Chapter 25

FIG. 202. BAMBUSAARUNDINACEA.

BALSAMINEÆ.A tribe of plants belonging to the orderGeraniaceæ. Sepals and petals all coloured, consisting of six segments, "two outer ones small, flat, and oblique; the next large, hood-shaped, ending below in a conical spur; the fourth opposite to it, small, very broad, concave; the two innermost very oblique, and more or less divided into two unequal lobes." The best known genus isImpatiens.

BALSAMODENDRON(frombalsamon—an old Greek word used by Theophrastus—balm or balsam, anddendron, a tree). ORD.Burseraceæ.Greenhouse or stove balsamiferous trees. Flowers small, green, axillary, often unisexual; calyx four-toothed, permanent; petals four, linear-oblong, induplicately valvate in æstivation; stamens eight, inserted under the annular disk, having elevated warts between them. Berry, or drupe, ovate,acute, one to two-celled, marked with four sutures. Leaves with three to five sessile, dotless leaflets. They thrive in a compost of thoroughly drained sandy loam. Propagated by cuttings of ripe young wood, taken in April, and placed under a hand glass, in bottom heat. The species named below doubtfully belongs to this genus, as the characteristics above enumerated will show.

B. zeylanicum(Ceylon).*fl.white, three-petaled, glomerated, involucrated; racemes interrupted, downy.l.impari-pinnate, with five to seven-stalked, ovate, acute leaflets.h.30ft. Ceylon.

BALSAM OF CAPEVI.SeeCopaifera.

BALSAM-TREE.SeeClusia.

BAMBOO CANE.SeeBambusa.

FIG. 203. BAMBUSAAUREA.

BAMBUSA(frombambu, the Malay name). Bamboo Cane. ORD.Gramineæ. A genus of ornamental, shrubby, greenhouse, half-hardy or hardy shrubs, each culm flowering but once. Flowers usually hexandrous. Leaves, as a rule, relatively shorter than the stems, lanceolate, and narrowed at the base. Stems jointed, flexuose, branching, usually hollow, and, when mature, of a hard, woody nature. In well drained, sheltered situations, in the open, with rich, loamy soil, some of the species make extremely graceful objects, particularly so in the more southern counties of England, and in parts of Scotland. Unless a very severe winter is experienced, they may be left without protection. Plants of all the species, however, should have the shelter of a cold greenhouse till about the end of April; when they should be gradually hardened off, and transferred to a warm, sheltered spot, such as in woodlands, by the margins of lakes, &c., as they like plenty of moisture during the summer. A good watering must be given after planting, to settle the soil. Propagation is effected by careful division of well-developed plants, which should be done in early spring, just as new growth is commencing; and it is advisable to establish the divisions in pots.See alsoArundinaria.

FIG. 204. BAMBUSANANA.

B. arundinacea(reed-like).* Stem very stout, rising like a beautiful column to some 50ft. or 60ft. in height; the laterals producing a profusion of light green leaves, the whole presenting the appearance of a huge plume of feathers. India, 1730. This species is best treated as a stove plant, but it may be placed out of doors in summer. See Fig. 202. (B. F. S. 321.)B. aurea(golden).*l.lanceolate, acute, light green, distinguished fromB. nanaby having their under surface less glaucescent, and the sheath always devoid of the long silky hairs. China. This very handsome species forms elegant tufts, with its slender much-branched stems, which attain a height of from 6ft. to 10ft., and are of a light green colour in a young state, ultimately changing into a yellowish hue. Hardy in most parts of the country. See Fig. 203.B. Fortunei(Fortune's).*l.linear-lanceolate, abruptly pointed, somewhat rounded at the base, on very short hairy stalks, serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin, downy on both sides, and distinctly variegated, the transverse veins often of a bottle-green colour.h.1ft. to 2ft. Japan. A dwarf tufted species, with very slender stem. Quite hardy. There are only variegated varieties of this in cultivation, viz.,variegataandargenteovittata. (F. d. S. 1863, t. 1535.)B. glauca(milky-green). A synonym ofB. nana.B. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withArundinaria Metake.B. Maximowiczii(Maximowicz's). Synonymous withArundinaria Maximowiczii.B. Metake(Metake). Synonymous withArundinaria Metake.B. mitis(small).l.deep green, lanceolate, acute, striated, clasping the stem; panicle simple, erect, close; spikes long, imbricated. Stem tapering.h.40ft. Cochin China and Japan. Thisvigorous-growing species can be cultivated out of doors during summer, and, in most localities, it may be left out all the year.B. nana(dwarf).*l.lanceolate, acute, glaucous, stoutish, with the footstalks slightly downy.h.6ft. to 8ft. India, 1826. A rather tender species, requiring to be grown in the stove or greenhouse. SYNS.B. glaucaandB. viridi-glaucescens. See Fig. 204.B. nigra(black).SeePhyllostachys nigra.B. Ragamowski(Ragamowsk's).*l.9in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. to 3in. broad. China and Japan. This species "can readily be recognised by the tomentose line on one side of the midrib, running nearly the whole length of the leaf on the underside, this line being always on the longer side of the leaf." Hardy. SYN.B. tessellata.B. Simonii(Simon's).*l.narrow, nearly 6in. to 10in. long, occasionally striped with white. Stems growing with great rapidity, mealy-glaucous at the joints; branchlets numerous, rather closely crowded.h.10ft. China and Japan, 1866.B. striata(striated).*l.linear-oblong; culms striped yellow and green.h.6ft. to 20ft. China, 1874. A very slender and graceful, rather tender, species. May be grown in the open air during summer, and in very favoured spots it is probably hardy, especially if covered with a mat in winter. It makes an excellent pot plant. SYN.B. viridi-striata. (B. M. 6079.)B. tessellata(tessellated).* A synonym ofB. Ragamowski.B. violescens(nearly-violet).*l.green above, bluish-grey beneath, with an elongated ligule, surrounded by a bundle of black hairs. Stems much branched, blackish-violet. China, 1869. This handsome and vigorous species is intermediate betweenPhyllostachys nigraandB. nana. It requires protection during winter.B. viridi-glaucescens(glaucous-green). A synonym ofB. nana.B. viridi-striata(green-striped). A synonym ofB. striata.

B. aurea(golden).*l.lanceolate, acute, light green, distinguished fromB. nanaby having their under surface less glaucescent, and the sheath always devoid of the long silky hairs. China. This very handsome species forms elegant tufts, with its slender much-branched stems, which attain a height of from 6ft. to 10ft., and are of a light green colour in a young state, ultimately changing into a yellowish hue. Hardy in most parts of the country. See Fig. 203.

B. Fortunei(Fortune's).*l.linear-lanceolate, abruptly pointed, somewhat rounded at the base, on very short hairy stalks, serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin, downy on both sides, and distinctly variegated, the transverse veins often of a bottle-green colour.h.1ft. to 2ft. Japan. A dwarf tufted species, with very slender stem. Quite hardy. There are only variegated varieties of this in cultivation, viz.,variegataandargenteovittata. (F. d. S. 1863, t. 1535.)

B. glauca(milky-green). A synonym ofB. nana.

B. japonica(Japanese). Synonymous withArundinaria Metake.

B. Maximowiczii(Maximowicz's). Synonymous withArundinaria Maximowiczii.

B. Metake(Metake). Synonymous withArundinaria Metake.

B. mitis(small).l.deep green, lanceolate, acute, striated, clasping the stem; panicle simple, erect, close; spikes long, imbricated. Stem tapering.h.40ft. Cochin China and Japan. Thisvigorous-growing species can be cultivated out of doors during summer, and, in most localities, it may be left out all the year.

