Chapter 29

FIG. 243. FLOWERINGBRANCHESOFBERBERIDOPSISCORALLINA.

B. corallina(coral-red).*fl.crimson, in terminal, drooping racemes, leafy at the base.l.about 3in. long, alternate, simple, petiolate, oblong-cordate, obtuse or acute, spiny-toothed. Chili, 1862. See Fig. 243. (B. M. 5343.)

BERBERIS(Berberysis the Arabic name of the fruit, signifying a shell; many authors believe this to be the original derivation of the word, because the leaves are hollow, like a shell). Barberry. ORD.Berberidaceæ. IncludingMahonia. A genus of hardy erect or trailing shrubs. Flowers yellow or orange, racemose or fascicled; sepals and petals similar, in two series. Leaves simple or compound, alternate or fascicled from the non-development of the branches, often spinose, or reduced to spines. The common sorts thrive well in any ordinary garden soil, but the rarer kinds require a compost of loam, peat, and a little sand. Propagation may be effected by suckers or layers, put down in the autumn; by ripened cuttings, taken at the same time, and planted in sandy soil, in a cold frame; or by seeds, sown in the spring, or, preferably, in the autumn, when, if fresh from the pulp or berry, they will germinate in the open in the following spring. The last-named is the method generally adopted.

B. Aquifolium(Holly-leaved).*fl.yellow; racemes nearly erect, much crowded. Spring.l., leaflets two to three pairs, with an odd one, the lower part distant from the petiole; ovate, approximate, cordate at the base, one-nerved, spiny-toothed.h.3ft. to 6ft. North America, 1823. This is extensively planted in woodlands as an excellent covert plant. SYN.Mahonia aquifolia. (S. E. B. 49.)B. aristata(bearded).fl.yellow; racemes nodding, many-flowered, longer than the leaves; pedicels trifid, three-flowered. Spring.l.obovate-oblong or lanceolate, mucronate, membranous, smooth, serrated with four or five spinulose teeth; lower spines three-parted, upper ones simple, and hardly bidentate at the base.h.6ft. Nepaul, 1820. (B. R. 729, under name ofB. Chitria.)B. asiatica(Asiatic).fl., racemes short, many-flowered, corymbose, shorter than the leaves; pedicels elongated, one-flowered.l.oval, cuneated, or elliptical, mucronate, smooth; under surface glaucous, entire, or spinulosely-toothed; spines trifid, or simple.h.4ft. to 8ft. 1820. Half-hardy.B. buxifolia(Box-leaved).*fl.solitary, on slender peduncles. Spring.l.nearly sessile, oval or oblong, about ½in. long, entire.h.8ft. Straits of Magellan, 1830.Nanais a charming little variety, not exceeding 18in. in height. SYN.B. dulcis. (B. M. 6505.)B. canadensis(Canadian).*fl., racemes many-flowered, nodding. Spring.l.obovate-oblong, remotely serrated; upper ones nearly entire; spines three-parted.h.4ft. Canada, 1759.B. cratægina(Hawthorn-like).fl., racemes many-flowered, crowded, spreading, scarcely longer than the leaves. Spring.l.oblong, reticulated, hardly serrated; spines simple.h.4ft. to 8ft. Asia Minor, 1829.B. cretica(Cretan).fl., racemes three to eight-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. Spring.l.oblong-oval, entire, or somewhat serrated; spines three to five-parted.h.4ft. to 5ft. Crete and Cyprus, 1759. The varietyserratifoliahas leaves ciliately-serrated. (S. F. G. 342.)B. Darwinii(Darwin's).*fl.orange, racemose, very numerous. May, and sometimes again in autumn.l.oval or oblong, about 1in. long, with usually five spiny teeth.h.2ft. South Chili, 1849. This very fine species is, perhaps, the best; it forms a densely-branched, spreading, evergreen bush, thus making an excellent covert plant. (B. M. 4590.)B. dulcis(sweet). Synonymous withB. buxifolia.B. emarginata(emarginate).fl., racemes scarcely pendulous, shorter than the leaves. Spring.l.lanceolate-obovate, ciliately serrated; spines three-parted.h.6ft. Siberia, 1790.B. empetrifolia(Empetrum-leaved).*fl.few, terminal, sub-umbellate, on slender pedicels. May.l.in fascicles of about seven, linear, closely revolute, sharply mucronate.h.1½ft. to 2ft. Straits of Magellan, 1827. (B. R. 26, 27.)B. fascicularis(fascicled).fl., racemes erect, much crowded. Spring.l., leaflets three to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the base of the petiole; ovate-lanceolate, rather distant, one-nerved, spiny toothed, with four to five teeth on each side.h.6ft. to 8ft. New Spain, 1820. Half-hardy. SYN.Mahonia fascicularis. (B. M. 2396.)B. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl., racemes many-flowered, loose, solitary, pendulous. June.l.obovate-lanceolate, or obovate-oblong, tapering much towards the base, ending in amucrone at the apex, paler beneath, spiny-ciliated; spines three-parted, unequal.h.10ft. Nepaul. A variety ofaristata.B. Fortunei(Fortune's).*fl.small, in terminal clustered racemes.l., leaflets about seven, linear-lanceolate, distant, with numerous small spiny teeth, lower pair remote from the base of the petiole. China.B. glumacea(glumaceous). A synonym ofB. nervosa.B. iberica(Iberian).fl., racemes many-flowered, pendulous. Spring.l.obovate-oblong, quite entire; spines simple and three-parted.h.8ft. to 10ft. Iberia, 1818.B. ilicifolia(Holly-leaved).fl., peduncles short, four-flowered; pedicels elongated, somewhat corymbose. July.l.ovate, tapering at the base, coarsely and spinulosely toothed; spines three-parted.h.2ft. to 3ft. Tierra del Fuego, 1791. (B. M. 4308.)B. japonica(Japanese).*fl., racemes in terminal clusters. Spring.l., leaflets usually nine, about 3in. long, quite sessile, broadly cordate, or rotundate at the base, oblique, with about five long spiny teeth, and a terminal one, the lowest pairs close to the base of the petiole. China and Japan. Very distinct, with unbranched stems and leaves about 1ft. long.B. BealiandB. intermediaare mere forms of this species, the latter differing from it in having narrower leaves and longer, slender racemes. (B. M. 4852.)B. loxensis(Loxanese).fl.unusually small, erect, in panicled racemes on a long peduncle quite clear of the leaves.l.very shining, blunt, obovate; sides often with several teeth; spines small, palmated.h.3ft. to 4ft. Peru. Evergreen, not hardy. (P. F. G. 1, p. 13.)

B. aristata(bearded).fl.yellow; racemes nodding, many-flowered, longer than the leaves; pedicels trifid, three-flowered. Spring.l.obovate-oblong or lanceolate, mucronate, membranous, smooth, serrated with four or five spinulose teeth; lower spines three-parted, upper ones simple, and hardly bidentate at the base.h.6ft. Nepaul, 1820. (B. R. 729, under name ofB. Chitria.)

B. asiatica(Asiatic).fl., racemes short, many-flowered, corymbose, shorter than the leaves; pedicels elongated, one-flowered.l.oval, cuneated, or elliptical, mucronate, smooth; under surface glaucous, entire, or spinulosely-toothed; spines trifid, or simple.h.4ft. to 8ft. 1820. Half-hardy.

B. buxifolia(Box-leaved).*fl.solitary, on slender peduncles. Spring.l.nearly sessile, oval or oblong, about ½in. long, entire.h.8ft. Straits of Magellan, 1830.Nanais a charming little variety, not exceeding 18in. in height. SYN.B. dulcis. (B. M. 6505.)

