Chapter 24

FIG. 196 AZALEABALSAMINÆFLORA.

A. Bilimbi(Bilimbi-tree).fl.reddish purple, disposed in racemes, rising from the trunk. May.fr.oblong, somewhat resembling a small cucumber, with a thin, smooth, green rind, filled with a grateful acid juice, and the substance and seeds not unlike that of a cucumber.l.alternate, with from five to ten pairs of ovate-lanceolate, entire, smooth leaflets on short stalks.h.8ft. to 15ft. Native country unknown, 1791. (B. F. S. 117.)A. Carambola.Carambola-tree.fl.red, scattered, disposed in short racemes, usually rising from the smaller branches, but sometimes from the larger ones, and even the trunk.fr.the size of a hen's egg, acutely five-cornered, with a thin, yellow rind, and a clear watery pulp.l.alternate, with about four to five pairs of ovate, acuminated, entire, stalked leaflets, the outer ones largest.h.14ft. to 20ft. 1793. This, as well as the first-named species, is cultivated throughout the hotter parts of India, but where it occurs truly wild is not known.

A. Carambola.Carambola-tree.fl.red, scattered, disposed in short racemes, usually rising from the smaller branches, but sometimes from the larger ones, and even the trunk.fr.the size of a hen's egg, acutely five-cornered, with a thin, yellow rind, and a clear watery pulp.l.alternate, with about four to five pairs of ovate, acuminated, entire, stalked leaflets, the outer ones largest.h.14ft. to 20ft. 1793. This, as well as the first-named species, is cultivated throughout the hotter parts of India, but where it occurs truly wild is not known.

AVOCADO PEAR.SeePersea gratissima.

AWL-SHAPED.Narrow-pointed, resembling an awl.

AWLWORT.SeeSubularia.

AXIL.Literally the armpit; in plants applied to the angle formed by union of the leaf and stem.

AXILLARIA.SeePolygonatum.

AXILLARY.Growing in the axil of anything.

AYRSHIRE ROSE.SeeRosa repens capreolata.

AZALEA(fromazaleos, dry, arid; in allusion to the habitat of the plant). ORD.Ericaceæ. A genus of very popular and beautiful hardy or greenhouse plants. The species enumerated were included underRhododendronby Don, Loudon, and others, contrary to the classification of Linnæus, but the distinctive characters are not consistent. In this genus, the stamens are usually five, but inRhododendronten is the typical number.

GhentorAmerican Azaleas. These are extremelypopular hardy deciduous shrubs. When plants are grown in the open, artificial crossing will be unnecessary; but this method must be employed upon those grown in the cool greenhouse, if well fertilised seeds are required. The seed should be gathered and sown when ripe in a large shallow frame containing from 2in. to 3in. of peat, over which more peat must be laid very level by means of a fine sieve; or they may be kept until early the following spring. No covering will be necessary, but a thorough watering with a fine-rosed water-pot must be given. The lights should be darkened, and the frames kept close until the young seedlings begin to appear, when they must have air (carefully admitted), shade, and a daily sprinkling of water. By the autumn, they will be large enough to transplant in small clumps into boxes of peat and coarse sand, and to place in other frames, or in the open. In each case, they will need watering, shading, and to be kept close until growth commences. The hardier the plants are before winter commences, the better; but a protection of mats or similar material will prevent the probability of their being killed by severe frosts. During the following season, they will only require water during dry weather, and no protection need be afforded this winter. The next spring, they should be planted out singly in beds, sufficiently wide apart to allow the development of two years growth. If an upright growth is being made, the leading shoot must be shortened, in order to secure dwarf, well-branched plants. The same methods should be employed on a smaller scale where but a few are wanted. Grafting is largely practised to increase the stock of named varieties or choice seedlings, the stock employed beingA. pontica. This process, of course, ensures the quicker production of flowering plants. Layering in March, encasing the part buried with moss, is also some times practised; but the layer must be left two years before separating. Cuttings of the last year's wood, 2in. or 3in. long, taken with a heel, root readily in sand; about the end of August is the best time for so doing. If they are pricked off in pots or pans of sandy soil, and kept in a cool frame until they are calloused, and afterwards introduced into a slight bottom heat, they root quicker, but this is not absolutely essential. When placed outside, they should be covered with a handlight for about two months, and, at the end of this time, air should be gradually given and increased. Ghent Azaleas are now forced extensively for the market as well as in private gardens; and, by judicious culture, they can be had in full blossom by Christmas. With this end in view, they should be grown in pots, and have the growth prematurely completed soon after flowering with the aid of a little artificial heat; after which they may be placed outside. During very hot and dry weather, the north side of a wall is necessary, to prevent their flowering in the autumn. The same plants must only be forced every alternate year. Commence to place the plants in heat in October, and keep up a succession until the following March. The best plants for forcing purposes are obtained from the Continent, where they are grown in enormous quantities. When grown permanently out of doors, the most suitable soil is peat and rough sand mixed. Failing this, leaf mould, maiden loam, and sand, will be found satisfactory. In many cases, we have known them to flourish in ordinary garden soil.

