Chapter 30

FIG. 250. BRANCHANDFLOWERSOFBIGNONIAMAGNIFICA.

BIGNONIA(so named by Tournefort, in compliment to the Abbé Bignon, librarian to Louis IV.). ORD.Bignoniaceæ. A large genus of usually scandent shrubs, furnished with tendrils; rarely erect trees or shrubs. Flowers axillary and terminal, usually panicled; corolla with a short tube, a campanulate throat, and a five-lobed, bilabiate limb. Leaves opposite, simple, conjugate, ternate, digitate or pinnatifid. These handsome plants are particularly suited for large houses, where, if well grown, they give great satisfaction. The primary point in their culture is to obtain free and, at the same time, sturdy growth, giving due attention to training, pruning, &c., or the plants soon exceed all limits. Like all free-growing plants, Bignonias thrive best planted out in the borders of the stove or greenhouse, or out of doors, as the case may be; but the space allowed should be limited, in order to restrict root production. They may either be trained to cover the back wall, or be planted in a border in front, and trained up the rafters, or on wires, arranged where most desirable. In summer, allow all the strongest shoots to grow, training them so as to have as much sunlight as possible—which is absolutely necessary to wellripen the wood, and make it capable of producing flowers—without entirely shutting it out from the plants below. Soil: A compost of two part fibrous loam, one part peat, one of leaf mould, and a due proportion of sand, will be found most satisfactory. The loam and peat should be used in a rough state, unsifted, as this will keep the border open for some years, and thorough drainage should be effected. Propagation: Seed being rarely procurable, the most satisfactory method of propagation is by cuttings, made of good strong shoots, in early spring. Three joints are sufficient to make a cutting, if short-jointed; if long-jointed, two are sufficient. Place them in a well-drained pot of sandy soil, under a bell glass, in bottom heat. As these cuttings are young and fleshy, they are liable to damp off; hence it is necessary, for the first two or three weeks, to wipe the moisture from the glassesevery morning, and water sparingly. If well managed, they will root in about two months, and should then have the glasses left off every night for a week; they should then be transferred to small pots in the compost above described, passing it through a coarse sieve, to extract the stones and rough pieces of soil. After potting, the plants should be kept close for a short time, till they are able to bear full exposure to the light. In a year's time, they will be large enough to plant out in their permanent quarters. Bignonias may also be increased by layering.

