=ATHEROSPERMA= (from _ather_, an awn, and _sperma_, seed; seeds awned).
ORD. _Monimiaceæ_. A beautiful greenhouse evergreen tree, with the
aspect of a stately conifer. Flowers panicled, diœcious; perianth five
to eight-fid. Leaves opposite, aromatic. A compost of loam and peat, in
about equal proportions, is necessary. It can be readily propagated by
cuttings.
=A. moschata= (Musk-scented). Plume Nutmeg. _fl._ white. June. _h._
40ft. New Holland, 1824.
=ATHEROSPERMEÆ.= _See_ =Monimiaceæ=.
=ATHRIXIA= (from _a_, not, and _thrix_, a hair; the receptacle being
destitute of hairs). ORD. _Compositæ_. A greenhouse evergreen shrub. It
succeeds best in turfy loam, peat, and sand, and requires to be potted
firmly. Propagated by cuttings of young wood, placed under a bell glass
in sandy soil, and treated like _Ericas_ (which _see_).
=A. capensis= (Cape).* _fl.-heads_ bright crimson, solitary,
terminal. April. _l._ narrow, lanceolate, alternate, entire. _h._
3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821.
=ATHROTAXIS= (from _athros_, crowded together, and _taxis_,
arrangement; in reference to the disposition of the scales of the
cones). ORD. _Coniferæ_. A small genus of Tasmanian evergreen diœcious
trees or shrubs, with small scale-like leaves, and small globular cones
of many imbricated scales, with from three to six carpels under each
scale. In very sheltered situations they will probably prove hardy;
but, otherwise, they are only suitable for botanical collections.
Increased by cuttings. This genus is almost universally misspelt
_Arthrotaxis_.
=A. cupressoides= (Cypress-like). _l._ small, thick, leathery,
spirally arranged, closely imbricated, deep glossy green. _h._
30ft. A small, erect, and very slow growing tree, with numerous
slender branchlets.
=A. Doniana= (Don's). A synonym of _A. laxifolia_.
=A. imbricata= (imbricated). A garden synonym of _A. selaginoides_.
=A. laxifolia= (loose-leaved). Differing from _A. cupressoides_
in having longer, more pointed, open, and spreading leaves, which
stand out from the stem in a Juniper-like fashion. Its lateral
growths are rather pendulous. _h._ 20ft. to 25ft. SYN. _A. Doniana_.
=A. selaginoides= (Selago-like). _l._ glossy green, scale-like,
spirally disposed, closely appressed to the shoots, branches and
their ramifications very numerous. _h._ variable, up to 40ft. Very
interesting, and quite distinct. SYN. _A. imbricata_ (of gardens).
=ATHYRIUM.= _See_ =Asplenium=.
=ATRAGENE= (a name originally given to _Clematis Vitalba_ by
Theophrastus). ORD. _Ranunculaceæ_. A genus of ornamental, hardy,
climbing, deciduous shrubs, closely allied to _Clematis_, from which
they differ in having numerous petals. They are increased by cuttings,
which should be pricked in light sandy soil and placed under a hand
glass; also by layering in the autumn. Both methods are slow; the
layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be
vigorous plants. Seeds must be sown in early spring, in gentle heat;
when the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked
off and grown on in pots till they are strong plants.
[Illustration: FIG. 189. ATRAGENE ALPINA, showing Habit, Twining
Leafstalk, and Flower.]
=A. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ blue, varying to white; petals ten
to twelve, linear at the base, but dilated at the apex; peduncles
one-flowered, longer than the leaves. May. _l._ biternate; leaflets
ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, serrate. Mountainous parts of Europe,
1792. The white-flowered variety, named _alba_, is in cultivation.
SYNS. _A. austriaca_ and _A. sibirica_. See Fig. 189.
=A. americana= (American).* _fl._ large, purplish-blue; petals
acute; peduncles one-flowered. May. _l._ whorled, in fours,
leaflets stalked, cordate, lanceolate, acuminated, entire or
somewhat lobed, or serrated. North America, 1797. SYN. _Clematis
verticillaris_.
=A. austriaca= (Austrian). Synonymous with _A. alpina_.
=A. macropetala= (large-petaled).* _fl._ blue. Manchuria, 1870.
=A. sibirica= (Siberian). Synonymous with _A. alpina_.
=ATRIPLEX= (from _a_, not, and _traphein_, to nourish). Orach. ORD.
_Chenopodiaceæ_. A genus of, for the most part, uninteresting weeds, of
very variable form and habit, and having the calyx, which encloses the
fruit, enlarging after flowering. For culture, _see_ =Orach=.
=A. hortensis= (garden). An annual species from Tartary, of no
value as an ornamental plant, but considered a very desirable
substitute for spinach. The leaves must be gathered for use when
young. The variety _A. h. atro-sanguinea_ is a very pretty form,
having handsome crimson leaves, and growing to a height of about
4ft. It is well worth growing with such plants as _Amaranthus_, &c.
=ATROPA= (name of mythological origin). Belladonna; Dwale. ORD.
_Solanaceæ_. A small genus, having a campanulate regular corolla, and a
leafy persistent calyx. The berries of this native herbaceous perennial
are exceedingly poisonous. The plant is of no horticultural value.
[Illustration: FIG. 190. FLOWER OF ATROPA BELLADONNA.]
