top. _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, erect, scaly below. _fronds_
ovate-acuminate, 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, with
twelve to twenty-four linear pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to
4in. long, and about 3/4in. broad, narrowed gradually to a point,
truncate or cordate; texture coriaceous. West Indies, southwards to
Chili and South Brazil, 1823. A very handsome stove or greenhouse
fern.
=B. o. multifidum= (much-cut).* A pretty variety, said to have been
introduced from Dominica; the apices of the pinnæ are copiously
crested and tasselled, rendering it very desirable. Stove variety.
=B. orientale= (oriental).* _cau._ stout, erect, clothed at the
crown with dark brown scales. _sti._ 4in. to 8in. long, strong,
erect, scaly below. _fronds_ 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in.
broad, ovate, with very numerous nearly contiguous pinnæ on each
side, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about 3/4in. broad, narrowed
to a long point. Australia, northwards to South China and the
Himalayas. Greenhouse.
=B. polypodioides= (Polypodium-like). A synonym of _B. unilaterale_.
=B. serrulatum= (saw-edged).* _cau._ elongated, stout, ascending.
_sti._ 6in. to 12in. long, strong, erect, smooth, nearly naked.
_fronds_ oblong-acuminate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad,
with twelve to twenty-four pairs of quite distinct articulated
linear oblong pinnæ on each side, which are about 4in. to 5in.
long, 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, and
downwards to a narrow base, the margins finely incised. Florida,
&c., 1819. Stove or greenhouse. SYN. _B. striatum_. (H. S. F. 3,
159.)
=B. striatum= (striped). A synonym of _B. serrulatum_.
=B. unilaterale= (one-sided).* _cau._ elongated, densely scaly
at the crown. _sti._ slender, erect, 1in. to 4in. long, slightly
scaly below. _fronds_ lanceolate, 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to
2in. broad; pinnæ numerous, spreading horizontally, linear, 3/4in.
to 1in. long, central ones 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, point usually
mucronate; edge entire, or nearly so, the lower part dilated to a
broad base. _sori_ in a line close to the midrib. Tropical America,
1829. Widely distributed. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN. _B.
polypodioides_, under which name it is usually found in gardens.
=BLECHUM= (a Greek name for an unknown plant, supposed to resemble
Marjoram). ORD. _Acanthaceæ_. Stove herbaceous perennials. For culture,
&c., _see_ =Justicia=.
=B. Brownei= (Browne's). _fl._ white, in a dense bracteated spike,
which is four-cornered; bracts ovate, downy. Summer. _l._ ovate
elliptical, somewhat toothed. _h._ 2ft. West Indies, 1780. The
other species introduced are: _angustifolium_, blue; _braziliense_,
blue; and _laxiflorum_, white.
=BLEPHARIS= (from _blepharis_, the eyelash; in reference to the fringed
bracts of the calyx). ORD. _Acanthaceæ_. Dwarf shrubs or herbs,
often spiny and woody, allied to _Acanthus_. Flowers in bracteate
spikes; calyx cruciately four-parted, bracteate; upper segment
entire, three-nerved; lower, two-nerved; corolla-tube very short; lip
five-lobed, three lobes often much larger than the others; stamens
four, sub-didynamous. For culture, &c., _see_ =Acanthus=.
=B. boerhaaviæfolia= (Boerhaavia-leaved). _fl._ blue. July. _l._
usually four in a whorl, elliptic, toothed. _h._ 1ft. India, 1829.
Stove annual.
=B. capensis= (Cape Colony).* _fl._ blue. July. _l._ narrow,
lanceolate, spinose. _h._ 1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1816. Greenhouse
biennial.
=B. furcata= (forked-spined). _fl._ blue. July. _l._ lanceolate,
entire or spiny; bracts large, strongly spinose. _h._ 2ft. Cape of
Good Hope, 1846. Greenhouse evergreen shrub.