B. æquinoxialis(equinoxial).fl.yellow; peduncles two-flowered, terminal ones racemose. June to October.l.glabrous, conjugate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate. Tendrils simple, axillary. Cayenne, 1768.B. æ. Chamberlaynii(Chamberlayn's).*fl., corolla yellow, funnel-shaped; segments obtuse; racemes axillary, six to eight-flowered. April to October,l., leaflets ovate, acuminated, glabrous, shining above. Tendrils strong, simple. Brazil, 1820. (B. R. 741.)B. æsculifolia(Chestnut-leaved). A synonym ofTabebiua æsculifolia.B. apurensis(Apuran).fl.pedicellate, 2in. long; corolla yellow, funnel-shaped, with roundish, spreading, nearly equal lobes; spikes terminal, sessile.l.ternate; leaflets elliptic-oblong, short-acuminated, acutish at the base. Shady banks of the river Apures, near El Diamante, 1824.B. argyreo-violascens(silvery-violet).l.white-veined, in a young state violet. South America, 1865. (F. M. 1865, 26.)B. aurantiaca(orange).fl.orange-coloured. South America, 1874.B. capreolata(tendrilled).*fl., corolla orange; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, crowded. April to August.l.conjugate; leaflets cordate oblong; lower ones simple. Tendrils small, trifid. North America, 1710. Hardy in south of England. (B. M. 864.)B. c. atro-sanguinea(dark blood-red).fl.red-purple. Summer. United States. (B. M. 6501.)B. Cherere(Chirere).*fl., corollas orange, 2in. long; cymes axillary. June to November.l., lower ones ternate, upper ones conjugate, cirrhose; leaflets ovate, acuminated, sometimes sub-cordate, glabrous. Guiana (in woods and on the banks of rivers), 1824. (B. R. 1301.)B. Chica(Chica).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, violaceous; limb with nearly equal, rounded segments; panicles axillary, pendulous.l.8in. to 10in. long, abruptly bipinnate; leaflets conjugate, elliptic-ovate, acuminated, deeply cordate, glabrous. Tendrils simple. Banks of the Orinoco, 1819.B. chrysantha(yellow-flowered).fl.terminal, crowded; corolla yellow, 2in. long. May.l., leaflets five, ovate, acuminated, tomentose, on pedicels 5in. long.h.12ft. to 26ft. Caraccas, 1823. Tree.B. chrysoleuca(yellowish-white).fl., corolla yellow, with a white limb, glabrous, 1½in. long; peduncles three to five-flowered. June, July.l.conjugate; leaflets 5in. to 6in. long, 2in. broad, oblong acuminated, glabrous, rounded at the base, shining. Tendrils undivided. Banks of the River Magdalena, 1824.B. Clematis(Clematis-like).*fl., corolla white, yellowish inside; lobes nearly equal, roundish, red; panicles axillary, downy.l.7in. to 8in. long, conjugately pinnate, with an odd one; leaflets 2in. long, 1in. broad, ovate, narrowed at top, acute, cordate at the base, glabrous. Branches quadrangular, glabrous. Caraccas, 1820.B. diversifolia(diverse-leaved).fl., corolla yellow, campanulately funnel-shaped; panicles terminal.l.conjugate and simple; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, sub-cordate, glabrous, shining. Tendrils undivided. Branches quadrangular, striated. Mexico, 1825.B. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl., corolla purplish, funnel-shaped, eight lines long; panicles axillary, powdery, with opposite branches and dichotomous branchlets.l.conjugate; leaflets 2½in. long, oblong-elliptic, acuminated, acute at the base, glabrous, shining. Tendrils undivided. Branches beset with white warts and fine powder. Mexico, 1824.B. lactiflora(milk-flowered).fl., corolla milk white, 1½in. long, villously tomentose on the outside; racemes twin, with a petiolate bract at the base of each pedicel. April and July.l.conjugate; leaflets 2in. long, cordate, ovate, glabrous. Branches striated. Tendrils trifid. Santa Cruz, 1823.B. leucoxyla(white-wooded). A synonym ofTabebiua leucoxyla.B. litoralis(shore).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, red, downy outside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched. May to July.l.ternate; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, clothed with soft hair on both surfaces. Branches terete, glabrous; branchlets hairy. Mexico, 1824.B. magnifica(magnificent).*fl.varying from delicate mauve to rich purplish-crimson; throat light primrose colour, very large, 3½in. across; panicles large, branching. Summer.l.opposite, on rather long petioles, broadly ovate. Columbia, 1879. A very handsome species. See Fig. 250, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.B. mollis(soft).fl.small, downy; panicle terminal, many-flowered.l.trifoliate; leaflets 5in. long, ovate, sub-cordate, downy on both surfaces. Cayenne, 1818.B. molissima(very soft).fl., corollas somewhat funnel-shaped, downy inside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched, downy.l.conjugate and simple; leaflets 2½in. long, 1½in. broad, ovate, acute, cordate, clothed with soft hairs above. Caraccas, 1820.B. pallida(pale).*fl.axillary, usually solitary; corolla 2in. long, funnel-shaped, with a yellow tube, and a pale lilac limb; lobes crenately ciliated. July.l.simple, opposite, oblong, obtuse, rather cordate at the base. Branches terete. St. Vincent, 1823. (B. R. 965.)B. picta(painted). A synonym ofB. speciosa.B. radicans(rooting).SeeTecoma radicans.B. reticulata(netted). Columbia, 1873.B. Roezlii(Roezl's). Columbia, 1870.B.SALICIFOLIA(Willow-leaved).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, 1½in. long, copper-coloured, with a white limb; peduncles axillary, three to six-flowered, downy. Summer.l.conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, 3in. long, acute at both ends, quite glabrous, shining. Branches terete, sulcate. Trinidad, 1824.B. speciosa(beautiful).*fl.pink, stained with purple; calyx spathaceous, split on one side; panicles terminal. May.l.pinnate, ternate and verticillate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, shining, serrate.h.4ft. Uruguay, 1840. A glabrous evergreen shrub. SYN.B. picta. (B. M. 3888.)B. spectabilis(showy).fl., corolla 3in. long, rather coriaceous, glabrous, purple; racemes terminal, short, having the two lower pedicels three-flowered, and the rest one-flowered.l.conjugate; leaflets ovate-oblong, acuminated, obtuse. Santa Cruz, &c., 1820.B. Tweediana(Tweedie's).fl.yellow; corolla glabrous, limb deeply five-parted, ciliated; segments emarginate; peduncles one-flowered. Summer.l.conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate; petioles downy. Buenos Ayres, 1838. (B. R. 26, 45.)B. variabilis(variable).*fl., corolla 3in. long, with a greenish-yellow tube; limb ultimately white; racemes simple, short, many-flowered, terminal. June to August.l., lower ones biternate; superior ones conjugate; divisions ternate. Branches tetragonal. Tendrils trifid. Caraccas, 1819.B. venusta(lovely).fl., corolla crimson, clavately funnel-shaped, with a spreading border, villous inside; corymbs terminal, many-flowered. August to December.l., lower ones ternate; superior ones conjugate; leaflets oblong-ovate, acuminated oblique at the base. Brazil, 1816. (B. R. 249.)

