PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEIFIG. 13.—PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI
FIG. 13.—PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI
P. ignescens(fiery).—Flowers 8 in. across, almost flat when expanded; petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.
P. Jenkinsoni(Jenkinson's).—Flowers medium in size, colour cherry-red.
P. Johnstonei(Johnstone's).—Flowers large, with broad scarlet petals.
P. Kaufmanni(Kaufmann's).—Flowers purplish-red, very large.
P. kermesina magnus(large scarlet).—An enormous-flowered kind, having produced blossoms which measured 10 in. across; petals vivid orange with a tip and central stripe of red; sepals blood-red.
P. Pfersdorffii.(Pfersdorff's).—Flowers as inCereus grandiflorus, 8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant; petals white; sepals yellow, brownish outside.
P. Rempleri(Rempler's).—Branches three-angled; flowers with short, linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad, arranged like a tube, colour salmon-red.
P. roseus grandiflorus(large rose-flowered); Fig. 14.—Flowers 6 in. long and broad, nodding, white.
PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUSFIG. 14.—PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS
FIG. 14.—PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS
P. Schlimii(Schlim's).—Branches three-angled; flowers large, sepals bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged with scarlet.
P. splendens(splendid).—Flowers 8 in. across, purple-pink.
P. Wrayi(Wray's).—Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in diameter; sepals brown on the outside, yellow inside; petals yellowish-white, fragrant when first expanded.
O
VER 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists, distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and the West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands, 200 miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the late Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them growing near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest mountains. In Mexico,C. giganteus,the most colossal of all Cacti, is found rearing its tall, straight, columnar stems to a height of 60 ft., and branching near the top, "like petrified giants stretching out their arms in speechless pain, whilst others stand like lonely sentinels keeping their dreary watch on the edge of precipices." In the West Indies most of the night-flowering kinds are common, their long, creeping stems clinging by means of aerial roots to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where their enormous, often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance, expanding only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct groups we find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both in size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is not possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions they require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many species of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and among them we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and beautiful kinds, such as may be cultivated with success in an ordinary greenhouse or stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses, groups a number of species under the generic name of Echinocereus; but as this name is not adopted in England, it is omitted here, all the kinds being included under Cereus.
The most interesting group is that of the climbing night-flowering kinds, on account of their singular habit of expanding their flowers in the dark and of the very large size and brilliant colours of their flowers. In habit the plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their stems are either round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet, branching freely as they extend. By means of their roots, which are freely formed upon the stems, and which have the power of attaching themselves to stones or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds soon spread over and cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful for training over the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing against rafters or pillars—in fact, in any position exposed to bright sunlight and where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not appear to play an important part with these plants, as they will grow anywhere where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for their basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more than their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall, upon which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is drainage, as, unless the roots are kept clear of anything like stagnation, they soon perish through rot. During the summer, the stems should be syringed morning and evening on all bright days, whilst in winter little or no water will be required.
Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means of large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike root in a few weeks. We saw a very large specimen ofC. triangularis,which last autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from some cause or other, and to save the specimen, a mound was built up of brick rubble and soil, high enough to surround the base of the plant above the rotted part. In a few weeks there was a good crop of new roots formed, and the plant has since flowered most satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course would have proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life, the largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely and as quickly as the young ones.
C. extensus(long-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 4066.—This has long rope-like stems, bluntly triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines, arranged in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and aerial roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow, green, and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is about 9 in. across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the finest of the climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not flower as freely as most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where it has flowered once during the last five years. A native of Trinidad, whence it was introduced, and first flowered in August, 1843. Judging by the conditions under which it grows and blossoms in its native haunts, no doubt its shy-flowering nature under cultivation here is owing to the absence of a long continuance of bright sunshine and moisture, followed by one of drought and sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as regards light, and carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to flower.
C. fulgidus(glittering); Bot. Mag. 5856.—In the brilliant deep scarlet of its large buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded flowers, this species stands quite alone among the night-flowering, scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering nature, as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated, and along with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of this plant is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid betweenC. Pitajayiorvariabilisand one of the scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly,C. speciosissimus. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems bright green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide; angles much compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross; margins notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each notch. Flowers 6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube covered with soft hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged towards the top, where they spread out, and form, along with the petals, a large rosette of several whorls, arranged as in a semi-double rose, the centre being occupied by a brush-like cluster of greenish stamens, with the radiating stigma standing erect in the middle. It is to be regretted that the flowers are not more freely produced by cultivated plants.
