FIG. 136. AQUILEGIAOLYMPICA, showing Habit and Flower.
FIG. 136. AQUILEGIAOLYMPICA, showing Habit and Flower.
FIG. 136. AQUILEGIAOLYMPICA, showing Habit and Flower.
FIG. 137. AQUILEGIASIBIRICAFLORE-PLENO, showing Habit and Flower.
FIG. 137. AQUILEGIASIBIRICAFLORE-PLENO, showing Habit and Flower.
FIG. 137. AQUILEGIASIBIRICAFLORE-PLENO, showing Habit and Flower.
A. v. Wittmanniana(Wittmann's).fl.large, bright lilac purple; sepals ovate-acute, 1in. to 1¼in. long, more than half as much broad; limb of petals white, about half the length of sepals; spur curved. A very fine variety.The following names are also met with in gardens, some of which represent specific forms, but none are effective as garden ornaments:advena,Burgeriana,Haylodgensis(hybrid),grata,longissima,nevadensis,oxysepala, &c.
A. v. Wittmanniana(Wittmann's).fl.large, bright lilac purple; sepals ovate-acute, 1in. to 1¼in. long, more than half as much broad; limb of petals white, about half the length of sepals; spur curved. A very fine variety.
The following names are also met with in gardens, some of which represent specific forms, but none are effective as garden ornaments:advena,Burgeriana,Haylodgensis(hybrid),grata,longissima,nevadensis,oxysepala, &c.
AQUOSUS.Watery.
ARABIS(origin of the word not clear). Wall Cress; Rock Cress. ORD.Cruciferæ. Hardy perennial trailers, except where otherwise stated. Flowers mostly white; racemes terminal; pedicels bractless. Radical leaves usually stalked; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire or toothed, rarely lobed. Most members of this genus are peculiarly well adapted for rockwork and the alpine garden, both from their natural hardihood as well as their early and profuse flowering habits. They are of the easiest possible culture in any dry soil. The perennial species may either be increased by divisions of the root, by cuttings, placed in a shady border during the summer, or by seed. The latter may be sown outside, or in pans, in spring, when most of them will germinate in two or three weeks. The annuals and biennials are for the most part devoid of any cultural beauty.
A. albida(whitish).*fl.white; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx. January to May.l.few-toothed, hoary, or downy with branched hairs; radical ones obovate-oblong; cauline ones cordately sagittate, clasping the stem.h.6in. to 9in. Tauria and Caucasus, 1798. SYN.A. caucasica.A. a. variegata(variegated).* A very pretty variegated form for edgings.
A. albida(whitish).*fl.white; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx. January to May.l.few-toothed, hoary, or downy with branched hairs; radical ones obovate-oblong; cauline ones cordately sagittate, clasping the stem.h.6in. to 9in. Tauria and Caucasus, 1798. SYN.A. caucasica.
A. a. variegata(variegated).* A very pretty variegated form for edgings.
FIG. 138. ARABISALPINA, showing Habit and Flowers.
FIG. 138. ARABISALPINA, showing Habit and Flowers.
FIG. 138. ARABISALPINA, showing Habit and Flowers.
A. alpina(alpine).*fl.white, smaller than those ofA. albida; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx, which is smoothish. March to May.l.many-toothed, lanceolate, acute, villous with branched hairs; radical ones somewhat stalked; cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem.h.6in. European rocks, in sunny places, 1596. There are one or two varieties, including a variegated-leaved form, in cultivation. See Fig. 138.
A. alpina(alpine).*fl.white, smaller than those ofA. albida; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx, which is smoothish. March to May.l.many-toothed, lanceolate, acute, villous with branched hairs; radical ones somewhat stalked; cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem.h.6in. European rocks, in sunny places, 1596. There are one or two varieties, including a variegated-leaved form, in cultivation. See Fig. 138.
FIG. 139. ARABISARENOSA, showing Habit and Flowers.
FIG. 139. ARABISARENOSA, showing Habit and Flowers.
FIG. 139. ARABISARENOSA, showing Habit and Flowers.
A. arenosa(sand-loving).*fl.rose coloured, very rarely white or bluish; petals obovate; pedicels spreading. April to July.l.villous, with forked hairs; radical ones pinnatifid, with the upper lobes much larger than the lower; cauline ones deeply toothed. Stem branched, hispid, with simple hairs.h.6in. Middle Europe, 1798. See Fig. 139.A. blepharophylla(fringed-leaved).*fl.rosy purple; petals roundish, narrowing to the base, with slender claws. Spring.l.naked, except the margins, which are fringed with very stiff hairs; radical ones spathulate; cauline ones oblong, sessile.h.3in. to 4in. California, 1874. This succeeds best in a cool frame, where it will flower in January.A. caucasica(Caucasus). A synonym ofA. albida.A. lucida(shining).*fl.white; petals entire, narrowed at the base, twice as long as the calyx. Summer.l.obovate, thickish, shining, clasping the stem.h.4in. to 6in. Hungary, 1790. A very pretty species, with a dwarf habit; it is especially adapted for edgings, borders, or rockwork.A. l. variegata(variegated).* A great improvement upon the type, being broadly edged with yellow, and the green somewhat lighter. When grown in tufts or as edging, it is very effective, and should be prevented from flowering. This exceedingly desirable variety is a gem for the rockwork, and when seen in crevices, or in bold tufts, it is very striking. It must be increased by slips or rootlets, which should be taken in early summer.A. mollis(soft).fl.white, in terminal racemes. May to July.l.grossly toothed, somewhat pubescent, with small stellate hairs; lower ones on long petioles, cordate-roundish; cauline ones ovate-cordate, clasping the stem.h.2ft. Caucasus, 1823.A. petræa(rock).*fl.white; petals ovate, with stalks. June.l.smooth, ciliated or scabrous, with simple or bifid radical ones on longish stalks, entire, toothed; cauline ones oblong-linear, entire, or toothed.h.3in. or 4in. Britain.A. præcox(early).fl.white; petals obovately cuneated, double the length of the calyx. April to June.l.oblong, acute, sessile, quite entire, smooth. Stem covered with close pressed rigid hairs.h.6in. to 9in. Hungary.A. procurrens(procurrent).fl.white; petals obovate, double the length of the calyx. May and June.l.ovate, quite entire, smooth, ciliated with two-parted hairs; radical ones narrowed into a petiole; cauline ones sessile, pointed. Stolons creeping.h.9in. Servia, 1819. There is a brilliantly variegated form of this pretty species well worth growing.A. rosea(rosy).*fl.rosy purple; petals oblong, somewhat wedge-shaped, double the length of the calyx; pedicels longer than the calyx. May to July.l., cauline ones oblong, somewhat cordate, and rather stem-clasping, scabrous with branched hairs.h.1ft. Calabria, 1832.A. verna(spring).fl.small, purple, with a white claw; pedicels shorter than the calyx. May to June.l., cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem, toothed, scabrous with three-parted hairs.h.3in. to 6in. South Europe, 1710. The best annual species.
A. arenosa(sand-loving).*fl.rose coloured, very rarely white or bluish; petals obovate; pedicels spreading. April to July.l.villous, with forked hairs; radical ones pinnatifid, with the upper lobes much larger than the lower; cauline ones deeply toothed. Stem branched, hispid, with simple hairs.h.6in. Middle Europe, 1798. See Fig. 139.
A. blepharophylla(fringed-leaved).*fl.rosy purple; petals roundish, narrowing to the base, with slender claws. Spring.l.naked, except the margins, which are fringed with very stiff hairs; radical ones spathulate; cauline ones oblong, sessile.h.3in. to 4in. California, 1874. This succeeds best in a cool frame, where it will flower in January.
A. caucasica(Caucasus). A synonym ofA. albida.
A. lucida(shining).*fl.white; petals entire, narrowed at the base, twice as long as the calyx. Summer.l.obovate, thickish, shining, clasping the stem.h.4in. to 6in. Hungary, 1790. A very pretty species, with a dwarf habit; it is especially adapted for edgings, borders, or rockwork.
A. l. variegata(variegated).* A great improvement upon the type, being broadly edged with yellow, and the green somewhat lighter. When grown in tufts or as edging, it is very effective, and should be prevented from flowering. This exceedingly desirable variety is a gem for the rockwork, and when seen in crevices, or in bold tufts, it is very striking. It must be increased by slips or rootlets, which should be taken in early summer.
A. mollis(soft).fl.white, in terminal racemes. May to July.l.grossly toothed, somewhat pubescent, with small stellate hairs; lower ones on long petioles, cordate-roundish; cauline ones ovate-cordate, clasping the stem.h.2ft. Caucasus, 1823.
A. petræa(rock).*fl.white; petals ovate, with stalks. June.l.smooth, ciliated or scabrous, with simple or bifid radical ones on longish stalks, entire, toothed; cauline ones oblong-linear, entire, or toothed.h.3in. or 4in. Britain.
A. præcox(early).fl.white; petals obovately cuneated, double the length of the calyx. April to June.l.oblong, acute, sessile, quite entire, smooth. Stem covered with close pressed rigid hairs.h.6in. to 9in. Hungary.
A. procurrens(procurrent).fl.white; petals obovate, double the length of the calyx. May and June.l.ovate, quite entire, smooth, ciliated with two-parted hairs; radical ones narrowed into a petiole; cauline ones sessile, pointed. Stolons creeping.h.9in. Servia, 1819. There is a brilliantly variegated form of this pretty species well worth growing.
A. rosea(rosy).*fl.rosy purple; petals oblong, somewhat wedge-shaped, double the length of the calyx; pedicels longer than the calyx. May to July.l., cauline ones oblong, somewhat cordate, and rather stem-clasping, scabrous with branched hairs.h.1ft. Calabria, 1832.
A. verna(spring).fl.small, purple, with a white claw; pedicels shorter than the calyx. May to June.l., cauline ones cordate, clasping the stem, toothed, scabrous with three-parted hairs.h.3in. to 6in. South Europe, 1710. The best annual species.
ARACEÆorAROIDEÆ. An extensive order of herbaceous plants, with tuberous rhizomes. Flowers on a spadix, unisexual or hermaphrodite, protected by a spathe. Leaves large, radical. Well known genera belonging to this order are:Alocasia,Arum,Caladium,Colocasia, andDieffenbachia.
ARACHIS(froma, without, andrachis, a branch; plant branchless). Ground or Earth Nut. ORD.Leguminosæ. A stove annual, of economical value. Corolla resupinate; calyx a long tube, with a bilabiate limb; ovary stipitate, inclosed in the tube of the calyx; the stipe at first short, but afterwards becoming elongated. Sandy loam is the soil most suitable for their cultivation. Seeds should be sown in heat; and, when the plants have grown to a sufficient size, they should be potted off singly, and placed among other stove annuals. After the plant has finished flowering, and the pods begin to lengthen, the pedicels force them into the earth, where they ripen their seeds.
