Chapter 11

FIG. 72. FLOWERSPIKEOFAMARANTHUSCAUDATUS.

A. s. variegatum(variegated).* A constant and prettily variegated form, which is even more handsome than the type. On the rockery it does well, as it requires a sunny, well drained, position. See Fig. 71.A. serpyllifolium(Thyme-leaved).*fl.pale yellow, in simple racemes. April to June.l.very small, ¼in. to ½in. long, ovate, scabrous, hoary.h.3in. to 4in. Branches spreading, sub-woody at the base. South Europe, 1822.A. tortuosum(twisted).fl.yellow; raceme corymbose. June.l.hoary, somewhat lanceolate. Stem shrubby at the base, twisted, diffuse.h.6in. Hungary, 1804.A. Wiersbeckii(Wiersbeck's).*fl.deep yellow, in close corymbose heads, about 1½in. across. Summer.l.2in. long, oval-oblong-pointed, sessile, attenuated at the base, roughish and hairy. Stems erect, scabrous, simple, rigid.h.1½ft. Asia Minor.

A. serpyllifolium(Thyme-leaved).*fl.pale yellow, in simple racemes. April to June.l.very small, ¼in. to ½in. long, ovate, scabrous, hoary.h.3in. to 4in. Branches spreading, sub-woody at the base. South Europe, 1822.

A. tortuosum(twisted).fl.yellow; raceme corymbose. June.l.hoary, somewhat lanceolate. Stem shrubby at the base, twisted, diffuse.h.6in. Hungary, 1804.

A. Wiersbeckii(Wiersbeck's).*fl.deep yellow, in close corymbose heads, about 1½in. across. Summer.l.2in. long, oval-oblong-pointed, sessile, attenuated at the base, roughish and hairy. Stems erect, scabrous, simple, rigid.h.1½ft. Asia Minor.

AMARANTHACEÆ.An extensive order of herbs or (rarely) shrubs, with opposite or alternate leaves, and inconspicuous apetalous flowers, which are spicately or capitately disposed. The majority of this order are weeds; well-known exceptions being many species ofAmaranthus.

AMARANTH, GLOBE.SeeGomphrena.

FIG. 73. FLOWERSPIKEOFAMARANTHUSHYPOCHONDRIACUS.

AMARANTHUS(froma, not, andmaraino, to wither; in reference to the length of time some of the flowers retain their colour). ORD.Amaranthaceæ. Hardy or half-hardy annuals, with alternate entire leaves and small green or red flowers in large bracteate clustered spikes. Flowers polygamous, furnished with three bracts at the base of a three or five-lobed glabrous perianth. Stamens four or five. Of very easy culture; they thrive best in rich loamy soil, and are largely employed for sub-tropical and other bedding, for vases and conservatory decorations, being very ornamental. The seed should be sown in April in a hotbed, and the plants thinned out in the same situation when about ½in. high. About the end of May, they can be transplanted out of doors in their permanent situations. They are also very handsome when grown in pots. The young plants should be potted off early, and freely encouraged, allowing plenty of pot-room and moisture, and be kept near the glass, to bring out their brightest colouring. To develop their full beauty, plenty of room is required. There are about twelve species (indigenous to warm and tropical countries).

A. bicolor(two-coloured).l.green, variously streaked with light yellow.h.2ft. India, 1802. This species is rather delicate, and must have a warm sunny situation.A. b. ruber(red).*l.brilliant glistening scarlet, merging into a dark violet red, mixed with green. Hardier than the type.A. caudatus(caudate).* Love Lies Bleeding.fl.dark purplish, collected in numerous whorls, which are disposed in handsome drooping spikes. August.h.2ft. to 3ft. India, 1596. A very common and vigorous growing hardy annual. There is a yellowish-flowered variety, which, though less ornamental, is an effective contrast. See Fig. 72.A. cruentus(dark bloody). Synonymous withA. hypochondriacus.A. Henderi(Hender's).l.lanceolate, undulated, intense rosy carmine, varying with orange buff, golden yellow, and olive green.h.3ft. A garden hybrid, closely allied toA. salicifolius. Pyramidal habit.A. hypochondriacus(hypochondriac).* Prince's Feather.fl.deep crimson, on densely packed, erect spikes. July.l.purplish beneath.h.4ft. to 5ft. Asiatic, 1684. SYN.A. cruentus. See Fig. 73.A. h. atropurpureus(dark purple).* An improved variety of above.A. melancholicus ruber(melancholy-red).*h.about 1ft. Japan. A compact growing variety, with large shaded crimson leaves. Largely used for bedding purposes.A. salicifolius(willow-leaved).*l.7in. to 15in. long, willow-shaped, linear, and wavy, which, by their drooping outline, present a very elegant and effective appearance. When fully grown, the leaves are brilliantly banded and tipped with orange, carmine, and bronze.h.3ft. Philippine Isles, 1871.A. s. Princess of Wales.*l.carmine, orange green, and bright yellow, beautifully blended.h.3ft. A garden hybrid.A. sanguineus(bloody).fl.purple, disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the upper leaves, and partly in slender, flexible spikes, which form a more or less branching panicle. July.l.blood red.h.3ft. Bahama, 1775.

A. bicolor(two-coloured).l.green, variously streaked with light yellow.h.2ft. India, 1802. This species is rather delicate, and must have a warm sunny situation.

A. b. ruber(red).*l.brilliant glistening scarlet, merging into a dark violet red, mixed with green. Hardier than the type.