B. canadensis(Canadian).*fl., racemes many-flowered, nodding. Spring.l.obovate-oblong, remotely serrated; upper ones nearly entire; spines three-parted.h.4ft. Canada, 1759.

B. cratægina(Hawthorn-like).fl., racemes many-flowered, crowded, spreading, scarcely longer than the leaves. Spring.l.oblong, reticulated, hardly serrated; spines simple.h.4ft. to 8ft. Asia Minor, 1829.

B. cretica(Cretan).fl., racemes three to eight-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. Spring.l.oblong-oval, entire, or somewhat serrated; spines three to five-parted.h.4ft. to 5ft. Crete and Cyprus, 1759. The varietyserratifoliahas leaves ciliately-serrated. (S. F. G. 342.)

B. Darwinii(Darwin's).*fl.orange, racemose, very numerous. May, and sometimes again in autumn.l.oval or oblong, about 1in. long, with usually five spiny teeth.h.2ft. South Chili, 1849. This very fine species is, perhaps, the best; it forms a densely-branched, spreading, evergreen bush, thus making an excellent covert plant. (B. M. 4590.)

B. dulcis(sweet). Synonymous withB. buxifolia.

B. emarginata(emarginate).fl., racemes scarcely pendulous, shorter than the leaves. Spring.l.lanceolate-obovate, ciliately serrated; spines three-parted.h.6ft. Siberia, 1790.

B. empetrifolia(Empetrum-leaved).*fl.few, terminal, sub-umbellate, on slender pedicels. May.l.in fascicles of about seven, linear, closely revolute, sharply mucronate.h.1½ft. to 2ft. Straits of Magellan, 1827. (B. R. 26, 27.)

B. fascicularis(fascicled).fl., racemes erect, much crowded. Spring.l., leaflets three to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the base of the petiole; ovate-lanceolate, rather distant, one-nerved, spiny toothed, with four to five teeth on each side.h.6ft. to 8ft. New Spain, 1820. Half-hardy. SYN.Mahonia fascicularis. (B. M. 2396.)

B. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl., racemes many-flowered, loose, solitary, pendulous. June.l.obovate-lanceolate, or obovate-oblong, tapering much towards the base, ending in amucrone at the apex, paler beneath, spiny-ciliated; spines three-parted, unequal.h.10ft. Nepaul. A variety ofaristata.

B. Fortunei(Fortune's).*fl.small, in terminal clustered racemes.l., leaflets about seven, linear-lanceolate, distant, with numerous small spiny teeth, lower pair remote from the base of the petiole. China.

B. glumacea(glumaceous). A synonym ofB. nervosa.

B. iberica(Iberian).fl., racemes many-flowered, pendulous. Spring.l.obovate-oblong, quite entire; spines simple and three-parted.h.8ft. to 10ft. Iberia, 1818.

B. ilicifolia(Holly-leaved).fl., peduncles short, four-flowered; pedicels elongated, somewhat corymbose. July.l.ovate, tapering at the base, coarsely and spinulosely toothed; spines three-parted.h.2ft. to 3ft. Tierra del Fuego, 1791. (B. M. 4308.)

B. japonica(Japanese).*fl., racemes in terminal clusters. Spring.l., leaflets usually nine, about 3in. long, quite sessile, broadly cordate, or rotundate at the base, oblique, with about five long spiny teeth, and a terminal one, the lowest pairs close to the base of the petiole. China and Japan. Very distinct, with unbranched stems and leaves about 1ft. long.B. BealiandB. intermediaare mere forms of this species, the latter differing from it in having narrower leaves and longer, slender racemes. (B. M. 4852.)

B. loxensis(Loxanese).fl.unusually small, erect, in panicled racemes on a long peduncle quite clear of the leaves.l.very shining, blunt, obovate; sides often with several teeth; spines small, palmated.h.3ft. to 4ft. Peru. Evergreen, not hardy. (P. F. G. 1, p. 13.)

FIG. 244. BERBERISNEPALENSIS.

B. nepalensis(Nepaulese).*fl.yellow; racemes few, elongated, slender.l.1ft. to 2ft. long; leaflets five to nine pairs, obovate-oblong, cuspidate, rounded at the base, repand-toothed, with five to ten spiny teeth on each side, tricuspidate at the apex.h.4ft. to 6ft. Nepaul. A very handsome species, thriving best in the southern parts of England. SYN.Mahonia nepalensis. See Fig. 244.B. nervosa(large-nerved).fl., racemes elongated. October.l., leaflets five to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the petiole; ovate, acuminated, remotely spiny toothed, somewhat three to five-nerved, with twelve to fourteen teeth on each side.h.1ft. to 3ft. North America, 1826. SYNS.B. glumacea,Mahonia nervosa. (B. M. 3949.)B. repens(creeping).*fl., racemes terminal, numerous, fascicled, diffuse, rising from the scaly buds. Spring.l., leaflets, two to three pairs, with an odd one, roundish-ovate, opaque, spiny toothed.h.1ft. to 2ft. North America, 1822. SYN.Mahonia repens. (B. R. 1176.)B. ruscifolia(Ruscus-leaved).fl.a little larger than those ofB. vulgaris; peduncles short, bearing four to five flowers at the apex.l.oblong, tapering at the base, mucronate, entire, or grossly and spiny toothed.h.4ft. to 8ft. South America, 1823. Half-hardy.B. sinensis(Chinese).*fl., racemes many-flowered, nodding. May.l.oblong, obtuse, entire, or the lower ones are a little toothed; spines three-parted.h.3ft. to 6ft. China, 1815. (B. M. 6573.)

B. nervosa(large-nerved).fl., racemes elongated. October.l., leaflets five to six pairs, with an odd one, the lower pair distant from the petiole; ovate, acuminated, remotely spiny toothed, somewhat three to five-nerved, with twelve to fourteen teeth on each side.h.1ft. to 3ft. North America, 1826. SYNS.B. glumacea,Mahonia nervosa. (B. M. 3949.)

B. repens(creeping).*fl., racemes terminal, numerous, fascicled, diffuse, rising from the scaly buds. Spring.l., leaflets, two to three pairs, with an odd one, roundish-ovate, opaque, spiny toothed.h.1ft. to 2ft. North America, 1822. SYN.Mahonia repens. (B. R. 1176.)

B. ruscifolia(Ruscus-leaved).fl.a little larger than those ofB. vulgaris; peduncles short, bearing four to five flowers at the apex.l.oblong, tapering at the base, mucronate, entire, or grossly and spiny toothed.h.4ft. to 8ft. South America, 1823. Half-hardy.

B. sinensis(Chinese).*fl., racemes many-flowered, nodding. May.l.oblong, obtuse, entire, or the lower ones are a little toothed; spines three-parted.h.3ft. to 6ft. China, 1815. (B. M. 6573.)

FIG. 245. BERBERISSTENOPHYLLA, showing Habit and Flowering Twig.

B. stenophylla(naked-leaved),* with narrow mucronate leaves, is said to be a hybrid betweenB. empetrifoliaandB. Darwinii. See Fig. 245.B. trifoliata(three-leafleted).fl., racemes small, axillary, sessile, three to five-flowered. Spring.l., leaflets three, sessile at the ends of the petioles, deeply scalloped, bluish-green, variegated, glaucous beneath.h.5ft. Mexico, 1839. Evergreen, not quite hardy. (P. F. G. 2, 168.)B. trifurcata(three-forked).fl., racemes compound, erect. Spring.l.pinnate; leaflets broad, three-forked.h.6ft. China, 1850. Evergreen. (P. F. G. 3, 258.)B. umbellata(umbellate).fl., peduncles solitary, erect, bearing at the top several umbellate pedicels.l.obovate-oblong, mucronate, entire, glaucous beneath; spines three-parted, long, equal.h.6ft. Nepaul, 1842. (P. F. G. 2, 181.)B. vulgaris(common).* Common Barberry.fl., racemes many-flowered, pendulous. Spring.l.somewhat obovate, ciliately-serrated; spines three-parted.h.8ft. to 20ft. Britain, &c. There are yellow, violet, purple, black, and white fruited, and purple-leaved forms. (Sy. En. B. 51.)B. Wallichiana(Wallich's).*fl.on drooping, aggregated peduncles, six to eight or more in a cluster. Spring.l.in alternate fascicles, 2in. to 3in. long, spreading or recurved, lanceolate, sinuato-serrate; spines deeply three-parted, slender but rigid.h.6ft. to 10ft. Nepaul, 1820. See Fig. 246. (B. M. 4656.)