The following varieties of Ghent Azaleas are distinct, and all worth growing; ADMIRALDERUYTER, deep red-scarlet, very fine; ALTACLERENSIS, bright yellow; AMŒNA, light pink; CARNEA ELEGANS, pale pink, shaded sulphur; COCCINEAMAJOR, dark scarlet, very fine; CUPREASPLENDENS, rich pink, shaded yellow; DECORATA, lovely pink; DIRECTEURCHARLESBAUMANN, rich vermilion, spotted yellow; ELECTOR, rich orange-scarlet; GEANT DESBATAILLES, deep crimson, very fine; MADAMEJOSEPHBAUMANN, bright pink, very free and good; MARIAVERSCHAFFELT, shaded pink and yellow; MIRABILIS, very lovely pink; MORTERI, rich yellow, shaded rosy-red; PONTICAMACRANTHA, rich deep sulphur, very large and fine; PRINCESSED'ORANGE, salmon-pink, very fine; SANGUINEA, deep crimson; VISCOSA FLORIBUNDA, pure white, very fragrant.A. arborescens(tree-like).*fl.large, reddish, not clammy, leafy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; calyx leafy, with the segments oblong and acute. May.l., of the flower buds large, yellowish-brown, surrounded with a fringed white border, obovate, rather obtuse, smooth on both surfaces, glaucous beneath, ciliated on the margins, and having the midrib almost smooth.h.10ft. to 20ft. Pennsylvania, 1818. Deciduous species.A. balsaminæflora(Balsam-flowered).*fl.bright salmony red, finely double and rosette-like, the segments regularly imbricated, much resembling in general appearance the blooms of a Camellia-flowered Balsam. Japan. It is a distinct species, and remains in bloom for a considerable period; the flowers are invaluable for bouquets. See Fig. 196, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.A. calendulacea(Marigold-like).*fl.yellow, red, orange, and copper coloured, large, not clammy, rather naked; tube of corolla hairy, shorter than the segments. May.l.oblong, pubescent on both surfaces, at length hairy.h.2ft. to 6ft. Pennsylvania to Carolina, 1806. This is said to be the handsomest shrub in North America. There are several varieties of it in cultivation. Hardy; deciduous. (B. M. 1721, 2143.)A. hispida(bristly).fl.white, with a red border and a tinge of red on the tube, which is wide and scarcely longer than the segments, very clammy, leafy; stamens ten. July.l.long-lanceolate, hispid above, and smooth beneath, glaucous on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, and having the nerve bristly beneath. Branches straight, and very hispid.h.10ft. to 15ft. New York, &c., 1734. A hardy deciduous species. (W. D. B. 1, 6.)

A. arborescens(tree-like).*fl.large, reddish, not clammy, leafy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; calyx leafy, with the segments oblong and acute. May.l., of the flower buds large, yellowish-brown, surrounded with a fringed white border, obovate, rather obtuse, smooth on both surfaces, glaucous beneath, ciliated on the margins, and having the midrib almost smooth.h.10ft. to 20ft. Pennsylvania, 1818. Deciduous species.

A. balsaminæflora(Balsam-flowered).*fl.bright salmony red, finely double and rosette-like, the segments regularly imbricated, much resembling in general appearance the blooms of a Camellia-flowered Balsam. Japan. It is a distinct species, and remains in bloom for a considerable period; the flowers are invaluable for bouquets. See Fig. 196, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

A. calendulacea(Marigold-like).*fl.yellow, red, orange, and copper coloured, large, not clammy, rather naked; tube of corolla hairy, shorter than the segments. May.l.oblong, pubescent on both surfaces, at length hairy.h.2ft. to 6ft. Pennsylvania to Carolina, 1806. This is said to be the handsomest shrub in North America. There are several varieties of it in cultivation. Hardy; deciduous. (B. M. 1721, 2143.)

A. hispida(bristly).fl.white, with a red border and a tinge of red on the tube, which is wide and scarcely longer than the segments, very clammy, leafy; stamens ten. July.l.long-lanceolate, hispid above, and smooth beneath, glaucous on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, and having the nerve bristly beneath. Branches straight, and very hispid.h.10ft. to 15ft. New York, &c., 1734. A hardy deciduous species. (W. D. B. 1, 6.)

FIG. 197. FLOWEROFAZALEALEDIFOLIA.

A. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved).*fl.pure white, showy; corolla campanulate; in threes at the extremities of the branches; calyx erect, glandular, and viscid. March.l.elliptic-lanceolate.h.2ft. to 6ft. China, 1819. The whole shrub is very hairy. Hardy; evergreen. SYN.A. liliiflora. See Fig. 197. (B. M. 2901.)A. liliiflora(lily-flowered). Synonymous withA. ledifolia.A. nudiflora(naked-flowered).*fl.in terminal clustered racemes, appearing before the leaves, rather naked, not clammy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; teeth of calyx short, rather rounded; stamens much exserted. June.l.lanceolate-oblong, nearly smooth and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly beneath, and woolly above.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1734. This species hybridises very freely withA. calendulacea,A. pontica,A. viscosa, &c., and descriptive lists of a host of hybrids of almost every conceivable shade, both double and single, are to be found in continental and home catalogues, to which the reader is referred. Hardy. (W. F. A., t. 36.)A. pontica(Pontic).*fl.leafy, clammy; corolla funnel-shaped; stamens very long. May.l.shining, ovate, oblong, pilose, ciliated.h.4ft. to 6ft. Levant, Caucasus, &c., 1793. The varieties of this species are also numerous, differing principally in the colour of the flowers and the hue of the leaves. The flowers are of all shades, and frequently striped. The name generally adopted, as above, must not be confounded withRhododendron ponticum. If the genusAzaleais merged into Rhododendron, as is done by most systematists, this plant must be called by Don's name,Rhododendron flavum. (I. H. 1864, 415.)A. procumbens(procumbent).SeeLoiseleria procumbens.A. speciosa(showy).*fl.scarlet and orange coloured; corolla silky, with obtuse, ciliated, lanceolate, undulated segments; calyx pubescent. May.l.lanceolate, ciliated, acute at bothends. Branches hairy.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America. The varieties of above are several, varying in the shape of the leaves and the colour of the flowers. (L. B. C. 1255)A. viscosa(clammy).*fl.white, sweet-scented, in terminal clusters, downy, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla as long as the segments. July.l.oblong-ovate, acute, smooth, and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly.h.2ft. to 4ft. North America, 1734. Like nearly all species belonging to this genus, the varieties are many, varying in the colour of the flowers and otherwise. (T. S. M. 438.)A. v. nitida(shining).*fl.white, tinged with red, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla a little longer than the segments. April.l.oblanceolate, rather mucronate, leathery, smooth on both surfaces, shining above, having the nerve bristly beneath, with revolute, ciliated margins.h.2ft. to 4ft. New York, 1812. Hardy; deciduous. (B. R. 5, 414.)

A. liliiflora(lily-flowered). Synonymous withA. ledifolia.

A. nudiflora(naked-flowered).*fl.in terminal clustered racemes, appearing before the leaves, rather naked, not clammy; tube of corolla longer than the segments; teeth of calyx short, rather rounded; stamens much exserted. June.l.lanceolate-oblong, nearly smooth and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly beneath, and woolly above.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1734. This species hybridises very freely withA. calendulacea,A. pontica,A. viscosa, &c., and descriptive lists of a host of hybrids of almost every conceivable shade, both double and single, are to be found in continental and home catalogues, to which the reader is referred. Hardy. (W. F. A., t. 36.)