A. caudatus(caudate).* Love Lies Bleeding.fl.dark purplish, collected in numerous whorls, which are disposed in handsome drooping spikes. August.h.2ft. to 3ft. India, 1596. A very common and vigorous growing hardy annual. There is a yellowish-flowered variety, which, though less ornamental, is an effective contrast. See Fig. 72.

A. cruentus(dark bloody). Synonymous withA. hypochondriacus.

A. Henderi(Hender's).l.lanceolate, undulated, intense rosy carmine, varying with orange buff, golden yellow, and olive green.h.3ft. A garden hybrid, closely allied toA. salicifolius. Pyramidal habit.

A. hypochondriacus(hypochondriac).* Prince's Feather.fl.deep crimson, on densely packed, erect spikes. July.l.purplish beneath.h.4ft. to 5ft. Asiatic, 1684. SYN.A. cruentus. See Fig. 73.

A. h. atropurpureus(dark purple).* An improved variety of above.

A. melancholicus ruber(melancholy-red).*h.about 1ft. Japan. A compact growing variety, with large shaded crimson leaves. Largely used for bedding purposes.

A. salicifolius(willow-leaved).*l.7in. to 15in. long, willow-shaped, linear, and wavy, which, by their drooping outline, present a very elegant and effective appearance. When fully grown, the leaves are brilliantly banded and tipped with orange, carmine, and bronze.h.3ft. Philippine Isles, 1871.

A. s. Princess of Wales.*l.carmine, orange green, and bright yellow, beautifully blended.h.3ft. A garden hybrid.

A. sanguineus(bloody).fl.purple, disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the upper leaves, and partly in slender, flexible spikes, which form a more or less branching panicle. July.l.blood red.h.3ft. Bahama, 1775.

FIG. 74. AMARANTHUSTRICOLOR.

A. speciosus(showy).*fl.dark crimson purple, disposed in large erect spikes, forming a fine plumy panicle. July.l.suffused with a reddish tinge, which disappears at the time of flowering.h.3ft. to 5ft. Nepaul, 1819.A. s. aureus(golden).fl.of a fine brownish-golden hue. Very effective when grown in masses.A. tricolor(three-coloured).*l.of a fine, transparent, purplish-red or dark carmine from the base to the middle; a large spot of bright yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end of the leaf; point generally green; leafstalks yellow.h.1½ft. East Indies, 1548. See Fig. 74. There are several garden varieties of this species, requiring a somewhat warmer situation.

A. s. aureus(golden).fl.of a fine brownish-golden hue. Very effective when grown in masses.

A. tricolor(three-coloured).*l.of a fine, transparent, purplish-red or dark carmine from the base to the middle; a large spot of bright yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end of the leaf; point generally green; leafstalks yellow.h.1½ft. East Indies, 1548. See Fig. 74. There are several garden varieties of this species, requiring a somewhat warmer situation.

AMARYLLIDEÆ.A large and important order of usually bulbous plants, sometimes with a stem. Flowers solitary, umbellate, or paniculate; perianth superior, six-lobed, often with a corona at the top of the tube. Leaves ensiform or linear. This order contains many very beautiful genera, includingAgave,Amaryllis,Crinum,Hæmanthus,Hippeastrum,Narcissus,Pancratium, and several others.

AMARYLLIS(fromAmaryllis, the name of a country-woman mentioned by Theocritus and Virgil). ORD.Amaryllideæ. Half-hardy or hardy, deciduous, bulbous plants. Flowers large, sweet-scented, pedicelled; spathe two-leaved; umbels few-flowered; perianth with a very short tube, funnel-shaped, six-parted, sub-regular or irregular; segments many-nerved, broad, undulate, spreading somewhat at the apices; stamens at the summit of the tube, unequal, declined; anthers fixed by the middle, incumbent, curved into a circular arch after bursting; style declined; stigma thickened, sub-three-lobed; scape tall, solid, compressed. Capsule obovate; seeds globose, fleshy. Leaves appearing at a different season from the scapes, numerous, strap-shaped. The following genera are sometimes arranged hereunder, but in this work are treated separately:Brunsvigia,Crinum,Hippeastrum,Nerine,Sprekelia,Sternbergia,Vallota,Zephyranthes. Warm, dry, and well-drained positions in front of hothouses, or at the base of south or south-west walls, are the most suitable sites forA. Belladonnaand its varieties. The soil should be composed of good, fibrous loam, leaf mould, and sand, in equal parts. Insert the bulbs 6in. to 8in. deep, and surround with sand, after which they may be covered with the compost, which should be pressed firmly about them; they should not be again disturbed for years, when they will ultimately establish themselves, and produce grand masses of blossom. The best time to plant a fresh stock is June or July, when they commence root-action, before the flower-stems are sent up. In their growing season, and in dry weather, an occasional soaking of clear water, or liquid manure, will be greatly beneficial. The extremely ornamental plants now largely grown, and frequently classed asAmaryllisin nurserymen's catalogues, belong to the genusHippeastrum. For pot-culture of the Belladonna Lily,seeHippeastrum.

FIG. 75. AMARYLLISBELLADONNA,showing Habit atFlowering Season.

A. Belladonna.* Belladonna Lily. This splendid species is very variable, both in the size and colour of the flowers, frequently producing variously-shaded flowers, from almost white to a reddish or purplish hue. Autumn. West Indies, 1712. See Fig. 75. The leaves and flowers are not produced together. In Fig. 76 they are both shown in the same illustration for economy of space.A. B. pallida(pale).* A pale-coloured variety.h.2ft.