A. hypogæa(underground). Monkey Nut.fl.yellow, five to seven together in the axils of the leaves. May.l.abruptly-pinnate, bearing two pairs of leaflets, without any tendril; stipulas elongated, adnate to the petioles.h.1ft., or procumbent. South America, 1812. See Fig. 140.
A. hypogæa(underground). Monkey Nut.fl.yellow, five to seven together in the axils of the leaves. May.l.abruptly-pinnate, bearing two pairs of leaflets, without any tendril; stipulas elongated, adnate to the petioles.h.1ft., or procumbent. South America, 1812. See Fig. 140.
ARACHNIMORPHA.A synonym ofRondeletia(whichsee).
ARACHNOID.Resembling a cobweb in appearance; seeming to be covered with cobweb, in consequence of the entanglement of long, white hairs.
FIG. 140. ARACHISHYPOGÆA, showing Leaf, Flower, &c., and Cluster of short wrinkled Pods.
FIG. 140. ARACHISHYPOGÆA, showing Leaf, Flower, &c., and Cluster of short wrinkled Pods.
FIG. 140. ARACHISHYPOGÆA, showing Leaf, Flower, &c., and Cluster of short wrinkled Pods.
ARALIA(meaning unknown). ORD.Araliaceæ. This widely-grown genus includes stove, greenhouse, and hardy, herbaceous and shrubby plants. Flowers inconspicuous, umbellate, the umbels usually disposed in panicles; petals five, inserted on the margin of the disk; stamens five (see Fig. 142). Leaves usually compound. These plants are of moderately free growth, and the majority are easy to manage. Those requiring indoor treatment thrive well under the ordinary routine of management. One most important requirement, however, is that they must be kept well supplied with water at the roots. The finer, or stove varieties, should be potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with the addition of a little fibrous leaf soil, and sufficient sand to keep the whole porous. The stronger growing kinds thrive in a richer compost. Propagation by cuttings of the roots is a common and very successful method. To obtain the roots, one of the strongest plants should be turned out of the pot, and the roots should be cleared of soil by shaking or washing it out; the requisite number of pieces should then be selected. As each piece is removed, it should have the end nearest the stem cut horizontally, to distinguish it from the other or furthermost end. In planting cuttings of the roots, it is best to place the end nearest the stem uppermost. The pieces may be left about 2in. long, and should be inserted in pots, well drained, and filled with sandy soil, leaving the tops of the cuttings about level with the surface of the soil. A square of glass must be placed over the top of each pot, plunging them in moderate bottom heat. The stems of the plants from which the roots have been taken may be cut into pieces 1in. or 1½in. long, leaving an eye or bud near the top; a slice of half the shoot may be taken off opposite the bud. When prepared, these pieces should be pressed into pots of sand or sandy soil, and plunged into bottom heat. The stems may be cut down without disturbing the roots; in that case, if the pots are plunged in bottom heat, and kept moderately supplied with water, they will probably throw up several suckers or shoots from the roots. These, if taken off with a portion of root to each, and placed in small sized pots, will, with a little care, soon make useful plants. All the hardy species and most of the greenhouse ones are propagated readily bycuttings or pieces of roots. Some of the stove species, however, are very difficult to increase, except by grafting. Among these areA. leptophylla,A. Veitchii,&c. These should be worked on stocks ofA. GuilfoyleiorA. reticulata,the latter being the better of the two. Cuttings of either of these strike readily, and stocks fit for grafting are easily procured. In sheltered and warm positions, the greenhouse species are admirably suited for sub-tropical gardening, either planted singly or in groups.SeealsoDimorphanthus,Fatsia,Hedera,Heptapleurum,Monopanax,Oreopanax, andPanax.
A. canescens(greyish). A garden synonym ofA. chinensis.A. Chabrierii(Chabrier's).*l.alternate, pinnate, about a foot long; pinnæ opposite, 6in. to 9in. long, linear-lanceolate, deep green, with a heavy crimson midrib. 1882. Suitable for table decoration. A charming stove species.
A. canescens(greyish). A garden synonym ofA. chinensis.
A. Chabrierii(Chabrier's).*l.alternate, pinnate, about a foot long; pinnæ opposite, 6in. to 9in. long, linear-lanceolate, deep green, with a heavy crimson midrib. 1882. Suitable for table decoration. A charming stove species.
FIG. 141. ARALIACHINENSIS.
FIG. 141. ARALIACHINENSIS.
FIG. 141. ARALIACHINENSIS.
A. chinensis(Chinese).*fl.white; panicles terminal; peduncles umbelliferous.l.petiolate, coriaceous, woolly on both surfaces when young (only); pinnæ seven, ovate, serrated at the apex, erect and distinct.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1838. This species, if planted in a soil with a dry porous bottom, will prove to be hardy. SYN.A. canescens, of gardens. See Fig. 141.A. concinna(neat).l.unequally pinnate; pinnæ lobed and serrate. Stem spotted. New Caledonia, 1879. A handsome stove species, but very rare. SYNS.A. spectabilis,Delarbrea spectabilis.A. crassifolia(thick-leaved). A synonym ofPseudopanax crassifolium.A. edulis(edible).*fl.numerous, white; umbels globose, axillary and terminal, united into simple or compound racemes. Summer.l., lower ones pinnate, with five leaflets, or three pinnate, with divisions of three to five leaflets; upper ones generally simple, with stalked leaflets, having a cordate base, ovate, acute, finely toothed, downy.h.4ft. to 6ft. Japan, 1843. Hardy, herbaceous, perennial, hairy, and spineless.A. elegantissima(most elegant).*l.digitate, on long dark green footstalks, which are mottled with white; leaflets seven to ten, filiform, and, being pendulous, impart a very graceful character to the plant. Stem straight, erect. South Sea Islands, 1873. Stove species, excellent for table decoration.A. filicifolia(fern-leaved).*l., leafstalks sheathing at the base, and terete in the upper part, expanding into a broad leafy limb which is impari-pinnately divided; pinnæ opposite, deeply pinnatifid, bright green, with a purplish midrib. Stem and leafstalks purplish, thickly marked with oblong white spots. Polynesia, 1876.A. gracillima(most graceful). Synonymous withA. Veitchii gracillima.A. Guilfoylei(Guilfoyle's).*l.pinnate, on long smooth terete petioles; leaflets oblong-elliptic, bluntish, from three to seven, they are sometimes obscurely lobed, and irregularly spinose, serrate, varying in size from 2in. to 3in. long, neatly and evenly margined with creamy white, the surface being in addition occasionally splashed with grey. Stem erect, copiously dotted with lenticular markings. South Sea Islands, 1876. Stove species.A. heteromorpha(many-formed).*l.sometimes ovate-lanceolate and serrated, and at others bifid or even trifid at the apex, about 6in. to 8in. or 9in. long, bright shining green. A very desirable species, of robust and compact habit.A. japonica(Japanese). Another name forFatsia japonica.A. Kerchoveana(Count Kerchove's).l.digitate, almost circular in outline; leaflets nine to eleven, spreading, elliptic-lanceolate, conspicuously serrated or undulated margins, of a deep glossy green relieved by a pale midrib. 1883. A very elegant slender-stemmed plant from the South Sea Islands, and likely to prove valuable for decorative purposes. Stove species.A. leptophylla(slender-leaved).*l.compound, bearing often seven or more petiolate leaflets of a somewhat pendent character, and dark green in colour. 1862. An elegant stove or greenhouse slender growing species.A. longipes(long-stalked).l.digitate, long stalked, and rather distant; leaflets oblanceolate acuminate, slightly undulated at the edge; petioles elongated. Stems simple. North Australia, 1882. A very distinct erect-growing evergreen stove species.A. maculata(spotted).l.of a light green colour; leaflets oblong-acuminate, in about four pairs. Stem erect, which, as well as the stalks of the leaves, is of a blackish-purple hue, thickly spotted with green dots. This peculiar colouring is very distinct and conspicuous. South Pacific Islands. Stove species.A. Maximowiczii(Maximowicz's).*l.on long stalks, palmately five to seven-lobed; lobes lanceolate, 3½in. long, serrate. Japan, 1874. An elegant and distinct hardy shrub, with erect spiny stem. SYN.Acanthopanax ricinifolium.A. monstrosa(monstrous).*l.pendent, pinnate; leaflets three to seven, oblong elliptic, deeply and irregularly serrated (this serration sometimes takes most fantastic forms), broadly margined with creamy white, the surface blotched with grey. South Sea Islands, 1880. Stove species.A. nudicaulis(naked-stemmed).*fl.greenish; scape trifid at the apex, shorter than the leaf, each division bearing a many-flowered umbel. June.l.radical, the divisions pinnately five foliate; leaflets oblong-oval, with a long tapering point, serrate. Root horizontal, very long.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1731. Quite hardy, herbaceous perennial.A. Osyana(Osyan).* ResemblingA. leptophylla, but with leaflets deeply bifid at the ends; surface colour bright green; primary veins and tips of the leaflets chocolate brown. South Sea Islands, 1870. Very elegant stove species.A. pentaphylla(five-leaved).*l.digitate, or sometimes only three leaflets are produced, each varying from 6in. to 10in. in length, and from 1in. to 2in. in breadth, deeply lobed or pinnatifid, bright shining green. Stem arboreous, prickly.h.20ft. Japan. SYN.Panax spinosa.A. p. variegata(variegated).l.broadly edged with creamy white. Japan, 1874.A. quercifolia(oak-leaved).*l.opposite, trifoliate; leaflets deeply sinuate; lower petioles about 3in. long, light shining green. New Britain, 1880. Very pretty stove species.
A. chinensis(Chinese).*fl.white; panicles terminal; peduncles umbelliferous.l.petiolate, coriaceous, woolly on both surfaces when young (only); pinnæ seven, ovate, serrated at the apex, erect and distinct.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1838. This species, if planted in a soil with a dry porous bottom, will prove to be hardy. SYN.A. canescens, of gardens. See Fig. 141.
A. concinna(neat).l.unequally pinnate; pinnæ lobed and serrate. Stem spotted. New Caledonia, 1879. A handsome stove species, but very rare. SYNS.A. spectabilis,Delarbrea spectabilis.
A. crassifolia(thick-leaved). A synonym ofPseudopanax crassifolium.
A. edulis(edible).*fl.numerous, white; umbels globose, axillary and terminal, united into simple or compound racemes. Summer.l., lower ones pinnate, with five leaflets, or three pinnate, with divisions of three to five leaflets; upper ones generally simple, with stalked leaflets, having a cordate base, ovate, acute, finely toothed, downy.h.4ft. to 6ft. Japan, 1843. Hardy, herbaceous, perennial, hairy, and spineless.