B. stenophylla(naked-leaved),* with narrow mucronate leaves, is said to be a hybrid betweenB. empetrifoliaandB. Darwinii. See Fig. 245.

B. trifoliata(three-leafleted).fl., racemes small, axillary, sessile, three to five-flowered. Spring.l., leaflets three, sessile at the ends of the petioles, deeply scalloped, bluish-green, variegated, glaucous beneath.h.5ft. Mexico, 1839. Evergreen, not quite hardy. (P. F. G. 2, 168.)

B. trifurcata(three-forked).fl., racemes compound, erect. Spring.l.pinnate; leaflets broad, three-forked.h.6ft. China, 1850. Evergreen. (P. F. G. 3, 258.)

B. umbellata(umbellate).fl., peduncles solitary, erect, bearing at the top several umbellate pedicels.l.obovate-oblong, mucronate, entire, glaucous beneath; spines three-parted, long, equal.h.6ft. Nepaul, 1842. (P. F. G. 2, 181.)

B. vulgaris(common).* Common Barberry.fl., racemes many-flowered, pendulous. Spring.l.somewhat obovate, ciliately-serrated; spines three-parted.h.8ft. to 20ft. Britain, &c. There are yellow, violet, purple, black, and white fruited, and purple-leaved forms. (Sy. En. B. 51.)

B. Wallichiana(Wallich's).*fl.on drooping, aggregated peduncles, six to eight or more in a cluster. Spring.l.in alternate fascicles, 2in. to 3in. long, spreading or recurved, lanceolate, sinuato-serrate; spines deeply three-parted, slender but rigid.h.6ft. to 10ft. Nepaul, 1820. See Fig. 246. (B. M. 4656.)

BERCHEMIA(in honour of M. Berchem, a French botanist). ORD.Rhamnaceæ. A genus of erect, or twining, deciduous, mostly greenhouse shrubs. Flowers sub-umbellate, in the axils of the upper leaves, or disposed in terminal panicles. Leaves alternate, many-nerved, entire. The species mentioned below is probably the only one yet in cultivation. It is quite hardy, will grow in any common soil, and is well adapted for bowers or trellis-work. Propagated by ripened cuttings, and slips of the root, planted under a hand glass; or by layering the young shoots.

B. volubilis(twining).*fl.greenish-white; panicles small, axillary and terminal. Drupe oblong, violaceous. June.l.oval, mucronate, a little wavy. Branches smooth. Carolina, 1714. A deciduous twiner. (G. G. 165.)

BERGAMOT.SeeMentha odorata.

BERGERA(named after C. J. Berger, a distinguished Danish botanist). ORD.Rutaceæ. Interesting stove evergreen trees, now usually referred toMurraya. Leaves impari-pinnate; leaflets alternate, acuminated, pubescent. They thrive in a mixture of turfy loam and peat. Propagated by ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and placed in sand, under a hand glass, in bottom heat; or by layers.

B. Kœnigi(Konig's).fl.whitish-yellow, small; racemes many, forming a corymb at the top of the branches. June.l., leaflets serrated.h.40ft. India, 1820. (L. B. C. 1019.)

BERKHEYA(named after M. J. L. de Berkhey, a Dutch botanist), ORD.Compositæ. A genus of ornamental greenhouse or hardy thistle-like herbs or shrubs. Flower-heads surrounded by a spiny involucre, the scales of which are united at the base only; pappus of many flat, obtuse, or pointed, scales. They are of easy cultivation in a sandy loam soil. The perennials are increased by cuttings placed under a glass; the herbaceous perennials usually by divisions of the plant in spring. The species most frequently seen in English gardens isB. purpurea.

FIG. 246. BERBERISWALLICHIANA.

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.-headsyellow; scales of involucre spiny toothed. July.l.opposite, lanceolate, three-nerved, spiny toothed, downy beneath.h.2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1812. Greenhouse evergreen. (B. M. 1844.)B. pinnata(pinnate).fl.-headsyellow; involucral scales spine-pointed, entire or toothed. Autumn.l.oblong, woolly beneath, deeply cut into lance-shaped segments. SYN.Stobæa pinnata. (B. M. 1788.)B. purpurea(purplish).*fl.-headsnumerous, pedunculate, corymbose, circular, 3in. across, surrounded by an involucre of spreading or reflexed linear oblong bracts.l., lower ones 15in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 2½in. wide, dark green, viscid above, paler and cottony beneath.h.3ft. South Africa. A very handsome, hardy, herbaceous perennial. (G. C. 1872, p. 1261.) SYN.Stobæa purpurea.B. uniflora(one-flowered).fl.-headsyellow; scales of involucre spiny toothed. June.l.alternate, lanceolate, three-nerved, spiny toothed, downy beneath.h.3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1815. Greenhouse evergreen. (B. M. 2094.)

B. pinnata(pinnate).fl.-headsyellow; involucral scales spine-pointed, entire or toothed. Autumn.l.oblong, woolly beneath, deeply cut into lance-shaped segments. SYN.Stobæa pinnata. (B. M. 1788.)

B. purpurea(purplish).*fl.-headsnumerous, pedunculate, corymbose, circular, 3in. across, surrounded by an involucre of spreading or reflexed linear oblong bracts.l., lower ones 15in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 2½in. wide, dark green, viscid above, paler and cottony beneath.h.3ft. South Africa. A very handsome, hardy, herbaceous perennial. (G. C. 1872, p. 1261.) SYN.Stobæa purpurea.

B. uniflora(one-flowered).fl.-headsyellow; scales of involucre spiny toothed. June.l.alternate, lanceolate, three-nerved, spiny toothed, downy beneath.h.3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1815. Greenhouse evergreen. (B. M. 2094.)

BERMUDA CEDAR.SeeJuniperus bermudiana.

BERRY.A fleshy fruit, containing seeds.

BERTHOLLETIA(in honour of Louis Claude Berthollet, a celebrated French chemist). Brazil Nut Tree.TRIBELecythideæ of ORD.Myrtaceæ.B. excelsais a tall tree, having the young branches leafy at the apex. Leaves alternate, oblong, quite entire, rather coriaceous. From this Brazilian species are obtained the well-known Brazil or Para Nuts of commerce. The tree is of no value for decorative purposes.

BERTOLONIA(named after A. Bertoloni, an Italian botanist, author of "Rariorum Italiæ Plantarum Decades," &c.). ORD.Melastomaceæ. Elegant little creeping or dwarf-growing stove plants, chiefly cultivated for their exquisitely marked leaves. Flowers white or purple. Leaves stalked, ovate-cordate, five to eleven-nerved, crenulated; cymes corymbose, terminal. They thrive in a compost of equal parts peat, leaf mould, and sand, in a warm, close, and moist atmosphere, but are most successfully cultivated under a bell glass in the stove; in fact, the latter is the only plan of growing them where a constantly humid atmosphere cannot be otherwise obtained without such means. They are easily propagated by cuttings or seeds.