A. B. pallida(pale).* A pale-coloured variety.h.2ft.

AMASONIA(named in honour of Thomas Amason, one of the earlier American travellers). SYN.Taligalea. ORD.Verbenaceæ. A genus comprising six species (which may be reduced to four) of stove sub-shrubs, natives of tropical America. Flowers yellow or sulphur-coloured, racemose or panicled; calyx five-cleft; corolla five-cleft, sub-bilabiate. Leaves alternate, toothed or rarely entire. For culture of the only species introduced,seeClerodendron.

A. punicea(reddish-brown).fl.yellow, with pretty, brownish bracts; peduncles once or twice trifid, cymose or one-flowered. May and June.l.slender, 3in. to 2in. long, oblong- or elliptic-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, unequally toothed. Stem erect, simple or slightly branched.h.2ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1884.

AMATEUR.This term is usually meant to refer to one who has a taste for a particular pursuit, and who is, in a pecuniary point of view, independent of it. An Amateur gardener is one who rears and grows his plants, and cultivates his garden, for his own amusement—for mere love of horticulture.

FIG. 76. AMARYLLISBELLADONNA, showing Bulb and Flower Spike.

AMBER, SWEET.SeeHypericum Androsæmum.

AMBER-TREE.SeeAnthospermum.

AMBROSINIA(commemorative of Professor Giacinti Ambrosini, of Bologna). ORD.Aroideæ(Araceæ). A curious, half-hardy, tuberous perennial, thriving in any light soil, with protection in winter. Increased by seeds, and by divisions. The former should be sown, as soon as ripe, in a cool house; and the latter should be made just previous to new growth in spring.

A. Bassii(Bass's).*fl., spathes prolonged into a long tail, and a tongue-shaped spadix, with the male flowers on one side, and so placed as to preclude the access of pollen to the stigma on the other side of the spathe, save by insect agency.l.oblong, stalked.h.4in. Corsica, Sardinia, 1879.

AMBURY, orANBURY. The name given to galls of small Weevils (Ceuthorhynchus sulcicollis) which appear on the roots of Cabbages and Turnips, as well as of the Wild Mustard, and of other weeds belonging to the genusBrassica. The galls form swellings individually about the size of split peas, but often two or more are joined to form considerable masses. In each is a space inclosing a white grub. Anbury is usually not very hurtful. It is quite distinct from Clubbing. The galled roots should be collected, before the grubs emerge, and burned.

AMELANCHIER(Savoy name of the Medlar, to which this genus is closely allied). TRIBEPomaceæof ORD.Rosaceæ. Hardy, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with racemes of white flowers, and simple, serrated leaves; bracteas linear-lanceolate. Pome, when mature, three to five-celled. They are of easy cultivation, in a somewhat rich, loamy soil, and are propagated by layers or cuttings, in autumn, in sheltered situations; by seeds, and by grafting, in early spring, on the Hawthorn or the Quince, or the weaker on the stronger-growing species.

A. canadensis(Canadian).* Grape Pear.fl.white. April. Pome purple.l.oblong-elliptic, cuspidate, when young rather villous, but at length glabrous.h.6ft. to 8ft. Canada, 1746. A very ornamental tree, having a profusion of flowers in early spring, and rich autumnal foliage. SYN.Pyrus Botryapium.A. c. florida(flowery).*fl.white, numerous, in upright racemes. May. Pome purple.l.oblong, obtuse at both ends, coarsely serrate in the terminal portion, glabrous in every state.h.10ft. to 20ft. North America, 1826.A. c. ovalis(oval-leaved).fl.white; racemes pressed together. April.l.roundish-elliptic, acute when rather young, velvety beneath, glabrous when mature.h.6ft. to 8ft. North America, 1800.A. c. parvifolia(small-leaved). This has a dwarfer habit, and shorter leaves, than the type.A. sanguinea, (bloody).fl.white; racemes capitate. April. Pome blackish-purple.l.oblong, rounded at both ends, sharply serrated, always naked.h.4ft. to 8ft. North America, 1800. This form differs principally fromA. canadensisin the fewer flowers, much shorter raceme, and shorter, broader, and more ovate petals.A. vulgaris(common).*fl.white. April. Pome darkish-purple.l.roundish-oval, bluntish, pubescent beneath, at length glabrous.h.3ft. to 9ft. Europe, 1596. A desirable shrub, producing an abundance of flowers. SYN.Mespilus Amelanchier.

A. c. florida(flowery).*fl.white, numerous, in upright racemes. May. Pome purple.l.oblong, obtuse at both ends, coarsely serrate in the terminal portion, glabrous in every state.h.10ft. to 20ft. North America, 1826.

A. c. ovalis(oval-leaved).fl.white; racemes pressed together. April.l.roundish-elliptic, acute when rather young, velvety beneath, glabrous when mature.h.6ft. to 8ft. North America, 1800.

A. c. parvifolia(small-leaved). This has a dwarfer habit, and shorter leaves, than the type.

A. sanguinea, (bloody).fl.white; racemes capitate. April. Pome blackish-purple.l.oblong, rounded at both ends, sharply serrated, always naked.h.4ft. to 8ft. North America, 1800. This form differs principally fromA. canadensisin the fewer flowers, much shorter raceme, and shorter, broader, and more ovate petals.

A. vulgaris(common).*fl.white. April. Pome darkish-purple.l.roundish-oval, bluntish, pubescent beneath, at length glabrous.h.3ft. to 9ft. Europe, 1596. A desirable shrub, producing an abundance of flowers. SYN.Mespilus Amelanchier.

AMELLUS(a name employed by Virgil for a blue, Aster-looking plant growing on the banks of the river Mella). ORD.Compositæ. Pretty, branched, ascending or diffuse, perennial herbs. Flowers in solitary heads. Leaves hairy, lower ones opposite, upper alternate. Of very easy culture, in ordinary garden soil. Increased by divisions, or cuttings, inserted under glass, in spring.