A. elegantissima(most elegant).*l.digitate, on long dark green footstalks, which are mottled with white; leaflets seven to ten, filiform, and, being pendulous, impart a very graceful character to the plant. Stem straight, erect. South Sea Islands, 1873. Stove species, excellent for table decoration.
A. filicifolia(fern-leaved).*l., leafstalks sheathing at the base, and terete in the upper part, expanding into a broad leafy limb which is impari-pinnately divided; pinnæ opposite, deeply pinnatifid, bright green, with a purplish midrib. Stem and leafstalks purplish, thickly marked with oblong white spots. Polynesia, 1876.
A. gracillima(most graceful). Synonymous withA. Veitchii gracillima.
A. Guilfoylei(Guilfoyle's).*l.pinnate, on long smooth terete petioles; leaflets oblong-elliptic, bluntish, from three to seven, they are sometimes obscurely lobed, and irregularly spinose, serrate, varying in size from 2in. to 3in. long, neatly and evenly margined with creamy white, the surface being in addition occasionally splashed with grey. Stem erect, copiously dotted with lenticular markings. South Sea Islands, 1876. Stove species.
A. heteromorpha(many-formed).*l.sometimes ovate-lanceolate and serrated, and at others bifid or even trifid at the apex, about 6in. to 8in. or 9in. long, bright shining green. A very desirable species, of robust and compact habit.
A. japonica(Japanese). Another name forFatsia japonica.
A. Kerchoveana(Count Kerchove's).l.digitate, almost circular in outline; leaflets nine to eleven, spreading, elliptic-lanceolate, conspicuously serrated or undulated margins, of a deep glossy green relieved by a pale midrib. 1883. A very elegant slender-stemmed plant from the South Sea Islands, and likely to prove valuable for decorative purposes. Stove species.
A. leptophylla(slender-leaved).*l.compound, bearing often seven or more petiolate leaflets of a somewhat pendent character, and dark green in colour. 1862. An elegant stove or greenhouse slender growing species.
A. longipes(long-stalked).l.digitate, long stalked, and rather distant; leaflets oblanceolate acuminate, slightly undulated at the edge; petioles elongated. Stems simple. North Australia, 1882. A very distinct erect-growing evergreen stove species.
A. maculata(spotted).l.of a light green colour; leaflets oblong-acuminate, in about four pairs. Stem erect, which, as well as the stalks of the leaves, is of a blackish-purple hue, thickly spotted with green dots. This peculiar colouring is very distinct and conspicuous. South Pacific Islands. Stove species.
A. Maximowiczii(Maximowicz's).*l.on long stalks, palmately five to seven-lobed; lobes lanceolate, 3½in. long, serrate. Japan, 1874. An elegant and distinct hardy shrub, with erect spiny stem. SYN.Acanthopanax ricinifolium.
A. monstrosa(monstrous).*l.pendent, pinnate; leaflets three to seven, oblong elliptic, deeply and irregularly serrated (this serration sometimes takes most fantastic forms), broadly margined with creamy white, the surface blotched with grey. South Sea Islands, 1880. Stove species.
A. nudicaulis(naked-stemmed).*fl.greenish; scape trifid at the apex, shorter than the leaf, each division bearing a many-flowered umbel. June.l.radical, the divisions pinnately five foliate; leaflets oblong-oval, with a long tapering point, serrate. Root horizontal, very long.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1731. Quite hardy, herbaceous perennial.
A. Osyana(Osyan).* ResemblingA. leptophylla, but with leaflets deeply bifid at the ends; surface colour bright green; primary veins and tips of the leaflets chocolate brown. South Sea Islands, 1870. Very elegant stove species.
A. pentaphylla(five-leaved).*l.digitate, or sometimes only three leaflets are produced, each varying from 6in. to 10in. in length, and from 1in. to 2in. in breadth, deeply lobed or pinnatifid, bright shining green. Stem arboreous, prickly.h.20ft. Japan. SYN.Panax spinosa.
A. p. variegata(variegated).l.broadly edged with creamy white. Japan, 1874.
A. quercifolia(oak-leaved).*l.opposite, trifoliate; leaflets deeply sinuate; lower petioles about 3in. long, light shining green. New Britain, 1880. Very pretty stove species.
FIG. 142. FLOWEROFARALIARACEMOSA, enlarged.
FIG. 142. FLOWEROFARALIARACEMOSA, enlarged.
FIG. 142. FLOWEROFARALIARACEMOSA, enlarged.
A. racemosa(raceme-flowering).*fl.greenish-white, petals spreading; peduncles axillary, disposed in a terminal raceme, umbelliferous. June.l.petioles tripartite, the partitions bearing each three to five ovate or cordate, acuminated, serrated, smoothish leaflets.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1658. Hardy herbaceous species, highly ornamental. See Fig. 142.A. reticulata(netted).l.alternate, strap-shaped when young, becoming larger with age, dark green, reticulated with a lighter shade of the same colour. A very handsome species, requiring stove heat during winter. In spring and summer it is admirably suited for conservatory or indoor decoration, having a light and graceful aspect.A. rotunda(round).l.sometimes of a single leaflet only, which is spreading, orbicular, cordate at the base, margined with distinct white tipped teeth; at other times, especially whenapproaching maturity, the leaves are trifoliate, the leaflets being rounded and toothed, and the terminal one being about double the size of the lateral ones. Stems erect, brownish-green, spotted when young with pale elongate blotches. Polynesia, 1882.A. Scheffleri(Scheffler's).l.on long petioles, digitate; leaflets five, petiolulate, lanceolate, attenuated at the base, serrulated, glabrous on both surfaces. Stem shrubby, smooth. New Zealand. Greenhouse species.A. spectabilis(showy). A synonym ofA. concinna.A. spinosa(thorny).* Angelica Tree.l.doubly and triply pinnate; leaflets ovate, acuminated, deeply serrated. Stem simple, prickly (as are also the petioles), forming into an umbrella-like head, deciduous.h.8ft. to 12ft. North America, 1688. A very fine hardy species for sheltered spots.A. spinulosa(small-spined).l.alternate, pinnate; pinnæ ovate acuminate, dark green, margined with little reddish-crimson spines or prickles. Stems and petioles spotted and suffused with crimson. 1880. A bold and robust stove plant.A. ternata(three-leafleted).*l.opposite, ternate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate; margins in some cases deeply serrate, in others sinuate, light green. New Britain, 1879. A slender growing species.A. trifolia(three-leaved). A synonym ofPseudopanax Lessonii.
A. racemosa(raceme-flowering).*fl.greenish-white, petals spreading; peduncles axillary, disposed in a terminal raceme, umbelliferous. June.l.petioles tripartite, the partitions bearing each three to five ovate or cordate, acuminated, serrated, smoothish leaflets.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1658. Hardy herbaceous species, highly ornamental. See Fig. 142.
A. reticulata(netted).l.alternate, strap-shaped when young, becoming larger with age, dark green, reticulated with a lighter shade of the same colour. A very handsome species, requiring stove heat during winter. In spring and summer it is admirably suited for conservatory or indoor decoration, having a light and graceful aspect.
A. rotunda(round).l.sometimes of a single leaflet only, which is spreading, orbicular, cordate at the base, margined with distinct white tipped teeth; at other times, especially whenapproaching maturity, the leaves are trifoliate, the leaflets being rounded and toothed, and the terminal one being about double the size of the lateral ones. Stems erect, brownish-green, spotted when young with pale elongate blotches. Polynesia, 1882.
A. Scheffleri(Scheffler's).l.on long petioles, digitate; leaflets five, petiolulate, lanceolate, attenuated at the base, serrulated, glabrous on both surfaces. Stem shrubby, smooth. New Zealand. Greenhouse species.
A. spectabilis(showy). A synonym ofA. concinna.
A. spinosa(thorny).* Angelica Tree.l.doubly and triply pinnate; leaflets ovate, acuminated, deeply serrated. Stem simple, prickly (as are also the petioles), forming into an umbrella-like head, deciduous.h.8ft. to 12ft. North America, 1688. A very fine hardy species for sheltered spots.
A. spinulosa(small-spined).l.alternate, pinnate; pinnæ ovate acuminate, dark green, margined with little reddish-crimson spines or prickles. Stems and petioles spotted and suffused with crimson. 1880. A bold and robust stove plant.
A. ternata(three-leafleted).*l.opposite, ternate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate; margins in some cases deeply serrate, in others sinuate, light green. New Britain, 1879. A slender growing species.
A. trifolia(three-leaved). A synonym ofPseudopanax Lessonii.
FIG. 143. ARALIAVEITCHII.
FIG. 143. ARALIAVEITCHII.
FIG. 143. ARALIAVEITCHII.
A. Veitchii(Veitch's).*l.digitate, with about eleven filiform undulated leaflets, glossy green above, dark red beneath; petioles long and slender. New Caledonia, 1867. A very handsome (said to be the best) species, with slender, erect growing stem. See Fig. 143, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.A. V. gracillima(most graceful).*l.alternate, spreading; leaflets nearly linear, but slightly narrowed at both ends, having a prominent ivory-white central rib. South Sea Islands, 1876. An erect growing species, with an elegantly graceful habit. It is allied toA. reticulata, but is more handsome. This charming variety is undoubtedly the finest for table decoration, and is frequently grafted upon stocks of the typical form. It enjoys plenty of heat. SYN.A. gracillima.
A. Veitchii(Veitch's).*l.digitate, with about eleven filiform undulated leaflets, glossy green above, dark red beneath; petioles long and slender. New Caledonia, 1867. A very handsome (said to be the best) species, with slender, erect growing stem. See Fig. 143, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.
A. V. gracillima(most graceful).*l.alternate, spreading; leaflets nearly linear, but slightly narrowed at both ends, having a prominent ivory-white central rib. South Sea Islands, 1876. An erect growing species, with an elegantly graceful habit. It is allied toA. reticulata, but is more handsome. This charming variety is undoubtedly the finest for table decoration, and is frequently grafted upon stocks of the typical form. It enjoys plenty of heat. SYN.A. gracillima.
ARALIACEÆ.An order of trees, shrubs, or (rarely) herbaceous plants, often pubescent, and sometimes spiny. Flowers variously disposed, hermaphrodite or unisexual, regular; petals usually five, and valvate. Leaves alternate, or (rarely) opposite. This order is closely allied toUmbelliferæ; and the best known genera areAraliaandHedera.
ARAR-TREE.A common name forCallitris quadrivalvis(whichsee).