B. nana(dwarf).*l.lanceolate, acute, glaucous, stoutish, with the footstalks slightly downy.h.6ft. to 8ft. India, 1826. A rather tender species, requiring to be grown in the stove or greenhouse. SYNS.B. glaucaandB. viridi-glaucescens. See Fig. 204.

B. nigra(black).SeePhyllostachys nigra.

B. Ragamowski(Ragamowsk's).*l.9in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. to 3in. broad. China and Japan. This species "can readily be recognised by the tomentose line on one side of the midrib, running nearly the whole length of the leaf on the underside, this line being always on the longer side of the leaf." Hardy. SYN.B. tessellata.

B. Simonii(Simon's).*l.narrow, nearly 6in. to 10in. long, occasionally striped with white. Stems growing with great rapidity, mealy-glaucous at the joints; branchlets numerous, rather closely crowded.h.10ft. China and Japan, 1866.

B. striata(striated).*l.linear-oblong; culms striped yellow and green.h.6ft. to 20ft. China, 1874. A very slender and graceful, rather tender, species. May be grown in the open air during summer, and in very favoured spots it is probably hardy, especially if covered with a mat in winter. It makes an excellent pot plant. SYN.B. viridi-striata. (B. M. 6079.)

B. tessellata(tessellated).* A synonym ofB. Ragamowski.

B. violescens(nearly-violet).*l.green above, bluish-grey beneath, with an elongated ligule, surrounded by a bundle of black hairs. Stems much branched, blackish-violet. China, 1869. This handsome and vigorous species is intermediate betweenPhyllostachys nigraandB. nana. It requires protection during winter.

B. viridi-glaucescens(glaucous-green). A synonym ofB. nana.

B. viridi-striata(green-striped). A synonym ofB. striata.

BANANA, orPLANTAIN.SeeMusa.

BANEBERRY.SeeActæa.

BANISTERIA(named after John Baptist Banister, a traveller in Virginia in the seventeenth century, author of a catalogue of Virginian plants, inserted in Ray's "Historia Plantarum"). ORD.Malpighiaceæ. Stove trees or shrubs, frequently climbing. Flowers yellow; calyx five-parted; petals furnished with long stalks; stamens ten. Leaves simple, stalked. They are for the most part very ornamental, but are not often seen in flower in this country. They will grow in a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and peat, with some sharp sand added. Cuttings, made from ripened wood, will root freely in sandy soil, under a hand glass, in stove heat, taking about three or four weeks to do so.

B. chrysophylla(golden-leaved).*fl.deep orange, axillary, corymbose.l.ovate, oblong, acutish, somewhat sinuated towards the top, clothed beneath with golden shining down. Brazil, 1793. Climber.B. ciliata(ciliated).*fl.large, orange-coloured, umbellate. June.l.cordate, orbicular, smooth, ciliated. Brazil, 1796. Twiner.B. ferruginea(rust-coloured).fl.yellow; racemes panicled. June.l.2in. long, ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and shining, rusty beneath, and are, as well as the petioles, clothed with close pressed hairs. Brazil, 1820. Climber.B. fulgens(glowing).*fl.yellow, in umbellate corymbs.l.ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and clothed with silky pubescence beneath, as well as the petioles. Branches dichotomous. West Indies, 1759. Climber.B. Humboldtiana(Humboldt's).*fl.yellow; umbels lateral and terminal, sessile.l.roundish-ovate, cordate, rather acuminated, mucronate, membranaceous, smoothish above, clothed beneath with soft hoary down as well as the branchlets. South America, 1824. Climber.B. sericea(silky).fl.yellow, racemose. July.l.ovate, obtuse, with a mucrone; younger ones downy on both surfaces, adult ones only on the under surface; down of a golden shining colour. Brazil, 1810. Climber.B. splendens(splendid).*fl.yellow; racemes axillary, dichotomous, umbellate. Floral leaves orbicular, and nearly sessile.l.cordate, kidney-shaped, orbicular, clothed with silky down beneath. South America, 1812. Climber.

B. chrysophylla(golden-leaved).*fl.deep orange, axillary, corymbose.l.ovate, oblong, acutish, somewhat sinuated towards the top, clothed beneath with golden shining down. Brazil, 1793. Climber.

B. ciliata(ciliated).*fl.large, orange-coloured, umbellate. June.l.cordate, orbicular, smooth, ciliated. Brazil, 1796. Twiner.

B. ferruginea(rust-coloured).fl.yellow; racemes panicled. June.l.2in. long, ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and shining, rusty beneath, and are, as well as the petioles, clothed with close pressed hairs. Brazil, 1820. Climber.

B. fulgens(glowing).*fl.yellow, in umbellate corymbs.l.ovate, acuminated, smooth above, and clothed with silky pubescence beneath, as well as the petioles. Branches dichotomous. West Indies, 1759. Climber.

B. Humboldtiana(Humboldt's).*fl.yellow; umbels lateral and terminal, sessile.l.roundish-ovate, cordate, rather acuminated, mucronate, membranaceous, smoothish above, clothed beneath with soft hoary down as well as the branchlets. South America, 1824. Climber.

B. sericea(silky).fl.yellow, racemose. July.l.ovate, obtuse, with a mucrone; younger ones downy on both surfaces, adult ones only on the under surface; down of a golden shining colour. Brazil, 1810. Climber.

B. splendens(splendid).*fl.yellow; racemes axillary, dichotomous, umbellate. Floral leaves orbicular, and nearly sessile.l.cordate, kidney-shaped, orbicular, clothed with silky down beneath. South America, 1812. Climber.

BANKS.These are usually formed with a view to increasing the amount of surface ground, and for the acceleration or retarding of vegetable crops, such as strawberries, &c. They should be from 6ft. to 12ft. apart, according to the depth of soil, and run from east to west. In constructing Banks of a uniform size, great care, and a constant use of the garden line, will be found necessary. For the warmest side of the Banks, Dwarf French Beans, Peas, Vegetable Marrows, Cucumbers, New Zealand Spinach, Capsicums, &c., may be grown. On the opposite side, and when a prolonged supply is desired, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Lettuce, Turnip, Spinach, &c., may be sown thinly in drills, to be thinned out, and remain. It needs but little discretion to produce valuable crops by this method.

BANKSIA(named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, once President of the Royal Society, and a distinguished patron of science, particularly of Natural History). ORD.Proteaceæ. Greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of Australia, principally grown for the beauty of their foliage. Leaves variable in form, usually dark green, clothed with white or rufous down beneath; margins deeply serrated or spinous, rarely entire. The following is the mode of culture recommended many years ago by Sweet. The pots should be well drained, by placing a potsherd about half way over the hole at the bottom of the pot, then laying another piece against it that it may be hollow, afterwards putting some smaller pieces all around them, and on the top of these some others broken very small. All the plants belonging to the orderProteaceæshould be drained in a similar manner, as the roots are very fond of running amongst the broken potsherds, and consequently there is less danger of their being overwatered. Care must also be taken not to allow them to flag, as they seldom recover if once allowed to get very dry. The plants should be placed in an airy part of the house when indoors. Cuttings are generally supposed to be difficult to root, but this is not the case if properly managed. Let them be well ripened before they are taken off; then cut them at a joint, and place them in pots of sand, without shortening any of the leaves, except on the part that is planted in the sand, where they should be taken off quite close. The less depth they are planted in the pots the better, so long as they stand firm when the sand is well closed round them. Place them under hand glasses in the propagating house, but do not plunge them in heat. Take the glasses off frequently to give them air, and dry them, or they will probably damp off. When rooted, transfer to small pots; after which, place them in a close, unheated frame, and harden by degrees. Seeds are a very unsatisfactory means of multiplying the stock.