C. grandiflorus(large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.—There is scarcely any plant that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom than this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they do not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever open again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place. The closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day by removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water. The stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges, or angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines. Roots are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in contact with anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the stems, principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is about 4 in. long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short brown scales and whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is composed of a large number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour inside, brown on the outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and arranged in a sort of cup inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and the club-shaped stigma. The flower has a delicious vanilla-like odour, which perfumes the air to a considerable distance. Flowers in July. Native of the West Indies. Introduced 1700, at which time it is said to have been cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Hampton Court.
C. Lemairii(Lemaire's); Bot. Mag. 4814.—In the size and fragrance of its blossoms, and also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species rivalsC. grandiflorus;differing in the following particulars: the tube is covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like manner, as inC. grandiflorus,and they are tinged with crimson; the stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section, and the angles are marked with a row of distant spines instead of the clusters of spines and wool inC. grandiflorus.In all other particulars, these two species are almost identical, so that where space is limited either the one or the other will be sufficient to represent both.C. Lemairiiwas introduced into England through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854 from the Royal Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name ofC. rostratus.It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers lasting for several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by this plant. Native of Antigua (?)
C. Macdonaldiae(Mrs. MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.—A magnificent Cactus, producing flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same brilliant colours as are described underC. Lemairii.The stems are slender, cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular intervals rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching freely. Its flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several crops appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be trained round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot specimens, which, when in flower, may be carried into the house, where their large, beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this species over thirty years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of the many floral spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture at the Royal Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking than this to those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and fully expanded. The plant was received from Honduras through the favour of Mrs. MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old Cactus-house, and trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of blossoming in July, 1851. A casual observer might have passed the plant as an unusually large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus'(C. grandiflorus),but the slightest inspection of the stems and flowers, the latter 14 in. in diameter by 14 in. long, shows this to be a most distinct species."
C. Napoleonis(Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.—This is very likeC. grandiflorus, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed. The flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The flower tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with rose-tinted scales, which become gradually larger towards the top, where they widen out into a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above which are the white petals forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across, with a cluster of yellow stamens in the centre. The stems are three-angled, light green, and bear clusters of short stiff spines along the angles at intervals of 2 in. Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?), 1835.
C. nycticalus(flowering at night); Fig. 15.—Stems four to six-angled, 2 in. wide, dark green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white spines along the angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as large as those ofC. grandiflorus; tube covered with tufts of white hairs; sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in the evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant may still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely as compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be found in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the flowering of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was customary for the owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the development of the flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost over-powering but delicious fragrance. So bright are the colours of the flowers, that a sort of luminosity seems to surround them when at their best. Flowers in autumn. Mexico, 1834.
CEREUS NYCTICALUSFIG. 15.—CEREUS NYCTICALUS
FIG. 15.—CEREUS NYCTICALUS
C. triangularis(three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.—This plant is easily recognised because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a rapid rate and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to almost any substance with which they come in contact. There are large examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same in width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green sepals, with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals, bright yellow stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in autumn. Mexico. This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in 1690.
C. speciosissimus(most beautiful).—Although not a night-flowering kind, nor yet a climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above rather than the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best adapted for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely—characters which, along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms, render it of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are slender, and it may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall plant. For its cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses will be found suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in brilliancy of colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with thirty stems each 6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds and flowers upon them at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing a warm greenhouse. The stems are three to five angled, spiny, the tufts of spines set in little disks of whitish wool. The flowers are as large as tea saucers, with tubes about 4 in. long, the colour being an intense crimson or violet, so intense and bright as to dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright sunlight. When cut and placed in water they will last three or four days. April and May. Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been raised from this Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with other species. Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings from crosses between this andC. flagelliformis,and has stated that he never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these plants about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have exhibited specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been informed that an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing hundreds of flowers every season, is grown on the back wall of a vinery at the Grange, Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson, Bart." (L. Castle).
These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and, though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered in a group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus for them, viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they may be grouped under the above heading, whilst popularly they are known as the Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them—viz.,C. flagelliformisandC. Mallisoni—are generally grafted on the stem of some erect, slender Cereus or Pereskia, or they may be worked on to the stem of a climbing Cereus, such asC. triangularis, in such a way as to hang from the roof of a house. A large specimen ofC. flagelliformis, growing from the climbing stem ofC. rostratus, was, for a long time, conspicuous among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the "stock" plant, this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia, trained along the roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been grafted with a number of pieces ofC. flagelliformis, which in a few years will, no doubt, form a handsome specimen. In the same establishment a specimen ofC. Mallisoniis grafted on the stem of another kind, and is very attractive when in flower.C. serpentinusthrives well upon its own roots. For the cultivation of this little group, the instructions given for the climbing and other kinds may be followed.