=A. Belladonna.= _fl._ green and purple, solitary, pedunculate,
drooping. Summer. Berries about the size of a small cherry. _l._
ovate, acuminate, 4in. to 8in. long _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. Britain. See
Fig. 190.
=ATTALEA= (from _attalus_, magnificent; referring to the beauty
of the genus). ORD. _Palmaceæ_. A genus of handsome stove palm
trees, distinguished from other genera in having the pinnæ arranged
vertically, and not horizontally. The leaves spring up almost
perpendicularly at the base, but in the upper part arch over. The pinnæ
stand at right angles to the rachis--which is very narrow in proportion
to its thickness--and while those of the lower side of the arch hang
straight down, those of the upper side point straight up. They thrive
well in a mixture of peat and loam in equal quantities, and enjoy a
copious supply of water. Summer temperature, 65deg. to 80deg.; winter,
55deg. to 60deg. All the species are robust trees; but, although
several have been introduced, few appear to be generally grown.
=A. amygdalina= (Almond-fruited).* _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 6ft. long;
pinnæ 12in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. broad; terminal lobe
broad and bifid, rich dark green. Stem slender. New Grenada. One of
the best. SYN. _A. nucifera_.
=A. Cohune= (Cohune).* _l._ erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate,
furnished with from three to four dozen dark green pinnæ, sometimes
18in. in length; petioles rounded, and dark brown below, flat and
green upon the upper side. Plant unarmed. _h._ 50ft. or more in its
native habitat. Honduras.
=A. compta= (decked). _h._ 22ft. Brazil, 1820.
=A. excelsa= (tall).* _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1826.
=A. funifera= (rope-bearing). The Piassaba Palm. _l._ vivid deep
green, very ornamental, and of economic value in Brazil. 1824. The
sheathing bases of the leafstalks separate into a coarse black
fringe, which is collected and exported to Europe, being used in
the manufacture of brooms, brushes, &c.
=A. nucifera= (nut-bearing). A synonym of _A. amygdalina_.
=A. speciosa= (showy).* _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1825.
=A. spectabilis= (remarkable). _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1824.
=ATTENUATED.= Tapering gradually to a point.
[Illustration: FIG. 191. FRUITING BRANCH OF ROUND AUBERGINE.]
[Illustration: FIG. 192. FRUITING BRANCH OF LONG AUBERGINE.]
=AUBERGINE=, or =EGG PLANT= (_Solanum melongena_, variety _ovigerum_).
These plants, besides being useful for culinary purposes, are very
ornamental, and present an attractive appearance on walls or trellises,
or in the flower garden; and, as they do well in any ordinary rich
garden soil, if the position is warm, they give a good variation to the
general run of plants used for decorative effects. The Black-fruited
kind is particularly suited for this purpose. Sow the seeds in a gentle
heat, in the middle of April. As soon as the seedlings are large enough
to handle, prick off into 4in. pots, replacing in heat till they root
out freely. Gradually harden off by June, and then transfer to the
positions where they are to grow. Let the plants be at least 2ft.
apart, and place a strong stick to each one to support the fruit when
it comes. For trellises, select the more moderate-sized varieties. In
hot, dry weather, the application of liberal supplies of liquid manure
tends to increase the size of the fruit, and also to make the foliage
more vigorous and handsome. Where very large fruit are needed for show
or other purposes, it is well to remove all but the best one on the
plant, and, by careful feeding with liquid manure, specimens of from
10lb. to 12lb. weight can be had. The foliage should not be pinched,
as this would prevent the free swelling of the fruit. Aubergines are
not so much grown in England for culinary purposes as in France and
Italy, where they are largely used in stews and soups. The following
are the most desirable varieties: New York Purple, the largest kind
grown, and although not as ornamental as the next, is quite as useful;
Black-fruited, large black fruit, with blackish violet leaves; and
White-fruited, the sort most generally cultivated. See Figs. 191 and
192.
=AUBRIETIA= (named after M. Aubriet, a famous French botanical
draughtsman). ORD. _Cruciferæ_. A small genus of hardy evergreen
trailers. Racemes opposite the leaves, and terminal, lax, few-flowered.
Leaves ovate or oblong, entire or angularly toothed, hairy. They make
excellent rock plants, and will thrive in a deep rich loam anywhere,
excepting under the shelter of trees. Cuttings struck, or seeds sown,
during April or May generally make fine, dense, cushion-like growths,
if transplanted on to a somewhat cool or shaded border, and carefully
lifted in the autumn; the cuttings are best "drawn," or grown until
they are soft, in a frame before they are removed. Where a stock of old
plants exist, layer the long slender branches any time after flowering,
and cover with a mixture of sand and leaf soil; they will then root
freely and establish themselves in time for spring blooming, for which
purpose, when grown _en masse_, they are most useful. After flowering,
they may be divided and transplanted.
[Illustration: FIG. 193. AUBRIETIA DELTOIDEA.]
=A. deltoidea= (deltoid).* _fl._ purple; petals twice the length of
the calyx; pedicels short, filiform; racemes opposite the leaves
and terminal, lax, few-flowered. Early spring. _l._ with one or two
large teeth on each side (therefore they are rhomboidal, not truly
deltoid), scabrous, with short branchy stellate hairs. _h._ 2in.
to 4in. Naples, &c., 1710. There are several garden varieties, the
best of which are described below; most of them are regarded as
distinct species. See Fig. 193. (S. F. G. 628.)