B. æmula(rivalling).*l.6in. to 10in. long, 1in. broad, linear-oblong, tapering slightly at the base; edges deeply toothed, deep green on both sides; midrib of under surface clothed with rich brown hairs.h.20ft. 1824. SYN.B. elatior. (B. M. 2671.)B. australis(southern). A synonym ofB. marginata.B. Caleyi(Caley's).l.6in. to 12in. long, linear, deeply and regularly toothed from base to apex, dark green above, paler below.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1830. Said to be an elegant species.B. collina(hill-loving).*l.2in. to 3in. long, ½in. broad, linear; apex præmorse, as if bitten straight off; upper surface dark green, silvery below.h.6ft. to 8ft. 1822. This forms a dense and handsome shrub, especially with its large head of yellow flowers. SYNS.B. Cunninghami,B. ledifolia, andB. littoralis. (B. M. 3060.)B. Cunninghami(Cunningham's). A synonym ofB. collina.B. dryandroides(Dryandra-like).*l.6in. to 10in. long, ¼in. broad, pinnatifid, divided almost to the midrib; lobes triangular, deep green above, and reddish-brown below. Stem clothed with reddish-brown hairs.h.6ft. 1824. This plant is extremely graceful and elegant as a table decoration.B. elatior(taller). Synonymous withB. æmula.B. integrifolia(whole-leaved).l.cuneate-oblong, 6in. long, nearly 1in. wide at the broadest part; edges entire; upper side dark green, silvery white beneath.h.10ft. to 12ft. 1788. SYNS.B. macrophylla,B. oleifolia. (B. M. 2770.)B. i. compar(well-matched).l.very densely set upon the branches, oblong, tapering at the base, blunt at the apex; edges serrulate; upper side dark olive green, silvery white beneath.h.6ft., finely branching. 1824.B. latifolia(broad-leaved).l.6in. to 10in. long, 3in. broad, obovate-oblong; edges serrated; upper surface deep green, beneath clothed with woolly greyish hairs, those on the midrib bright brown.h.20ft. 1802. (B. M. 2406.)B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved). Synonymous withB. collina.B. littoralis(shore). Synonymous withB. collina.B. macrophylla(large-leaved). Synonymous withB. integrifolia.B. marginata(margined).l.1in. to 2in. long, ½in. broad, blunt at the apex, armed with several short spines, and tapering at the base, deep green on the upper surface, snowy white beneath.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1822. SYN.B. australis. (B. M. 1947.)B. occidentalis(western).*fl.yellow, rather handsome, in spikes about 4in. long. April to August.l.5in. to 6in. long, ¼in. broad.h.5ft. 1803. West coast of New Holland. A beautiful species. (B. M. 3535.)B. oleifolia(olive-leaved). Synonymous withB. integrifolia.B. Solanderi(Solander's).*l.4in. to 6in. long, and over 2in. wide, deeply pinnatifid, with three to six pairs of lobes on each leaf; apex as if bitten off; upper side dark green, under silvery white.h.6ft. 1830.B. speciosa(showy).*l.8in. to 14in. long, about ½in. wide, pinnatifid, but divided almost to the midrib; lobes semicircular, with a spine on the end of each; upper side deep green, beneath silvery white, with the midrib clothed with ferruginous woolly hairs.h.6ft. 1805. Both this and the preceding species are very handsome, and highly deserving of the most extensive culture.B. quercifolia(Oak-leaved).l.cuneate-oblong, deeply incised at the margins, and having a short spine upon each lobe.h.5ft. 1805. (B. R. 1430.)

B. australis(southern). A synonym ofB. marginata.

B. Caleyi(Caley's).l.6in. to 12in. long, linear, deeply and regularly toothed from base to apex, dark green above, paler below.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1830. Said to be an elegant species.

B. collina(hill-loving).*l.2in. to 3in. long, ½in. broad, linear; apex præmorse, as if bitten straight off; upper surface dark green, silvery below.h.6ft. to 8ft. 1822. This forms a dense and handsome shrub, especially with its large head of yellow flowers. SYNS.B. Cunninghami,B. ledifolia, andB. littoralis. (B. M. 3060.)

B. Cunninghami(Cunningham's). A synonym ofB. collina.

B. dryandroides(Dryandra-like).*l.6in. to 10in. long, ¼in. broad, pinnatifid, divided almost to the midrib; lobes triangular, deep green above, and reddish-brown below. Stem clothed with reddish-brown hairs.h.6ft. 1824. This plant is extremely graceful and elegant as a table decoration.

B. elatior(taller). Synonymous withB. æmula.

B. integrifolia(whole-leaved).l.cuneate-oblong, 6in. long, nearly 1in. wide at the broadest part; edges entire; upper side dark green, silvery white beneath.h.10ft. to 12ft. 1788. SYNS.B. macrophylla,B. oleifolia. (B. M. 2770.)

B. i. compar(well-matched).l.very densely set upon the branches, oblong, tapering at the base, blunt at the apex; edges serrulate; upper side dark olive green, silvery white beneath.h.6ft., finely branching. 1824.

B. latifolia(broad-leaved).l.6in. to 10in. long, 3in. broad, obovate-oblong; edges serrated; upper surface deep green, beneath clothed with woolly greyish hairs, those on the midrib bright brown.h.20ft. 1802. (B. M. 2406.)

B. ledifolia(Ledum-leaved). Synonymous withB. collina.

B. littoralis(shore). Synonymous withB. collina.

B. macrophylla(large-leaved). Synonymous withB. integrifolia.

B. marginata(margined).l.1in. to 2in. long, ½in. broad, blunt at the apex, armed with several short spines, and tapering at the base, deep green on the upper surface, snowy white beneath.h.5ft. to 6ft. 1822. SYN.B. australis. (B. M. 1947.)

B. occidentalis(western).*fl.yellow, rather handsome, in spikes about 4in. long. April to August.l.5in. to 6in. long, ¼in. broad.h.5ft. 1803. West coast of New Holland. A beautiful species. (B. M. 3535.)

B. oleifolia(olive-leaved). Synonymous withB. integrifolia.

B. Solanderi(Solander's).*l.4in. to 6in. long, and over 2in. wide, deeply pinnatifid, with three to six pairs of lobes on each leaf; apex as if bitten off; upper side dark green, under silvery white.h.6ft. 1830.

B. speciosa(showy).*l.8in. to 14in. long, about ½in. wide, pinnatifid, but divided almost to the midrib; lobes semicircular, with a spine on the end of each; upper side deep green, beneath silvery white, with the midrib clothed with ferruginous woolly hairs.h.6ft. 1805. Both this and the preceding species are very handsome, and highly deserving of the most extensive culture.

B. quercifolia(Oak-leaved).l.cuneate-oblong, deeply incised at the margins, and having a short spine upon each lobe.h.5ft. 1805. (B. R. 1430.)

BANKSIA(of Forster). A synonym ofPimelea.

BAOBAB-TREE.SeeAdansonia.