B. æquinoxialis(equinoxial).fl.yellow; peduncles two-flowered, terminal ones racemose. June to October.l.glabrous, conjugate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate. Tendrils simple, axillary. Cayenne, 1768.

B. æ. Chamberlaynii(Chamberlayn's).*fl., corolla yellow, funnel-shaped; segments obtuse; racemes axillary, six to eight-flowered. April to October,l., leaflets ovate, acuminated, glabrous, shining above. Tendrils strong, simple. Brazil, 1820. (B. R. 741.)

B. æsculifolia(Chestnut-leaved). A synonym ofTabebiua æsculifolia.

B. apurensis(Apuran).fl.pedicellate, 2in. long; corolla yellow, funnel-shaped, with roundish, spreading, nearly equal lobes; spikes terminal, sessile.l.ternate; leaflets elliptic-oblong, short-acuminated, acutish at the base. Shady banks of the river Apures, near El Diamante, 1824.

B. argyreo-violascens(silvery-violet).l.white-veined, in a young state violet. South America, 1865. (F. M. 1865, 26.)

B. aurantiaca(orange).fl.orange-coloured. South America, 1874.

B. capreolata(tendrilled).*fl., corolla orange; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, crowded. April to August.l.conjugate; leaflets cordate oblong; lower ones simple. Tendrils small, trifid. North America, 1710. Hardy in south of England. (B. M. 864.)

B. c. atro-sanguinea(dark blood-red).fl.red-purple. Summer. United States. (B. M. 6501.)

B. Cherere(Chirere).*fl., corollas orange, 2in. long; cymes axillary. June to November.l., lower ones ternate, upper ones conjugate, cirrhose; leaflets ovate, acuminated, sometimes sub-cordate, glabrous. Guiana (in woods and on the banks of rivers), 1824. (B. R. 1301.)

B. Chica(Chica).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, violaceous; limb with nearly equal, rounded segments; panicles axillary, pendulous.l.8in. to 10in. long, abruptly bipinnate; leaflets conjugate, elliptic-ovate, acuminated, deeply cordate, glabrous. Tendrils simple. Banks of the Orinoco, 1819.

B. chrysantha(yellow-flowered).fl.terminal, crowded; corolla yellow, 2in. long. May.l., leaflets five, ovate, acuminated, tomentose, on pedicels 5in. long.h.12ft. to 26ft. Caraccas, 1823. Tree.

B. chrysoleuca(yellowish-white).fl., corolla yellow, with a white limb, glabrous, 1½in. long; peduncles three to five-flowered. June, July.l.conjugate; leaflets 5in. to 6in. long, 2in. broad, oblong acuminated, glabrous, rounded at the base, shining. Tendrils undivided. Banks of the River Magdalena, 1824.

B. Clematis(Clematis-like).*fl., corolla white, yellowish inside; lobes nearly equal, roundish, red; panicles axillary, downy.l.7in. to 8in. long, conjugately pinnate, with an odd one; leaflets 2in. long, 1in. broad, ovate, narrowed at top, acute, cordate at the base, glabrous. Branches quadrangular, glabrous. Caraccas, 1820.

B. diversifolia(diverse-leaved).fl., corolla yellow, campanulately funnel-shaped; panicles terminal.l.conjugate and simple; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, sub-cordate, glabrous, shining. Tendrils undivided. Branches quadrangular, striated. Mexico, 1825.

B. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl., corolla purplish, funnel-shaped, eight lines long; panicles axillary, powdery, with opposite branches and dichotomous branchlets.l.conjugate; leaflets 2½in. long, oblong-elliptic, acuminated, acute at the base, glabrous, shining. Tendrils undivided. Branches beset with white warts and fine powder. Mexico, 1824.