A. Lychnitis(Lychnitis).fl.-headsviolet, solitary, terminal, and lateral. June.l.linear, lanceolate, entire, hoary.h.6in. Cape of Good Hope. Evergreen, greenhouse trailer.

AMENTUM.A catkin. A deciduous spike of unisexual, apetalous flowers.

AMERICAN ALMOND.SeeBrabejum.

AMERICAN ALOE.SeeAgave americana.

AMERICAN BLIGHT, orWOOLLY APHIS(Schizoneura lanuginosa). The white, cottony-looking matter which is found upon the bark of the Apple and other trees of a similar nature, belongs to a species of Aphis, which has short legs: the females are wingless, while the males are winged; the latter appear in July and August. The insects belong to a group of Aphides unprovided with honey tubes on the hinder part of the body, and in which the third vein of the front wing shows only one fork The woolly coating also distinguishes them from true Aphides. The Blight is said to have been imported from America in 1787, but this is uncertain.

As these insects get into the cracks and under the bark of trees, they are hard to dislodge. The injury inflicted is not apparent for some time; but, in process of time, large, cankerous wounds are produced, which gradually (with the aid of the insects) destroy the branches, and render the tree useless. If young trees are attacked, they are rendered valueless in a very short time. The insects hide in crevices of the bark of the trees each autumn, and remain dormant during the winter, ascending to their old quarters as the weather becomes warm. Trees which are covered with moss and lichens probably serve as places for hybernation; hence, it is desirable to remove such hiding-places, as well as all pieces of dead bark. To their being left may be frequently attributed the severe attacks of Blight experienced where they exist on trees. So soon as the cottony substance makes its appearance, one of the following remedies should be applied, and, if persisted in for a few seasons, the trees will be quite cleared.

Brushing and Scraping.In winter, the trees should be thoroughly cleaned; and, so long as there is a chance of the insects being in the bark, all loose pieces, moss, &c., should be brushed off, and the parts affected should be thoroughly saturated with a strong solution of soft soap or of soft soap and lime-water, applied with a stiff brush, so as to enter all the crevices.

Gas Liquor.This is the ammoniacal liquor from gas works. It must be diluted with from eight to twelve times its bulk of water, or it is dangerous to the trees; in fact, after dilution, it is advisable to test it, previous to using to any great extent. As the woolly covering of the insects resists water, it is desirable that the liquor be applied with a brush, and forced amongst the Blight.

Infusion of Tobacco Leaves(½lb. to 1 gallon) kills the insects on shoots dipped into it.

Paraffin or Petroleum.This is a simple and useful remedy. Obtain a painter's half-worn sash-tool, free from paint, and just moisten it in the oil. Then brush out each infested place as often as the Blight appears, and in one season the trees will be cleared.

Spent Tan.Collect spent tan into a heap a month or two before it is to be used, and if it has heated well and rotted, so much the better. In winter, clear away all leaves, rubbish, grass, &c., and spread the tan at the rate of about thirty loads to the acre, taking care that it surrounds the base of each tree infested with Blight. Practical proof of its utility has been given.

Turpentine and other Spirits.The mode of applying these is the same as for paraffin, but they frequently injure the bark, and sometimes kill young trees.

To kill insects on the roots, it is well to clear away the soil as far as possible from them, and to saturate the place with soapsuds or ammoniacal solutions; soot, quicklime, or other applications to the soil would also prove useful.

Other remedies that have been suggested are the drainings of stables, and grafting-clay plastered over the bark.

AMERICAN CENTAURY.SeeSabbatia.

AMERICAN CHINA ROOT.SeeSmilax.

AMERICAN COWSLIP.SeeDodecatheon.

AMERICAN CRANBERRY.SeeOxycoccus macrocarpus.

AMERICAN CRESS.SeeBarbarea.

AMERICAN DEWBERRY.seeRubus canadensis.

AMERICAN GOOSEBERRY.SeePereskia aculeata.

AMERICAN GREAT LAUREL.SeeRhododendron maximum.

AMERICAN HIGH BLACKBERRY.A common name forRubus villosus(whichsee).

AMERICAN MANDRAKE.SeePodophyllum peltatum.

AMERICAN MOUNTAIN ASH.SeePyrus americana.

AMERICAN PLANTS. This term includesRhododendron,Azalea, and several others of similar habit and constitution; indeed, any hardy, flowering shrubs requiring a moist peat border.

AMERICAN SPANISH OAK.SeeQuercus falcata.

AMERICAN SWAMP LILY.SeeSaururus cernuus.

AMERICAN WHITE OAK.SeeQuercus alba.

AMERICAN WILD BLACK CURRANT.SeeRibes floridum.

AMERICAN WILD RED RASPBERRY.SeeRubus strigosus.

AMERIMNON(froma, privative, andmerinna, care; in allusion to the little attention the plant requires; name originally applied to the House-leek). SYN.Amerimnum. ORD.Leguminosæ. Ornamental, evergreen, stove shrubs, with alternate, stalked, ovate, somewhat cordate, simple leaves. For culture,seeAnona.

A. Brownei(Browne's).*fl.white, sweet-scented; peduncles axillary, ten-flowered, glabrous or puberulous. May.l.ovate, somewhat cordate, acute, glabrous.h.6ft. to 10ft. Jamaica, 1793. Requires a trellis or other support.A. strigulosum(strigulose).fl.white; racemes axillary, solitary, three times longer than the petioles. May.l.ovate, rather cordate, obtuse, clothed with adpressed hairs on both surfaces; branches and petioles clothed with light brown, dense, short hairs.h.6ft. to 10ft. Trinidad, 1817.