BAPHIA(frombaphe, a dye; the tree produces the camwood of commerce). Camwood or Barwood. ORD.Leguminosæ. A stove tree, requiring a loam and peat soil. Cuttings, not deprived of any of their leaves, will root in a pot of sand, under a hand glass, in heat.

B. nitida(shining).fl.white; corolla with a roundish spreading vexillum, linear wings, which are about the length of the vexillum, and an acute carina; pedicels two to three together, one-flowered, axillary. June.l.entire, oval-oblong, acuminated, shining.h.30ft. Sierra Leone, 1793. (L. B. C. 367.)

BAPTISIA.(frombapto, to dye; so named from the economical use of some of the species). ORD.Leguminosæ. North American hardy herbaceous plants, with trifoliate, rarely simple leaves, and racemes of yellowish or blue flowers. They are somewhat shy bloomers, but grow freely in a loamy soil. Propagated by divisions, or, more easily, by seed, which latter may be sown in sand and leaf mould in the open, or in pots placed in a cold frame.

B. alba(white).*fl.white; racemes terminal. June.l.stalked, glabrous; leaflets elliptic-oblong, obtuse; stipules deciduous, subulate, shorter than the petioles. Branches divaricate.h.2ft. 1724. (B. M. 1177.)B. australis(southern).*fl.blue; racemes few-flowered, elongated, shorter than the branches. June.l.stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated, obtuse, four times longer than the petiole; stipules lanceolate, acute, twice the length of the petiole. Stem branched, diffuse.h.4ft. to 5ft. 1758. (Flora, 1856, 2; B. M. 509.)B. confusa(confused).fl.dark blue, alternate, bracteate; racemes elongated. June.l.stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated or obovate; stipules linear-lanceolate, twice the length of the petioles. Stem branched.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1758.B. exaltata(exalted).*fl.deep blue; racemes many-flowered, elongated, twice the length of the branches. June.l.ternate, stalked; leaflets lanceolate-obovate, five times longer than the petioles; stipules lanceolate, acuminated, three times longer than the petioles. Stem erect, branched.h.3ft. to 4ft. 1812. (S. B. F. G. 97.)B. leucophæa(dusky-white).fl.cream-coloured; racemes many-flowered, lateral, with the flowers leaning to one side. July.l.sessile, somewhat villous; leaflets rhomboid-obovate; stipules and bracts ovate, acute, broad, leafy.h.1ft. 1870. (B. M. 5900.)B. minor(less).fl.blue; racemes axillary, bracteate. June.l., leaflets rhomboid-lanceolate; stipules lanceolate, longer than the petioles. Stem erect, solid.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1829.B. perfoliata(perfoliate-leaved).*fl.yellow, small, axillary, solitary. August.l.perfoliate, roundish, quite entire, rather glaucous.h.3ft. 1793. (B. M. 3121.)B. tinctoria(dyers').*fl.yellow, with wings each furnished with a callosity, or lateral tooth; racemes terminal.l.stalked, upper ones nearly sessile; leaflets roundish-obovate; stipules setaceous, almost obsolete.h.2ft. to 3ft. 1759. (L. B. C. 588.)

B. australis(southern).*fl.blue; racemes few-flowered, elongated, shorter than the branches. June.l.stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated, obtuse, four times longer than the petiole; stipules lanceolate, acute, twice the length of the petiole. Stem branched, diffuse.h.4ft. to 5ft. 1758. (Flora, 1856, 2; B. M. 509.)

B. confusa(confused).fl.dark blue, alternate, bracteate; racemes elongated. June.l.stalked, smooth; leaflets oblong-cuneated or obovate; stipules linear-lanceolate, twice the length of the petioles. Stem branched.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1758.

B. exaltata(exalted).*fl.deep blue; racemes many-flowered, elongated, twice the length of the branches. June.l.ternate, stalked; leaflets lanceolate-obovate, five times longer than the petioles; stipules lanceolate, acuminated, three times longer than the petioles. Stem erect, branched.h.3ft. to 4ft. 1812. (S. B. F. G. 97.)

B. leucophæa(dusky-white).fl.cream-coloured; racemes many-flowered, lateral, with the flowers leaning to one side. July.l.sessile, somewhat villous; leaflets rhomboid-obovate; stipules and bracts ovate, acute, broad, leafy.h.1ft. 1870. (B. M. 5900.)

B. minor(less).fl.blue; racemes axillary, bracteate. June.l., leaflets rhomboid-lanceolate; stipules lanceolate, longer than the petioles. Stem erect, solid.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1829.

B. perfoliata(perfoliate-leaved).*fl.yellow, small, axillary, solitary. August.l.perfoliate, roundish, quite entire, rather glaucous.h.3ft. 1793. (B. M. 3121.)

B. tinctoria(dyers').*fl.yellow, with wings each furnished with a callosity, or lateral tooth; racemes terminal.l.stalked, upper ones nearly sessile; leaflets roundish-obovate; stipules setaceous, almost obsolete.h.2ft. to 3ft. 1759. (L. B. C. 588.)

BARBACENIA.(named after M. Barbacena, a Governor of Minas Geraes). Formerly placed in ORD.Hæmodoraceæ, but now referred by Bentham and Hooker toAmaryllidaceæ. Very singular and pretty stove evergreen herbaceous perennials, allied toVellozia. Flowers purple, large, showy; perianth funnel-shaped, resinosely hairy on the outside; limb spreading; scapes one-flowered, usually clothed with glandular hairs. Leaves firm, spiral, spreading, acutely keeled. Lindley says that they are capable of existing in a dry, hot air without contact with the earth, on which account they are favourites in South American gardens, where, with Orchids and Bromeliads, they are suspended in the dwelling houses, or hung to the balustrades of the balconies, in which situation they flower abundantly, filling the air with their fragrance. They are rarely seen in our gardens. They may be grown in baskets of fibrous loam and peat, with some nodules of charcoal added.

FIG. 205. FLOWEROFBARBACENIAPURPUREA.

B. purpurea(purple).*fl.funnel-shaped, six-cleft, terminal, solitary; ovarium elongated, tuberculated. July.l.linear, keeled, with spiny serratures.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1825. See Fig. 205. (B. M. 2777.)B. Rogieri(Rogers').*fl.purple; scape and ovaria tubercled; filaments broad, bifid. July.l.linear, acuminated, imbricate, with broad stem-clasping bases, finely spinely serrated on the margin, and keel recurved; caudex short.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1850. (L. J. F. 82.)

B. purpurea(purple).*fl.funnel-shaped, six-cleft, terminal, solitary; ovarium elongated, tuberculated. July.l.linear, keeled, with spiny serratures.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1825. See Fig. 205. (B. M. 2777.)

B. Rogieri(Rogers').*fl.purple; scape and ovaria tubercled; filaments broad, bifid. July.l.linear, acuminated, imbricate, with broad stem-clasping bases, finely spinely serrated on the margin, and keel recurved; caudex short.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1850. (L. J. F. 82.)

BARBADOS CHERRY.SeeMalpighia.

BARBADOS GOOSEBERRY.SeePereskia aculeata.

BARBADOS LILY.SeeHippeastrum equestre.

BARBAREA(anciently called Herb of St. Barbara). Winter Cress; American Cress. ORD.Cruciferæ. Hardy glabrous perennial herbs. Flowers yellow; racemes erect, terminal. Stems erect. They are of easy culture, but scarcely worth growing in the pleasure garden. Propagated by cuttings, suckers, divisions, or seeds.