A. pontica(Pontic).*fl.leafy, clammy; corolla funnel-shaped; stamens very long. May.l.shining, ovate, oblong, pilose, ciliated.h.4ft. to 6ft. Levant, Caucasus, &c., 1793. The varieties of this species are also numerous, differing principally in the colour of the flowers and the hue of the leaves. The flowers are of all shades, and frequently striped. The name generally adopted, as above, must not be confounded withRhododendron ponticum. If the genusAzaleais merged into Rhododendron, as is done by most systematists, this plant must be called by Don's name,Rhododendron flavum. (I. H. 1864, 415.)

A. procumbens(procumbent).SeeLoiseleria procumbens.

A. speciosa(showy).*fl.scarlet and orange coloured; corolla silky, with obtuse, ciliated, lanceolate, undulated segments; calyx pubescent. May.l.lanceolate, ciliated, acute at bothends. Branches hairy.h.3ft. to 4ft. North America. The varieties of above are several, varying in the shape of the leaves and the colour of the flowers. (L. B. C. 1255)

A. viscosa(clammy).*fl.white, sweet-scented, in terminal clusters, downy, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla as long as the segments. July.l.oblong-ovate, acute, smooth, and green on both surfaces, ciliated on the margins, having the midrib bristly.h.2ft. to 4ft. North America, 1734. Like nearly all species belonging to this genus, the varieties are many, varying in the colour of the flowers and otherwise. (T. S. M. 438.)

A. v. nitida(shining).*fl.white, tinged with red, clammy, leafy; tube of corolla a little longer than the segments. April.l.oblanceolate, rather mucronate, leathery, smooth on both surfaces, shining above, having the nerve bristly beneath, with revolute, ciliated margins.h.2ft. to 4ft. New York, 1812. Hardy; deciduous. (B. R. 5, 414.)

Indian or Chinese Azaleas.This is a section of greenhouse evergreen varieties obtained fromA. indica(whichsee), blooming continuously from November to June, or even later, and of the greatest value for all purposes, whether for decoration, cutting, or exhibition. Cultivation: Thorough drainage is essential, and a compost of half peat, the other half made up of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sand, in equal quantities. They cannot have too much light and air, and may be grown to almost any size by shifting from one pot to a size larger. In repotting, the whole of the crocks should be taken away from the base of the ball of soil and roots, and the top should also be removed till the fine roots are reached. The plant should then be put in the new pot, and the additional soil rammed firm, in order to prevent the water running through it, and thus depriving the plant of any benefit therefrom. In all cases, the roots near the stem must be above the soil, so that the water may not sink in next the stem, or death will most certainly ensue. After potting, for a few days the plants should be kept close and freely syringed, and as the growth is completed, they may be well hardened off. The best time for potting is after flowering, before the new growth has been made. From October to June the plants should be in the greenhouse, and during the other months in a cold frame, or plunged in pots in the open; or, what is preferable in favoured localities, planted out in prepared beds; they will thus be kept cleaner, and the growth will be much superior. In autumn they may be lifted and repotted, placing in a shady position for a few days. Water in abundance must be given throughout the blooming and growing season; and the plants must, on no account, be allowed to become dry. At the same time, a proper amount of care is most essential, as an excessive amount of moisture is equally as fatal as drought. Cuttings should be placed in sand under a bell glass with moderate bottom heat; half-ripened ones are preferable. They must be cut up to a joint—the base of a leaf—the lower leaves for an inch stripped off, and the stem stuck into the sand, which should lay, about an inch thick, on the top of sandy peat soil; the bottom of the cuttings should reach, but not go quite into, the soil. The whole should be covered with a bell glass, which must be wiped dry every morning. Soon after the cuttings have commenced growing, place them in small pots. They are also very largely and easily increased by grafting; indeed, this is the only satisfactory method of securing standards. Seeds may be sown similar to the last section, but in the greenhouse, and, when well up, pricked out into little pots 1in. apart. Azaleas are liable to the attacks of thrips and red spider, the latter being especially troublesome if the plants are in a dry position; frequent syringing will materially help to eradicate both pests. If insufficient, syringe with a solution of Gishurst's Compound.

A. amœna(pleasing).fl.almost campanulate, rich crimson, about 1½in. across, hose-in-hose conformation, produced in great profusion. April.l.small, size of the common Box, hairy.h.1ft. China. This is an elegant little neat and compact growing shrub, which has proved to be quite hardy in England. (B. M. 4728.) A very beautiful series of hybrids have been obtained by crossing this species withA. indica, which are most serviceable and free. The following are most desirable: LADYMUSGRAVE, light carmine; MISSBUIST, pure white; MRS. CARMICHAEL, rich magenta, shaded crimson; PRIMEMINISTER, soft pink, deep shaded, very free; PRINCESSBEATRICE, light mauve, very distinct and free; PRINCESSMAUDE, rich magenta, rose shaded.

FIG. 198. FLOWEROFAZALEAINDICA.