A. strigulosum(strigulose).fl.white; racemes axillary, solitary, three times longer than the petioles. May.l.ovate, rather cordate, obtuse, clothed with adpressed hairs on both surfaces; branches and petioles clothed with light brown, dense, short hairs.h.6ft. to 10ft. Trinidad, 1817.

AMERIMNUM.A synonym ofAmerimnon(whichsee).

AMHERSTIA(commemorative of Countess Amherst, a zealous promoter of natural history, particularly botany). ORD.Leguminosæ. A stove, evergreen tree of almost unsurpassed magnificence and brilliancy, requiring a very high and moist temperature. It delights in a rich, strong loam, and may be propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a glass in bottom heat of about 80deg.; also by seeds.

A. nobilis(noble).*fl.of a fine vermilion colour, diversified with yellow spots, large; racemes long, pendulous, axillary. May.l.large, impari-pinnate, bearing six to eight pairs of leaflets.h.30ft. to 40ft. India, 1837. The flowers are, unfortunately, somewhat ephemeral, lasting but a few days in perfection, during which period, however, no object in the whole range of the vegetable kingdom presents a more striking aspect than this tree.

AMICIA(commemorative of J. B. Amici, a celebrated French physician). ORD.Leguminosæ. A pretty, greenhouse or half-hardy perennial, succeeding in any warm, sheltered spot. Young cuttings will root in sand, under a hand glass, in heat.

A. Zygomeris(two-jointed-podded).*fl.yellow, splashed with purple on the keel; peduncles axillary, five or six-flowered. Autumn. Legumes with two joints.l.abruptly pinnate, with two pairs of cuneate-obcordate, mucronate leaflets, which are full of pellucid dots; branches and petioles pubescent.h.8ft. Mexico, 1826.

AMMOBIUM(fromammos, sand, andbio, to live; in reference to the sandy soil in which it is found). ORD.Compositæ. This well-known everlasting is closely allied toGnaphalium, from which it differs principally in habit. Receptacle with oblong, pointed, toothed, chaffy scales; involucre of imbricated leaflets. It may be treated as a half-hardy annual, or as a biennial, if seeds are sown in September and kept in a cool greenhouse during the winter, and this is the best way to grow it. Any moderately good soil suits it.

A. alatum(winged).fl.-headsabout 1in. across, of a silvery whiteness, with the exception of the yellow disk florets, very numerous, in loose, corymbose panicles. May to September.l.oblong-lanceolate; radical ones in a tufted rosette. Stems winged—hence the specific name.h.1½ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1822. See Fig. 77.A. a. grandiflorum(large-flowered).*fl.-headspurer white, nearly twice the size of those in the type. This variety, which comes true from seed, is a great acquisition.

A. a. grandiflorum(large-flowered).*fl.-headspurer white, nearly twice the size of those in the type. This variety, which comes true from seed, is a great acquisition.

AMMOCHARIS.SeeBrunsvigia.

AMMODENDRON(fromammos, sand, anddendron, a tree; in reference to its natural habitat). SYN.Sophora. ORD.Leguminosæ. A small, neat, hardy evergreen, silky shrub, having the petioles hardening into spines; an excellent subject for shrubberies. It thrives in an ordinary soil, with good drainage, and is propagated by layers and seeds.

A. Sieversii(Sievers').*fl.purple, disposed in racemes. June.l.bifoliolate; leaflets lanceolate, silky-white on both surfaces.h.2ft. to 4ft. Siberia, 1837.

AMMYRSINE.SeeLeiophyllum.

AMOMOPHYLLUM.SeeSpathiphyllum.

FIG. 77. INFLORESCENCEOFAMMOBIUMALATUM.

AMOMUM(froma, not, andmomos, impurity; in reference to the quality of counteracting poison). ORD.Zingiberaceæ. Stove, deciduous, herbaceous perennials, chiefly aromatic, formerly used in embalming. Flowers produced close to the ground, in spikes or clusters, bracteate. Leaves distichous, sheathing at the base, lanceolate, entire. For culture,seeAlpinia.

A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved).*fl.sometimes of a uniform chrome-yellow, sometimes crimson, with the labellum of a yellow colour, more or less pale, and sometimes entirely crimson; scape naked, from 3in. to 8in. in length; spike capitate. July.l.linear-lanceolate.h.8ft. Madagascar.A. Cardamomum(Cardamom).*fl.brownish; lip three-lobed, spurred; scape compound, flexuous, procumbent. August.h.8ft. East Indies, 1823.A. Danielli(Daniel's).fl.4in. across; outer sepals fine red; the spreading labellum whitish, tinged with rose and yellow; scape short, arising from the bottom of the stem.l.oblong-lanceolate, 9in. long.h.2½ft. Western Africa.A. grandiflorum(large-flowered).fl.white, numerous, close; spike short. June.l.elliptic-lanceolate, pointed.h.3ft. Sierra Leone, 1795.A. Granum Paradisi.* Grains of Paradise.fl.white, tinged with yellow and rose.l.elliptic-lanceolate, long-pointed. Stems very red at base, and dull purplish-red above from the long, sheathing leafstalks.h.3ft. West Africa.A. Melegueta(Melegueta).* Grains of Paradise.fl.pale pink, solitary, with an orbicular, irregularly toothed lip. May.l.narrow, linear-elliptic, distichous, sessile.h.1ft. to 2ft. Sierra Leone, 1869. Habit creeping.A. sceptrum(sceptre).fl.bright rose purple, large, sub-erect; the most conspicuous portion is the lip, which is 2½in. in diameter; flower-scapes 6in. high. January.l.narrow, oblong-lanceolate.h.5ft. to 6ft. Old Calabar, 1863.A. vitellinum(yolk-of-egg-coloured).fl.yellow; lip oblong, obtuse, toothed; spike oblong, sessile, rather loose. April.l.oval.h.2ft. East Indies, 1846. Plant stemless, glabrous.