=B. linearifolia= (narrow-leaved). _fl._ blue. July. _l._ long,
entire, linear, glabrous or hairy, not spiny. _h._ 2ft. Guinea,
1823. Stove annual.
=B. procumbens= (trailing).* _fl._ blue. July. _l._ linear
lanceolate, spiny. _h._ 1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1825. Greenhouse
evergreen trailer.
=BLEPHILIA= (from _blepharis_, the eyelash; in allusion to the ciliated
bracts). ORD. _Labiatæ_. Ornamental hardy perennials, closely allied
to _Monarda_, but differing from it in the calyx tube having thirteen
instead of fifteen nerves, and being naked in the throat, while the
corollas are much smaller and more dilated. They are of easy culture in
ordinary soil. Increased readily by dividing the roots in early spring.
=B. ciliata= (ciliated). _fl._ blue; whorls all distinct; bracts
ciliated, reddish at top. July. _l._ almost sessile, ovate-oblong,
narrowed at the base, canescent beneath. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. North
America, 1798.
=B. hirsuta= (hairy). _fl._ purple or blue; whorls more numerous
than in the preceding; upper ones approximate. July. _l._
petiolate, ovate, roundly cordate at the base, hairy on both
surfaces. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Virginia, 1798. Habit more branched and
loose than in _B. ciliata_.
=BLESSED THISTLE.= _See_ =Cnicus benedictus=, properly =Carbenia
benedicta=.
=BLETIA= (in honour of Don Louis Blet, a Spanish botanist). ORD.
_Orchideæ_. A large genus of, for the most part, stove terrestrial
orchids. Flowers purple or whitish, in terminal racemes. Leaves narrow,
grass-like. Pseudo-bulbs round, flattened. The flowers are freely
produced when the plants are thoroughly established, and are valuable
for bouquets, as well for their pleasing colour as for the time they
last in perfection. Bletias thrive best in a compost of loam and leaf
mould. About 2in. of crocks, covered with a layer of moss, should be
placed in the bottom of the pot, which should be filled to within
1in. of the top with soil. The bulbs should then be inserted, and just
covered. A good supply of water during the growing season is necessary,
and only a moderate amount of heat. After growth has ceased, a period
of rest is required, during which time very little water should be
given. Propagation is effected by divisions, which should be made after
the plants have finished flowering, or previous to their starting into
growth.
=B. campanulata= (bell-shaped). _fl._ deep purple, with a white
centre, lasting a considerable time in perfection. Mexico.
=B. florida= (florid).* _fl._ pale rose-coloured; lip not spurred.
July and August. _h._ 2ft. West Indies, 1786. A very pretty
species. (B. R. 1401.)
=B. gracilis= (slender). _fl._ pale greenish-white; sepals and
petals nearly equal, lanceolate, acuminate; lip red and yellow;
scape simple. _l._ oblong, lanceolate, plicate. _h._ 1-1/2in.
Mexico, 1830. (B. R. 1681.)
=B. hyacinthina= (Hyacinth-like).* _fl._ purple, racemose; lip not
spurred, beardless; scape about as long as the leaves. March to
June. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. China, 1802. This pretty species
has proved to be quite hardy. (Garden, Nov., 1879.)
=B. patula= (spreading-flowered). _fl._ purple, spreading; scape
tall, branched. March. _l._ lanceolate. _h._ 2ft. Hayti, 1830. (B.
M., 3518.)
=B. Shepherdii= (Shepherd's).* _fl._ on branching spikes, purple,
marked down the centre of the lip with yellow. Winter. _l._ long,
lanceolate, dark green. Jamaica, 1825. (B. M. 3319.)
=B. Sherrattiana= (Sherratt's).* _fl._ about a dozen on a spike,
rich rosy purple; petals very broad, twice the breadth of the
sepals; lip deep purple in front, marked with white and yellow down
the centre. _l._ three to four-plicate. Pseudo-bulbs depressed. New
Grenada, 1867. (B. M. 5646.)