C. flagelliformis(whip-formed).—Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on a tall stem, pendent, ½ in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs. Flowers 2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some parts of Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window ornaments, and it is so well grown by the peasants there, that the whole window space is completely screened by the numerous long, tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft. long, which hang from baskets. It is sometimes cultivated by cottagers in England, and we have seen a very fine specimen in a cottager's window in Gunnersbury. Without its pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus has the charm of novelty in the form and habit of its stems, and as it is easily cultivated in a window through which the sun shines during most of the day, it is just the plant to grow for the double purpose of a screen and a curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in a porous loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in winter. Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.
C. Mallisoni( Mallison's); Bot. Mag. 3822.—This is supposed to be of hybrid origin, a Mr. Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named, and stating that he obtained it by fertilising flowers ofC. speciosissimuswith pollen fromC. flagelliformis.Whatever its origin, it is a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named, but thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in. across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a cluster of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat. The flowers are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches from the apex, and as they are borne in abundance and last three or four days each, a large specimen makes a very attractive display for several weeks in the summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is grafted on the stem ofC. Macdonaldiae, which is trained along a rafter, so that the stems ofC. Mallisonihang conspicuously from the roof.
C. serpentinus(serpent-like); Fig. 16.—When young, the stems of this plant are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported by a stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of hair-like spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large, handsome, fragrant; tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals spreading and forming a star 3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish on the outside, and pinkish-white inside; stamens arranged in a sort of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely produces aerial roots. Small specimens are ornamental even when not in flower, the bright green, regularly ridged stem, with its numerous little clusters of fine spines, at the base of which are short tufts of a white woolly substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers freely every summer. South America, 1814.
CEREUS SERPENTINUSFIG. 16.—CEREUS SERPENTINUS
FIG. 16.—CEREUS SERPENTINUS
Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses, whilst others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical collections, they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being known in the trade. There are, however, a good many species that may be obtained from dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine ourselves here. At Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and diversified, some of the specimens being as tall as the house they are in will allow them to be, and the appearance they present is, to some eyes at least, a very attractive one. Such plants are:C. candicans, which is a cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and fleshy, and in shape like an Indian club;C. chilensis;—with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which become dark brown with age;C. Dyckii, 10 ft. high, the stems thick and fleshy, with ridges 1½ in. deep;C. gemmatus, a hexagonal, almost naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high;C. strictus, C. peruvianus, C. geometrizans, andC. Jamacaru, which are tall, weird-looking plants, 10 ft. or more high, some of them freely branched. The following is a selection of the largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:
C. Berlandieri(Berlandier's); Fig. 17.—A distinct and beautiful plant, of dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets springing from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6 in. in length by ¾ in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the younger ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges, little tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very soft and watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety of the plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The flowers are produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much as 4 in. across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped, bright purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in the centre a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma standing well above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of the Sunflowers orMutisia decurrens. They are developed in summer, and on well-grown plants the display of blossom is exceptionally fine. This species is sometimes known asC. repensandC. Deppii. It is a native of South Texas and Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils, on dry, sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or frame, in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close to the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will be safe from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house. In April, it should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and kept watered as growth commences.
CEREUS BERLANDIERIFIG. 17.—CEREUS BERLANDIERI
FIG. 17.—CEREUS BERLANDIERI
C. Blankii(Blank's); Fig. 18.—This is very similar to theC. Berlandieriin habit and stem characters, differing only in having longer, broader, less spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the colour, which is a deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A comparison of the figures here given will show the differences better than any description.C. Blankiicomes from Mexico at high elevations, and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the preceding. It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is grown out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a handlight and straw. It flowers in summer.
CEREUS BLANKIIFIG. 18.—CEREUS BLANKII
FIG. 18.—CEREUS BLANKII
C. caerulescens(blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.—An erect-growing, tall Cactus, rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of the stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved, and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen black spines, ½ in. long; the stem when young and in good health is bluish in colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about 8 in. long, the tube covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass upwards into the sepals; petals spreading, white, the margins toothed, and forming a spreading top, not unlike a large white single Camellia; the stamens are arranged in a sort of cup, and are yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow stigma in the middle. In theBotanical Magazineit is stated that the flowers of this species are equal and even superior to those ofC. grandiflorus; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out that statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended for windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it, the attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty of its flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer, generally about July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in 1841.