B. lactiflora(milk-flowered).fl., corolla milk white, 1½in. long, villously tomentose on the outside; racemes twin, with a petiolate bract at the base of each pedicel. April and July.l.conjugate; leaflets 2in. long, cordate, ovate, glabrous. Branches striated. Tendrils trifid. Santa Cruz, 1823.

B. leucoxyla(white-wooded). A synonym ofTabebiua leucoxyla.

B. litoralis(shore).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, red, downy outside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched. May to July.l.ternate; leaflets roundish-ovate, acuminated, clothed with soft hair on both surfaces. Branches terete, glabrous; branchlets hairy. Mexico, 1824.

B. magnifica(magnificent).*fl.varying from delicate mauve to rich purplish-crimson; throat light primrose colour, very large, 3½in. across; panicles large, branching. Summer.l.opposite, on rather long petioles, broadly ovate. Columbia, 1879. A very handsome species. See Fig. 250, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

B. mollis(soft).fl.small, downy; panicle terminal, many-flowered.l.trifoliate; leaflets 5in. long, ovate, sub-cordate, downy on both surfaces. Cayenne, 1818.

B. molissima(very soft).fl., corollas somewhat funnel-shaped, downy inside; panicles axillary, dichotomously branched, downy.l.conjugate and simple; leaflets 2½in. long, 1½in. broad, ovate, acute, cordate, clothed with soft hairs above. Caraccas, 1820.

B. pallida(pale).*fl.axillary, usually solitary; corolla 2in. long, funnel-shaped, with a yellow tube, and a pale lilac limb; lobes crenately ciliated. July.l.simple, opposite, oblong, obtuse, rather cordate at the base. Branches terete. St. Vincent, 1823. (B. R. 965.)

B. picta(painted). A synonym ofB. speciosa.

B. radicans(rooting).SeeTecoma radicans.

B. reticulata(netted). Columbia, 1873.

B. Roezlii(Roezl's). Columbia, 1870.

B.SALICIFOLIA(Willow-leaved).fl., corolla funnel-shaped, 1½in. long, copper-coloured, with a white limb; peduncles axillary, three to six-flowered, downy. Summer.l.conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, 3in. long, acute at both ends, quite glabrous, shining. Branches terete, sulcate. Trinidad, 1824.

B. speciosa(beautiful).*fl.pink, stained with purple; calyx spathaceous, split on one side; panicles terminal. May.l.pinnate, ternate and verticillate; leaflets oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, shining, serrate.h.4ft. Uruguay, 1840. A glabrous evergreen shrub. SYN.B. picta. (B. M. 3888.)

B. spectabilis(showy).fl., corolla 3in. long, rather coriaceous, glabrous, purple; racemes terminal, short, having the two lower pedicels three-flowered, and the rest one-flowered.l.conjugate; leaflets ovate-oblong, acuminated, obtuse. Santa Cruz, &c., 1820.

B. Tweediana(Tweedie's).fl.yellow; corolla glabrous, limb deeply five-parted, ciliated; segments emarginate; peduncles one-flowered. Summer.l.conjugate; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate; petioles downy. Buenos Ayres, 1838. (B. R. 26, 45.)

B. variabilis(variable).*fl., corolla 3in. long, with a greenish-yellow tube; limb ultimately white; racemes simple, short, many-flowered, terminal. June to August.l., lower ones biternate; superior ones conjugate; divisions ternate. Branches tetragonal. Tendrils trifid. Caraccas, 1819.

B. venusta(lovely).fl., corolla crimson, clavately funnel-shaped, with a spreading border, villous inside; corymbs terminal, many-flowered. August to December.l., lower ones ternate; superior ones conjugate; leaflets oblong-ovate, acuminated oblique at the base. Brazil, 1816. (B. R. 249.)

BIGNONIACEÆ.A large order of trees, or twining or climbing shrubby plants. Flowers usually trumpet-shaped; corolla usually irregular, four or five-lobed, and with a swollen portion below its mouth; stamens five, unequal. Fruit, a two-valved, often pod-like capsule. Leaves usually opposite, compound. The best-known genera areBignonia,Catalpa,Eccremocarpus,Jacaranda, andTecoma.

BIJUGATE.A compound leaf, with two pairs of leaflets.

BILABIATE.Having two lips.

BILBERRY.SeeVaccinium Myrtillus.

BILIMBI TREE.SeeAverrhoa Bilimbi.

BILL.A cutting instrument, curved forward, or hook-shaped toward the point, and fitted with a handle, like a hatchet. It is used for pruning, &c. When short, it is called a Hand-bill; when long, a Hedge-bill, or Hedge-hook.