A. Cardamomum(Cardamom).*fl.brownish; lip three-lobed, spurred; scape compound, flexuous, procumbent. August.h.8ft. East Indies, 1823.

A. Danielli(Daniel's).fl.4in. across; outer sepals fine red; the spreading labellum whitish, tinged with rose and yellow; scape short, arising from the bottom of the stem.l.oblong-lanceolate, 9in. long.h.2½ft. Western Africa.

A. grandiflorum(large-flowered).fl.white, numerous, close; spike short. June.l.elliptic-lanceolate, pointed.h.3ft. Sierra Leone, 1795.

A. Granum Paradisi.* Grains of Paradise.fl.white, tinged with yellow and rose.l.elliptic-lanceolate, long-pointed. Stems very red at base, and dull purplish-red above from the long, sheathing leafstalks.h.3ft. West Africa.

A. Melegueta(Melegueta).* Grains of Paradise.fl.pale pink, solitary, with an orbicular, irregularly toothed lip. May.l.narrow, linear-elliptic, distichous, sessile.h.1ft. to 2ft. Sierra Leone, 1869. Habit creeping.

A. sceptrum(sceptre).fl.bright rose purple, large, sub-erect; the most conspicuous portion is the lip, which is 2½in. in diameter; flower-scapes 6in. high. January.l.narrow, oblong-lanceolate.h.5ft. to 6ft. Old Calabar, 1863.

A. vitellinum(yolk-of-egg-coloured).fl.yellow; lip oblong, obtuse, toothed; spike oblong, sessile, rather loose. April.l.oval.h.2ft. East Indies, 1846. Plant stemless, glabrous.

AMORPHA(froma, not, andmorphe, form; incomplete formation of the flowers). Bastard Indigo. ORD.Leguminosæ. A handsome genus of hardy deciduous shrubs with very graceful impari-pinnate leaves, and many pairs of leaflets, which are full of pellucid dots. Racemes spicate, elongated, usually in fascicles at the tops of the branches; corolla without wings and keel; vexillum or standard ovate, concave. They are well adapted for small shrubberies, requiring a sheltered situation, and thrive well in common garden soil. Increased by layers, or cuttings, taken off at a joint, and planted in a sheltered situation early in autumn; these should be allowed to remain undisturbed till the following autumn. Amorphas produce an abundance of suckers, from which they may be readily propagated.

A. canescens(hoary).* The Lead Plant.fl.dark blue. July.l., leaflets ovate-elliptic, mucronate.h.3ft. Missouri, 1812. Whole plant clothed with hoary hairs.A. fruticosa(shrubby).* The False Indigo.fl.very dark bluish purple. June.l., leaflets elliptic-oblong; lower ones distant from the stem.h.6ft. Carolina, 1724. Shrub glabrous, or a little villous. There are several varieties, having mucronate, emarginate, or narrower leaflets, but all with purple flowers. A host of names, representing the merest forms ofA. fruticosa, are to be found in nurserymen's catalogues. Amongst them are:caroliniana,crocea,crocea-lanata,dealbata,fragrans,glabra,herbacea,nana,pubescens, &c. These differ so slightly from the type and from each other, that it is impossible to distinguish them.

A. canescens(hoary).* The Lead Plant.fl.dark blue. July.l., leaflets ovate-elliptic, mucronate.h.3ft. Missouri, 1812. Whole plant clothed with hoary hairs.

A. fruticosa(shrubby).* The False Indigo.fl.very dark bluish purple. June.l., leaflets elliptic-oblong; lower ones distant from the stem.h.6ft. Carolina, 1724. Shrub glabrous, or a little villous. There are several varieties, having mucronate, emarginate, or narrower leaflets, but all with purple flowers. A host of names, representing the merest forms ofA. fruticosa, are to be found in nurserymen's catalogues. Amongst them are:caroliniana,crocea,crocea-lanata,dealbata,fragrans,glabra,herbacea,nana,pubescens, &c. These differ so slightly from the type and from each other, that it is impossible to distinguish them.

AMORPHOPHALLUS(fromamorphos, deformed, andphallos, a mace; alluding to the inflorescence). SYN.Pythion. IncludingProteinophallus. ORD.Aroideæ (Araceæ). A very remarkable genus, closely allied toArum, but distinguished therefrom by "their spreading, not convolute, spathes; by their anthers opening by pores, not by longitudinal slits; by the numerous cells to the ovary; and by the solitary, erect ovules, those ofArumbeing horizontal." A soil consisting of two-thirds good rich loam, with the additional third of sweet manure, thoroughly rotted, suits them well. Other essentials are plenty of pot room, a genial atmosphere, and a temperature ranging from 55deg. to 65deg., or even 70deg. They require to be kept dry, and warm in winter, as nothing is more fatal to them than cold or damp. Beneath a shelf or stage in the stove is an excellent spot for them, or they may be stored in sand, and kept free from frost. They are difficult to increase; the corms of most of them are of great size, and rarely make offsets. Efforts should consequently be made to induce the plants to seed whenever practicable. All the species are strikingly effective in sub-tropical bedding. For fertilising and growth of seedlings,seeArum.