B. præcox(early).l., lower ones lyrate; terminal lobe ovate; upper ones pinnate-parted; lobes linear-oblong, quite entire.h.1ft. to 1½ft. Commonly known as American, or Black American Cress. Here and there on roadsides, and in dry gravelly places in Great Britain. An escape from cultivation. (Sy. En. B. 124.)B. vulgaris(common).l., lower ones lyrate; terminal lobe roundish; upper ones obovate, toothed, or pinnatifid.h.1¼ft. The double flowering form of this native species is the only one of this genus worth growing for beauty; it is generally known as Double Yellow Rocket. The variegated form is also rather pretty, and comes true from seed. (Sy. En. B. 120.)

B. vulgaris(common).l., lower ones lyrate; terminal lobe roundish; upper ones obovate, toothed, or pinnatifid.h.1¼ft. The double flowering form of this native species is the only one of this genus worth growing for beauty; it is generally known as Double Yellow Rocket. The variegated form is also rather pretty, and comes true from seed. (Sy. En. B. 120.)

BARBATUS.Having long weak hairs, in one or more tufts; bearded.

BARBERRY.SeeBerberis.

BARBIERIA(in honour of J. B. G. Barbier, M.D., a French physician and naturalist, author of "Principes Generaux de Pharmacologie ou de Matière Medicale," Paris, 1806). ORD.Leguminosæ. An ornamental stove evergreen, requiring a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, which should be placed in sand, under a glass, in stove heat.

B. polyphylla(many-leaved).*fl.scarlet, 2in. long; racemes axillary, few-flowered, shorter than the leaves.l.impari-pinnate, with nine to eleven pairs of elliptic-oblong, mucronate leaflets, pubescent in an adult state. Porto Rico, 1818. SYNS.Clitorea polyphyllaandGalactia pinnata.

BARBS.Hooked hairs.

BARK.The outer integuments of a plant beyond the wood, and formed of tissue parallel with it.

BARK-BOUND.This condition is generally the result of very rich soil, or insufficient drainage. In most fruit trees a gummy exudation takes place. If caused by stagnancy, thorough drainage should immediately be effected. Scrubbing the stem is also recommended. Slitting the bark with a knife is likely to do more harm than good, particularly so in the hands of the inexperienced.

BARKERIA(name commemorative of the late G. Barker, of Birmingham, an ardent cultivator of orchids). ORD.Orchidaceæ. From a scientific point of view, this genus should be included inEpidendrum. Very handsome, deciduous, epiphytal, cool-house orchids, having slender pseudo-bulbs, from 6in. to 12in. high, from the top of which the numerous flower-stems are produced. In a cool, airy temperature, these plants grow vigorously, suspended in pans or small baskets close beneath the glass, and slightly shaded with tiffany. They succeed well also on flat blocks of wood, on the top of which they should be tied, without any moss, as their freely-produced, thick, fleshy roots soon cling to the blocks. During the season of growth, a good supply of water is needed, and in hot weather it may be applied three or four times daily; the blocks and plants are best immersed in water; but when at rest, a slight watering twice or three times a week will suffice. Propagated by divisions, just previous to the commencement of new growth.

B. elegans(elegant).*fl.in loose racemes, four or five in each; each blossom about 2in. across; sepals and petals dark rose; lip reddish crimson, spotted and edged with a lighter colour. Winter.h.2ft. Mexico, 1836. Of this beautiful slender-growing species, there are two or three varieties in cultivation. (B. M. 4784.)B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).*fl., raceme 2ft. long, very slender, bearing from five to seven blossoms near its apex; sepals and petals rosy purple; lip white, with a deep purple blotch at its apex. September, remaining in beauty for a considerable time.h.2ft. Costa Rica, 1842. (B. M. 6098.)B. L. Centeræ(Center's).*fl.rosy lilac; lip oblong; margins crenulated or crisped; apex blotched deep purple. Costa Rica, 1873.B. melanocaulon(dark-stemmed).*fl.on an erect spike; sepals and petals rosy lilac; lip broader at the base than at the top, reddish-purple, having a blotch of green in the centre. August.h.1ft. Costa Rica, 1848. Very rare.B. Skinneri(Skinner's).*fl.deep rose-coloured; spikes 6in. to 9in. long, from the apices of the ripened growth, often branched, forming a dense mass of deep purple blossoms, which, if kept dry, lasts from eight to ten weeks.h.1½ft. Guatemala. (P. M. B. 15, 1.)B. S. superbum(superb).*fl.dark rose; lip somewhat deeper tinted, and marked towards the base with yellow streaks. Guatemala. This far surpasses the type in size and number of flowers, as well as in brilliancy of colour. (W. S. O. 38.)B. spectabilis(showy).*fl.quite 2in. across, produced eight or ten together, on a spike issuing from the top of the pseudo-bulb; sepals and petals oblong, acuminate, rosy lilac; lip white, margined with deep lilac or rosy purple, and dotted or spotted with crimson. This very distinct and desirable species lasts from eight to ten weeks in beauty, and forms a very handsome object when placed in the drawing-room and covered over with a large glass shade. Guatemala, 1843. (B. M. 4094.)

B. Lindleyana(Lindley's).*fl., raceme 2ft. long, very slender, bearing from five to seven blossoms near its apex; sepals and petals rosy purple; lip white, with a deep purple blotch at its apex. September, remaining in beauty for a considerable time.h.2ft. Costa Rica, 1842. (B. M. 6098.)

B. L. Centeræ(Center's).*fl.rosy lilac; lip oblong; margins crenulated or crisped; apex blotched deep purple. Costa Rica, 1873.

B. melanocaulon(dark-stemmed).*fl.on an erect spike; sepals and petals rosy lilac; lip broader at the base than at the top, reddish-purple, having a blotch of green in the centre. August.h.1ft. Costa Rica, 1848. Very rare.

B. Skinneri(Skinner's).*fl.deep rose-coloured; spikes 6in. to 9in. long, from the apices of the ripened growth, often branched, forming a dense mass of deep purple blossoms, which, if kept dry, lasts from eight to ten weeks.h.1½ft. Guatemala. (P. M. B. 15, 1.)

B. S. superbum(superb).*fl.dark rose; lip somewhat deeper tinted, and marked towards the base with yellow streaks. Guatemala. This far surpasses the type in size and number of flowers, as well as in brilliancy of colour. (W. S. O. 38.)

B. spectabilis(showy).*fl.quite 2in. across, produced eight or ten together, on a spike issuing from the top of the pseudo-bulb; sepals and petals oblong, acuminate, rosy lilac; lip white, margined with deep lilac or rosy purple, and dotted or spotted with crimson. This very distinct and desirable species lasts from eight to ten weeks in beauty, and forms a very handsome object when placed in the drawing-room and covered over with a large glass shade. Guatemala, 1843. (B. M. 4094.)

BARKING-IRONS.Instruments used in taking off the bark of trees.

BARKLYA(named after Sir H. Barkly, formerly Governor of South Australia). ORD.Leguminosæ. A large greenhouse tree, thriving in a compost of loam and leaf mould. Propagated by seeds and cuttings; the latter should be half ripened, and placed in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool house.

B. syringifolia(Syringa-leaved).fl.golden yellow, numerous, disposed in axillary or terminal racemes.l.alternate, simple, coriaceous.h.30ft. Moreton Bay, 1858.

BARK STOVE.A hothouse adapted for moisture-loving exotics, and having a pit from 2ft. to 4ft. deep, containing fermenting matter, chiefly tanners' bark, by which means a steady heat is maintained for a considerable time. The Bark Stove is now almost obsolete. Bark is, however, still largely used in pine pits, and in some propagating beds; but such beds are generally superseded by hot-water or hot-air tanks.