A. indica(Indian).*fl.campanulate, terminal, solitary or twin; calycine teeth long-lanceolate, obtuse, ciliated, spreading.l.cuneate-lanceolate, finely crenelated, covered with sharp, close-pressed rigid hairs, attenuated at both ends. Branches also covered with sharp, close-pressed, rigid hairs.h.3ft. to 6ft. China, 1808. See Fig. 198. There are a great number of garden seedlings of the Indian Azalea, including every shade and colour. A selection to any extent may be made from the nurserymen's catalogues, but, for the guidance of the amateur, we have made a rigid selection of the best double and single varieties.Double-Flowered: A. BORSIG, pure white; ALICE, rich deep rose, blotched with vermilion, very fine; BERNARDANDRé, dark violet-purple, large, semi-double; CHARLESLEIRENS, dark salmon, good form and substance; COMTESSEEUGENIEDEKERCHOVE, white, flaked with red-carmine, semi-double; DOMINIQUEVERVAENE, bright orange, very fine; DR. MOORE, deep rose, with white and violet shading, very fine; EMPEREURDEBRéSIL, rich rose, banded white, the upper petals marked red; FRANCISDEVOS, deep crimson; IMBRICATA, pure white, sometimes flaked with rose; MADAMEIRISLEFEBVRE, dark orange, shaded with bright violet, and blotched with chocolate; PRESIDENTGHELLINCK DEWALLE, intense rose, upper petals blotched with lake, and crimson-rayed; SOUVENIRDEPRINCEALBERT, rich rose peach, broadly margined with pure white, very free and beautiful.Single-Flowered: CHARMER, rich amaranth, very large; COMTESSE DEBEAUFORT, rich rose, the upper petals blotched with crimson; CRITERION, rich salmon pink, white-margined; DUCDENASSAU, rich rosy-purple, very free and large; ECLATANTE, deep crimson, rose shaded; FANNYIVERY, deep salmon-scarlet, blotched magenta, very fine; FLAMBEAU, rich glowing crimson, extremely showy; JOHNGOULDVEITCH, lilac-rose, netted and bordered white, and blotched with saffron, very showy; LASUPERBE, rich lake, bordered orange, and black spotted, a very fine variety; LAVICTOIRE, centre reddish, white towards the edge, the upper petals spotted with maroon-crimson; LOUISVONBADEN, pure white, a grand variety; MADAMECHARLESVANECKHAUTE, pure white, with beautifully crisped edges, of excellent form and substance; MADAMEVANHOUTTE, richly flaked with carmine and rose, very large and free; MARQUISOFLORNE, brilliant scarlet, of the finest form and substance; MRS. TURNER, bright pink, white-margined, and spotted with crimson; PRESIDENTVANDENHECKE, white, striped and speckled with crimson, with a yellow centre; PRINCESSALICE, pure white, one of the best; REINEDESPAYS-BAS, rich violet-pink, margined with white; ROID'HOLLANDE, dark blood-red, spotted with black; SIGISMUNDRUCKER, rich rose, white bordered, with crimson blotches; WILSONSAUNDERS, pure white, striped and blotched with vivid red, very fine.A. mollis(soft). Synonymous withA. sinensis.A. sinensis(Chinese).fl.campanulate, downy, flame coloured; stamens equal in length to the petals. May.l.slowly deciduous, elliptic, acutish, pilosely pubescent, feather-nerved, with ciliated margins, greyish beneath.h.3ft. to 4ft. China and Japan. A large number of seedlings and hybrids from this species are in cultivation, known under the name of Japanese Azaleas, and all are valuable for the decoration of the cool conservatory, or for outdoor work. SYN.A. mollis. (L. B. C. 885.)

Double-Flowered: A. BORSIG, pure white; ALICE, rich deep rose, blotched with vermilion, very fine; BERNARDANDRé, dark violet-purple, large, semi-double; CHARLESLEIRENS, dark salmon, good form and substance; COMTESSEEUGENIEDEKERCHOVE, white, flaked with red-carmine, semi-double; DOMINIQUEVERVAENE, bright orange, very fine; DR. MOORE, deep rose, with white and violet shading, very fine; EMPEREURDEBRéSIL, rich rose, banded white, the upper petals marked red; FRANCISDEVOS, deep crimson; IMBRICATA, pure white, sometimes flaked with rose; MADAMEIRISLEFEBVRE, dark orange, shaded with bright violet, and blotched with chocolate; PRESIDENTGHELLINCK DEWALLE, intense rose, upper petals blotched with lake, and crimson-rayed; SOUVENIRDEPRINCEALBERT, rich rose peach, broadly margined with pure white, very free and beautiful.

Single-Flowered: CHARMER, rich amaranth, very large; COMTESSE DEBEAUFORT, rich rose, the upper petals blotched with crimson; CRITERION, rich salmon pink, white-margined; DUCDENASSAU, rich rosy-purple, very free and large; ECLATANTE, deep crimson, rose shaded; FANNYIVERY, deep salmon-scarlet, blotched magenta, very fine; FLAMBEAU, rich glowing crimson, extremely showy; JOHNGOULDVEITCH, lilac-rose, netted and bordered white, and blotched with saffron, very showy; LASUPERBE, rich lake, bordered orange, and black spotted, a very fine variety; LAVICTOIRE, centre reddish, white towards the edge, the upper petals spotted with maroon-crimson; LOUISVONBADEN, pure white, a grand variety; MADAMECHARLESVANECKHAUTE, pure white, with beautifully crisped edges, of excellent form and substance; MADAMEVANHOUTTE, richly flaked with carmine and rose, very large and free; MARQUISOFLORNE, brilliant scarlet, of the finest form and substance; MRS. TURNER, bright pink, white-margined, and spotted with crimson; PRESIDENTVANDENHECKE, white, striped and speckled with crimson, with a yellow centre; PRINCESSALICE, pure white, one of the best; REINEDESPAYS-BAS, rich violet-pink, margined with white; ROID'HOLLANDE, dark blood-red, spotted with black; SIGISMUNDRUCKER, rich rose, white bordered, with crimson blotches; WILSONSAUNDERS, pure white, striped and blotched with vivid red, very fine.

A. mollis(soft). Synonymous withA. sinensis.

A. sinensis(Chinese).fl.campanulate, downy, flame coloured; stamens equal in length to the petals. May.l.slowly deciduous, elliptic, acutish, pilosely pubescent, feather-nerved, with ciliated margins, greyish beneath.h.3ft. to 4ft. China and Japan. A large number of seedlings and hybrids from this species are in cultivation, known under the name of Japanese Azaleas, and all are valuable for the decoration of the cool conservatory, or for outdoor work. SYN.A. mollis. (L. B. C. 885.)

AZARA(in honour of J. N. Azara, a Spanish promoter of science, but of botany in particular). ORD.Bixineæ. Showy evergreen, hardy and half-hardy shrubs, with alternate, simple, stalked stipulate leaves, and fragrant flowers.They thrive well in a compost of loam, leaf soil, and sand. Ripened cuttings root readily if placed in sand, under glass, in slight heat. It is believed that all the species enumerated will prove hardy if a slight winter protection in midland and northern counties be afforded. This precaution will be unnecessary in more southern parts.