ARAUCARIA(fromAraucanos, its name in Chili). SYN.Eutacta. ORD.Coniferæ. A noble genus of diœcious or sub-diœcious evergreen trees, with usually imbricated persistent flat sessile scale-like leaves. Male cones large, cylindrical, terminal; female ones very large, globular, terminal, with dense ligneous deciduous scales, each bearing a solitary seed. The majority of the species are not, unfortunately, sufficiently hardy to withstand ourwinters out of doors. Few trees can compete with them in symmetry and elegant proportion for conservatory decoration, where they may be grown in large tubs, or planted out. Small plants grown in pots are most serviceable for table and other decorative purposes. They thrive in a good fibrous loam, mixed with leaf soil and sand. Propagation by means of seed is the surest and most satisfactory method; the seed should be sown in pans or boxes, or if in large quantities, in a bed, with but gentle heat; they usually take some time to germinate. Cuttings are procured by taking off the leading shoots, and fixing them firmly in a pot of sand; they first require a cool place, but may afterwards be subjected to slight warmth. When rooted, they should be potted off into the soil above mentioned. The young growths which afterwards shoot from the plant, whence the cutting, may be taken off and treated in much the same manner. These are the only methods of propagation worth pursuing.
A. Balansæ(Balansa's).male conescylindrical-conical, 2in.female coneselliptic globose, 4in.; scales obovate, cuneate.l.arcuately-uncinate, ovate triangular, imbricated round the distichous, simple branchlets.h.130ft. to 160ft. New Caledonia, 1875. A fine greenhouse plumosely branched tree.A. Bidwillii(Bidwill's).* Bunya-Bunya Pine; Moreton Bay Pine.conessub-globose, longest diameter 10in. to 12in., shortest 9in. to 10in.l.ovate-lanceolate, in two nearly horizontal rows, acuminated, slightly convex above, concave beneath, leathery, deep shining green.h.150ft. Moreton Bay. Habit very regular and symmetrical. Greenhouse species.A. brasiliensis(Brazilian).l.oblong-lanceolate, much attenuated at the point, loosely imbricated, deep green; lower part of the trunk usually free from branches, terminating in a rounded head.h.70ft. to 100ft. Brazil, 1819.A. b. gracilis, andA. b. Ridolfianaare two forms of this species.A. columnaris(columnar). A synonym ofA. Cookii.A. Cookii(Cook's).*l.awl-shaped, short, densely imbricated around the frondose branches. Described by Mr. Abbay as having "a somewhat curious habit, even when growing alone, of shedding their branches for five-sixths or more of their height, and then replacing them by a smaller and more bushy growth, so that the tree at a distance presents a very columnar appearance, the resemblance being increased by the summit being crowned with a mass of foliage somewhat like a capital."h.200ft. New Caledonia, 1851. SYN.A. columnaris.
A. Balansæ(Balansa's).male conescylindrical-conical, 2in.female coneselliptic globose, 4in.; scales obovate, cuneate.l.arcuately-uncinate, ovate triangular, imbricated round the distichous, simple branchlets.h.130ft. to 160ft. New Caledonia, 1875. A fine greenhouse plumosely branched tree.
A. Bidwillii(Bidwill's).* Bunya-Bunya Pine; Moreton Bay Pine.conessub-globose, longest diameter 10in. to 12in., shortest 9in. to 10in.l.ovate-lanceolate, in two nearly horizontal rows, acuminated, slightly convex above, concave beneath, leathery, deep shining green.h.150ft. Moreton Bay. Habit very regular and symmetrical. Greenhouse species.
A. brasiliensis(Brazilian).l.oblong-lanceolate, much attenuated at the point, loosely imbricated, deep green; lower part of the trunk usually free from branches, terminating in a rounded head.h.70ft. to 100ft. Brazil, 1819.A. b. gracilis, andA. b. Ridolfianaare two forms of this species.
A. columnaris(columnar). A synonym ofA. Cookii.
A. Cookii(Cook's).*l.awl-shaped, short, densely imbricated around the frondose branches. Described by Mr. Abbay as having "a somewhat curious habit, even when growing alone, of shedding their branches for five-sixths or more of their height, and then replacing them by a smaller and more bushy growth, so that the tree at a distance presents a very columnar appearance, the resemblance being increased by the summit being crowned with a mass of foliage somewhat like a capital."h.200ft. New Caledonia, 1851. SYN.A. columnaris.
FIG. 144. ARAUCARIAEXCELSA.
FIG. 144. ARAUCARIAEXCELSA.
FIG. 144. ARAUCARIAEXCELSA.
A. Cunninghami(Cunningham's).*l.on the sterile branches needle-shaped, obscurely quadrangular, rigid, acute; on the fertile branches shorter, stouter, closely appressed, bright green; upper branches ascending, lower ones horizontal.h.100ft. Moreton Bay. This fine species we have found to be quite hardy on the south-west coast of England.A. C. glauca(milky-green). A very handsome variety, with silvery glaucous leaves.A. excelsa(lofty).* The Norfolk Island Pine.l.awl-shaped, curved, sharply acuminated, bright green, densely packed on the frondose, deltoid, horizontal, or pendulous branches. When well grown, this is a beautifully symmetrical greenhouse or conservatory species, attaining to a height of 150ft., and a circumference of 20ft. or more. Norfolk Island. This is especially desirable in a small state. There are several varieties known, the best being:A. e. glauca, having lighter green, and very glaucous foliage; andA. e. robusta, which is larger in all its parts. See Fig. 144.A. Goldieana(Goldie's).* Allied toA. Rulei.l.produced in whorls, pendulous, dark green, varying in size. New Caledonia. Most distinct and elegant for conservatory decoration.A. imbricata(imbricated).* The Monkey Puzzle.fl., male and female catkins on separate trees; the males are six or seven in a cluster, pedunculate, yellow, and oval with numerous scales, imbricated, long, and recurved at the points; the female catkins are oval, with numerous wedge-shaped scales, with narrow oblong brittle points; they are produced at the ends of the branches.cones, when fully ripe globular, from 3in. to 4in. in diameter, dark brown. The branches are horizontal, inflexed, and ascending at the extremities, and are produced in whorls.l.ovate-lanceolate, sessile, thickened at the base, stiff, leathery, straight, somewhat keeled-shaped below, and strongly mucronate at the apex; verticillate, with seven or eight in a whorl, imbricate, and closely encircling the branches, concave, glabrous, shining, marked with longitudinal lines, dotted on both sides.h.50ft. to 100ft. Chili, 1796. A well known hardy tree, of striking aspect, and indispensable to Arboreta and shrubberies. See Fig. 145.A. Rulei(Rule's).*male conesoblong obtuse;female conesoval.l.oblong-lanceolate, with a prominent dorsal nerve, more closely appressed, and less sharply pointed than in the foregoing species; imbricated in four rows. Branches horizontal; branchlets often quite pendulous.h.50ft. Papuan Archipelago.A. R. elegans(elegant).*l.smaller; whorls of branches closer together; branchlets more slender. An elegant form; and, from its comparative dwarf and graceful habit, should be very generally grown.
A. Cunninghami(Cunningham's).*l.on the sterile branches needle-shaped, obscurely quadrangular, rigid, acute; on the fertile branches shorter, stouter, closely appressed, bright green; upper branches ascending, lower ones horizontal.h.100ft. Moreton Bay. This fine species we have found to be quite hardy on the south-west coast of England.
A. C. glauca(milky-green). A very handsome variety, with silvery glaucous leaves.
A. excelsa(lofty).* The Norfolk Island Pine.l.awl-shaped, curved, sharply acuminated, bright green, densely packed on the frondose, deltoid, horizontal, or pendulous branches. When well grown, this is a beautifully symmetrical greenhouse or conservatory species, attaining to a height of 150ft., and a circumference of 20ft. or more. Norfolk Island. This is especially desirable in a small state. There are several varieties known, the best being:A. e. glauca, having lighter green, and very glaucous foliage; andA. e. robusta, which is larger in all its parts. See Fig. 144.
A. Goldieana(Goldie's).* Allied toA. Rulei.l.produced in whorls, pendulous, dark green, varying in size. New Caledonia. Most distinct and elegant for conservatory decoration.
A. imbricata(imbricated).* The Monkey Puzzle.fl., male and female catkins on separate trees; the males are six or seven in a cluster, pedunculate, yellow, and oval with numerous scales, imbricated, long, and recurved at the points; the female catkins are oval, with numerous wedge-shaped scales, with narrow oblong brittle points; they are produced at the ends of the branches.cones, when fully ripe globular, from 3in. to 4in. in diameter, dark brown. The branches are horizontal, inflexed, and ascending at the extremities, and are produced in whorls.l.ovate-lanceolate, sessile, thickened at the base, stiff, leathery, straight, somewhat keeled-shaped below, and strongly mucronate at the apex; verticillate, with seven or eight in a whorl, imbricate, and closely encircling the branches, concave, glabrous, shining, marked with longitudinal lines, dotted on both sides.h.50ft. to 100ft. Chili, 1796. A well known hardy tree, of striking aspect, and indispensable to Arboreta and shrubberies. See Fig. 145.
A. Rulei(Rule's).*male conesoblong obtuse;female conesoval.l.oblong-lanceolate, with a prominent dorsal nerve, more closely appressed, and less sharply pointed than in the foregoing species; imbricated in four rows. Branches horizontal; branchlets often quite pendulous.h.50ft. Papuan Archipelago.
A. R. elegans(elegant).*l.smaller; whorls of branches closer together; branchlets more slender. An elegant form; and, from its comparative dwarf and graceful habit, should be very generally grown.
ARBOR.A tree. A perennial plant, having a distinct bole or trunk, from which the main branches grow.
ARBORESCENT.Having a tendency to become a tree.
ARBORETUM.A collection of hardy trees formed for pleasure or instruction, and which, when well managed, is a source of much interesting study. They afford shelter, improve the local climate, renovate bad soils, &c., and also, by concealing or hiding disagreeable objects, heighten the effect of agreeable ones, create beauty, and add value. A properly arranged Arboretum should be constructed with a view to picturesque beauty, and not systematically, as is usually the case in Botanic Gardens, although scientific purposes are best served by a systematic arrangement.
ARBOR-VITÆ.SeeThuja.
ARBOUR.A seat surrounded by lattice work, covered by Vines, Wistarias, or other climbing plants.
ARBUTUS(fromarboise, Celtic for austere bush; in allusion to the austere quality of the fruit). Strawberry Tree. ORD.Ericaceæ. Trees and shrubs, with evergreen alternate laurel-like leaves. Corolla globose, or ovately campanulate; petals five, reflexed. Very ornamental subjects for lawns and shrubberies, thriving well in a light sandy or peaty soil. They may be propagated by seeds, which should be sown in sand during March; by budding, and by inarching; the first mentioned method is the one most generally employed, with good results. The various sorts may be grafted, budded, or inarched uponA. Unedo. The greenhouse species are rare in cultivation, but their management does not materially differ from other plants requiring a similar temperature.