BARLERIA(named after J. Barrelier, a French botanist of the seventeenth century). ORD.Acanthaceæ. A genus of interesting and ornamental stove evergreen shrubs. Flowers axillary or terminal; calyx four-sepaled, the two outer larger than the others. They thrive best if grown in loam and peat, with a little rotten dung added. Propagated by cuttings made of the young wood, and placed in a similar compost, under a bell glass, in stove temperature, with bottom heat.

B. flava(yellow).*fl.yellow, aggregate, terminal, tubular; bracts very narrow, setose. Summer.l.lanceolate, hairy, entire. Plant unarmed.h.3ft. India, 1816. SYN.B. mitis. (B. M. 4113.)B. Gibsoni(Gibson's).fl.pale purple, rather large, sub-terminal. Winter.l.ovate or oblong-lanceolate. India, 1867. A glabrous stove shrub, of branched habit. (B. M. 5628.)B. Leichtensteiniana(Leichtenstein's).*fl.very curious; spikes axillary, 2in. to 3in. long, ovoid or oblong, consisting of a large number of closely packed overlapping bracts, all turned to the fore or lower part of the spike; bracts ovate-acuminate, mucronate, spine-toothed, one-ribbed, with prominent and curved veins, and 1in. to 1½. long.l.opposite, 1in. to 2in. long, linear-lanceolate, entire, mucronate, tapering at the base into a very short stalk. Branches slender, virgate, sub-angular. South Africa, 1870. This plant is covered over its whole surface with close, white, hoary down. (G. C. 1870, p. 73.)B. longifolia(long-leaved).fl.white; spines of whorls six. Summer.l.ensiform, very long, rough.h.2ft. India, 1781. This is a biennial.B. lupulina(Hop-headed).fl.yellowish; spikes ovate; bracts ovate, concave, imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, quite entire; spines simple, spreading.h.2ft. Mauritius, 1824.B. Mackenii(MacKen's).*fl.purple, large, in a terminal raceme. Spring.l.recurved, narrow-ovate, or elliptic-lanceolate, sub-acute, petioled. Natal, 1870. (B. M. 5866.)B. mitis(small). Synonymous withB. flava.B. prionitis(Prionitis-like).fl.orange; spines axillary, pedate, in fours. Summer.l.quite entire, lanceolate-ovate.h.3ft. India, 1759.

B. flava(yellow).*fl.yellow, aggregate, terminal, tubular; bracts very narrow, setose. Summer.l.lanceolate, hairy, entire. Plant unarmed.h.3ft. India, 1816. SYN.B. mitis. (B. M. 4113.)

B. Gibsoni(Gibson's).fl.pale purple, rather large, sub-terminal. Winter.l.ovate or oblong-lanceolate. India, 1867. A glabrous stove shrub, of branched habit. (B. M. 5628.)

B. Leichtensteiniana(Leichtenstein's).*fl.very curious; spikes axillary, 2in. to 3in. long, ovoid or oblong, consisting of a large number of closely packed overlapping bracts, all turned to the fore or lower part of the spike; bracts ovate-acuminate, mucronate, spine-toothed, one-ribbed, with prominent and curved veins, and 1in. to 1½. long.l.opposite, 1in. to 2in. long, linear-lanceolate, entire, mucronate, tapering at the base into a very short stalk. Branches slender, virgate, sub-angular. South Africa, 1870. This plant is covered over its whole surface with close, white, hoary down. (G. C. 1870, p. 73.)

B. longifolia(long-leaved).fl.white; spines of whorls six. Summer.l.ensiform, very long, rough.h.2ft. India, 1781. This is a biennial.

B. lupulina(Hop-headed).fl.yellowish; spikes ovate; bracts ovate, concave, imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, quite entire; spines simple, spreading.h.2ft. Mauritius, 1824.

B. Mackenii(MacKen's).*fl.purple, large, in a terminal raceme. Spring.l.recurved, narrow-ovate, or elliptic-lanceolate, sub-acute, petioled. Natal, 1870. (B. M. 5866.)

B. mitis(small). Synonymous withB. flava.

B. prionitis(Prionitis-like).fl.orange; spines axillary, pedate, in fours. Summer.l.quite entire, lanceolate-ovate.h.3ft. India, 1759.

BARLEY.SeeHordeum vulgare.

BARNADESIA(named after Michael Barnadez, a Spanish botanist). ORD.Compositæ. Pretty greenhouse deciduous shrubs, requiring a dry atmosphere. They should be grown in peat, loam, and sand, in equal proportions. Propagated either by seeds, sown in hotbeds in March, or by cuttings, made of half-ripened wood in April, and placed in sand under a bell glass.

FIG. 206. BARNADESIAROSEA.

B. rosea(rosy).*fl.-headsrose-coloured, solitary, ovate-cylindrical, downy, sessile; florets bilabiate, one lip oblong-emarginate, villous, the other filiform; hairs on receptacle twisted; pappus stiff, plumose. May.l.alternate, ovate, acute at both ends.h.1½ft. South America, 1840. See Fig. 206. (B. M. 4232.)

BARNARDIA.Included underScilla(whichsee).

BAROMETER.An instrument for measuring the density of the atmosphere, and hence determining the probable changes of weather, or the height of any ascent. To the gardener the Barometer is indispensable as a warning to take due precaution.

BAROSMA(frombarys, heavy, andosme, smell; referring to the powerful scent of the leaves). Name often incorrectly speltBaryosma. SYN.Parapetalifera. ORD.Rutaceæ. Very pretty small, Heath-like, greenhouse evergreen shrubs, from the Cape of Good Hope. Calyx equally five-parted; petals five, oblong; stamens ten. Leaves opposite or scattered, coriaceous, flat, dotted, with their margins sometimes glandularly serrulated, sometimes almost entire or revolute. They thrive in a mixture of sand, peat, and a little turfy loam, with good drainage and firm potting. Cuttings, taken from ripened wood, inserted in a pot of sand, and placed in a shady position in a cool house, with a bell glass over them, will root readily in a few weeks.

B. betulina(Birch-leaved).fl.white, axillary, solitary. February to September.l.opposite, obovate, serrulate, sessile, spreading.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1790. (B. M. Pl. 45.)B. dioica(diœcious).*fl.purplish; peduncles axillary, usually in threes, shorter than the leaves. April.l.scattered; upper ones ternate, lanceolate, tapering to both ends, full of glandular dots, spreading.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1816. (B. R. 502.)B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.white, usually solitary, lateral. July.l.opposite, ovate-oblong, sessile, serrulated, smoothish, without glandular dots; branches villous.h.1ft. 1789.B. pulchella(pretty).*fl.pale red or purple; peduncles axillary, usually solitary, exceeding the leaves. February.l.crowded, ovate, quite smooth, with thickened, crenate-glandular margins.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1787.B. serratifolia(saw-edged-leaved).*fl.white; peduncles axillary, sub-divided. March to June.l.nearly opposite, lanceolate, stalked, glandularly serrulated, smooth.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1789. (B. M. 456, and B. Z. 1853, 12.)

B. betulina(Birch-leaved).fl.white, axillary, solitary. February to September.l.opposite, obovate, serrulate, sessile, spreading.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1790. (B. M. Pl. 45.)