B. ænea(coppery).fl.purple.h.6in. Brazil.B. guttata(spotted).SeeGravesia.B. maculata(spotted).*fl.violet-purple; peduncles axillary, bearing at the apex a short raceme of six to seven flowers.l.on long petioles, cordate, ovate, quite entire, pilose on both surfaces and on the margins, five-nerved. Branches, petioles, peduncles, and calyces hispid from long bristles. Stem rooting at the base. Brazil, 1850. (B. M. 4551.)B. marmorata(marbled).*l.5in. to 8in. long, ovate-oblong, hairy, five-nerved; upper side vivid bright green, beautifully marked with irregular streaks of pure white; under surface of a uniform rich purple. Stem fleshy.h.6in. Brazil, 1858.B. pubescens(downy).*l.ovate-acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to 3in. broad; bright light green, with a broad chocolate-coloured band down the centre; upper surface clothed with long white hairs. Ecuador.

B. ænea(coppery).fl.purple.h.6in. Brazil.

B. guttata(spotted).SeeGravesia.

B. maculata(spotted).*fl.violet-purple; peduncles axillary, bearing at the apex a short raceme of six to seven flowers.l.on long petioles, cordate, ovate, quite entire, pilose on both surfaces and on the margins, five-nerved. Branches, petioles, peduncles, and calyces hispid from long bristles. Stem rooting at the base. Brazil, 1850. (B. M. 4551.)

B. marmorata(marbled).*l.5in. to 8in. long, ovate-oblong, hairy, five-nerved; upper side vivid bright green, beautifully marked with irregular streaks of pure white; under surface of a uniform rich purple. Stem fleshy.h.6in. Brazil, 1858.

B. pubescens(downy).*l.ovate-acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to 3in. broad; bright light green, with a broad chocolate-coloured band down the centre; upper surface clothed with long white hairs. Ecuador.

BERZELIA(named in honour of Berzelius, a celebrated Swedish chemist). ORD.Bruniaceæ. Very pretty little greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Heads of flowers naked, with three bracts at the base of each; usually crowded at the tops of the branches. Leaves short, somewhat trigonal, imbricate or spreading. They require a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, with thorough drainage and moderately firm potting. Young cuttings root freely in sand, under a bell glass, in gentle heat.

B. abrotanoides(Abrotanum-like).fl.-headswhite, the size of a filbert, terminal, crowded, sub-corymbose; bracts clavate, green, smooth, ustulate at the apex. May to July.l.ovate, ustulate at the apex, smooth, spreading, on short petioles.h.1½ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1787. (L. B. C. 355.)B. lanuginosa(woolly).*fl.-headswhite, about the size of a pea, at the tops of lateral branches, disposed in a fastigiate panicle; bracts spathulate, callose at the apex. June to August.l.triquetrous, spreading, callose at the apex, rather hairy. Branches erect, villous when young.h.1ft. to 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1774. (L. B. C. 572.)

B. lanuginosa(woolly).*fl.-headswhite, about the size of a pea, at the tops of lateral branches, disposed in a fastigiate panicle; bracts spathulate, callose at the apex. June to August.l.triquetrous, spreading, callose at the apex, rather hairy. Branches erect, villous when young.h.1ft. to 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1774. (L. B. C. 572.)

BESCHORNERIA(in honour of H. Beschorner, a German botanist). ORD.Amaryllidaceæ. Greenhouse evergreen succulents, allied toLittæaandFourcroya. Perianth deeply six-parted; segments linear spathulate, tubulose-connivent, often spreading at the point; stamens six, about as long as the perianth. For culture, &c.,seeAgaveandAloe.

B. bracteata(bracteate).fl.at first green, turning yellowish-red when mature; panicle 2ft. to 3ft. long; branches many-flowered and corymbose, subtended by large scariose reddish bracts.l.in a dense rosette, 12in. to 18in. long, thin, glaucous green with scabrous margin.h.5ft. to 6ft. Mexico. See Fig. 247. (B. M. 6641.)B. Decosteriana(Decoster's).fl.green, tinged with red, pendulous, bracteate; panicle 2ft. to 3ft. long, inclined, with numerous bracts.l.numerous, spreading, 18in. to 24in. long, by 1in. to 1½in. broad; edges minutely serrulate.h.8ft. Mexico, about 1880.B. Tonelii(Tonel's).*fl.tubular, 2½in. long, drooping, pedicellate, dark blood-red below and down the centre, the rest very bright verdigris green; panicle 2ft. long, slender, inclined; bracts several to each fascicle of flowers; scape 4ft. high, red-purple.l.few, spreading, 15in. to 20in. long, by 2½in. broad, acuminate and keeled beneath towards the top, minutely serrulate. Mexico, 1872. (B. M. 6091.)

B. Decosteriana(Decoster's).fl.green, tinged with red, pendulous, bracteate; panicle 2ft. to 3ft. long, inclined, with numerous bracts.l.numerous, spreading, 18in. to 24in. long, by 1in. to 1½in. broad; edges minutely serrulate.h.8ft. Mexico, about 1880.

B. Tonelii(Tonel's).*fl.tubular, 2½in. long, drooping, pedicellate, dark blood-red below and down the centre, the rest very bright verdigris green; panicle 2ft. long, slender, inclined; bracts several to each fascicle of flowers; scape 4ft. high, red-purple.l.few, spreading, 15in. to 20in. long, by 2½in. broad, acuminate and keeled beneath towards the top, minutely serrulate. Mexico, 1872. (B. M. 6091.)

FIG. 247. BESCHORNERIABRACTEATA.

B. tubiflora(tube-flowered).fl.greenish-purple, nutant, fascicled, bracteate; fascicles remote, secund; scapes erect, long, simple. May.l.radical, linear, channelled, recurved, spinosely denticulate.h.6ft. Mexico, 1845. (B. M. 4642.)B. yuccoides(Yucca-like).fl.bright green, pendent, racemose, with rich rosy-red bracts; scapes slender, coral-red, simple. May and June.l.radical, thickish, lanceolate, acute, 1ft. to 1½ft. long.h.4ft. Mexico.

B. yuccoides(Yucca-like).fl.bright green, pendent, racemose, with rich rosy-red bracts; scapes slender, coral-red, simple. May and June.l.radical, thickish, lanceolate, acute, 1ft. to 1½ft. long.h.4ft. Mexico.

BESLERIA(named in honour of Basil Besler, an apothecary at Nuremberg). SYN.Eriphia. ORD.Gesneraceæ. Very pretty stove sub-shrubs, usually erect, branched. Peduncles axillary, few-flowered. Leaves opposite, petiolate, thickish; nerves and veins very prominent beneath. Stems sub-tetragonal. A light rich earth, or a mixture of sand, loam, and peat, and a moist atmosphere, are necessary for successful cultivation. Beslerias may be increased by cuttings, which root readily in heat.

B. coccinea(scarlet-berried).*fl.yellow; peduncles axillary bearing three to six flowers in an umbel at top; bracts two, at the division of the common peduncle, orbicularly cordate, toothed, scarlet.l.ovate, glabrous, stiff, a little toothed. Guiana, 1819. Climbing shrub. (A. G. 255.)B. cristata(crested).fl., corolla yellowish, hairy outside; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered; bracts cordate, toothed, sessile, scarlet. June.l.ovate, serrated. Guiana, 1739. Climbing shrub.B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.large, campanulate, spotted with red; peduncles axillary, elongated, many-flowered.l.ovate-oblong, acuminated, crenated, densely pilose above, villous beneath, as well as on the branches.h.3ft. Brazil.B. Imrayi(Imray's).fl.rather small, yellow, in axillary whorls.l.large, lanceolate, serrate, glabrous. Stems quadrangular. Dominica, 1862. Herbaceous perennial. (B. M. 6341.)B. incarnata(flesh-coloured-berried).*fl., corollas purplish; tube very long, ventricose; lobes of limb reflexed, roundish, unequal, fringed; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered.l.oblong, crenated, tomentose on both surfaces.h.2ft. Guiana, 1820. Herbaceous perennial.B. violacea(purple-berried).fl.purple, small; corolla with a curved tube and spreading limb; peduncles racemosely panicled, terminal. Berry purple, edible.l.ovate, acute, quite entire, stiff. Guiana, 1824. Climbing shrub. (A. G. 254.)