C. caespitosus(tufted); Fig. 19.—A dwarf species, the stem not more than 8 in. high by about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing about its base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a cluster of stems—hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and spines, the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The flowers are produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed, the tube clothed with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals (from thirty to forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose; anthers and stigma forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow, and the latter bright green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in 1882, but, although new to cultivation, it is becoming plentiful. Native of New Mexico and Texas. For windows or small greenhouses this is a most suitable plant, as it flowers freely and keeps in good health in an ordinary greenhouse temperature, always, however, requiring plenty of sunlight and rest during winter. By placing it upon a shelf near the glass from October to March, allowing it to remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it freely, the flowers should make their appearance early in summer. A plant with several stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom, sometimes two, presents an attractive appearance.
CEREUS CAESPITOSUSFIG. 19.—CEREUS CAESPITOSUS
FIG. 19.—CEREUS CAESPITOSUS
C. cirrhiferus(tendril-bearing).—A prostrate, branching-stemmed, small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main stems; branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points, or tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in a star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all whitish and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by about 1 in. in diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red flowers, nearly 4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and lasting about a week. This species was introduced from Mexico in 1847. It is one of the best-known and handsomest of this group. It requires similar treatment to C.Berlandieri.
C. ctenoides(comb-like);
Fig. 20.—Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about 3 in. in diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at the base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem; there are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and they are ¼ in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the top of the stem; tube short, spiny; petals spreading, like a Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across, bright yellow; stamens yellow, pistil white. The flowers expand at about 9 a.m., and close again soon after noon. They are developed in June or July. This species is a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation. When not in flower it might easily be mistaken forEchinocactus pectinatus. It should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or pit, all summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a temperature of from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation it is apt to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should this happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to the air in a dry house for a week or two.
CEREUS CTENOIDESFIG. 20.—CEREUS CTENOIDES
FIG. 20.—CEREUS CTENOIDES
C. enneacanthus(eight-spined); Fig. 21.—Stem seldom more than 6 in. high by less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green, simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad, irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts; spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in length, longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve spines in a tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines only. Flowers on the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny tubes, spreading petals of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens and pistil. They are developed freely in June and July. This is a soft-fleshed species, from Texas; it is not easily kept in health, and is therefore rarely seen. It should be treated as advised forC. ctenoides. Neither of these plants will flower unless it is grown in a sunny position as near to the roof-glass as is possible.
CEREUS ENNEACANTHUSFIG. 21.—CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS
FIG. 21.—CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS
C. Fendleri(Fendler's).—One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds. It has a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base, but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in. long, green, fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement of petals and sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple colour; stigma and anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It was introduced from the mountainous region of New Mexico about five years ago, and has blossomed freely in several collections, notably in that of Mr. Loder, of Northampton, who has cultivated this and several other species from the same region in a sunny sheltered position out of doors, where, for several years, they have withstood winter's cold with no other protection than that afforded by an over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says ofC. Fendlerithat it is the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as the flowers last more than a week, closing at night, and opening only in sunshine, when its rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It also blossoms freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not so vivid as when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.
C. giganteus(gigantic); Fig. 22.—This is the most colossal of all Cactuses, in which respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when young, is very similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far as is known, its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It grows very slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so that, to attain its full development, a very long time indeed is necessary. When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming club-shaped or cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft., but grows up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same in diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the succulent collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall specimens of this wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the rocks and scrub with which it is associated, is described by travellers as being both weird and grand. Judging by the slowness of its growth, the prospect of seeing full-sized specimens of this species in English gardens is a very remote one, unless full-grown stems are imported, and this is hardly possible. Native of Mexico and California.
FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUSFIG. 22.—FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS
FIG. 22.—FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS
C. Leeanus(Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4417.—A dwarf plant, the stems not more than 1 ft. in height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering gradually towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number about a dozen, and the ridges are ½ in. high, the angles sharp, and clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in. long, the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of the stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red in colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped scales, and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of the petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above. Introduced from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and flowered soon afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the higher, more northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to be protected from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little frost without injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very desirable plant.
C. leptacanthus(slender-spined); Fig. 23.—One of the most beautiful of all Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is similar to C.Berlandieri. A plant 8 in. across bears about twenty short branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will produce several flowers in the months of May and June, and these, when expanded, last about eight days before withering; they close every afternoon, opening about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals are arranged in a single series, spreading so as to form a shallow cup, and are notched on the edges near the upper end. They are coloured a deep purple-lilac on the upper half, the lower part being white, like a large pied daisy. The stamens are pure white; the anthers orange-coloured, as also is the star-shaped stigma. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1860. It requires the same treatment as the preceding kinds. The illustration is sufficient to show the beauty of this little creeping Cactus, which, although so long known, is not grown in English gardens, though it is common enough in Continental collections.