A. dentata(toothed).fl.yellow; corymbs sessile, few-flowered. June.l.ovate, serrated, scabrous, tomentose beneath; stipules leafy, unequal in size.h.12ft. Chili, 1830. (B. R. 1728.)A. Gillesii(Gilles').*fl.bright yellow; panicles axillary, densely packed. Spring.l.large, Holly-like, ovate, coarsely toothed, smooth.h.15ft. Chili, 1859. (B. M. 5178.)

A. dentata(toothed).fl.yellow; corymbs sessile, few-flowered. June.l.ovate, serrated, scabrous, tomentose beneath; stipules leafy, unequal in size.h.12ft. Chili, 1830. (B. R. 1728.)

A. Gillesii(Gilles').*fl.bright yellow; panicles axillary, densely packed. Spring.l.large, Holly-like, ovate, coarsely toothed, smooth.h.15ft. Chili, 1859. (B. M. 5178.)

FIG. 199. AZARAMICROPHYLLA, showing Habit, and Foliage (half natural size).

A. integrifolia(entire-leaved).*fl.yellow, on numerous short axillary spikes, of an aromatic fragrance. Autumn.l.obovate or oblong, entire, smooth; stipules equal, permanent.h.18ft. Chili (about Conception), 1832. The variegated-leaved form, although rare, is very ornamental. The variegation consists of greenish-yellow, with a blotch of dark green, and in a young state edged with deep pink.A. microphylla(small-leaved).*fl.greenish, corymbose, succeeded by numerous small orange-coloured berries. Autumn.l.small, distichous, obovate, obtuse, dark-shining green.h.12ft. Chiloe and Valdavia, 1873. This shrub is very ornamental as a standard, and also excellent for covering walls. Quite hardy. See Fig. 199, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

A. microphylla(small-leaved).*fl.greenish, corymbose, succeeded by numerous small orange-coloured berries. Autumn.l.small, distichous, obovate, obtuse, dark-shining green.h.12ft. Chiloe and Valdavia, 1873. This shrub is very ornamental as a standard, and also excellent for covering walls. Quite hardy. See Fig. 199, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

BABIANA(frombabianer, the Dutch for baboon; in reference to the bulbs being eaten by baboons). ORD.Iridaceæ. A genus of very ornamental bulbous plants confined to the Cape of Good Hope, with the exception of a single species, which is found in Socotra. Flowers occasionally fragrant, and generally characterised by their rich self-colours, or the striking contrast of very distinct hues in the same flower; perianth regular and symmetrical, with six ovate divisions (tube varying in length). Stems from 6in. to 9in. high, arising from a small bulb-like corm, and bearing tapering plaited leaves, which are usually more or less densely covered with long hairs; the scapes are racemose, each bearing about six or more simultaneously expanding flowers. They may be successfully grown in pots. By this plan there is, perhaps, less danger of loss, and their flowering season can be prolonged considerably. A light sandy compost, with a small proportion of well-decayed manure, is required, and thorough drainage is also most essential. Use 48 or 60-sized pots, placing four or five corms in the former, and two or three in the latter, and keep moderately dry until they commence to form roots. October is the best time to pot. As soon as the plants appear above ground, water may be carefully given, and the supply proportionately increased as the plants develop. Very weak liquid manure, applied twice a week, just as the spikes are pushing up, will be beneficial. When the flowers fade, and the stems show signs of decay, the supply of water must be gradually decreased, thus inducing the thorough maturation of the corms, upon which the next season's display depends. When quite down, store the pots in a dry place till the time for repotting arrives, when the corms should be carefully cleaned, and all offsets separated, the latter being potted up in the same way as the parent corms in order to produce flowering specimens; or they may be kept in a pot of sand and planted in a warm border outside in March. Outdoor culture: A sheltered, sunny, and well-drained situation is most essential to success. Although not absolutely necessary, it is preferable to replant every year in early spring, placing the bulbs about 5in. or 6in. deep, with a little sand sprinkled about them. Planting may, of course, be done in autumn, when it will be necessary to cover with cocoa nut fibre refuse to the depth of 5in. or 6in. In warm, sheltered situations, the corms may remain undisturbed; but, as a rule, it is desirable to remove them late in autumn, when the leaves are dead, and store them in dry sand through the winter in a cool, airy position, free of frost. Mixed Babianas may be purchased from dealers at a cheap rate, and, for general purposes, they are best to plant. Propagation may be effected by offsets and seeds. The former is the best and quickest method. The offsets should be grown in boxes or planted out in light rich soil until large enough for flowering. Seeds sown in pans, and placed in a gentle heat, will grow at almost any time; the young plants will require to be carefully transplanted each season until they develop into blooming corms.

FIG. 200. BABIANASTRICTARUBRO-CYANEA.

B. cœrulescens(bluish). Synonymous withB. plicata.B. disticha(two-ranked).*fl.with a Hyacinth-like fragrance; perianth pale blue; divisions narrow; margins undulated or crisped. June, July.l.lanceolate, acute.h.6in. 1774. (B. M. 626.)B. plicata(folded).*fl.with a very fragrant clove carnation-like perfume; perianth pale violet-blue; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow. May, June.l.lanceolate, distinctly plicate.h.6in. 1774. SYNS.B. cœrulescens,B. reflexa. (B. M. 576.)B. reflexa(reflexed). Synonymous withB. plicata.B. ringens(gaping).*fl.scarlet, irregular in form, gaping, very handsome. May, June.l.narrow, acute, deep green.h.6in. to 9in. 1752. (L. B. C. 1006.)B. sambucina(Elder-scented).fl.bluish-purple, with an Elder-like fragrance; perianth divisions spreading. April, May.l.lanceolate, slightly plicate.h.6in. to 9in. 1799. SYN.Gladiolus sambucinus. (B. M. 1019.)B. stricta(strict).*fl., perianth segments narrow, acute, outer three white, inner three lilac-blue, with a dark blotch near the base of each. May.l.broadly lanceolate, obtuse, ciliated.h.1ft. 1795. (B. M. 621.)B. s. angustifolia(narrow-leaved).fl.fragrant; perianth bright blue, slightly pink in the tube. May and June.l.linear, acute, light green.h.1ft. 1757. (B. M. 637.)B. s. rubro-cyanea(red-and-blue).*fl.2in. or more in diameter; upper half of the perianth very brilliant blue, and the lower part rich crimson, forming a central zone, in striking contrast to the blue portion. May, June.l.broad, acuminated, downy on the under surface.h.6in. to 8in. 1796. See Fig. 200. (B. M. 410.)B. a. sulphurea(sulphur-coloured).*fl.cream-coloured or pale yellow; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow; segments spreading. April, May.l.narrow-obtuse.h.9in. 1795. SYNS.Gladiolus sulphureus,G. plicatus. (B. M. 1053.)B. s. villosa(villous).*fl., perianth smaller than the last, with the narrower segments rather more widely spreading than inB. s. rubro-cyanea, brilliant crimson, with violet-blue anthers. August.h.6in. 1778. (B. M. 583.)