=B. verecunda= (modest). _fl._ purple; lip not spurred. January.
_h._ 3ft. West Indies, Mexico, &c., 1733. (B. M. 930.)
=BLIGHIA SAPIDA.= The Akee Tree. This is now included under the genus
=Cupania= (which _see_).
=BLIGHT=, or =BLAST=. Applied to various diseases of plants which are
caused or accelerated either by the presence of parasitic fungi or
insects, or by atmospheric influence. Blight generally proves fatal to
the whole or part of the subject attacked.
=BLIND.= A term applied to plants which fail to produce central buds.
The defect is frequently noticeable in the Cabbage, and other plants
of the _Brassica_ tribe; and is, perhaps, mainly due to the attacks of
insects in a very early stage. Great care should therefore be exercised
in keeping the seed beds clear of insect pests, by the application of
ashes, lime, and soot, or spent hops.
=BLOOD FLOWER.= _See_ =Hæmanthus=.
=BLOODROOT.= _See_ =Sanguinaria canadensis=.
=BLOOM.= A fine powder-like substance found on Grapes, Cucumbers,
Plums, &c., and varying in colour in the different subjects. It should
be carefully protected, as it improves the appearance of the fruit. The
term is also generally used-although incorrectly-as the plural of
blossom.
=BLOSSOM.= The flower of a plant, or the essential organs of
reproduction, with their appendages.
=BLUE-BELLS.= _See_ =Campanula rotundifolia= and =Scilla nutans=.
=BLUE-BOTTLE.= _See_ =Centaurea Cyanus=.
=BLUE GUM TREE.= _See_ =Eucalyptus globulus=.
=BLUETS.= The French name for _Centaurea Cyanus_. _See also_ =Houstonia
cœrulea= and =Vaccinium angustifolium=.
=BLUMENBACHIA= (in honour of John Frederick Blumenbach, M.D.,
Professor of Medicine at Göttingen, and distinguished as a comparative
anatomist). ORD. _Loasaceæ_. Elegant branched, climbing or trailing,
annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, generally covered with stinging
hairs, which are very objectionable. Flowers axillary, solitary,
bracteate, very pretty and interesting. Leaves opposite, lobed. They
are of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. Propagated by seeds, which
should be sown in pots, in spring, and placed in a gentle heat, where
they will germinate in about a fortnight. When the seedlings are large
enough, and after having been previously hardened off, they may be
planted out in their blooming quarters, or potted on and trained to a
trellis.
[Illustration: FIG. 257. BLUMENBACHIA CHUQUITENSIS.]
=B. chuquitensis= (Chuquitan).* _fl._ solitary, axillary, with five
to ten boat-shaped red petals, which are yellow within. September.
_l._ oblong-lanceolate, pinnate; segments pinnatifidly lobed. Peru,
1863. Half-hardy climbing perennial. See Fig. 257. (B. M. 6143.)
=B. contorta= (twisted).* _fl._ orange-red, with cup-shaped green
scales within. July. _l._ oblong-ovate, pinnatifid; lobes incisely
toothed. Peru. Greenhouse climber, but may be grown against a wall,
out of doors, during the summer. (B. M. 6134.)
[Illustration: FIG. 258. FLOWER OF BLUMENBACHIA CORONATA.]
=B. coronata= (crowned).* _fl._ of pure glossy whiteness,
quadrangular, crown-shaped, 2in. in diameter each way. June. _l._
narrow, bipinnatifid, cut into small segments. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Chili,
1872. This is an elegant dwarf, tufted, erect biennial, with the
pure white blooms imbedded in the metallic lustrous foliage. SYN.
_Caiophora coronata_. See Fig. 258.
=B. insignis= (remarkable).* _fl._ with whitish petals and
reddish-yellow scales, axillary, on long peduncles, about 1in. in
diameter. July. _l._, lower ones five to seven-lobed; upper ones
deeply bipinnatifid. _h._ 1ft. Chili, 1826. Hardy annual trailer.