A. Andrachne(Andrachne).*fl.greenish-white; panicles terminal, erect, clothed with viscid down. March and April.l.oblong, bluntish, entire in some, a little serrated in others, glabrous.h.10ft. to 14ft. Greece, 1724. A fine ornamental tree.A. A. serratifolia(saw-edge-leaved).fl.yellowish, disposed in rather large terminal clusters.l.serrated, and narrower than those of the species. SYN.A. serratifolia.
A. Andrachne(Andrachne).*fl.greenish-white; panicles terminal, erect, clothed with viscid down. March and April.l.oblong, bluntish, entire in some, a little serrated in others, glabrous.h.10ft. to 14ft. Greece, 1724. A fine ornamental tree.
A. A. serratifolia(saw-edge-leaved).fl.yellowish, disposed in rather large terminal clusters.l.serrated, and narrower than those of the species. SYN.A. serratifolia.
FIG. 145. ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA.
FIG. 145. ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA.
FIG. 145. ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA.
A. andrachnoides(Andrachne-like). A synonym ofA. hybrida.A. canariensis(Canary).fl.greenish-white; panicles erect, hispid. May.l.oblong-lanceolate, serrated, glaucous beneath.h.8ft. to 10ft. Canary Islands, 1796. Greenhouse.A. densiflora(thickly-flowered).*fl.white; corolla oval; pedicels furnished with three bracteas at the base; panicle terminal, composed of closely packed racemes.l.4in. to 5in. long, on long petioles, oblong, acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, glabrous above and shining, but downy beneath, the middle nerve with rusty villi; branches angular, hairy.h.20ft. Mexico, 1826. Greenhouse.A. hybrida(hybrid).*fl.white; panicle terminal, pendulous, downy. September to December.l.oblong, acute, serrated, glabrous; branches pilose.h.10ft. to 0ft. A half-hardy garden hybrid; it originated about 1800. SYN.A. andrachnoides.A. Menziesi(Menzies').*fl.white; racemes axillary and terminal, panicled, dense-flowered. September.l.broad-oval, quite entire, glabrous, on long petioles.h.6ft. to 10ft. North-west America, 1827. A noble hardy tree.A. laurifoliacomes close to this species. SYN.A. procera.A. mollis(soft).fl.rosy, drooping; panicle terminal, crowded, racemose. June.l.oblong-acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, clothed with soft pubescence above, and white tomentum beneath.h.6ft. Mexico. Greenhouse shrub.A. mucronata(mucronate). A synonym ofPernettya mucronata.A. pilosa(pilose). A synonym ofPernettya pilosa.A. procera(tall).* A synonym ofA. Menziesi.A. serratifolia(saw-edge-leaved). A synonym ofA. Andrachne serratifolia.A. Unedo(Unedo).* The Strawberry Tree.fl.white, deep red in some of the varieties, nodding, in terminal racemose, bracteate panicles. September.fr.large, scarlet, nearly globose, granular, edible.l.oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, serrulated; branchlets clothed with glandular hairs.h.8ft. to 10ft. West of Ireland, and South Europe. There are several varieties of this plant in cultivation. It is one of the greatest ornaments in the months of October and November—the season when it is in flower, and when, also, the fruit of the former year is ripe.A. Xalapensis(Xalapan).fl.reddish white; corolla ovate; panicle terminal, composed of many racemes. April.l.petiolate, oblong, acute, quite entire, about 2in. long, glabrous above, but clothed with brownish tomentum beneath; epidermis separating, brownish purple. Young branches glabrous, but beset with ramentæ.h.6ft. to 9ft. Mexico. Greenhouse species.
A. andrachnoides(Andrachne-like). A synonym ofA. hybrida.
A. canariensis(Canary).fl.greenish-white; panicles erect, hispid. May.l.oblong-lanceolate, serrated, glaucous beneath.h.8ft. to 10ft. Canary Islands, 1796. Greenhouse.
A. densiflora(thickly-flowered).*fl.white; corolla oval; pedicels furnished with three bracteas at the base; panicle terminal, composed of closely packed racemes.l.4in. to 5in. long, on long petioles, oblong, acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, glabrous above and shining, but downy beneath, the middle nerve with rusty villi; branches angular, hairy.h.20ft. Mexico, 1826. Greenhouse.
A. hybrida(hybrid).*fl.white; panicle terminal, pendulous, downy. September to December.l.oblong, acute, serrated, glabrous; branches pilose.h.10ft. to 0ft. A half-hardy garden hybrid; it originated about 1800. SYN.A. andrachnoides.
A. Menziesi(Menzies').*fl.white; racemes axillary and terminal, panicled, dense-flowered. September.l.broad-oval, quite entire, glabrous, on long petioles.h.6ft. to 10ft. North-west America, 1827. A noble hardy tree.A. laurifoliacomes close to this species. SYN.A. procera.
A. mollis(soft).fl.rosy, drooping; panicle terminal, crowded, racemose. June.l.oblong-acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous, clothed with soft pubescence above, and white tomentum beneath.h.6ft. Mexico. Greenhouse shrub.
A. mucronata(mucronate). A synonym ofPernettya mucronata.
A. pilosa(pilose). A synonym ofPernettya pilosa.
A. procera(tall).* A synonym ofA. Menziesi.
A. serratifolia(saw-edge-leaved). A synonym ofA. Andrachne serratifolia.
A. Unedo(Unedo).* The Strawberry Tree.fl.white, deep red in some of the varieties, nodding, in terminal racemose, bracteate panicles. September.fr.large, scarlet, nearly globose, granular, edible.l.oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, serrulated; branchlets clothed with glandular hairs.h.8ft. to 10ft. West of Ireland, and South Europe. There are several varieties of this plant in cultivation. It is one of the greatest ornaments in the months of October and November—the season when it is in flower, and when, also, the fruit of the former year is ripe.
A. Xalapensis(Xalapan).fl.reddish white; corolla ovate; panicle terminal, composed of many racemes. April.l.petiolate, oblong, acute, quite entire, about 2in. long, glabrous above, but clothed with brownish tomentum beneath; epidermis separating, brownish purple. Young branches glabrous, but beset with ramentæ.h.6ft. to 9ft. Mexico. Greenhouse species.
ARCHEGONIUM.The female organ in ferns, &c., analogous with the ovary in flowering plants.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS(fromarktos, a bear, andstaphyle, a grape; bears eat the fruit of some species). ORD.Ericaceæ. Handsome hardy or half-hardy shrubs or sub-shrubs, agreeing in generic characters withArbutus, except that the fruit is five-celled and the cells one-seeded, and not granular on the outside. For culture, &c.,seeArbutus.
A. alpina(alpine).* Black Bearberry.fl.white or flesh-coloured, in terminal, reflexed racemes; pedicels rather hairy. April.l.obovate, acute, wrinkled, serrated, deciduous. Stems procumbent, trailing. Scotland (but rare), &c. SYN.Arbutus alpina.A. nitida(shining).*fl.white; racemes terminal. May.l.oblong-lanceolate, acute, smooth on both sides and shining above.h.4ft. Mexico, 1839. An erect half-hardy evergreen.A. pungens(stinging).*fl.white; pedicels close; racemes short, at first terminal, but at length lateral. February.l.ovate-oblong, acute, mucronate, rather pungent, quite entire, coriaceous, clothed with fine down on both surfaces; branchlets angular, downy.h.1ft. Mexico, 1839. A dwarf, much branched, half-hardy evergreen shrub.A. tomentosa(tomentose).*fl.pure white, campanulately urceolate, bracteate; peduncles axillary, shorter than the leaves, somewhat capitately racemose. December.l.oval, acute, sub-cordate at the base, clothed with white tomentum beneath, on short petioles; branches hispid.h.4ft. North-west America, 1826. Shrubby species; hardy.A. Uva-ursi.* Bearberry.fl.flesh-coloured, with a red mouth, growing in small clusters at the extremities of the branches. April.l.obovate, quite entire, coriaceous, shining. Highlands of Scotland and Wales. A hardy evergreen procumbent trailer. SYN.Arbutus Uva-ursi.
A. alpina(alpine).* Black Bearberry.fl.white or flesh-coloured, in terminal, reflexed racemes; pedicels rather hairy. April.l.obovate, acute, wrinkled, serrated, deciduous. Stems procumbent, trailing. Scotland (but rare), &c. SYN.Arbutus alpina.
A. nitida(shining).*fl.white; racemes terminal. May.l.oblong-lanceolate, acute, smooth on both sides and shining above.h.4ft. Mexico, 1839. An erect half-hardy evergreen.
A. pungens(stinging).*fl.white; pedicels close; racemes short, at first terminal, but at length lateral. February.l.ovate-oblong, acute, mucronate, rather pungent, quite entire, coriaceous, clothed with fine down on both surfaces; branchlets angular, downy.h.1ft. Mexico, 1839. A dwarf, much branched, half-hardy evergreen shrub.
A. tomentosa(tomentose).*fl.pure white, campanulately urceolate, bracteate; peduncles axillary, shorter than the leaves, somewhat capitately racemose. December.l.oval, acute, sub-cordate at the base, clothed with white tomentum beneath, on short petioles; branches hispid.h.4ft. North-west America, 1826. Shrubby species; hardy.
A. Uva-ursi.* Bearberry.fl.flesh-coloured, with a red mouth, growing in small clusters at the extremities of the branches. April.l.obovate, quite entire, coriaceous, shining. Highlands of Scotland and Wales. A hardy evergreen procumbent trailer. SYN.Arbutus Uva-ursi.
ARCTOTHECA(fromarktos, a bear, andtheke, a capsule; so named from the roughness of the fruit). ORD.Compositæ. Greenhouse herbaceous perennial, allied toArctotis. Heads radiate; involucral scales imbricate in many rows, the outer linear, herbaceous, inner larger, scariose, very obtuse; receptacle honeycombed, bearing many little fringes; achenes ovate, somewhat four-sided, without wings or pappus. It thrives in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. Propagated by divisions of the plant, or cuttings, in spring. Several species formerly classed in this genus are now included underArctotis.
A. repens(creeping).fl.-headsyellow. July.l.petioled, lyrate-pinnatifid, green and mostly smooth above, white-woolly beneath. Cape of Good Hope, 1793. A stemless, creeping or decumbent herb.
A. repens(creeping).fl.-headsyellow. July.l.petioled, lyrate-pinnatifid, green and mostly smooth above, white-woolly beneath. Cape of Good Hope, 1793. A stemless, creeping or decumbent herb.