B. cœrulescens(bluish). Synonymous withB. plicata.

B. disticha(two-ranked).*fl.with a Hyacinth-like fragrance; perianth pale blue; divisions narrow; margins undulated or crisped. June, July.l.lanceolate, acute.h.6in. 1774. (B. M. 626.)

B. plicata(folded).*fl.with a very fragrant clove carnation-like perfume; perianth pale violet-blue; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow. May, June.l.lanceolate, distinctly plicate.h.6in. 1774. SYNS.B. cœrulescens,B. reflexa. (B. M. 576.)

B. reflexa(reflexed). Synonymous withB. plicata.

B. ringens(gaping).*fl.scarlet, irregular in form, gaping, very handsome. May, June.l.narrow, acute, deep green.h.6in. to 9in. 1752. (L. B. C. 1006.)

B. sambucina(Elder-scented).fl.bluish-purple, with an Elder-like fragrance; perianth divisions spreading. April, May.l.lanceolate, slightly plicate.h.6in. to 9in. 1799. SYN.Gladiolus sambucinus. (B. M. 1019.)

B. stricta(strict).*fl., perianth segments narrow, acute, outer three white, inner three lilac-blue, with a dark blotch near the base of each. May.l.broadly lanceolate, obtuse, ciliated.h.1ft. 1795. (B. M. 621.)

B. s. angustifolia(narrow-leaved).fl.fragrant; perianth bright blue, slightly pink in the tube. May and June.l.linear, acute, light green.h.1ft. 1757. (B. M. 637.)

B. s. rubro-cyanea(red-and-blue).*fl.2in. or more in diameter; upper half of the perianth very brilliant blue, and the lower part rich crimson, forming a central zone, in striking contrast to the blue portion. May, June.l.broad, acuminated, downy on the under surface.h.6in. to 8in. 1796. See Fig. 200. (B. M. 410.)

B. a. sulphurea(sulphur-coloured).*fl.cream-coloured or pale yellow; anthers blue, and stigmas yellow; segments spreading. April, May.l.narrow-obtuse.h.9in. 1795. SYNS.Gladiolus sulphureus,G. plicatus. (B. M. 1053.)

B. s. villosa(villous).*fl., perianth smaller than the last, with the narrower segments rather more widely spreading than inB. s. rubro-cyanea, brilliant crimson, with violet-blue anthers. August.h.6in. 1778. (B. M. 583.)

BABINGTONIA(named after C. C. Babington, Professor of Botany at Cambridge, and a distinguished botanical author). ORD.Myrtaceæ. A very pretty greenhouse evergreen shrub, allied toBæckea, from which it differs in having the stamens collected in groups opposite the sepals. Cuttings of the young unflowering shoots may be planted in sand under a bell glass, and kept in a moderate heat until rooted, when they should be placed singly in small pots, in a compost of equal parts loam and peat, with the addition of a little sand. As the small pots fill with roots, the plants should be removed into larger ones, and the compost have less sand in it; but this should not be done until the next February. The established plants must have a good shift about March or April, and should be kept in a light, airy greenhouse; the first shoots may be topped to moderate their vigour, and to produce a greater profusion of less luxuriant ones. In May, when most plants are removed from the greenhouse, these should be set to grow under a frame which, while shielding them from heavy rains, and supporting some slight shading in the hottest parts of the sunny days, will not prevent a free circulation of air. To this end, the frame should be elevated from the rests or supports at its corners; the lights should be left off at night in fine, mild weather, and on dull, cloudy days, being only replaced during heavy rains, and when shading is necessary. Towards autumn, the plants must be returned to the greenhouse.

B. Camphorasmæ(camphor-smelling).*fl.pinkish-white, in little cymes, disposed in long terminal racemes. Summer.l.linear, opposite, nerved.h.7ft. Australia, 1841. (B. R. 28, 10.)

BACCATE.Berried, fleshy; having a pulpy texture.

BACCHARIS(from Bacchus, wine; referring to the spicy odour of the roots). Ploughman's Spikenard. ORD.Compositæ. A genus of hardy, stove, or greenhouse herbs, shrubs, or trees. Flower-heads many-flowered, diœcious, terminal. Involucre sub-hemispherical or oblong, in many series, imbricated. Leaves simple, alternate, exstipulate, deciduous, oblong-lanceolate, notched, serrated, or entire. Shrubs of short duration. These plants are neither beautiful nor ornamental, but are of easy cultivation in ordinary soil. Propagated by cuttings.

B. halimifolia(Halimus-leaved). Groundsel Tree.fl.-headswhite. July.l.oblong-cuneate, obovate, coarsely toothed; branches angular.h.6ft. to 12ft. Northern United States, 1683. Hardy.

BACHELORS' BUTTONS.The double-flowered forms ofRanunculus acris,Lychnis diurna, &c.

HYBRID ALSTRŒMERIAS

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BACKHOUSIA(commemorative of the late James Backhouse, a botanical traveller in Australia and South Africa). ORD.Myrtaceæ. A greenhouse evergreen shrub, requiring a compost of fibry peat, loam, and a little white sand. Propagated, in April, by half-ripened cuttings, inserted in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house.

B. myrtifolia(Myrtle-leaved).*fl.white, disposed in corymbs, and often produced on cuttings soon after having struck root. May.l.ovate, acuminate, smooth. Branches slender.h.16ft. New South Wales, 1844. (B. M. 4133.)

BACONIA.A synonym ofPavetta(whichsee).