CEREUS LEPTACANTHUSFIG. 23.—CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS
FIG. 23.—CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS
C. multiplex(proliferous); Fig. 24.—A globose-stemmed species, becoming pear-shaped with age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges angled, clothed with clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one longest. Flowers 6 in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the spreading petals; tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long and pointed; petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite flat; stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South Brazil, and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny position in a window or heated greenhouse.
CEREUS MULTIPLEXFIG. 24.—CEREUS MULTIPLEX
FIG. 24.—CEREUS MULTIPLEX
AtFig. 25is a curious variety of the above, the stem being fasciated and divided into numerous crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable as a monster form of the type plant. So far as is known, neither this nor any other of the monster Cactuses produces flowers.
CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUSFIG. 25.—CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS
FIG. 25.—CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS
C. paucispinus(few-spined); Bot. Mag. 6774.—A dwarf-stemmed species of recent introduction, and one which, owing to the beauty of its flowers and the hardy nature of the plant, is certain to find much favour among growers of Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in. to 4 in. in diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges irregular, very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid appearance. Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts of long, pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like some of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed near the top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are composed of a tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large, green, scaly sepals below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the top they become as large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a spread of nearly 3 in., rounded at the tips, and coloured deep blood-red, tinged with orange inside. The stamens are clustered together sheaf-like, with the dark green stigmas protruding through them. This is a native of New Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of Northampton, has successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open air, and it has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a similar way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window cultivation. Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary that they should be kept quite dry during the winter.
C. pentalophus(five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.—As the name denotes, the stem of this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very prominent sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small spines about ½ in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the angles are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the petals, broad and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of the flower, where they become almost pure white; the anthers are yellow, whilst the colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A native of Mexico, introduced and flowered in 1838. For its cultivation, the temperature of a warm greenhouse is required, though during summer it may be placed in a sunny position in a frame out of doors. If grown in windows, it should be kept through the winter in a room where there is a fire constantly.
C. peruvianus(Peruvian).—A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young, and very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines. The flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in. across, the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and forming a large saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens, with yellow anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something incongruous in the tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which large, beautiful, water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking quite out of place on such a plant. Flowers in spring and early summer. It requires warm greenhouse or stove treatment. There are some fine examples of this species at Kew. A variety of this species, with a fasciated or monstrous habit, is sometimes cultivated. Introduced in 1830.
C. pleiogonus(twisted-angled); Fig. 26.—An erect cylindrical-stemmed species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten to fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked with depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring, about a dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the largest. The flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather thick and cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort of cup, in which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the middle filled by the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like pistil. The colour of the flowers is purple-red. This species appears to have first found its way into cultivation through some Continental garden, its native country being unknown. It thrives only in a warm house, developing its flowers in summer.
CEREUS PLEIOGONUSFIG. 26.—CEREUS PLEIOGONUS
FIG. 26.—CEREUS PLEIOGONUS
C. polyacanthus(many-spined).—A newly-introduced species, from El Paso, in Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills. Stem 10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of half a dozen or so, and about ½ in. apart. The flowers are 2 in. to 3 in. long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave, rounded at the tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like flower; the colour of the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful Cactus is exceptional in the length of time its flowers remain expanded and fresh, lasting a week or more; and as the plant is very free flowering, there is usually a beautiful display of rich red blossoms for about six weeks. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse or window, requiring no artificial heat beyond what would be necessary to insure its protection from frost. It flowers in spring.
C. procumbens(trailing); Fig. 27.—This is a very pretty little Cactus, with spreading prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow to a height of 3 in. or 4 in.; they are ½ in. thick, generally only four-angled or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The flowers are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring, inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in May and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus is very free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it flowers only rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny greenhouse, and kept perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If allowed to get wet in that season, it is apt to rot, the stems being soft and watery.
CEREUS PROCUMBENSFIG. 27.—CEREUS PROCUMBENS
FIG. 27.—CEREUS PROCUMBENS
C. reductus(dingy); Bot. Mag. 4443.—Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high, and about 4 in. wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering about fourteen; the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy glaucous-green. Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen spines in each cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length. Flowers on the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each being 3 in. long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping sepals and saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose. Stamens filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below 45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as strong as on a hedgehog.
C. repandus(undulated); Fig. 28.—Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high, unbranched, unless compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs eight or nine in number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing spine-tufts nearly 1 in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines, which are almost equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent; there is a little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines. Flowers produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the stem; they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad, overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers; stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful, but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare in cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year round.