BILLARDIERA(in honour of Jacques Julien Labillardiere, a celebrated French botanist and traveller). Apple Berry. ORD.Pittosporaceæ. Very desirable greenhouse evergreen climbers. Peduncles solitary from the apex of the branches, one-flowered, pendulous; calyx of five subulate sepals; petals five, combined into a tube below, generally yellow; stamens five. Fruit edible. Leaves alternate. They thrive either in pots or planted out in a compost of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and peat, in equal proportions, with thorough drainage. Cuttings, dibbled in a pot of sandy soil, placed under a bell glass, in gentle heat, root readily. They may also be raised from seed, which several of the species produce in abundance.

B. angustifolia(narrow-leaved). A synonym ofB. scandens.B. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.greenish-yellow, often changing to purple, solitary; pedicels glabrous. Berries blue. May to August.l.lanceolate, entire. Van Diemen's Land, 1810. A veryfree-growing and profuse-flowering species. SYN.B. ovalis. See Fig. 251. (B. M. 1507.)

B. angustifolia(narrow-leaved). A synonym ofB. scandens.

B. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.greenish-yellow, often changing to purple, solitary; pedicels glabrous. Berries blue. May to August.l.lanceolate, entire. Van Diemen's Land, 1810. A veryfree-growing and profuse-flowering species. SYN.B. ovalis. See Fig. 251. (B. M. 1507.)

FIG. 251. FRUITINGPORTIONOFBILLARDIERALONGIFLORA.

B. mutabilis(changeable). A synonym ofB. scandens.B. ovalis(oval-leaved). A synonym ofB. longiflora.B. scandens(climbing).*fl.cream-coloured, at length purplish, solitary; pedicels same length as the flower. June to September.l.lanceolate-linear, entire. Branches, when young, villous. New Holland, 1795. SYNS.B. mutabilis,B. angustifolia. (B. M. 1313.)

B. mutabilis(changeable). A synonym ofB. scandens.

B. ovalis(oval-leaved). A synonym ofB. longiflora.

B. scandens(climbing).*fl.cream-coloured, at length purplish, solitary; pedicels same length as the flower. June to September.l.lanceolate-linear, entire. Branches, when young, villous. New Holland, 1795. SYNS.B. mutabilis,B. angustifolia. (B. M. 1313.)

BILLBERGIA(named after J. G. Billberg, a Swedish botanist). ORD.Bromeliaceæ. A genus of handsome stove plants. Flowers borne on light panicles; calyx three-parted; corolla of three convolute petals, scaly at the base; stamens inserted into the base of the perianth. Leaves harsh, rigid. These require much the same treatment as recommended forÆchmea. The most suitable soil is a mixture of peat, leaf soil, and loam in about equal parts, to which is added some sharp sand, to keep it open and porous. Free and perfect drainage is absolutely necessary for the successful culture of this class of plants, and a layer of moss should be placed over the crocks previous to filling the pots with soil. Although fond of heat, Billbergias will, when in flower, bear removal to a cooler house than a stove; and, if they are kept a little dry at the same time, the change will greatly prolong their blooming period. The stronger growing kinds thrive well in rich, well-drained loam and leaf mould. Propagation is effected by carefully taking off the suckers which form at the base, after the plants have done flowering; but, before doing this, they should be allowed to attain a good size. The suckers grow quickly when attached to the parent stem, from which they derive their strength, and feel the check less when severed; besides which, they become more mature, and are in better condition for rooting. The best method to adopt is as follows: Take the sucker in the hand and gently twist it off the stem; next trim the base by the removal of a few of the lower leaves, and then insert each sucker separately in a small pot, in sharp soil. A bottom heat of about 80deg. will greatly facilitate new root-growth; failing this, they will root freely in the temperature of a stove if placed in a shaded position for two or three weeks, after which they will bear increased light and sunshine during the later part of the day.See alsoÆchmeaandAndrolepis.