ARCTOTIS(fromarktos, a bear, andous, an ear; in reference to the shaggy fruit). ORD.Compositæ. Mostly half-hardy herbaceous perennials. Involucral bracts numerous, imbricated, scariose on the margin; receptacle pitted, studded with bristles between the florets; achenes grooved, crowned with a pappus of membranous scales. The species of this genus are of easy culture in a compost of loam and leaf soil. Propagated by cuttings at any time of the year; these should be pricked in pots of very sandy soil, and placed in gentle warmth; they must be kept uncovered and moderately dry, or they will rot. The Arctotis are very handsome plants in sunny, dry positions outside during the summer months, but they must be protected during winter.
A. acaulis (stemless).*fl.-headsyellow and red. Summer.l.hoary on each side, ternate, lyrate. Stem very short, decumbent.h.4in. Cape of Good Hope, 1759. Very rarely met with.A. arborescens(tree-like).*fl.-heads, ray-florets white above, pink beneath; disk-florets yellow; disposed in large circular Daisy-like heads. Summer.l.linear-oblong, pinnate; upper ones amplexicaul; lower ones stalked.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1815.A. argentea(silvery).fl.-headsorange. August.l.lanceolate-linear, entire, downy.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1774.A. aureola(golden). Synonymous withA. grandiflora.A. breviscapa(short-stalked). Synonymous withA. speciosa.A. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.-headsorange; outer scales of involucre reflexed, cuneate, oblong, with a broad short point, somewhat cobwebbed. July.l.pinnatifid, serrulate, three-nerved.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1710. SYNS.A. aureolaandA. undulata.A. reptans(creeping).fl.-headswhite, orange. July.l.hairy beneath; lower lyrate toothed; upper lanceolate toothed. Stem ascending.h.8in. Cape of Good Hope, 1795.A. rosea(rosy).fl.-headspink. Autumn.l.spathulate-lanceolate, repand-toothed, hoary. Stem procumbent. Cape of Good Hope, 1793.A. speciosa(showy).*fl.-headsyellow; outer scales of involucre linear recurved. July.l.lyrate, pinnatifid, hoary beneath, three-nerved. Plant stemless.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1812. Closely allied toA. acaulis. SYN.A. breviscapa.A. undulata(wavy). Synonymous withA. grandiflora.
A. acaulis (stemless).*fl.-headsyellow and red. Summer.l.hoary on each side, ternate, lyrate. Stem very short, decumbent.h.4in. Cape of Good Hope, 1759. Very rarely met with.
A. arborescens(tree-like).*fl.-heads, ray-florets white above, pink beneath; disk-florets yellow; disposed in large circular Daisy-like heads. Summer.l.linear-oblong, pinnate; upper ones amplexicaul; lower ones stalked.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1815.
A. argentea(silvery).fl.-headsorange. August.l.lanceolate-linear, entire, downy.h.1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1774.
A. aureola(golden). Synonymous withA. grandiflora.
A. breviscapa(short-stalked). Synonymous withA. speciosa.
A. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.-headsorange; outer scales of involucre reflexed, cuneate, oblong, with a broad short point, somewhat cobwebbed. July.l.pinnatifid, serrulate, three-nerved.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1710. SYNS.A. aureolaandA. undulata.
A. reptans(creeping).fl.-headswhite, orange. July.l.hairy beneath; lower lyrate toothed; upper lanceolate toothed. Stem ascending.h.8in. Cape of Good Hope, 1795.
A. rosea(rosy).fl.-headspink. Autumn.l.spathulate-lanceolate, repand-toothed, hoary. Stem procumbent. Cape of Good Hope, 1793.
A. speciosa(showy).*fl.-headsyellow; outer scales of involucre linear recurved. July.l.lyrate, pinnatifid, hoary beneath, three-nerved. Plant stemless.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1812. Closely allied toA. acaulis. SYN.A. breviscapa.
A. undulata(wavy). Synonymous withA. grandiflora.
ARCUATE, ARCUATED.Curved or bent like a bow; forming an arch.
ARDISIA.(fromardis, a point; in reference to the acute, spear-pointed anthers). SYN.Pyrgus. ORD.Myrsineæ. An extensive genus of greenhouse or stove, mostly ornamental, evergreen trees and shrubs. Flowers white or rose-coloured, more or less panicled; panicles sometimes many-flowered at the extremities of the branches, and longer than the leaves, sometimes few-flowered and in the axils of the leaves. Leaves alternate, rarely almost opposite, or three in a whorl, dotted. Propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood taken from the side shoots of the plant any time from March to September; but, as the points of these side shoots bear the blossoms and fruit, they are not well adapted for making good plants. To obtain the best plants, the largest, ripest, and best-coloured berries should be sown early in spring, as soon as gathered, in a wide-mouthed pot or seed pan, well drained and filled with loam and peat in equal parts, with the addition of some sand, and plunged in bottom heat, the soil being kept moderately moist. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks after sowing, and when about 2in. high, the strongest seedlings should be selected and placed in 3in. pots, the same mixture of soil being used, with the addition of a fourth part well decomposed manure. After potting, the plants must be moistened overhead twice a day with a fine rose or syringe, and be kept in a close atmosphere until the roots have taken to the fresh soil.When the plants begin to grow again, they should be removed to a light situation in the house; and when the pots are well filled with roots, a shift into 6in. pots may be effected, water being given judiciously until well established, and here they may remain to fruit. Until the berries are coloured, clear manure water, given once or twice a week, will be found beneficial. The plants arrive at their best when about 18in. or 2ft. high; after that, they begin to get naked at the bottom. It will then be wise to cut the worst plants down to within 2in. of the pots, in early spring, allowing them to become dry at the roots before this operation is performed. By giving moisture to the roots when the cut has become dry, the plants will soon break into growth again, when some of the worst placed shoots should be rubbed off, leaving only one or two of the strongest and best placed, calculated to develop into a well formed plant. When the shoots have grown 2in. or 3in., the plants should be turned out of their pots, the soil shaken out from the roots, and the long ends of the roots trimmed in a little with a knife; they must then be placed in a pot sufficiently large to hold the roots without squeezing. The plants should now occupy the warmest end of the house in which they are grown, care being taken in watering until new roots are formed, when they may have more air and somewhat liberal supplies of water. As soon as they are sufficiently advanced in growth, they should be transferred to a larger-sized pot. With proper treatment, they will flower and fruit the same season as they are cut down, and form handsome plants. Although most species of this genus are classed as stove plants, they will succeed very well in a temperature that does not fall below 45deg. in winter; and, when so grown, they are not so liable to become infested with large brown scale and other insect pests. This is particularly the case withA. crenulata, and cool treatment is also favourable to the ripe berries hanging on the plants for a much longer time than when grown in a stove. Moreover, they do not suffer so much when removed for decorative purposes.
A. acuminata(taper-pointed).fl.nearly white; petals small, acute, dotted; panicles terminal and axillary, many-flowered. July.l.entire, glabrous, oblong, acuminated, attenuated at the base.h.6ft. to 8ft. Guiana, 1803.
A. acuminata(taper-pointed).fl.nearly white; petals small, acute, dotted; panicles terminal and axillary, many-flowered. July.l.entire, glabrous, oblong, acuminated, attenuated at the base.h.6ft. to 8ft. Guiana, 1803.
FIG. 146. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFARDISIACRENULATA.
FIG. 146. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFARDISIACRENULATA.
FIG. 146. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFARDISIACRENULATA.
A. crenulata(round-notched-leaved).*fl.reddish violet; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. June. Berries numerous, bright coral-like.l.lanceolate-ovate, tapering at both ends, repandly crenulated, pilose.h.3ft. to 6ft. Mexico, 1809. When grown in a cool atmosphere, as previously alluded to, it is quite common for one crop of berries to hang on the plants until another crop is ripe. This is a splendid plant, superior even to the red-berried Solanums for decorative purposes, for which it is largely grown. See Fig. 146.A. crispa(curled).fl.small, drooping, red; cymes terminal, usually solitary, often compound; pedicels smooth, finely veined, umbellate, drooping. July. Berries red, size of peas.l.bluntish, oblong-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, with repandly crenulated glandular edges, glabrous.h.4ft. India, 1809.A. humilis(humble).fl.rose-coloured; peduncles solitary, bearing each a simple racemose umbel of many pretty, large, drooping flowers; petals lanceolate, first recurved, afterwards revolute. June. Berries size of peas, shining, black, juicy.l.oblong-lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, glabrous, veined, shining.h.4ft. India, 1820.A. japonica(Japanese).*fl.white; pedicels red, sub-umbellate, secund, drooping; racemes simple, axillary. June.l.nearly opposite, or three to five in a whorl, on short petioles, cuneate-oblong, acute, glabrous, serrated; 4in. long.h.1ft. Japan. Perhaps the hardiest of all the species.A. macrocarpa(large-fruited).*fl.flesh-coloured, dotted; petals ovate, obtuse; racemes terminal, corymbose, almost sessile, slightly hairy. Berries vermilion coloured, as large as gooseberries.l.oblong, acute, tapering downwards, glandularly crenated, dotted, close together, leathery, 6in. to 8in. long, paler beneath, veinless.h.5ft. to 6ft. Nepaul, 1824. A beautiful shrub.A. Oliveri(Oliver's).*fl.rose pink, white eye: corolla rotate, ½in. across; lobes obtuse; heads terminal, consisting of a number of stalked, many-flowered corymbs; pedicels about twice as long as the flower. July.l.nearly sessile, entire, glabrous, 6in. to 8in. long, by 2in. in the broadest portion; oblanceolate, acuminate, tapering towards the base. Costa Rica, 1876.A. paniculata(panicled).*fl.rose-coloured; panicles terminal, composed of many alternate compound branches, large and elegant; petals and sepals ovate. July. Berries red, smooth, size of a pea, juicy.l.glabrous, cuneate-oblong, almost sessile, reflexed, 6in. to 20in. long, and from 3in. to 5in. broad, crowded at the ends of the branches.h.8ft. to 10ft. India, 1818.A. punctata(dotted).fl.greyish white, sub-campanulate, secund, beset with dark dots, and the pedicels with dark lines; peduncles umbellate, terminal, and axillary; umbels involucrated by deciduous bracts. June.l.glabrous, lanceolate, leathery, repandly crenated, tapering to the base.h.6ft. to 10ft. China, 1822.A. serrulata(finely serrated).*fl.deep red; petals ciliated; calyces and pedicels coloured; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. July.l.glabrous, lanceolate, acuminated, wrinkled, serrulated, beset with rusty dots beneath; branches downy.h.2ft. to 3ft. China, 1820.A. villosa(hairy).fl.whitish, umbels axillary and terminal, very villous. October. Berries villous.l.lanceolate, acuminated, villous beneath, crenulated, 5in. to 7in. long, tapering to the base, copiously dotted. China. All the upper parts of the plant are densely beset with hairs.A. v. mollis(soft).* This variety has very fine red berries, and is superior to the type.A. Wallichii(Wallich's).fl.red, in loose racemes; peduncles axillary, one-half shorter than the leaves, and are, as well as the pedicels, pilose. July.l.obovate, acute, or obtuse, narrowed into the marginate petioles, repandly crenulated, 4in. to 5in. long, and 2in. broad, thickish.h.2ft. India.