B. cristata(crested).fl., corolla yellowish, hairy outside; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered; bracts cordate, toothed, sessile, scarlet. June.l.ovate, serrated. Guiana, 1739. Climbing shrub.

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.large, campanulate, spotted with red; peduncles axillary, elongated, many-flowered.l.ovate-oblong, acuminated, crenated, densely pilose above, villous beneath, as well as on the branches.h.3ft. Brazil.

B. Imrayi(Imray's).fl.rather small, yellow, in axillary whorls.l.large, lanceolate, serrate, glabrous. Stems quadrangular. Dominica, 1862. Herbaceous perennial. (B. M. 6341.)

B. incarnata(flesh-coloured-berried).*fl., corollas purplish; tube very long, ventricose; lobes of limb reflexed, roundish, unequal, fringed; peduncles axillary, solitary, one-flowered.l.oblong, crenated, tomentose on both surfaces.h.2ft. Guiana, 1820. Herbaceous perennial.

B. violacea(purple-berried).fl.purple, small; corolla with a curved tube and spreading limb; peduncles racemosely panicled, terminal. Berry purple, edible.l.ovate, acute, quite entire, stiff. Guiana, 1824. Climbing shrub. (A. G. 254.)

BESOM, orBROOM. Birch-brooms are best for garden purposes, and are generally used. The most suitable for paved yards are those made of the common Ling (Calluna vulgaris). Those made of bass fibres are frequently used on paths, for which they are very suitable, but their expensiveness prevents them being generally employed. Whatever material is used in its composition, a Besom will last much longer if soaked in water for some time before using.

BESSERA(in honour of Dr. Besser, Professor of Botany at Brody). ORD.Liliaceæ. An elegant little half-hardy, Squill-like, bulbous plant, from Mexico. Perianth bell-shaped, six-parted. Leaves narrow, linear. It requires a compost of loam, leaf soil, peat, and sand, with good drainage. If cultivated in pots, a plentiful supply of water must be given from the commencement of growth until ripening off. When at rest, however, it should be kept dry and cool, but secure from the effects of frost. If planted out, a well-drained sunny position must be chosen, such as close to the wall of a greenhouse with a southern aspect. Propagation may be effected by offsets.

B. elegans(elegant).*fl.scarlet, or scarlet and white. July to September.l.1ft. to 2ft. long, narrow, furrowed on the upper side.h.2ft. Mexico, 1850. This is the only species. The colour of the flowers varies considerably, on which account other names have originated. (B. R. 25, 34.)

BETA(frombett, the Celtic word for red; in reference to the colour of the Beet). Beetroot. ORD.Chenopodiaceæ. Perianth single, half-inferior, five-cleft, persistent. Seed one, reniform, imbedded in the fleshy base of the calyx.B. Ciclais largely used as a decorative plant in sub-tropical and other styles of gardening. They require the same culture as the ordinary Beet. The other sorts, with dark blood-red leaves, are largely employed in flower gardens, and the roots utilised for culinary purposes.See alsoBeet.

FIG. 248. BETAHORTENSISMETALLICA, or VICTORIABEET.

B. Cicla(Sicilian).fl.greenish, disposed in threes. August.l.with very thick ribs. Roots scarcely any.h.6ft. Portugal, 1570. The variety,B. c. variegata, usually known as the Chilian Beet, is a very handsome plant, having its leaves often more than a yard in length and over 1ft. in diameter, with a remarkably handsome variegation. The midribs are usually dark orange or scarlet. It is a most desirable and effective plant for sub-tropical gardening.B. hortensis metallica(metallic). Victoria Beet. An ornamental variety with glistening deep blood-red leaves. Useful for decorative purposes in summer, either as a single specimen or in a mass. Roots may also be used for cooking. See Fig. 248.B. maritima(sea).fl.greenish, disposed in hairs. August.l., lower ones rhomboid-ovoid, acute; upper ones lanceolate. Stem diffuse. Root scarcely any.h.1ft. Britain.B. vulgaris(common). The Common Beetroot.fl.greenish, clustered. August.l., lower ones ovate. Root fleshy.h.4ft. South Europe, 1548.

B. hortensis metallica(metallic). Victoria Beet. An ornamental variety with glistening deep blood-red leaves. Useful for decorative purposes in summer, either as a single specimen or in a mass. Roots may also be used for cooking. See Fig. 248.

B. maritima(sea).fl.greenish, disposed in hairs. August.l., lower ones rhomboid-ovoid, acute; upper ones lanceolate. Stem diffuse. Root scarcely any.h.1ft. Britain.

B. vulgaris(common). The Common Beetroot.fl.greenish, clustered. August.l., lower ones ovate. Root fleshy.h.4ft. South Europe, 1548.

BETCKEA.SeePlectritis.

BETEL, orBETLE.SeePiper Betle.

BETONICA.This genus now forms a sub-division ofStachys(whichsee). Betony (Stachys Betonica) is a native herb formerly much used in medicine, but now almost entirely discarded.

BETONY.SeeStachys Betonica.

BETULA.(according to some authorities, fromBetu, its Celtic name; others give the derivation of the word as frombatuo, to beat, the fasces of the Roman lictors, which were made of Birch rods, being used to drive back the people). Birch. ORD.Cupuliferæ. TRIBEBetuleæ. Ornamental, hardy (except where otherwise specified), deciduous trees or shrubs, allied toAlnus, having round, slender, often drooping branches, and the bark in most species in thin membranous layers. The flowers appear at the same time as the leaves. Male catkins cylindrical, lax, imbricated all round with ternate concave scales, the middle one largest, ovate; corolla none; filaments ten to twelve, shorter than the middle scale, to which they are attached. Female catkins similar, but more dense; scales horizontal, peltate, dilated outwards, three-lobed, three-flowered; corolla none. Nut oblong, deciduous, winged at each side. The Betulas are easily cultivated in any ordinary soil; but a light sandy loam suits them best. Most of the species are best increased by seeds, which ripen in September, and need to be dried, in order to prevent fermentation. They should be sown in March, in a sandy soil, the surface of which has been previously made perfectly level. They must be spread on the surface, and not covered with soil, but pressed down with the feet. When grown in quantities, beds 4ft. in width are preferred, with an alley of 1ft. between them. In early summer, if the weather be warm and dry, the beds should be shaded with branches. The young seedlings must be transplanted when a year old. The dwarfer kinds may be propagated by layering in the autumn. The numerous beautiful varieties are best increased by grafting or budding upon seedling stocks of the common kinds, the former being done in spring, and the latter in summer when the buds are ready. Those most useful as forest trees and for protection are quick-growing and very ornamental. The time of maturity of the Birch depends very much upon the soil and situation, but it seldom increases in size after it is thirty years old. The common species (B. alba) is one of the hardiest and most useful trees in cultivation, growing quickly, and withstanding exposure better thanmany others; consequently it is invaluable for skirting and nursing more tender subjects, and is especially desirable for clothing mountainous and exposed districts. It is also very beautiful and picturesque. It is the commonest tree throughout Russia, from the Baltic to the Eastern Sea, frequently monopolising gigantic forests. In Italy, it forms excellent forests up to 6000ft. altitude, and in our own Highlands of Scotland it occurs up to a height of 2500ft. In Greenland, although much reduced in size, it holds its own as the only arboreal vegetation.