SYN. _Loasa palmata_. (B. M. 2865.)
=BOBARTIA= (named after Jacob Bobart, Professor of Botany at Oxford in
the seventeenth century). ORD. _Irideæ_. A small genus of greenhouse or
hardy bulbous plants, closely allied to _Sisyrinchium_. The species in
cultivation are very pretty hardy plants, but require protection from
severe frosts and excessive rains. They thrive best in a warm, light
soil, and make pretty plants for rockwork. Propagated by separating
the offsets during autumn. This genus has been much misunderstood.
Among the plants which have been referred to it are some which now find
places in the genera _Aristea_, _Sisyrinchium_, _Homeria_, _Marica_,
_Moræa_, &c., &c.
=B. aurantiaca.= _See_ =Homeria aurantiaca=.
=B. gladiata= (sword-shaped). _fl._ yellow, thinly sprinkled with
purple dots near the centre, handsome, nearly 2in. across. _l._
linear, ensiform, narrow, slightly glaucous, 1ft. or more in
length. 1817. SYN. _Marica gladiata_. (B. R. 229.)
=B. spathacea= (rush-like). _l._ rush-like, several feet in length;
flower-stem as long as leaves, bearing near extremity a cluster of
pale yellow flowers, with narrow segments. Each flower lasts but
one day; as a good many, however, are developed in each spathe,
there is a succession which lasts some time. 1832. SYN. _Xyris
altissima_. (L. B. C. 1900.)
[Illustration: FIG. 259. BOCCONIA CORDATA, showing Habit and Flower.]
=BOCCONIA= (named after Paolo Bocconi, M.D., a Sicilian botanist,
author of the "Museum des Plantes," and "Histoire Naturelle de l'Ile
de Corse," &c.). ORD. _Papaveraceæ_. Two of the species are greenhouse
or half-hardy shrubs. Flowers inconspicuous, in terminal panicles,
with the branches and branchlets each furnished with one bract. Leaves
stalked, glaucous, large, lobed. This genus does not well agree with
the rest of _Papaveraceæ_, from its having one-seeded capsules and
apetalous flowers. _B. cordata_ is a handsome, hardy, herbaceous plant,
with a stately habit and finely-cut foliage, and, where bold subjects
are desired, few will be found superior to it. As an isolated specimen
on the lawn, or by frequented walks, where it will not be too closely
surrounded by tall plants, it may be grown with marked effect. It
also forms a good subject for pot culture, and is largely used for
sub-tropical bedding. The soil most suitable for its culture is a good
fat loam, of considerable depth. Propagated by cuttings, taken from the
axils of the larger leaves, during early summer; or by young suckers,
taken from established plants, during summer, as they will then flower
the following season. If the former method is employed, the cuttings
should be pushed on, so that there are plenty of roots before the
winter sets in. The other two species require greenhouse culture; but
both are eminently suited for sub-tropical gardening, in any light rich
soil, or well-drained and airy situation. They are best propagated by
seeds, sown in a hotbed in spring, the seedlings being placed out from
June to September.
=B. cordata= (cordate).* _fl._ buff-coloured, very numerous,
borne in very large terminal panicles; individually they are not
showy, but the fully grown inflorescence has a very distinct and
pleasing appearance. Summer. _l._ large, reflexed, deeply-veined,
roundish-cordate; margins lobed or sinuated. Stems growing rather
close together, thickly set with leaves. _h._ 5ft. to 8ft. China,
1795, and 1866. Mr. Robinson recommends its being grown in the
angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east. It
runs quickly at the roots, and the suckers may be cut off to the
benefit of the parent plant; each sucker will form a strong plant
in a year's time. SYNS. _B. japonica_ and _Macleaya yedoënsis_. See
Fig. 259. (B. M. 1905.)