B. amœna(pleasing).fl.greenish-white, tipped with blue, loosely panicled; bracts rose-coloured. July to winter.l.ligulate, abruptly acuminate, slightly spiny.h.2ft. Brazil, 1817. (B. R. 344.)B. Baraquiniana(Baraquin's).*fl.green; spikes long, the upper portion pendulous, bearing four or five large, oblong-lanceolate, bright scarlet bracts at the base of the flowers; the stem above the bracts is hoary white. Early spring.l.ligulate, tapering to a point, where, as well as at the edges, they are armed with sharp reddish spines, arched, transversely variegated with white scurfy bars.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1865. (I. H. 1864, 421.)B. chlorosticta(green-spotted). Synonymous withB. Saundersii.B. iridifolia(Iris-leaved).*fl.red and yellow, tipped with blue, in drooping spikes; rachis and bracts crimson. March.l.lanceolate, ensiform, 1½ft., grey beneath.h.1ft. Rio de Janeiro, 1825. (B. R. 1068.)B. Liboniana(Libon's).*fl., outer perianth segments beautiful coral red, about half as long as the inner ones, which are whitish at the base, and a splendid purple upwards. Winter.l.in a dense rosette.h.1ft. Brazil, 1858. (B. M. 5090.)B. Lietzei(Lietz's).*fl.in loose terminal racemes, each subtended by lanceolate pink bracts; sepals rosy pink, half as long as the greenish corolla.l.tufted, ligulate, acute; margin spiny. Brazil, 1881. A double-flowered variety, with petaloid stamens, is mentioned by M. Morren, which is interesting in being the first double-flowered Bromeliad yet recorded. (B. H. 1881, 97.)B. marmorata(marbled).*fl.deep blue; calyces green, tipped with blue; bracts very large, leafy, oblong, bright scarlet; panicles erect, branched, much longer than the leaves.l.broadly ligulate, sheathing at the base, truncate-mucronate at the apex; edges very regularly toothed, deep green, freely blotched and barred with dull reddish-brown. (I. H. 2, 48.)B. Moreli(Morel's).*fl., sepals red, densely woolly, less than half as long as the purplish-violet petals; spike dense, drooping; bracts large, deep rosy red, much longer than the solitary sessile flowers. February.l.arching, lanceolate, shining green on both surfaces; marginal spines few and weak,h.1ft. Brazil, 1848. An excellent basket plant. SYN.B. Moreliana. (B. H. 1873, 1, 2.)B. Moreliana(Morel's). Synonymous withB. Moreli.

B. amœna(pleasing).fl.greenish-white, tipped with blue, loosely panicled; bracts rose-coloured. July to winter.l.ligulate, abruptly acuminate, slightly spiny.h.2ft. Brazil, 1817. (B. R. 344.)

B. Baraquiniana(Baraquin's).*fl.green; spikes long, the upper portion pendulous, bearing four or five large, oblong-lanceolate, bright scarlet bracts at the base of the flowers; the stem above the bracts is hoary white. Early spring.l.ligulate, tapering to a point, where, as well as at the edges, they are armed with sharp reddish spines, arched, transversely variegated with white scurfy bars.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1865. (I. H. 1864, 421.)

B. chlorosticta(green-spotted). Synonymous withB. Saundersii.

B. iridifolia(Iris-leaved).*fl.red and yellow, tipped with blue, in drooping spikes; rachis and bracts crimson. March.l.lanceolate, ensiform, 1½ft., grey beneath.h.1ft. Rio de Janeiro, 1825. (B. R. 1068.)

B. Liboniana(Libon's).*fl., outer perianth segments beautiful coral red, about half as long as the inner ones, which are whitish at the base, and a splendid purple upwards. Winter.l.in a dense rosette.h.1ft. Brazil, 1858. (B. M. 5090.)

B. Lietzei(Lietz's).*fl.in loose terminal racemes, each subtended by lanceolate pink bracts; sepals rosy pink, half as long as the greenish corolla.l.tufted, ligulate, acute; margin spiny. Brazil, 1881. A double-flowered variety, with petaloid stamens, is mentioned by M. Morren, which is interesting in being the first double-flowered Bromeliad yet recorded. (B. H. 1881, 97.)

B. marmorata(marbled).*fl.deep blue; calyces green, tipped with blue; bracts very large, leafy, oblong, bright scarlet; panicles erect, branched, much longer than the leaves.l.broadly ligulate, sheathing at the base, truncate-mucronate at the apex; edges very regularly toothed, deep green, freely blotched and barred with dull reddish-brown. (I. H. 2, 48.)

B. Moreli(Morel's).*fl., sepals red, densely woolly, less than half as long as the purplish-violet petals; spike dense, drooping; bracts large, deep rosy red, much longer than the solitary sessile flowers. February.l.arching, lanceolate, shining green on both surfaces; marginal spines few and weak,h.1ft. Brazil, 1848. An excellent basket plant. SYN.B. Moreliana. (B. H. 1873, 1, 2.)

B. Moreliana(Morel's). Synonymous withB. Moreli.

FIG. 252. FLOWERSOFBILLBERGIANUTANS.