BACTRIS(frombaktron, a cane; the young stems being used for walking sticks). ORD.Palmaceæ. Very ornamental, slender growing, and prickly stove palms. Peduncle of the spadix bursting through about the middle of the leaf sheath. Drupes small, ovate, or nearly round, and generally of a dark blue colour. Leaves pinnatisect; segments generally linear and entire. Instead of being confined to the apex of the trunk, the leaves are scattered over nearly the whole surface, and the lower ones retain their verdure long after the upper ones have fully developed. Stems slender, varying from 2ft. to 10ft. in height. Some of the species are of easy culture in a compost of loam, peat, loaf mould, and sand, in equal parts; but most of them are very difficult to manage. Propagation may be effected by suckers, which are very freely produced. Many species are ornamental only when in a young state.

B. baculifera(cane-bearing).l.pinnate, bifid at the apex, 2ft. to 6ft. long; pinnæ arranged in clusters about 1ft. long and 2in. broad, dark green above, paler below; petioles sheathing and densely clothed with sharp brown and black spines, 1½in long. South America.B. caryotæfolia(Caryota-leaved).*fl., spathe ovate, prickly; branches of spadix simple, flexuous.l., pinnæ wedge-shaped, three-lobed, and erose; rachis, petioles, and caudex, prickly.h.30ft. Brazil, 1825.B. flavispina(yellow-spined). Synonymous withB. pallidispina.B. major(greater).fl.greenish-yellow, with a broadly ovate spathe.h.25ft. Carthagena, 1800.B. Maraja(Maraja). Maraja Palm.fl.yellow, with a prickly spathe.h.30ft. to 50ft. Bahia, 1868.B. pallidispina(pale-spined).*l.pinnate, bifid at the apex; pinnæ clustered, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. wide, dark; petioles sheathing at the base and furnished with a profusion of long, yellow spines, which are tipped with black. Brazil. SYN.B. flavispina.

B. caryotæfolia(Caryota-leaved).*fl., spathe ovate, prickly; branches of spadix simple, flexuous.l., pinnæ wedge-shaped, three-lobed, and erose; rachis, petioles, and caudex, prickly.h.30ft. Brazil, 1825.

B. flavispina(yellow-spined). Synonymous withB. pallidispina.

B. major(greater).fl.greenish-yellow, with a broadly ovate spathe.h.25ft. Carthagena, 1800.

B. Maraja(Maraja). Maraja Palm.fl.yellow, with a prickly spathe.h.30ft. to 50ft. Bahia, 1868.

B. pallidispina(pale-spined).*l.pinnate, bifid at the apex; pinnæ clustered, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. wide, dark; petioles sheathing at the base and furnished with a profusion of long, yellow spines, which are tipped with black. Brazil. SYN.B. flavispina.

BACULARIA(frombaculum, a walking-stick). ORD.Palmaceæ. A small genus containing a couple of stove species, which are amongst the smallest palms of the Old World. Both are confined to the east coast of tropical Australia.B. monostachya—in allusion to its slender stem, which rarely exceeds in thickness that of the thumb—is known as the Walking-stick Palm.

B. minor(lesser).l.attaining 3½ft. Stems, several from same rhizome, 2ft. to 5ft. high, ½in. thick. Queensland.B. monostachya(one-spiked).l.pinnate, pendent, 6in. to 12in. long, bifid at the apex; pinnæ about 4in. across, broad, irregular in shape, with ragged and irregular ends; dark green. Stem slender, petioles sheathing.h.10ft. New South Wales, 1824. SYN.Areca monostachya. (B. M. 6644.)

B. minor(lesser).l.attaining 3½ft. Stems, several from same rhizome, 2ft. to 5ft. high, ½in. thick. Queensland.

B. monostachya(one-spiked).l.pinnate, pendent, 6in. to 12in. long, bifid at the apex; pinnæ about 4in. across, broad, irregular in shape, with ragged and irregular ends; dark green. Stem slender, petioles sheathing.h.10ft. New South Wales, 1824. SYN.Areca monostachya. (B. M. 6644.)

BADGER'S BANE.SeeAconitum meloctonum.

BÆA(commemorative of Rev. Dr. Beau, of Toulon, brother-in-law to Commerson, the discoverer of the genus). SYN.Dorcoceras. ORD.Gesneraceæ. Curious and pretty greenhouse herbaceous perennials, requiring a rich sandy loam. They are easily propagated by seeds. Probably the only species in cultivation is the following:

B. hygrometrica(hygrometric).*fl.pale blue-coloured, yellowish at the throat; segments of the limb more or less reflexed; corolla five-lobed, somewhat resembling that of the Violet; scapes numerous, naked, few-flowered. Summer.l.in a rosette, thinly covered with coarse white hairs, ovate acute at both ends, crenate serrate.h.6in. North China, 1868. (B. M. 6468.)

BÆCKEA(named after Abraham Bæck, a Swedish physician, and an esteemed friend of Linnæus). ORD.Myrtaceæ. Very pretty greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Flowers white, pedicellate, small. Leaves opposite, glabrous, dotted. They thrive in a compost of sandy peat, leaf soil, and lumpy, fibrous loam. Cuttings, taken from young wood, root readily, if pricked in a pot of sand, with a bell glass placed over them, in a cool house.

B. diosmæfolia(Diosma-leaved).*fl.axillary, solitary, approximate, sessile. August to October.l.oblong, rather cuneated, keeled, acute, crowded, imbricate, and are, as well as the calyces, ciliated.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1824.B. frutescens(shrubby).*fl.solitary; pedicels axillary. November.l.linear, awnless.h.2ft. to 3ft. China, 1806. (B. M. 2802.)B. parvula(little).fl., peduncles axillary, umbelliferous.l.elliptic-oblong, obtuse, rather mucronate.h.1ft. New Caledonia, 1877. This is very close toB. virgata.(R. G. 886, 2.)B. virgata(twiggy).*fl., peduncles axillary, umbelliferous. August to October.l.linear-lanceolate.h.2ft. to 3ft. New Caledonia, 1806. (B. M. 2127.)

B. frutescens(shrubby).*fl.solitary; pedicels axillary. November.l.linear, awnless.h.2ft. to 3ft. China, 1806. (B. M. 2802.)