=B. frutescens= (shrubby).* _fl._ greenish. October. _l._ large,
sea-green, oval-oblong, cuneated at the base, pinnatifid. _h._ 3ft.
to 6ft. Mexico, 1739. (L. B. C. 83.)
=B. integrifolia= (entire-leaved). _fl._ greenish; panicle crowded.
_l._ flat, oblong, tapering towards each end, entire, or scarcely
crenated. _h._ 9ft. Peru, 1822.
=B. japonica= (Japanese). Synonymous with _B. cordata_.
=BœBERA= (named after Bœber, a Russian botanist). ORD. _Compositæ_.
A genus of evergreen greenhouse shrubs, now generally referred to
_Dysodia_. They are of easy culture, thriving in ordinary garden soil.
Propagated by cuttings, made of young, rather firm, shoots, and placed
in sand, under a glass. There are several other species besides the one
given below, but they are not of much horticultural value.
=B. incana= (hoary).* _fl.-heads_ golden; peduncles one-headed.
November. _l._ pinnate, rather hairy; leaflets linear acute,
channelled, some entire, and some trifid. Stem hairy. _h._ 1-1/2ft.
Mexico, 1828. (B. R. 1602.)
=BœHMERIA= (named after George Rudolph Bœhmer, a German botanist).
ORD. _Urticaceæ_. A genus of shrubs or herbaceous plants, allied to
_Urtica_, from which it is distinguished in not having stinging hairs.
_B. nivea_ is the only species having any horticultural value. This
thrives best in a warm, sandy soil; and is increased by divisions.
=B. nivea= (snowy). _fl._ greenish, disposed in spikes. _l._
broadly cordate, about 6in. long by 4in. broad, terminating in a
long slender point; edges serrate, covered on the under side with a
dense coating of white down. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. China. A shrub-like
perennial, rather more curious than beautiful.
=BOG BEAN.= _See_ =Menyanthes trifoliata=.
=BOG-EARTH.= _See_ =Peat=.
[Illustration: FIG. 260. VERTICAL SECTION OF CYLINDER BOILER.
A A, Wrought-iron Boiler, the shaded space showing the Waterway; B,
Ashpit inside the cast base of Boiler; C, Fire-bars; D, Flue; E,
Domed Top; F, Feeding Lid; G, Flow, and H, Return Pipe Sockets.
]
=BOILERS.= These are very important articles in all gardens where there
are glass houses, and the best should always be selected. They are made
in cast and wrought iron, both of which have their special advantages
and disadvantages. The former are less liable to burn through when
encrusted with any deposit from the water, but will crack with sudden
changes of temperature, by reason of the granular form of the metal
not allowing gradual contraction; the latter may burn through where
there is any deposit of mud or other matter, but they will not crack,
and will stand a greater pressure than those made of cast metal. It
is, however, the better plan to use Boilers of wrought iron, as, with
careful usage, they are less liable to break down in hard frosts than
are the others. As the value of the plants, as well as that of the
Boiler, has to be considered, should such a contingency occur, it
is certainly advisable to reduce all risks to a minimum; and as the
average life of a Boiler is from ten to fifteen years, a slightly
larger first cost is not of very serious moment. The forms of Boilers
are very diverse, and, in some of the patented forms, complicated. But,
whatever the shape, the following points are essential: A clear and
unrestricted waterway of not less than 2in. in thickness; the greatest
exposure of surface to the direct action of the fire; a sufficient
fire space; and a fire-bar area calculated to supply enough fresh air
to the fire to support thorough combustion. The forms generally used
for horticultural work are the following, or some modifications of
them; and, however grand the name, their chief value consists in the
attested heating capacity at a given cost: The Saddle Boiler, which
is made of various sizes, with or without check ends, cross tubes,
and other devices for increasing the heating surface, and also of
a tubular form; the Upright Cylinder (a vertical section of which
is shown in Fig. 260); the Upright Tubular Cylinder; the Horizontal
Tubular; and the Cornish or Horizontal Cylinder. Combinations of the
various forms, and complicated patterns of different kinds, are made
for particular purposes; but in no case should large Boilers be used,
unless they are recommended, by one competent to judge, as suitable for
the purpose they are needed to fulfil. In every case, it is necessary
that the Boiler should be fixed in a proper manner. It is also good
policy to have Boilers about 30, or even 50 per cent., more powerful
than is actually required, when they are new, as, from various causes,
their heating power falls off in a year or two in many places; and,
under ordinary work, it is not desirable to stimulate the action in
order to command sufficient heat. There is no doubt that, for general
purposes, some modification of the Saddle or Cylinder Boiler is by far
the best, all things duly considered; but it is impossible to give any
practical advice without a thorough knowledge of the requirements of
any particular place. Gas Boilers are also useful for small places.