B. nutans(nodding).fl., sepals reddish; petals yellowish-green, both with a blue margin; scapes slender, nodding, with a few large rosy bracts, terminating in a short drooping spike. Winter.l.numerous, long, narrow, ensiform, remotely spiny.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1868. See Fig. 252. (B. M. 6423.)B. pallescens(pallid).fl.greenish-white; ovary deeply grooved; spike pendulous; bracts lanceolate, of a beautiful rose-pink. Winter.l.dark green, and spotted on the upper surface, palerbeneath, with transverse bars.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1856. SYNS.B. pallidaandB. Wioti.B. pallida(pale). Synonymous withB. pallescens.B. pyramidalis(pyramidal).fl.red, with purple margin, in erect spikes; bracts lanceolate, rosy. February.l.curved, ligulate-lanceolate, with white bands beneath.h.1ft. Peru, 1822. (B. H. 1873, 16.)B. Quesneliana(Quesnel's).*fl.deep purple; bracts flesh-coloured; upper ones variegated with white.h.6ft. Guiana, 1874. An erect growing species, possessing the same habit asB. rosea-marginata, but having the leaves more acuminate, and deep green in colour. SYN.Quesnelia rufa. (F. d. S. 10, 1026.)B. rosea-marginata(rose-margined).*fl., inflorescence a dense oblong spike of light blue, subtended by large, broad, deep, rose-coloured bracts, with scarious margins. January.l.sheathing at the base, about 2ft. long, channelled, spiny on the margin, and marked with transverse mealy bands.h.1½ft. Tropical America, 1880. SYNS.B. rubro-marginataandQuesnelia roseo-marginata.B. rubro-marginata(red-margined). Synonymous withB. rosea-marginata.B. Saundersii(Saunders').*fl.about 2in. long, disposed in a loose pendulous inflorescence; sepals crimson, half the length of the petals, which are yellow outside and blue within.l.tufted, ligulate, rounded at the apex, terminated by a short mucro, saw-toothed, green above, purple beneath, and spotted white on both surfaces. Brazil, 1868. SYN. (according to Morren)B. chlorosticta. (F. M. n. s. 106.)B. thyrsoidea(thyrsoid).fl.dense, in thyrsoid spikes, almost without bracts. June.l.green, ligulate, shortly acuminate, the margin toothed.h.1ft. Brazil, 1850. (B. M. 4756.)B. vittata(striped).fl.indigo blue, with crimson calyces and bracts; racemes nodding.l.banded, ligulate, elongate, shining.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1843. (B. H. 1871, 14, 15.)B. Wioti(Wiot's). Synonymous withB. pallescensB. zebrina(zebra-streaked).*fl.greenish; scape clothed with large, pale, salmon-coloured bracts; inflorescence gracefully curved downwards. Early spring.l.sheathing for about half their length, forming thus a sort of tube, deep green, with zones of grey, the whole deepening with age.h.1½ft. South America, 1826. SYN.Helicodea zebrina. (L. B. C. 1912.)

B. pallescens(pallid).fl.greenish-white; ovary deeply grooved; spike pendulous; bracts lanceolate, of a beautiful rose-pink. Winter.l.dark green, and spotted on the upper surface, palerbeneath, with transverse bars.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1856. SYNS.B. pallidaandB. Wioti.

B. pallida(pale). Synonymous withB. pallescens.

B. pyramidalis(pyramidal).fl.red, with purple margin, in erect spikes; bracts lanceolate, rosy. February.l.curved, ligulate-lanceolate, with white bands beneath.h.1ft. Peru, 1822. (B. H. 1873, 16.)

B. Quesneliana(Quesnel's).*fl.deep purple; bracts flesh-coloured; upper ones variegated with white.h.6ft. Guiana, 1874. An erect growing species, possessing the same habit asB. rosea-marginata, but having the leaves more acuminate, and deep green in colour. SYN.Quesnelia rufa. (F. d. S. 10, 1026.)

B. rosea-marginata(rose-margined).*fl., inflorescence a dense oblong spike of light blue, subtended by large, broad, deep, rose-coloured bracts, with scarious margins. January.l.sheathing at the base, about 2ft. long, channelled, spiny on the margin, and marked with transverse mealy bands.h.1½ft. Tropical America, 1880. SYNS.B. rubro-marginataandQuesnelia roseo-marginata.