B. parvula(little).fl., peduncles axillary, umbelliferous.l.elliptic-oblong, obtuse, rather mucronate.h.1ft. New Caledonia, 1877. This is very close toB. virgata.(R. G. 886, 2.)

B. virgata(twiggy).*fl., peduncles axillary, umbelliferous. August to October.l.linear-lanceolate.h.2ft. to 3ft. New Caledonia, 1806. (B. M. 2127.)

BÆRIA(named in honour of Professor Baer, of the University of Dorpat). ORD.Compositæ. A genus consisting of about half a dozen species. Probably the only one in cultivation is that mentioned below; it is a very pretty plant, of easy culture in ordinary garden soil. Propagated by seeds, sown in spring.

B. chrysostoma(golden-mouthed).fl.-headsbright yellow, solitary, terminal, about 1in. across; involucre of about ten leaflets, in two series. Early summer.l.linear, opposite, entire. Stems erect, downy.h.1ft. California, 1835. (S. B. F. G. ii. 395.)

BAGGED.Swelled like a sac or bag.

BAHIA(probably from Port of Bahia, or San Salvador, in South America). SYN.Phialis. ORD.Compositæ. An ornamental, hardy, herbaceous perennial, much branched from the base of the stem, and having a greyish appearance. It may be increased by seeds, or by divisions.

B. lanata(woolly).fl.-headsyellow, solitary, produced in great numbers. Summer.l.alternate, or with the lower ones sometimes opposite, deeply divided, and sometimes ligulate and entire.h.6in. to 15in. North America. This species thrives on borders of light and well-drained sandy soil. (B. R. 1167.)

BALANIUS.SeeNut Weevil.

BALANTIUM(of Kaulfuss).SeeDicksonia.

BALANTIUM(of Desvaux).SeeParinarium.

BALBISIA(commemorative of Giovanni Battista Balbis, a Professor of Botany at Turin). SYN.Ledocarpum. ORD.Geraniaceæ. A very ornamental half-hardy evergreen shrub, requiring a cool, dry atmosphere. As it is very liable to rot off, water must be applied with great care. Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a hand glass; or by seeds.

B. verticillata(whorled).fl.yellow, large, with a whorl of narrow bracts beneath. Autumn.l.opposite, three-parted; segments linear-oblong. Branches slender, glaucous.h.3ft. to 6ft. Chili, 1846. (B. M. 6170.)

BALCONY.A projection from the external wall of a house, usually resting on brackets, and having the sides encompassed by a balustrade. It should at all times be prettily decorated with plants, which in the summer is a comparatively easy matter. During winter, evergreens of various kinds are most serviceable, the best being Arbutus, Aucubas, Boxes, Euonymuses, Hollies, Irish and Goldon Yew, Portugal Laurel, Retinosporas, Vincas, &c. These may be grown in pots, and when replaced by the summer occupants, should be plunged in some reserve quarter, where they should receive plenty of water; by this means, they will increase in size, and keep in a healthy condition. Very little water will be required during the winter. Climbing plants, such as Ivy, Passion Flower, Virginian Creeper, Climbing Roses, &c., are indispensable for covering the trellises, and draping the pillars and arches.

BALDINGERA.A synonym ofPremna.

BALL.This term is used in reference to the roots and mass of earth as they are moulded into form and pressed into hardness by the pot. The masses of roots and earth which, in the case of fibrous-rooted subjects (such as Rhododendrons), must be taken intact when removing the plants, are also termed Balls.

BALM(Melissa officinalis). A perennial herb, often used in the manufacture of a drink for sick persons, and sometimes employed for culinary purposes. It may be grown in ordinary garden soil, and is propagated bydivisions, in spring. A pretty variegated form is sometimes met with, having the additional advantage of being equal to the normal species for medicinal purposes.

BALM OF GILIAD.SeeCedronella triphyllaandPopulus balsamifera.

FIG. 201. CAMELLIA-FLOWEREDBALSAM.

BALSAM(Impatiens Balsamina). A well-known ornamental and tender annual, native of India. It is one of the showiest of summer and autumn flowers, and well deserves a place in every garden. Although of comparatively easy cultivation, good blooms and well-grown plants are far too rarely seen. A good Balsam bloom should be quite as double as a perfect Camellia, and to show to the greatest advantage should appear like one in the arrangement of the petals. To secure this, seeds should only be saved from the finest and most perfect flowers, although the quantity must, of necessity, be small. They should be sown, about the third week in March, in properly prepared pans of rich sandy soil, and placed in a gentle bottom heat of about 65deg. As soon as the first rough leaf appears, the plants should be potted off into 3in. pots, care being taken to let the cotyledon, or seed leaves, be close to the soil. When the roots touch the sides of the pots, the plants should be moved into larger ones, and this should be repeated until they are in 8in. or 10in. pots. Some growers place one or two seeds in small pots, so as to avoid the first shift, and a good plan it is. During the time the plants are under glass, they should be kept as near the light as possible, and be frequently turned around, so that they do not draw to one side; and careful training must be given to those that are required in fine form. Disbudding is also necessary to such as are wanted at their best, removing all bloom from the main stem and base of branches until the plants are of sufficient size, and then the buds at the tops will bloom almost simultaneously. The buds that will be formed afterwards will cause a continuance of blossom for a long time, in fact, for some months, if the plants are liberally supplied with liquid manure. If it is desired for them to flower out of doors, the plants should be transferred, about May, to a frame where the heat is not above 50deg., and be kept in a steady growing state, air being admitted on all suitable occasions, cold winds and heavy rains avoided, and water supplied when needed; never allow them to get dry. They require training and disbudding the same as those grown in the greenhouse. About June, the plants should be fully exposed during the day; and, when danger of frost is over, the lights may be kept off altogether. These should bloom at the end of July. In all cases, plenty of drainage must be allowed, as the amount of water required is very great. Insects must be sharply looked after, as well as slugs and snails. There are several sections, such as Camellia-flowered (seeFig. 201), Rose-flowered, &c., each containing variously striped, spotted, and entire coloured blooms, and it is best to pay an extra figure to secure a good strain.

BALSAM APPLE.SeeMomordica Balsaminea.

BALSAMINA.SeeImpatiens.

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