FIG. 249. LEAVESANDCATKINOFBETULAALBA.

B. alba(white).* Silver, White, or Common Birch.fl.whitish. February and March.fr.brown, ripe in September and October.l.ovate, acute, somewhat deltoid, unequally serrated; autumnal tints rich yellow, scarlet, or red. A diminutive shrub in the extreme north, but a tree from 50ft. to 60ft. high in the middle regions. Britain. A most beautiful and invaluable forest tree, with a large number of varieties. See Fig. 249.B. a. alba-purpurea(white and purple).*l.rich purple above, with a lustrous metallic hue, pale beneath. Branches with a sub-pendulous disposition. A very effective variety.B. a. dalecarlica(Dalecarlian).*l.deeply pinnatifid, with the lobes toothed.B. a. foliis-variegatis(variegated-leaved).*l.blotched with yellowish white.B. a. laciniata pendula(pendulous and laciniate).*l.rather larger than the typical form, deeply laciniated, deep green, and decidedly pendulous. It appears there are two forms of this, but that known as Young's variety is the best.B. a. macrocarpa(large-fruited).* Female catkins twice as long as those of the type.B. a. pendula(pendulous).* A well-known tree, distinct from the species in having the shoots more slender, smoother, and pendulous.B. a. pontica(pontic).l.somewhat larger than in the species, and the plant of more robust growth. (W. D. B. 2, 94.)B. a. pubescens(downy).l.covered with hairs.B. a. urticifolia(nettle-leaved).*l.deeply laciniated, serrated, and hairy. Several others, reputed as distinct, are mere forms of the typicalB. alba.B. Bhojpattra(Bhojpattra).*fl., female catkins erect, cylindrical, oblong; bracts smooth, woody, two-parted, blunt, much longer than the fruit, which has narrow wings. May.l.oblong-acute, with nearly simple serratures, somewhat cordate at the base; their stalks, veins, and twigs hairy; the bark is of a pale cinnamon colour.h.50ft. Himalayas, 1840. This requires a sheltered position.B. carpinifolia(Hornbeam-leaved). Synonymous withB. lenta.B. daurica(Daurian).*fl., catkins whitish-brown, larger than those of the common Birch. February and March.l.ovate, narrow at the base, quite entire, unequally dentate, glabrous; scales of the strobiles ciliated on their margins; side lobes roundish.h.30ft. to 40ft. Siberia, 1786. The varietyparvifoliahas smaller leaves than the type.B. excelsa(tall). Synonymous withB. lutea.B. fruticosa(shrubby).*fl.whitish-brown; female catkins oblong. February and March.l.roundish-ovate, nearly equally serrated, glabrous.h.5ft. to 6ft. in moist situations, but much higher on mountains. Eastern Siberia, 1818. (W. D. B. 2, 154.)B. glandulosa(glandular).*fl.whitish; female catkins oblong. May.l.obovate, serrate, quite entire at the base, glabrous, almost sessile; branches beset with glandular dots, glabrous.h.2ft. Canada, 1816. A handsome little shrub. (F. D. 2583.)B. lenta(pliant).fl.greenish-white. May to June.l.cordate, ovate, acutely serrated, acuminate; petioles and nerves hairy beneath; scales of the strobiles smooth, having the side lobes obtuse, equal, with prominent veins.h.60ft. to 70ft. Canada to Georgia, 1759. SYN.B. carpinifolia. (W. D. B. 2, 144.)B. lutea(yellow).*fl.greenish-white. May.l.3½in. long, and 2½in. broad, ovate, acute, serrated; petioles pubescent, shorter than the peduncles; young shoots and leaves, at their unfolding, downy, but ultimately quite glabrous, except the petiole, which remains covered with fine short hairs; scales of the strobiles having the side lobes roundish.h.70ft. to 80ft. Nova Scotia, 1767. SYN.B. excelsa.B. nana(dwarf).*fl.whitish-green; catkins erect, stalked, cylindrical, obtuse; the barren ones lateral, and the fertile ones terminal; scales of the latter three-lobed, three-flowered, permanent. April and May.l.orbicular, crenate, reticulated with veins beneath.h.1ft. to 3ft. Scotland, Lapland, Sweden, Russia, &c. A shrub with numerous branches, slightly downy when young, and beset with numerous little, round, firm, smooth, sharply crenated leaves, beautifully reticulated with veins, especially beneath; and furnished with short footstalks, having a pair of brown lanceolate stipules at their base. There is also a pretty variety namedpendula, with drooping branches.B. nigra(black).* The Black Birch.fl.greenish-white; female catkins straight, and nearly cylindrical, about 2in. long. May.l.rhomboid-ovate, doubly serrated, acute, pubescent beneath, entire at the base; scales of the strobiles villose; segments linear, equal.h.60ft. to 70ft. New Jersey to Carolina, 1736. SYN.B. rubra. (W. D. B. 2, 153.)B. papyracea(papery).*fl.greenish-white; female catkins on long footstalks, drooping; scales having the side lobes short, somewhat orbiculate. May to June.l.ovate, acuminate, doubly serrate; veins hairy beneath; petiole glabrous; the branches are much less flexible than those of the common Birch, and are more ascending.h.60ft. to 70ft. North America, 1750. (W. D. B. 2, 152.)B. p. fusca(brown).l.smaller than those of the type, and less downy.B. p. platyphylla(broad-leaved).*l.very broad.B. p. trichoclada(hairy-branched).*l.cordate. Branches extremely hairy, and twigs in threes.B. populifolia(Poplar-leaved).*fl.greenish-white. April, May.l.deltoid, much acuminated, unequally serrated, quite smooth; scales of the strobiles having roundish side lobes; petioles glabrous.h.30ft. Canada, 1750. This species, although very closely resemblingB. alba, grows with less vigour, and does not attain so large a size. (W. D. B. 2, 151.)B. p. laciniata(laciniated).*l.large, shining, and deeply cut.B. p. pendula(pendulous).* Spray drooping, like that ofB. alba pendula.B. pumila(dwarf).*fl.whitish; female catkins cylindrical. May and June.l.roundish ovate, on long footstalks, densely clothed with hairs on the under surface. Branches pubescent, dotless.h.2ft. to 3ft. Canada, 1762. A very beautiful kind, suitable for furnishing large rockeries, or planting on hill sides, or rocky ground. (W. D. B. 2, 97.)B. rubra(red).* Synonymous withB. nigra.

B. a. alba-purpurea(white and purple).*l.rich purple above, with a lustrous metallic hue, pale beneath. Branches with a sub-pendulous disposition. A very effective variety.

B. a. dalecarlica(Dalecarlian).*l.deeply pinnatifid, with the lobes toothed.

B. a. foliis-variegatis(variegated-leaved).*l.blotched with yellowish white.

B. a. laciniata pendula(pendulous and laciniate).*l.rather larger than the typical form, deeply laciniated, deep green, and decidedly pendulous. It appears there are two forms of this, but that known as Young's variety is the best.

B. a. macrocarpa(large-fruited).* Female catkins twice as long as those of the type.

B. a. pendula(pendulous).* A well-known tree, distinct from the species in having the shoots more slender, smoother, and pendulous.

B. a. pontica(pontic).l.somewhat larger than in the species, and the plant of more robust growth. (W. D. B. 2, 94.)

B. a. pubescens(downy).l.covered with hairs.

B. a. urticifolia(nettle-leaved).*l.deeply laciniated, serrated, and hairy. Several others, reputed as distinct, are mere forms of the typicalB. alba.