A. campanulatus(bell-shaped).* Similar toA. Rivieri, but the flowers are brown, red, and black, and the scape is neither so stout nor so tall.h.2ft. India, 1817. SYN.Arum campanulatum.A. grandis(large).fl., spathe green, white inside; spadix purplish.h.3ft. Java, 1865. Stove species.A. Lacourii(Lacour's).*l.pedatisect, the ultimate segments lanceolate, yellow-spotted; petioles transversely mottled with yellow markings. Cochin China, 1879. Greenhouse. The correct name of this species isPseudodracontium Lacourii.A. nivosus.SeeDracontium asperum.A. Rivieri(Rivier's).*fl., spadix, spathe, and scape, reaching 3ft. or more in height, appearing before the leaves; scape stout and strong, of a deep green colour, speckled or dotted with rose; spadix projecting, deep red; spathe of a rosy-green colour. March to May.l.solitary, decompound, 40in. to 50in. across, on tall marbled petioles. Cochin China. Perhaps the most useful species. SYN.Proteinophallus Rivieri. See Fig. 78.

A. campanulatus(bell-shaped).* Similar toA. Rivieri, but the flowers are brown, red, and black, and the scape is neither so stout nor so tall.h.2ft. India, 1817. SYN.Arum campanulatum.

A. grandis(large).fl., spathe green, white inside; spadix purplish.h.3ft. Java, 1865. Stove species.

A. Lacourii(Lacour's).*l.pedatisect, the ultimate segments lanceolate, yellow-spotted; petioles transversely mottled with yellow markings. Cochin China, 1879. Greenhouse. The correct name of this species isPseudodracontium Lacourii.

A. nivosus.SeeDracontium asperum.

A. Rivieri(Rivier's).*fl., spadix, spathe, and scape, reaching 3ft. or more in height, appearing before the leaves; scape stout and strong, of a deep green colour, speckled or dotted with rose; spadix projecting, deep red; spathe of a rosy-green colour. March to May.l.solitary, decompound, 40in. to 50in. across, on tall marbled petioles. Cochin China. Perhaps the most useful species. SYN.Proteinophallus Rivieri. See Fig. 78.

FIG. 78. AMORPHOPHALLUSRIVIERI, Foliage and Inflorescence.

A. Titanum(Titan's).*fl., spadix 5ft. high, black purple; spathe nearly 3ft. in diameter, campanulate in shape, with patent and deeply toothed edges. The deeper portion of the interior is pale greenish, but the limb is of a bright black purple hue; the outside is pale green, smooth in the lower portion, but thickly corrugated and crisp above; scape about 1½ft. long, green, marked with small whitish orbicular spots.l.the divided blade covers an area of 45ft. in circumference. West Sumatra, 1878. As will be seen from the above, this extraordinary plant is of gigantic proportions, and, in size of the flowers, eclipsing nearly all others in the vegetable kingdom. SYN.Conophallus Titanum.

AMORPHOUS.Without definite form.

AMPELOPSIS(fromampelos, a vine, andopsis, resemblance; resembling the Grape Vine in habit, and to which it is closely allied). SYN.Quinaria. ORD.Ampelideæ. A genus nearly allied toVitis. Calyx slightly five toothed; petals concave, thick, expanding before they fall; disk none. Fast growing and ornamental climbing, hardy deciduous shrubs, of very easy culture in common garden soil. Cuttings, having a good eye, may be taken in September, and pricked either under handlights in sandy soil on the open border, or in pots stood on the stage or shelf in a greenhouse; they root readily, and will be fit for transplanting early in the spring. Or cuttings made from the young soft wood, expressly grown for the purpose, in spring, root freely in gentle heat. This applies especially toA. tricuspidata. They are also easily increased by layers. Most of the species will thrive with equal vigour in almost any position, however exposed.

A. aconitifolia(Aconite-leaved).*l.palmisect, with pinnatifid segments. China, 1868. A slender and very elegant free-growing species, with long reddish branches. There are two or more varieties. SYNS.A. lucida,A. triloba,A. tripartita, andVitis dissecta. See Fig. 79.A. bipinnata(bipinnate).fl.green, small; raceme stalked, twice bifid. Berries globose. June.l.bipinnate, smooth; leaflets deeply lobed.h.10ft. Virginia, 1700.A. hederacea(Ivy-leaved). Synonymous withA. quinquefolia.A. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withA. tricuspidata.A. lucida(shining). Synonymous withA. aconitifolia.A. napiformis(turnip-like).* Greenish. China, 1870. See Fig. 80.A. quinquefolia(five-leaved).* Virginian Creeper.fl.greenish-purple; raceme corymbose. June.l.palmate, with three and five leaflets, smooth on both surfaces; leaflets stalked, oblong-acuminated, mucronately toothed; autumnal tint red. North America, 1629. SYN.A. hederacea.A. q. hirsuta(hairy).l.downy on both surfaces.A. serjaniæfolia(Serjania-leaved).*l.green, palmately five-parted, or the upper ones three-parted, the intermediate division being often ternate or pinnate; leaflets obovate acute, and incisely toothed or sublobate; the rachis is articulately winged. Japan, 1867. SYNS.A. tuberosa,Cissus viticifolia. Roots tuberous; seeFig. 81.

A. bipinnata(bipinnate).fl.green, small; raceme stalked, twice bifid. Berries globose. June.l.bipinnate, smooth; leaflets deeply lobed.h.10ft. Virginia, 1700.

A. hederacea(Ivy-leaved). Synonymous withA. quinquefolia.

A. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withA. tricuspidata.