A. crenulata(round-notched-leaved).*fl.reddish violet; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. June. Berries numerous, bright coral-like.l.lanceolate-ovate, tapering at both ends, repandly crenulated, pilose.h.3ft. to 6ft. Mexico, 1809. When grown in a cool atmosphere, as previously alluded to, it is quite common for one crop of berries to hang on the plants until another crop is ripe. This is a splendid plant, superior even to the red-berried Solanums for decorative purposes, for which it is largely grown. See Fig. 146.
A. crispa(curled).fl.small, drooping, red; cymes terminal, usually solitary, often compound; pedicels smooth, finely veined, umbellate, drooping. July. Berries red, size of peas.l.bluntish, oblong-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends, with repandly crenulated glandular edges, glabrous.h.4ft. India, 1809.
A. humilis(humble).fl.rose-coloured; peduncles solitary, bearing each a simple racemose umbel of many pretty, large, drooping flowers; petals lanceolate, first recurved, afterwards revolute. June. Berries size of peas, shining, black, juicy.l.oblong-lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, glabrous, veined, shining.h.4ft. India, 1820.
A. japonica(Japanese).*fl.white; pedicels red, sub-umbellate, secund, drooping; racemes simple, axillary. June.l.nearly opposite, or three to five in a whorl, on short petioles, cuneate-oblong, acute, glabrous, serrated; 4in. long.h.1ft. Japan. Perhaps the hardiest of all the species.
A. macrocarpa(large-fruited).*fl.flesh-coloured, dotted; petals ovate, obtuse; racemes terminal, corymbose, almost sessile, slightly hairy. Berries vermilion coloured, as large as gooseberries.l.oblong, acute, tapering downwards, glandularly crenated, dotted, close together, leathery, 6in. to 8in. long, paler beneath, veinless.h.5ft. to 6ft. Nepaul, 1824. A beautiful shrub.
A. Oliveri(Oliver's).*fl.rose pink, white eye: corolla rotate, ½in. across; lobes obtuse; heads terminal, consisting of a number of stalked, many-flowered corymbs; pedicels about twice as long as the flower. July.l.nearly sessile, entire, glabrous, 6in. to 8in. long, by 2in. in the broadest portion; oblanceolate, acuminate, tapering towards the base. Costa Rica, 1876.
A. paniculata(panicled).*fl.rose-coloured; panicles terminal, composed of many alternate compound branches, large and elegant; petals and sepals ovate. July. Berries red, smooth, size of a pea, juicy.l.glabrous, cuneate-oblong, almost sessile, reflexed, 6in. to 20in. long, and from 3in. to 5in. broad, crowded at the ends of the branches.h.8ft. to 10ft. India, 1818.
A. punctata(dotted).fl.greyish white, sub-campanulate, secund, beset with dark dots, and the pedicels with dark lines; peduncles umbellate, terminal, and axillary; umbels involucrated by deciduous bracts. June.l.glabrous, lanceolate, leathery, repandly crenated, tapering to the base.h.6ft. to 10ft. China, 1822.
A. serrulata(finely serrated).*fl.deep red; petals ciliated; calyces and pedicels coloured; panicles terminal; pedicels umbellate. July.l.glabrous, lanceolate, acuminated, wrinkled, serrulated, beset with rusty dots beneath; branches downy.h.2ft. to 3ft. China, 1820.
A. villosa(hairy).fl.whitish, umbels axillary and terminal, very villous. October. Berries villous.l.lanceolate, acuminated, villous beneath, crenulated, 5in. to 7in. long, tapering to the base, copiously dotted. China. All the upper parts of the plant are densely beset with hairs.
A. v. mollis(soft).* This variety has very fine red berries, and is superior to the type.
A. Wallichii(Wallich's).fl.red, in loose racemes; peduncles axillary, one-half shorter than the leaves, and are, as well as the pedicels, pilose. July.l.obovate, acute, or obtuse, narrowed into the marginate petioles, repandly crenulated, 4in. to 5in. long, and 2in. broad, thickish.h.2ft. India.
ARDUINA(in honour of P. Arduini, curator of the Economical Garden of Padua, in the time of Linnæus). ORD.Apocynaceæ. A singular and pretty greenhouse evergreen shrub, of easy culture in carefully drained pots of peat and loam, mixed in equal proportions. Propagated by cuttings in sand, under a glass. The winter temperature should not be allowed to fall below 40deg.
A. bispinosa(two-spined).fl.small, white, sweet-scented, terminal, corymbose. March to August. Berry red.l.cordate-ovate, mucronate, nearly sessile, dark green, larger than those of Box. Spines twin, simple, but usually bifid; in this last case, one of the clefts points downwards, and the other upwards.h.3ft. to 5ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1760. SYN.Carissa Arduina.
A. bispinosa(two-spined).fl.small, white, sweet-scented, terminal, corymbose. March to August. Berry red.l.cordate-ovate, mucronate, nearly sessile, dark green, larger than those of Box. Spines twin, simple, but usually bifid; in this last case, one of the clefts points downwards, and the other upwards.h.3ft. to 5ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1760. SYN.Carissa Arduina.
ARECA(Areecis its name in Malabar, when an old tree). The Cabbage Palm. ORD.Palmeæ. This genus is now broken up into several, and many species formerly here arranged are now found underAcanthophœnix,Euterpe,Hyophorbe,Kentia,Oncosperma,Phænicophorum. Very ornamental and graceful stove palms, with a branching spadix, and double spathe, which incloses the flowers. Flowers unisexual, borne upon the same spike; female flowers having six rudimentary stamens, and male flowers a six-cleft perianth. Fruit one-seeded. They thrive in a compost of loam, peat, and leaf soil, in equal parts, with a liberal addition of sand; but when they are fully grown,loam should preponderate to the extent of about two-thirds, and some rotten cow-manure may be added. Propagated from seeds, which should be sown in a compost similar to above, and placed in a moist gentle heat. They are employed, when young, with much success for the decoration of drawing rooms and dinner tables.
A. Aliciæ(Princess Alice's).l.pinnatisect; segments sessile. North Australia. A very handsome species, with a comparatively dwarf habit; it is a valuable decorative plant.A. Catechu(Catechu).l.pinnate, from 3ft. to 6ft. long; leaflets 12in. to 24in. in length, and about 2in. broad, light green; petioles broadly sheathed at the base.h.30ft. India, 1690. One of the best and oldest species in cultivation, very effective, in a young state, for dinner table decoration. It produces the Betel nut, of which enormous quantities are used in India.A. concinna(neat).l.pinnatisect, sub-glabrous; segments sickle-shaped, much acuminated. Stem green, 8ft. to 12ft. high, 1in. to 2in. in diameter. Ceylon. The Cingalese chew the albumen of the seeds with their Betel.A. gigantea(gigantic). A synonym ofPinanga ternatensis.A. glandiformis(gland-formed).l.pinnatisect, 9ft. to 12ft. long when fully grown.h.30ft. Moluccas. A handsome stove palm, of bold aspect, and very suitable, when young, for decorative purposes.A. Normanbyi(Normanby's). A synonym ofPtychosperma Normanbyi.A. triandra(three-stamened).l.pinnate, like those ofA. Catechuin size, &c.h.20ft. India, introduced to Britain about 1810.
A. Aliciæ(Princess Alice's).l.pinnatisect; segments sessile. North Australia. A very handsome species, with a comparatively dwarf habit; it is a valuable decorative plant.
A. Catechu(Catechu).l.pinnate, from 3ft. to 6ft. long; leaflets 12in. to 24in. in length, and about 2in. broad, light green; petioles broadly sheathed at the base.h.30ft. India, 1690. One of the best and oldest species in cultivation, very effective, in a young state, for dinner table decoration. It produces the Betel nut, of which enormous quantities are used in India.
A. concinna(neat).l.pinnatisect, sub-glabrous; segments sickle-shaped, much acuminated. Stem green, 8ft. to 12ft. high, 1in. to 2in. in diameter. Ceylon. The Cingalese chew the albumen of the seeds with their Betel.
A. gigantea(gigantic). A synonym ofPinanga ternatensis.
A. glandiformis(gland-formed).l.pinnatisect, 9ft. to 12ft. long when fully grown.h.30ft. Moluccas. A handsome stove palm, of bold aspect, and very suitable, when young, for decorative purposes.
A. Normanbyi(Normanby's). A synonym ofPtychosperma Normanbyi.
A. triandra(three-stamened).l.pinnate, like those ofA. Catechuin size, &c.h.20ft. India, introduced to Britain about 1810.
ARENARIA(fromarena, sand; in which most of the species are found). Sandwort. ORD.Caryophyllaceæ. TRIBEAlsineæ. A very large genus of hardy herbaceous plants, consisting of about 150 species. It is distinguished by having generally three styles. The perennials only are worth growing; these are extremely pretty little alpine plants, and will thrive in any ordinary soil in exposed places; the rarer species may be grown in small pots, well drained, in a mixture of sand, loam, and leaf soil, or in well-drained crannies of the rockery. They may be increased by either division, seeds, or cuttings; the latter, placed under a hand-glass, will root freely. The best time to divide the plants is early spring, or July and August. Seeds should be sown in spring in a cold frame.