B. Bhojpattra(Bhojpattra).*fl., female catkins erect, cylindrical, oblong; bracts smooth, woody, two-parted, blunt, much longer than the fruit, which has narrow wings. May.l.oblong-acute, with nearly simple serratures, somewhat cordate at the base; their stalks, veins, and twigs hairy; the bark is of a pale cinnamon colour.h.50ft. Himalayas, 1840. This requires a sheltered position.

B. carpinifolia(Hornbeam-leaved). Synonymous withB. lenta.

B. daurica(Daurian).*fl., catkins whitish-brown, larger than those of the common Birch. February and March.l.ovate, narrow at the base, quite entire, unequally dentate, glabrous; scales of the strobiles ciliated on their margins; side lobes roundish.h.30ft. to 40ft. Siberia, 1786. The varietyparvifoliahas smaller leaves than the type.

B. excelsa(tall). Synonymous withB. lutea.

B. fruticosa(shrubby).*fl.whitish-brown; female catkins oblong. February and March.l.roundish-ovate, nearly equally serrated, glabrous.h.5ft. to 6ft. in moist situations, but much higher on mountains. Eastern Siberia, 1818. (W. D. B. 2, 154.)

B. glandulosa(glandular).*fl.whitish; female catkins oblong. May.l.obovate, serrate, quite entire at the base, glabrous, almost sessile; branches beset with glandular dots, glabrous.h.2ft. Canada, 1816. A handsome little shrub. (F. D. 2583.)

B. lenta(pliant).fl.greenish-white. May to June.l.cordate, ovate, acutely serrated, acuminate; petioles and nerves hairy beneath; scales of the strobiles smooth, having the side lobes obtuse, equal, with prominent veins.h.60ft. to 70ft. Canada to Georgia, 1759. SYN.B. carpinifolia. (W. D. B. 2, 144.)

B. lutea(yellow).*fl.greenish-white. May.l.3½in. long, and 2½in. broad, ovate, acute, serrated; petioles pubescent, shorter than the peduncles; young shoots and leaves, at their unfolding, downy, but ultimately quite glabrous, except the petiole, which remains covered with fine short hairs; scales of the strobiles having the side lobes roundish.h.70ft. to 80ft. Nova Scotia, 1767. SYN.B. excelsa.

B. nana(dwarf).*fl.whitish-green; catkins erect, stalked, cylindrical, obtuse; the barren ones lateral, and the fertile ones terminal; scales of the latter three-lobed, three-flowered, permanent. April and May.l.orbicular, crenate, reticulated with veins beneath.h.1ft. to 3ft. Scotland, Lapland, Sweden, Russia, &c. A shrub with numerous branches, slightly downy when young, and beset with numerous little, round, firm, smooth, sharply crenated leaves, beautifully reticulated with veins, especially beneath; and furnished with short footstalks, having a pair of brown lanceolate stipules at their base. There is also a pretty variety namedpendula, with drooping branches.

B. nigra(black).* The Black Birch.fl.greenish-white; female catkins straight, and nearly cylindrical, about 2in. long. May.l.rhomboid-ovate, doubly serrated, acute, pubescent beneath, entire at the base; scales of the strobiles villose; segments linear, equal.h.60ft. to 70ft. New Jersey to Carolina, 1736. SYN.B. rubra. (W. D. B. 2, 153.)

B. papyracea(papery).*fl.greenish-white; female catkins on long footstalks, drooping; scales having the side lobes short, somewhat orbiculate. May to June.l.ovate, acuminate, doubly serrate; veins hairy beneath; petiole glabrous; the branches are much less flexible than those of the common Birch, and are more ascending.h.60ft. to 70ft. North America, 1750. (W. D. B. 2, 152.)

B. p. fusca(brown).l.smaller than those of the type, and less downy.

B. p. platyphylla(broad-leaved).*l.very broad.

B. p. trichoclada(hairy-branched).*l.cordate. Branches extremely hairy, and twigs in threes.

B. populifolia(Poplar-leaved).*fl.greenish-white. April, May.l.deltoid, much acuminated, unequally serrated, quite smooth; scales of the strobiles having roundish side lobes; petioles glabrous.h.30ft. Canada, 1750. This species, although very closely resemblingB. alba, grows with less vigour, and does not attain so large a size. (W. D. B. 2, 151.)

B. p. laciniata(laciniated).*l.large, shining, and deeply cut.

B. p. pendula(pendulous).* Spray drooping, like that ofB. alba pendula.

B. pumila(dwarf).*fl.whitish; female catkins cylindrical. May and June.l.roundish ovate, on long footstalks, densely clothed with hairs on the under surface. Branches pubescent, dotless.h.2ft. to 3ft. Canada, 1762. A very beautiful kind, suitable for furnishing large rockeries, or planting on hill sides, or rocky ground. (W. D. B. 2, 97.)

B. rubra(red).* Synonymous withB. nigra.

BETULEÆ.A tribe of deciduous shrubs or trees. Perianth none, or bract-like; flowers monœcious, in catkins, in twos or threes. Fruit, a dry, compressed, lenticular, often winged, indehiscent nut. Leaves alternate, simple, stipulated. The genera areAlnusandBetula.

BI.In compound words, this signifies twice.

BIANCEA SCANDENS.SeeCæsalpinia sepiaria.

BIARUM(an ancient name of a plant). ORD.Aroideæ. A genus of small, hardy, tuberous-rooted perennials, much more curious than pretty, allied toSauromatum. This genus, according to Dr. Masters, differs fromArumin its spathe being tubular at the base, with the limb spreading. The female flowers have a distinct style, and the fruit contains only one ovule. They will thrive in any light, rich, well-drained soil, and may otherwise be treated similar to the hardyArums. There are several other species besides those named, but they are not yet in general cultivation.

B. constrictum(constricted). A synonym ofB. tenuifolium.B. gramineum(grassy). A synonym ofB. tenuifolium.B. tenuifolium(slender-leaved).*fl., spathe dark brown-purple, reflexed in the upper part; spadix very long, subuliform. June.l.linear-lanceolate.h.6in. South Europe, 1570. SYNS.B. gramineumandB. constrictum. (B. R. 512, under name ofArum tenuifolium.)

B. constrictum(constricted). A synonym ofB. tenuifolium.

B. gramineum(grassy). A synonym ofB. tenuifolium.

B. tenuifolium(slender-leaved).*fl., spathe dark brown-purple, reflexed in the upper part; spadix very long, subuliform. June.l.linear-lanceolate.h.6in. South Europe, 1570. SYNS.B. gramineumandB. constrictum. (B. R. 512, under name ofArum tenuifolium.)

BIAURICULATE.Having two auricles.

BIBRACTEATE.Furnished with two bracts.

BIBRACTEOLATE.Furnished with two secondary bracts.

BICARINATE.Two-keeled.

BICOLOR.Two-coloured.

BICONJUGATE.Having two secondary petioles, each with a pair of leaflets.

BICORNUTE.With two horn-like processes.

BIDENS(frombis, twice, anddensa tooth; in reference to the seed). Bur Marigold. ORD.Compositæ. A rather large genus of mostly hardy annual and perennial herbs, distinguished by the pericarp having from two to four rigid awns, which are rough with minute deflexed points. Involucre erect, of several oblong, nearly equal, parallel scales. Most of the species of this genus are of no merit as garden plants. Two are natives of Britain, viz.,B. cernuaandB. tripartita. They thrive in any ordinary garden soil. Propagated by divisions of the plant; or by seeds.