B. dioica(diœcious).*fl.purplish; peduncles axillary, usually in threes, shorter than the leaves. April.l.scattered; upper ones ternate, lanceolate, tapering to both ends, full of glandular dots, spreading.h.1ft. to 2ft. 1816. (B. R. 502.)

B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.white, usually solitary, lateral. July.l.opposite, ovate-oblong, sessile, serrulated, smoothish, without glandular dots; branches villous.h.1ft. 1789.

B. pulchella(pretty).*fl.pale red or purple; peduncles axillary, usually solitary, exceeding the leaves. February.l.crowded, ovate, quite smooth, with thickened, crenate-glandular margins.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1787.

B. serratifolia(saw-edged-leaved).*fl.white; peduncles axillary, sub-divided. March to June.l.nearly opposite, lanceolate, stalked, glandularly serrulated, smooth.h.1ft. to 3ft. 1789. (B. M. 456, and B. Z. 1853, 12.)

BARRED.Marked in spaces with a paler colour, resembling bars.

BARREN FLOWERS.The male or staminate flowers of many plants, such as the Cucumber, Melon, &c., are popularly known as Barren Flowers,i.e., they produce no fruit. This condition is, in some respects, similar to "blind" Strawberries or "blind" Cabbages, so far as fruition is concerned, but structurally and functionally it is widely different. The Barren Flowers of the Cucumber, Melon, &c., are produced by what are known as monœcious plants,i.e., having male and female organs in different flowers, but on the same plant. In the Strawberry, &c., Barren Flowers are generally the result of unfavourable surroundings, or unskilful cultivation. A good example of Barren Flowers is seen in the ray-florets of many Composite plants, which are frequently really neuter, having neither male nor female organs.

BARREN SOILS.A term signifying such soils as are normally unprofitable. The term can only be correctly applied in very few cases; as almost any soil may be rendered capable of affording a basis for some kind of vegetable life, arboreal or other. The question of planting up the enormous quantity of what is now waste land, might well engage the most practical consideration. Of course, the natural state of any land will, to a great extent, determine what would be its ultimate condition, after all that could be effected by mechanical agency has been accomplished. Drainage, irrigation, enrichment, pulverisation, are all matters which can only be considered upon a particular basis; but we doubt not that the thousands of acres of land now practically almost useless, might, by the adoption of proper means, be rendered fairly remunerative.

BARREN-WORT.SeeEpimedium.

BARRINGTONIA(named after the Hon. Daines Barrington, F.R.S.). ORD.Myrtaceæ. A genus of stove evergreen trees and shrubs, very difficult to cultivate. Flowers large, racemose. Leaves opposite or whorled, generally obovate; margins toothed or entire. Fruit one-seeded, fleshy. They require a compost of two parts loam, one peat, and one sand. Water should be given in abundance, and a moist atmosphere at all times maintained, the temperature ranging from 65deg. to 95deg. Propagated by cuttings obtained from the lateral shoots; these, taken off at a joint when the wood is ripe, planted in sand, with a hand glass over them, root readily. The cuttings should not be stripped of any of their leaves.

B. racemosa(raceme-flowered).fl.red; racemes pendulous, very long.l.cuneate-oblong, acuminated, serrulated.h.30ft. Malabar, 1822. (B. M. 3831.)B. speciosa(showy).*fl.purple and white, large and handsome, disposed in an erect thyrse.l.shining, cuneate-oblong, obtuse, quite entire.h.20in. to 30in. in England. This beautiful species seldom attains a height of more than 6ft. or 8ft. (G. C. 1845, p. 56.)

B. racemosa(raceme-flowered).fl.red; racemes pendulous, very long.l.cuneate-oblong, acuminated, serrulated.h.30ft. Malabar, 1822. (B. M. 3831.)

B. speciosa(showy).*fl.purple and white, large and handsome, disposed in an erect thyrse.l.shining, cuneate-oblong, obtuse, quite entire.h.20in. to 30in. in England. This beautiful species seldom attains a height of more than 6ft. or 8ft. (G. C. 1845, p. 56.)

BARROW.Garden Barrows are very numerous, both with and without wheels. The Flower-pot Barrow has a wheel and a flat surface, on which plants, pots, or leaves are placed, either directly, or, when small, in shallow baskets. The Haum Barrow is an open box or case, of wicker or other work, placed on, or suspended from, a pair of handles, with or without a wheel, and is useful for carrying litter, leaves, &c. The Water Barrow, instead of a box, contains a barrel, tub, or cistern, in which fluid manure, or ordinary water, is conveyed to different parts of the garden. The Hand-barrow is a frame of wood, carried by two levers, which form four handles; for removing large pots or tubs of trees or shrubs it is very useful.

FIG. 207. FLOWEROFBARTONIAAUREA.

BARTLINGIA.A synonym ofPlocama(whichsee).

BARTONIA(in honour of Benjamin S. Barton, M.D., formerly Professor of Botany at Philadelphia). ORD.Loasaceæ. Hardy annuals or biennials, downy, with stiff and bearded hairs. This genus is now placed underMentzeliain most standard botanical works. Flowers white or yellow, large, terminal, expanding in the evening, when they are very fragrant, and becoming reddish as they fade. Leaves alternate, interruptedly pinnatifid. The species are very showy, and well worth growing. Any ordinary garden soil suits them. Seeds should be raised in a gentle heat in spring;and, when the seedlings are sufficiently large, they should be potted singly into small, well-drained pots. In winter, they should be placed on a dry shelf in a greenhouse or frame.B. aureais one of the brightest of hardy annuals, and may be sown either in a frame, or in the open border in April.

B. albescens(whitish).*fl., petals ten, pale yellow, disposed in a leafy panicle. July.l.sinuately toothed. Stem with a white shining epidermis.h.1ft. to 4ft. Chili, 1831. Annual or biennial. (S. B. F. G. ii., 182.)B. aurea(golden).*fl.two or three together, terminal, bright golden yellow, as large as a half-crown; petals five. June.h.1ft. California, 1834. Annual. See Fig. 207. (B. M. 3649.)B. nuda(naked) andB. ornata(adorned) are two very pretty white-flowered biennial species.h.2ft. Missouri, 1811.

B. aurea(golden).*fl.two or three together, terminal, bright golden yellow, as large as a half-crown; petals five. June.h.1ft. California, 1834. Annual. See Fig. 207. (B. M. 3649.)

B. nuda(naked) andB. ornata(adorned) are two very pretty white-flowered biennial species.h.2ft. Missouri, 1811.

BARYOSMA.SeeBarosma.

BASAL, orBASILAR. Situated at the base of anything; as the embryo, when situated at the bottom of the seed.

BASELLA(its Malabar name). Malabar Nightshade. ORD.Basellaceæ. Annual or biennial stove trailers, with white or pinkish flowers, of no great horticultural value. In India, and elsewhere throughout the tropics, some of the species are cultivated as pot herbs, and are used as a substitute for Spinach.

B. alba(white).*fl.white. August.l.heart-shaped, pointed.h.8in. India, 1688. This plant, either when allowed to fall in festoons from the roof of a warm house, or treated as a basket plant, forms an elegant object when in flower.

BASELLACEÆ.A series of usually herbaceous climbers, and considered a tribe ofChenopodiaceæ.