A. balearica(Balearic).*fl.white, sepals erect; peduncles elongated, one-flowered. March to August.l.very small, ovate, shining, rather fleshy, ciliated.h.3in. Corsica, 1787. A pretty little creeper, one of the best plants for covering damp borders of the rockwork.A. cæspitosa(tufted). Synonymous withA. verna cæspitosa.A. ciliata(ciliated).fl.white, usually solitary; sepals ovate, acute, five to seven ribbed; petals obovate, twice as long as the sepals. July.l.ovate, or obovate, roughish, with a few hairs, one-nerved, and ciliated. Ireland.h.6in. A thick, tufted, spreading, procumbent plant.A. graminifolia(grass-leaved).*fl.white; panicle three-forked, hairy, loose; sepals very blunt, much shorter than the obovate petals. June.l.long, awl-shaped, filiform, scabrous on the margins from serratures. Stem erect, simple.h.6in. to 9in. Caucasus, 1817.A. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.white, usually solitary; peduncles very long, pubescent; sepals ovate, awned, three-nerved, smaller than the petals. June.l.awl-shaped, broadish, flat, three-nerved, ciliated, radical ones crowded.h.3in. to 6in. France, 1783.A. g. biflorais a two-flowered, andA. g. trifloraa three-flowered, variety.A. laricifolia(Larch-leaved).*fl.white; sepals bluntish, triple nerved, hairy; petals twice as long as the sepals; stems ascending, one, three, or six flowered, somewhat scabrous; calyx cylindrical. June.l.awl-shaped, denticulately ciliated.h.6in. Switzerland, 1816.A. longifolia(long-leaved).fl.white; sepals ovate, obtuse, not half the length of the obovate petals; panicle three-forked, glabrous, crowded. June.l.awl-shaped, filiform, serrulated. Stem erect, simple.h.6in. to 9in. Siberia, 1823.A. montana(mountain).fl.large, white; peduncles terminal, very long, one-flowered; sepals lanceolate, acuminated, much shorter than the corolla. April.l.lanceolate-linear; sterile stems very long, procumbent.h.3in. France and Spain, 1800.A. peploides(Peplis-like).fl.white; sepals ovate, shorter than the oblong petals. May to July.l.ovate, light green, rather fleshy; branches procumbent, fleshy, deciduous.h.3in. to 4in. Sea shores of Britain. SYN.Honckenya peploides.A. purpurascens(purplish).*fl.purplish; pedicels tomentose, scarcely exceeding the leaves; sepals lanceolate, smooth, with shrivelled margins, longer than the corolla; branches two to three-flowered. May.l.ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous. Plant tufted, decumbent.h.6in. Higher Pyrenees.A. rotundifolia(round-leaved).*fl.white, solitary; petals roundish-ovate, longer than the sepals. July and August.l.about ¼in. across, roundish, ciliated, on spreading tufted branches.h.4in. to 6in. Siberia.A. tetraquetra(four-angled).fl.white, somewhat capitate; sepals stiff, acute, keeled, ciliated, almost equal in length to the corolla. August.l.ovate, keeled, recurved, edged, imbricated in four rows. Stem straight, pubescent.h.3in. to 6in. France, 1731.A. verna(spring-flowering).fl.small, white; sepals ovate, lanceolate, acuminated, with three remote equal ribs, longer than the obovate petals. May.l.awl-shaped, bluntish. Stems panicled, elongated.h.about 3in.A. v. cæspitosa(turfy). A variety having very leafy stems. Calyces and peduncles smoothish. Europe. SYN.A. cæspitosa.
A. balearica(Balearic).*fl.white, sepals erect; peduncles elongated, one-flowered. March to August.l.very small, ovate, shining, rather fleshy, ciliated.h.3in. Corsica, 1787. A pretty little creeper, one of the best plants for covering damp borders of the rockwork.
A. cæspitosa(tufted). Synonymous withA. verna cæspitosa.
A. ciliata(ciliated).fl.white, usually solitary; sepals ovate, acute, five to seven ribbed; petals obovate, twice as long as the sepals. July.l.ovate, or obovate, roughish, with a few hairs, one-nerved, and ciliated. Ireland.h.6in. A thick, tufted, spreading, procumbent plant.
A. graminifolia(grass-leaved).*fl.white; panicle three-forked, hairy, loose; sepals very blunt, much shorter than the obovate petals. June.l.long, awl-shaped, filiform, scabrous on the margins from serratures. Stem erect, simple.h.6in. to 9in. Caucasus, 1817.
A. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.white, usually solitary; peduncles very long, pubescent; sepals ovate, awned, three-nerved, smaller than the petals. June.l.awl-shaped, broadish, flat, three-nerved, ciliated, radical ones crowded.h.3in. to 6in. France, 1783.A. g. biflorais a two-flowered, andA. g. trifloraa three-flowered, variety.
A. laricifolia(Larch-leaved).*fl.white; sepals bluntish, triple nerved, hairy; petals twice as long as the sepals; stems ascending, one, three, or six flowered, somewhat scabrous; calyx cylindrical. June.l.awl-shaped, denticulately ciliated.h.6in. Switzerland, 1816.
A. longifolia(long-leaved).fl.white; sepals ovate, obtuse, not half the length of the obovate petals; panicle three-forked, glabrous, crowded. June.l.awl-shaped, filiform, serrulated. Stem erect, simple.h.6in. to 9in. Siberia, 1823.
A. montana(mountain).fl.large, white; peduncles terminal, very long, one-flowered; sepals lanceolate, acuminated, much shorter than the corolla. April.l.lanceolate-linear; sterile stems very long, procumbent.h.3in. France and Spain, 1800.
A. peploides(Peplis-like).fl.white; sepals ovate, shorter than the oblong petals. May to July.l.ovate, light green, rather fleshy; branches procumbent, fleshy, deciduous.h.3in. to 4in. Sea shores of Britain. SYN.Honckenya peploides.
A. purpurascens(purplish).*fl.purplish; pedicels tomentose, scarcely exceeding the leaves; sepals lanceolate, smooth, with shrivelled margins, longer than the corolla; branches two to three-flowered. May.l.ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous. Plant tufted, decumbent.h.6in. Higher Pyrenees.
A. rotundifolia(round-leaved).*fl.white, solitary; petals roundish-ovate, longer than the sepals. July and August.l.about ¼in. across, roundish, ciliated, on spreading tufted branches.h.4in. to 6in. Siberia.
A. tetraquetra(four-angled).fl.white, somewhat capitate; sepals stiff, acute, keeled, ciliated, almost equal in length to the corolla. August.l.ovate, keeled, recurved, edged, imbricated in four rows. Stem straight, pubescent.h.3in. to 6in. France, 1731.
A. verna(spring-flowering).fl.small, white; sepals ovate, lanceolate, acuminated, with three remote equal ribs, longer than the obovate petals. May.l.awl-shaped, bluntish. Stems panicled, elongated.h.about 3in.
A. v. cæspitosa(turfy). A variety having very leafy stems. Calyces and peduncles smoothish. Europe. SYN.A. cæspitosa.
ARENGA(name of doubtful origin). SYN.Saguerus. ORD.Palmæ. An extremely useful and interesting palm. The medulla of the trunk is used as sago, and the saccharine juice forms excellent sugar. It requires a strong heat and rich mould. Propagated by seeds only.
A. saccharifera(sugar-bearing).fl.striped. June.h.40ft. Moluccas, 1829.
A. saccharifera(sugar-bearing).fl.striped. June.h.40ft. Moluccas, 1829.
AREOLATE.Divided into distinct angular spaces, or areolæ.
ARETHUSA(mythological: named after a nymph of Diana's, who was changed into a fountain; in allusion to the habit of the plants). ORD.Orchideæ. A small genus of very pretty, but rare, terrestrial orchids. They require a moist shady spot with a northern aspect, and thrive best in a compost of well-rotted manure and sphagnum. A mulching in winter, by way of protection, is needed.
A. bulbosa(bulbous).*fl.large, bright rose purple, solitary, sweet-scented, terminal; lip dilated, recurved, spreading towards the summit, bearded-crested down the face; scape one-leaved. May.l.linear, nerved.h.8in. Carolina.
A. bulbosa(bulbous).*fl.large, bright rose purple, solitary, sweet-scented, terminal; lip dilated, recurved, spreading towards the summit, bearded-crested down the face; scape one-leaved. May.l.linear, nerved.h.8in. Carolina.
ARETIA.SeeAndrosace.
ARGANIA(fromargam, its aboriginal name). ORD.Sapotaceæ. A very fine greenhouse evergreen tree, said by Don to flourish against a south wall, out of doors, with the protection of a mat in severe weather. It will thrive in ordinary garden soil. Increased by layers and cuttings in autumn and spring, the latter requiring a bell glass covering; both operations must be performed in a moderately heated greenhouse.
A. Sideroxylon(Iron-wood).fl., corolla greenish yellow, cup-shaped, five-parted, with ovate-lanceolate, sub-emarginate segments; lateral and axillary, scattered, crowded, sessile.fr.dotted with white, size of a plum, full of white, milky juice. July.l.lanceolate, entire, bluntish, glabrous, paler beneath; branches terminated by strong spines.h.15ft. to 20ft. Morocco, 1711. As the specific name implies, the wood is excessively close and hard, so much so that it sinks in water. SYNS.Elæodendron Argan,Sideroxylon spinosum.
A. Sideroxylon(Iron-wood).fl., corolla greenish yellow, cup-shaped, five-parted, with ovate-lanceolate, sub-emarginate segments; lateral and axillary, scattered, crowded, sessile.fr.dotted with white, size of a plum, full of white, milky juice. July.l.lanceolate, entire, bluntish, glabrous, paler beneath; branches terminated by strong spines.h.15ft. to 20ft. Morocco, 1711. As the specific name implies, the wood is excessively close and hard, so much so that it sinks in water. SYNS.Elæodendron Argan,Sideroxylon spinosum.
ARGEMONE(fromargema, cataract of the eye; in allusion to some real or fancied medicinal properties). ORD.Papaveraceæ. Very handsome annuals and perennials, abounding with yellow juice, and covered with stiff prickles. Sepals two to three, concave, mucronate; petals four to eight; peduncles axillary, always erect. Leaves sessile, repand-sinuated, usually spotted with white; recesses spiny-toothed. The species will thrive in almost any garden soil in the open border. Seed may be sown out of doors about the end of March; those of the rarer species on a hotbed, and planted out about the end of June.
A. albiflora(white-flowered).*fl.white; petals usually three. July and August.l.sessile, feather-nerved.h.1ft. Georgia, 1820. Hardy annual.A. grandiflora(great-flowered).*fl.large, panicled, white with yellow anthers. July.l.sinuated, smooth, glaucous, spiny-toothed; nerves unarmed.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1827. This species, when raised from seed, does not flower until October; but when the roots have existed through the winter, the plants produce flowers early in the summer. Hardy perennial. See Fig. 147.A. hirsuta(hairy).*fl.pure white, 3in. to 5in. in diameter. September.l.pinnatifid, bristly.h.2ft. California, 1879. A very beautiful hardy annual.
A. albiflora(white-flowered).*fl.white; petals usually three. July and August.l.sessile, feather-nerved.h.1ft. Georgia, 1820. Hardy annual.
A. grandiflora(great-flowered).*fl.large, panicled, white with yellow anthers. July.l.sinuated, smooth, glaucous, spiny-toothed; nerves unarmed.h.2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1827. This species, when raised from seed, does not flower until October; but when the roots have existed through the winter, the plants produce flowers early in the summer. Hardy perennial. See Fig. 147.
A. hirsuta(hairy).*fl.pure white, 3in. to 5in. in diameter. September.l.pinnatifid, bristly.h.2ft. California, 1879. A very beautiful hardy annual.