These are made in many forms, and are, as a rule, in the shape of a
cylinder, with a coned inside, against which the flames play. Some Gas
Boilers have also a superheater attached; this exhausts the heat from
the air which has passed through the Boiler. Another good form is made
of horizontal tubes, which contain the water, the flames playing over
and amongst them. An atmospheric burner of approved construction should
be used where gas is the heating power. A sufficient supply of gas
should be assured by using supply pipes of a good size. Care should be
taken to keep these pipes free from water, and protected from frost by
silicate cotton lagging, or some other good non-conductor. Except for
very small places, however, gas apparatus is almost useless, and will
never supersede fuel Boilers. For other particulars regarding Boilers,
_see_ =Heating= and =Stoking=.
=BOIS-PERDRIX.= _See_ =Heisteria=.
=BOLBOPHYLLUM.= _See_ =Bulbophyllum=.
=BOLETUS= (from _bolos_, a mass; in reference to its massy or globular
form). ORD. _Fungi_. The only species of this rather large genus
demanding mention is _B. edulis_ (see Fig. 261), which is considered
an excellent article of food. It is easily distinguished, and is often
of large size and somewhat unshapely; the pileus is usually of a dusky
yellow or brownish hue, but sometimes brighter and more of a chestnut
colour; the flesh is white, and does not change to a blue colour when
cut (this is a very important characteristic, and should always be
noticed). It is a species common in most districts, usually growing in
woods, and appearing chiefly in the autumn.
[Illustration: FIG. 261. COMMON BOLETUS (BOLETUS EDULIS).]
=BOLEUM= (from _bolos_, a ball; in reference to the shape of the
seed-pods). ORD. _Cruciferæ_. An ornamental, hardy, evergreen shrub,
well adapted for rockwork, in ordinary soil. It requires slight
protection in winter if planted in very exposed situations. Propagated
by seed, sown in a pot, in spring, and placed in a frame, or in the
open border during summer.
=B. asperum= (rough).* _fl._ cream-coloured; racemes erect,
elongated; pedicels very short, the lower ones bracteate. April.
_l._ alternate, oblong, linear; lower ones somewhat divided. A
suffruticose, erect, branched plant, hispid from stiff hairs. _h._
6in. to 1ft. France. 1818.
=BOLLEA.= _See_ =Zygopetalum=.
=BOLTED.= A term used in reference to plants that have prematurely run
to seed.
=BOLTONIA= (named after J. B. Bolton, an English professor of botany).
ORD. _Compositæ_. A genus of rather pretty hardy herbaceous perennials.
Flower-heads with white or purplish rays. Leaves pale green,
lanceolate, sessile. They thrive in common garden soil. Propagated by
divisions of the roots, in March.
=B. asteroides= (Aster-like).* _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured,
stellate, disposed in a rather large terminal panicle. August. _l._
all entire, somewhat broadly lanceolate, narrowed at both ends.
_h._ 2ft. North America, 1758. (B. M. 2554.)
=B. glastifolia= (woad-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ pink. September. _l._,
lower ones serrated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. North America, 1758. (B. M.
2381.)
[Illustration: FIG. 262. FLOWERS OF BOMAREA CARDERI.]