BASIL, SWEET(Ocymum basilicum). This is a tender annual from India, and must be raised in gentle heat. The foliage is somewhat largely used for flavouring purposes. Seeds should be sown in April, the seedlings pricked out into boxes to strengthen, and finally planted out about 8in. asunder, in beds of light rich soil, in June, being well watered until fully established. As soon as they bloom, they should be cut down to within a few inches of the ground, and the portions cut off should be tied up in small bunches and dried in the shade for winter use. Some of the plants can be lifted in September, potted up, and placed in a warm greenhouse for the winter, when the fresh green leaves will be found very useful. Bush Basil (Ocymum minimum) is a dwarfer plant, but may be treated in the same way. Wild Basil is botanically known asCalamintha Clinopodium.

BASIL-THYME.SeeCalamintha Acinos.

BASI-NERVED.When the nerves of a leaf spring from the base.

BASING-UP.The raising of a small bank of earth entirely round a plant, so as to retain water immediately about the root. The term is sometimes used to signifyEarthingorMoulding, whichsee.

BASKETS.Few objects contribute more to the adornment of a window, or the decoration of the diningroom, drawing-room, or glass-house, than Hanging Baskets, tastefully filled with handsome foliaged and flowering plants. Baskets are made in different forms and of various materials, such as wire, terra-cotta, wood, and cork. The Wire Baskets have a very light and elegant appearance, and are generally used. In filling Baskets, the inside should be lined with a thick layer of moss, orSelaginella Kraussiana, next to which a layer of coarse sacking must be placed, to prevent the soil from working through. Terra-cotta Baskets are very pretty, and are extensively employed in domestic rooms, but they should always have one or more holes at the bottom, to facilitate drainage. Rustic Baskets, of cork or wood, are also very suitable for floral arrangements; those composed of teak-wood are very generally used for orchids. The compost should be prepared according to the requirements of the plant or plants intended to be grown, which can be easily ascertained on reference to such plants in this work. The soil should not be allowed to get dry; in the event of this happening, however, a thorough soaking by immersion must be given. As a rule, attention should be given in the matter of watering every other day, and light syringing every morning and evening during the spring and summer months will be most beneficial. The Baskets should be examined every week, all dead or decaying leaves being removed, and any insects, which are so likely to get a foothold, destroyed. In arranging the subjects, the centre plant should be the tallest, the next outer ones shorter, and the marginal ones of a trailing or drooping habit, so that the whole may present a symmetrical, and at the same time a natural, appearance. Wickerwork Baskets are used for carrying or transferring plants, and are generally made 18in. wide by 20in. deep; they are extremely useful, and should be in every garden. Split wood and withes are largely employed in making Baskets. The Planter's Basket, described by Loudon as a flat, rectangular utensil of wickerwork or boards, partitioned into three or more parts, for the purpose of carrying with the gardener when about to plant or remove plants, is now, unfortunately, almost obsolete. One division is for the plants, another for those taken up, and a third for the tools to be made use of, and for any decayed parts of plants, stones, weeds, or other refuse which may be collected. By using this Basket, order, accuracy, and neatness are secured. The Sussex "Truck" Baskets, made of willow-wood, are very useful, being both light and durable.See alsoMeasures.

BASSIA(named after Ferdinando Bassi, Curator of the Botanic Garden at Bologna). ORD.Sapotaceæ. Handsome lofty-growing lactescent stove trees, with axillary, solitary, or aggregate flowers, and quite entire, smooth, coriaceous leaves. They require stove heat, and a compost of peat and loam. Cuttings, taken from ripened wood, strike readily in sand, under a hand glass, in a strong moist heat.

B. butyracea(buttery). The Indian Butter Tree.fl., pedicels aggregate, and are, as well as the calyces, woolly.l.obovate, 8in. to 9in. long, and 4in. to 5in. broad, tomentose beneath.h.30ft. to 70ft. Nepaul, 1823. (B. F. F. 35.)B. latifolia(broad-leaved). The Mahwah Tree of Bengal.fl., corolla thick and fleshy; pedicels drooping, terminal.l.oblong or elliptic, smooth above, whitish beneath, 4in. to 8in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad.h.50ft. India, 1799. (B. F. S. 41.)B. longifolia(long-leaved).fl., pedicels axillary, drooping, crowded round the ends of the branchlets.l.ovate-lanceolate, approximate at the tops of the branches, 6in. long, deciduous.h.50ft. Malabar, 1811. (B. F. S. 42.)

B. latifolia(broad-leaved). The Mahwah Tree of Bengal.fl., corolla thick and fleshy; pedicels drooping, terminal.l.oblong or elliptic, smooth above, whitish beneath, 4in. to 8in. long, and 2in. to 4in. broad.h.50ft. India, 1799. (B. F. S. 41.)

B. longifolia(long-leaved).fl., pedicels axillary, drooping, crowded round the ends of the branchlets.l.ovate-lanceolate, approximate at the tops of the branches, 6in. long, deciduous.h.50ft. Malabar, 1811. (B. F. S. 42.)

BASSorBAST MATS. These are prepared, chiefly in Russia, from the inner bark of various Limes (Tilia), and are very largely used in this country by nurserymen for packing purposes. They are also extensively employed as coverings, being excellent preventatives of the effects of frost. They are beneficial as a covering for beds of early vegetables, to prevent radiation during the night. For tying purposes they are now greatly superseded by Raffia Grass. Archangel Mats are larger, and of better quality than the St. Petersburgh. Dunnage Mats are heavy, and generally used for covering, as they are much cheaper.

BASTARD ACACIA.SeeRobinia Pseudo-acacia.

BASTARD BALM.SeeMelittis.

BASTARD BOX.SeePolygala chamæbuxus.

BASTARD CABBAGE-TREE.SeeGeoffroya.

BASTARD CHERRY.SeeCerasus Pseudo-cerasus.

BASTARD CINNAMON.SeeCinnamomum Cassia.

BASTARD CORK TREE.SeeQuercus pseudo-suber.

BASTARD INDIGO.SeeAmorpha.

BASTARD LUPINE.SeeTrifolium Lupinaster.

BASTARD QUINCE.SeePyrus Chamæmespilus.

BASTARD VERVAIN.SeeStachytarpheta.

BASTARD VETCH.SeePhaca.

BASTARD WIND-FLOWER.SeeGentiana Pseudo-pneumonanthe.

BASTARD WOOD-SAGE.SeeTeucrium Pseudo-scorodonia.

BAST MATS.SeeBass Mats.

BATATAS(its aboriginal name). ORD.Convolvulaceæ. This genus is now referred toIpomæa. Strong, free-growing, greenhouse or stove deciduous twiners. Calyx of five sepals; corolla campanulate; stamens inclosed. They are of easy culture, only requiring plenty of room to spread, and are well adapted for trellis work, or to run up pillars. They are all tuberous rooted, and therefore require to be kept dry when in a dormant state. A rich, open, loamy soil is most suitable. Young cuttings strike readily under a hand glass, in heat.

B. bignonioides(Bignonia-like).*fl., corolla dark purple, funnel-shaped, with a curled limb; peduncles many-flowered, nutant, shorter than the petioles. July.l.three-lobed; hind lobes rounded, imbricate. Cayenne, 1824. (B. M. 2645.)B. Cavanillesii(Cavanilles').*fl.pale whitish-red; lobes of corolla obtuse, crenulated; peduncles one to three-flowered. August.l.quinate; leaflets ovate, entire, unequal. Native country unknown, 1815.

B. Cavanillesii(Cavanilles').*fl.pale whitish-red; lobes of corolla obtuse, crenulated; peduncles one to three-flowered. August.l.quinate; leaflets ovate, entire, unequal. Native country unknown, 1815.

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