B. atro-sanguinea(dark-bloody).fl.-headsblack-crimson, very freely produced. Late summer and autumn. Leaves pinnate. Root tuberous.h.3ft. Mexico. (B. M. 5227.)B. ferulæfolia(Ferula-leaved).fl.-headsyellow. Autumn.l.bipinnatifid.h.2ft. Mexico, 1799. SYN.Coreopsis ferulæfolia. (B. M. 2059.)B. procera(tall).fl.-headsyellow, large.l.finely divided, deep green. A handsome perennial.h.6ft. to 8ft. Mexico, 1820. (B. R. 684.)B. striata(striped).fl.-headsrather large, in a panicled leafy corymb; ray florets white; disk yellow.l.ternately pinnated, glabrous.h.2ft. to 3ft. Autumn. Mexico. (B. M. 3155.)

B. atro-sanguinea(dark-bloody).fl.-headsblack-crimson, very freely produced. Late summer and autumn. Leaves pinnate. Root tuberous.h.3ft. Mexico. (B. M. 5227.)

B. ferulæfolia(Ferula-leaved).fl.-headsyellow. Autumn.l.bipinnatifid.h.2ft. Mexico, 1799. SYN.Coreopsis ferulæfolia. (B. M. 2059.)

B. procera(tall).fl.-headsyellow, large.l.finely divided, deep green. A handsome perennial.h.6ft. to 8ft. Mexico, 1820. (B. R. 684.)

B. striata(striped).fl.-headsrather large, in a panicled leafy corymb; ray florets white; disk yellow.l.ternately pinnated, glabrous.h.2ft. to 3ft. Autumn. Mexico. (B. M. 3155.)

BIDENTATE.With two teeth.

BIEBERSTEINIA(named after Frederic Marschall Bieberstein, a Russian naturalist, author of "Flora Taurico-Caucasica," and other works). ORD.Rutaceæ. A genus of half-hardy herbaceous perennials. They thrive in a compost of loam, peat, and sand. Propagated by cuttings, placed under a hand glass in early summer; or by seeds, sown in a slight hotbed in March or April.

B. odora(sweet).fl.yellow; racemes terminal, simple; petals entire. May.l.impari-pinnate; leaflets roundish, deeply toothed. Plant beset with glandular hairs.h.1ft. Altaia, 1837.

BIENNIAL.A term applied to plants occupying two years in the development from seed to the maturation of seed: growing one year, flowering, fruiting, and dying the next. Seeds of Hardy Biennials are, as a rule, sown from June to August, to flower the succeeding season. Tender varieties are sown in a frame or cool house, and kept there all winter, being transferred from the frames or houses to the open border, in June. Wallflowers, Foxgloves, Canterbury Bells, and Sweet Williams, may be taken as fair types of Biennials, although they often assume more than a Biennial character on light sandy soils.

BIFARIOUS.Two-ranked; arranged in two opposite rows.

BIFID.Divided about half-way down into two parts; two-cleft.

BIFOLIATE.Compound leaves with two leaflets.

BIFRENARIA(frombis, twice, andfrænum, a strap; in reference to a double strap or band, by means of which the pollen masses are connected with their gland). ORD.Orchideæ. A genus of pretty stove orchids, allied toMaxillaria, and distinguished from it by having two fræna or caudicles to their pollen masses. For culture,seeMaxillaria.

B. aurantiaca(orange-coloured).*fl.orange; lateral lobes of lip semi-cordate, middle one transverse, sub-undulated, callous at the base; raceme erect. October.l.oblong, plicate. Pseudo-bulb roundish, compressed, two-leaved.h.9in. Demerara, 1834. (B. R. 1875.)B. aureo-fulva(orange-tawny).fl.orange, on long pedicels; lip unguiculate, three-lobed; scape radical, many-flowered. October.l.oblong-lanceolate. Pseudo-bulb roundish-ovate, wrinkled, one-leaved.h.1ft. Brazil, 1840.B. Hadwenii(Hadwen's).fl.each nearly 4in. across; petals and sepals ½in. broad, yellow green, beautifully blotched or mottled with a rich brown; lip large, above 1in. broad, white, with striped spots of rose. June.l.long, ¼in. broad.h.1½in. Brazil, 1851. SYN.Scuticaria Hadwenii. (B. M. 4629.)B. H. bella(charming).* A new variety with sepals and petals whitish yellow outside, brilliant shining cinnamon inside, with a few spots, bars, and blotches of whitish sulphur colour; lip wide, white, with one light brown spot behind, and a larger one in front of the callus; radiating light brown lines on lateral lobes, and mauve ones on anterior lobe.B. H. pardalina(leopard-marked).* A very beautiful variety, having sepals and petals with brown circles or polygonal figures on a light yellow ground; lip light ochre-coloured at its basilar part, white in front, with radiating mauve-purple streaks. This variety is extremely rare.B. vitellina(yolk-coloured).*fl.yellowish purple; lip cuneate, three-lobed; lateral lobes acute, crenulated; racemes drooping. July.l.lanceolate. Pseudo-bulb ovate, bluntly angular, one-leaved.h.1ft. Brazil, 1838.

B. aureo-fulva(orange-tawny).fl.orange, on long pedicels; lip unguiculate, three-lobed; scape radical, many-flowered. October.l.oblong-lanceolate. Pseudo-bulb roundish-ovate, wrinkled, one-leaved.h.1ft. Brazil, 1840.

B. Hadwenii(Hadwen's).fl.each nearly 4in. across; petals and sepals ½in. broad, yellow green, beautifully blotched or mottled with a rich brown; lip large, above 1in. broad, white, with striped spots of rose. June.l.long, ¼in. broad.h.1½in. Brazil, 1851. SYN.Scuticaria Hadwenii. (B. M. 4629.)

B. H. bella(charming).* A new variety with sepals and petals whitish yellow outside, brilliant shining cinnamon inside, with a few spots, bars, and blotches of whitish sulphur colour; lip wide, white, with one light brown spot behind, and a larger one in front of the callus; radiating light brown lines on lateral lobes, and mauve ones on anterior lobe.

B. H. pardalina(leopard-marked).* A very beautiful variety, having sepals and petals with brown circles or polygonal figures on a light yellow ground; lip light ochre-coloured at its basilar part, white in front, with radiating mauve-purple streaks. This variety is extremely rare.

B. vitellina(yolk-coloured).*fl.yellowish purple; lip cuneate, three-lobed; lateral lobes acute, crenulated; racemes drooping. July.l.lanceolate. Pseudo-bulb ovate, bluntly angular, one-leaved.h.1ft. Brazil, 1838.

BIFURCATE.Twice-forked.

BIGELOVIA(named after Dr. Jacob Bigelow, author of "Florula Bostoniensis," &c.). ORD.Compositæ. A genus of hardy shrubs, sub-shrubs, or herbaceous plants, as now understood, comprising several subjects formerly referred toChrysothamnus,Linosyris, &c. Flower-heads disposed in corymbs; involucre imbricated, oblong, or campanulate; receptacle flat. Leaves alternate, linear or lanceolate. They thrive in any ordinary garden soil. Propagated by cuttings.

B. Howardii(Howard's).fl.-headsyellow; involucre narrow. A low shrub. SYN.Linosyris Howardii.B. nudata(naked).fl.-headsyellow. September.l.scattered, oblanceolate or linear.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Jersey. Perennial.B. paniculata(panicled).fl.-headsyellow, barely ½in. long, loosely panicled, five-flowered. California. Shrubby.

B. Howardii(Howard's).fl.-headsyellow; involucre narrow. A low shrub. SYN.Linosyris Howardii.

B. nudata(naked).fl.-headsyellow. September.l.scattered, oblanceolate or linear.h.1ft. to 2ft. New Jersey. Perennial.

B. paniculata(panicled).fl.-headsyellow, barely ½in. long, loosely panicled, five-flowered. California. Shrubby.

BIGEMINATE.Doubly paired.

BIGLANDULARIA.SeeSinningia.

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