A. lucida(shining). Synonymous withA. aconitifolia.

A. napiformis(turnip-like).* Greenish. China, 1870. See Fig. 80.

A. quinquefolia(five-leaved).* Virginian Creeper.fl.greenish-purple; raceme corymbose. June.l.palmate, with three and five leaflets, smooth on both surfaces; leaflets stalked, oblong-acuminated, mucronately toothed; autumnal tint red. North America, 1629. SYN.A. hederacea.

A. q. hirsuta(hairy).l.downy on both surfaces.

A. serjaniæfolia(Serjania-leaved).*l.green, palmately five-parted, or the upper ones three-parted, the intermediate division being often ternate or pinnate; leaflets obovate acute, and incisely toothed or sublobate; the rachis is articulately winged. Japan, 1867. SYNS.A. tuberosa,Cissus viticifolia. Roots tuberous; seeFig. 81.

FIG. 79. STEMANDLEAVESOFAMPELOPSISACONITIFOLIA.

A. tricuspidata(three-pointed).*l.very variable in shape; younger ones almost entire; older ones larger, roundish-cordate, divided to the middle into three deltoid lobes, which run into little tails, and are coarsely toothed at the margin. Japan, 1868. SYNS.A. Veitchii,Vitis japonica(of gardens).A. triloba(three-lobed). A synonym ofA. aconitifolia.A. tripartita(three-parted). A synonym ofA. aconitifolia.A. tuberosa(tuberous). A synonym ofA. serjaniæfolia.A. Veitchii(Veitch's). A synonym ofA. tricuspidata.

A. triloba(three-lobed). A synonym ofA. aconitifolia.

A. tripartita(three-parted). A synonym ofA. aconitifolia.

A. tuberosa(tuberous). A synonym ofA. serjaniæfolia.

A. Veitchii(Veitch's). A synonym ofA. tricuspidata.

AMPHIBLEMMA CYMOSUM.SeeMelastoma corymbosum.

AMPHIBLESTRA.Included underPteris(whichsee).

AMPHICARPÆA(fromamphi, both, andkarpos, a fruit; in allusion to the two kinds of pods—those of the upper flowers being scimitar-shaped, three or four-seeded; those of the lower, pear-shaped, fleshy, usually ripening but one seed; these lower pods bury themselves in the ground after fertilisation). ORD.Leguminosæ. A genus of ornamental annuals, with herbaceous, twining stems, and sometimes apetalous flowers, allied toWistaria. The species are of easy culture. Seeds should be sown in the open border, in spring, in a sunny situation.

A. monoica(monœcious). Hog Pea-nut.fl.with a pale violet vexillum, and white keel and wings; racemes axillary, pendulous. June to August.l.pinnately-trifoliate; leaflets ovate, glabrous. North America. 1781.

FIG. 80. TUBERSANDLEAFOFAMPELOPSISNAPIFORMIS.

FIG. 81. ROOTSOFAMPELOPSISSERJANIÆFOLIA.

AMPHICOME(fromamphi, on both sides, andkome, a head of hair; in reference to the seeds being furnished with a tuft of hairs at both ends). ORD.Bignoniaceæ. Flowers axillary or terminal. Leaves alternate, unequally pinnate. Very ornamental greenhouse or half-hardy rock herbaceous plants. If planted outside, they must be protected during the winter from wet and severe frosts. A mixture of loam, sand, and leaf soil suits them well. Increased by striking the young shoots in spring in sandysoil in gentle heat; or by seed, which should be sown in early spring, in pots of sandy soil placed in a greenhouse.

A. arguta(finely-cut).*fl.red, drooping; racemes axillary, terminal; corolla tubular near the base, ventricose above. August.l.alternate, impari-pinnate; leaflets opposite, on short petioles, three to four pairs, lanceolate, acuminated, deeply serrated.h.3ft. Himalaya, 1837.A. Emodi(Emodian).*fl.rose and orange, erect; racemes axillary; corolla 1½in. to 2in. long, bell-shaped, slightly tubular below. August to October.l.impari-pinnate, with numerous leaflets.h.1ft. to 1½ft. India, at high altitudes, 1852. A very beautiful plant.

A. Emodi(Emodian).*fl.rose and orange, erect; racemes axillary; corolla 1½in. to 2in. long, bell-shaped, slightly tubular below. August to October.l.impari-pinnate, with numerous leaflets.h.1ft. to 1½ft. India, at high altitudes, 1852. A very beautiful plant.

AMPHILOPHIUM(fromamphilophos, crested on all sides; limb of corolla much curled). SYN.Amphilobium. ORD.Bignoniaceæ. A handsome stove evergreen climber. Corolla somewhat coriaceous, with a short tube, and a large ventricose throat. Loam and peat, well mixed, suits it best; cuttings from young shoots root readily in sand, under a hand glass, with bottom heat, during the spring months.

A. paniculatum(panicled).*fl.rose-coloured; panicle terminal, composed of three-flowered peduncles. June.l.joined by pairs, opposite; leaflets ovate-roundish, acuminated, sub-cordate. West Indies, 1738.

AMPLEXICAULIS.Embracing the stem; usually applied to leaves.

AMPULLACEOUS.Resembling a bladder or flask.

AMSONIA(in honour of Charles Amson, a scientific traveller in America). ORD.Apocynaceæ. Very pretty hardy, herbaceous perennials, with alternate leaves, and terminal panicles of pale blue flowers; corolla with linear lobes, and a narrow funnel-shaped tube. They thrive in half shady positions in borders, or the edges of shrubberies, where they will not need to be frequently transplanted. Propagated by cuttings during the summer months, or by divisions of the roots in spring.

A. latifolia(broad-leaved). Synonymous withA. Tabernæmontana.

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