B. rubro-marginata(red-margined). Synonymous withB. rosea-marginata.

B. Saundersii(Saunders').*fl.about 2in. long, disposed in a loose pendulous inflorescence; sepals crimson, half the length of the petals, which are yellow outside and blue within.l.tufted, ligulate, rounded at the apex, terminated by a short mucro, saw-toothed, green above, purple beneath, and spotted white on both surfaces. Brazil, 1868. SYN. (according to Morren)B. chlorosticta. (F. M. n. s. 106.)

B. thyrsoidea(thyrsoid).fl.dense, in thyrsoid spikes, almost without bracts. June.l.green, ligulate, shortly acuminate, the margin toothed.h.1ft. Brazil, 1850. (B. M. 4756.)

B. vittata(striped).fl.indigo blue, with crimson calyces and bracts; racemes nodding.l.banded, ligulate, elongate, shining.h.1½ft. Brazil, 1843. (B. H. 1871, 14, 15.)

B. Wioti(Wiot's). Synonymous withB. pallescens

B. zebrina(zebra-streaked).*fl.greenish; scape clothed with large, pale, salmon-coloured bracts; inflorescence gracefully curved downwards. Early spring.l.sheathing for about half their length, forming thus a sort of tube, deep green, with zones of grey, the whole deepening with age.h.1½ft. South America, 1826. SYN.Helicodea zebrina. (L. B. C. 1912.)

BILOBATE.Two-lobed.

BINATE.In pairs.

BINDING.The process of securing a graft or bud in its place by means of Raffia or Bast. The same term is applied to hard clay or other soil impervious to water, in summer.

BINDWEED.SeeConvolvulus.

BIOPHYTUM(frombios, life, andphyton, a plant; the leaves of one species being sensitive to the touch). TRIBEOxalideæof orderGeraniaceæ. A genus of pretty and interesting perennials, differing fromOxalis, in which genus it has been included, in the valves of the capsule being patent and separate to the base. They will thrive in a mixture of loam and peat. Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in spring, on a hotbed. Probably the only species in cultivation is the following:

B. sensitivum(sensitive).fl.yellow, small. July.l., leaflets oblong, obtuse, mucronate.h.6in. India and China, 1823. The leaves of this plant contract on the slightest touch. SYN.Oxalis sensitiva. (B. R. 31, 68.)

BIOTA.SeeThuja.

BIOTIA.SeeAster corymbosus.

BIPARTITE.Divided into two nearly to the base.

BIPINNATE.Twice pinnate.

BIPINNATIFID, orBIPINNATIPARTED. Having both primary and secondary segments of a leaf divided, but not to the base.

BIPLICATE.Having two folds or plaits.

BIRCH.SeeBetula.

BIRD-CHERRY.SeeCerasus Padus.

BIRDLIME.A preparation made from Mistletoe berries and Holly bark. It is used for catching birds.

BIRD-PEPPER.SeeCapsicum baccatum.

BIRDS.As a class, Birds are very much more useful than hurtful in gardens. Owls are of great use in catching mice, and Night-jars in catching night-flying insects. Rooks are very useful in lessening the numbers of wire-worms, and of hurtful insects in general; but, if very numerous, they may be driven to eat potatoes and other vegetable food, and may then do harm. The same may be said of Starlings. Blackbirds and Thrushes feed much on snails and worms, but they also feed on the ripe fruits in gardens. As a rule, slender-billed birds feed almost wholly on insects or other animals, and are to be encouraged in gardens at all seasons. Among these may be enumerated the Tree-creeper, Wryneck, Warblers, and Wrens of various kinds, Chats, Hedge-sparrow, Larks, Redstart, Robin, Titmice, and Wagtails. Swifts, Swallows, and Martins, are also great destroyers of insects. The Finches feed, in part, on insects, but also eat large quantities of seeds, and often do considerable damage among plants grown for seed,e.g., Cabbages, and in the seed-beds. Sparrows are about the most troublesome, though they are often assisted by Buntings, Chaffinches, Linnets, and others. When seed-beds or fruits have to be protected, this may be done by nets; or, more simply, by threads tied to sticks a few inches above the surface of the ground, or in front of the trees.

BIRD'S-EYE PRIMROSE.SeePrimula farinosa.

BIRD'S-FOOT.SeeOrnithopus.

BIRD'S-FOOT FERN.SeePellæa ornithopus.

BIRD'S-NEST FERN.SeeAsplenium Nidus.

BIRTHWORT.SeeAristolochia.

BISCUTELLA(frombis, double, andscutella, a saucer; in allusion to the form of the silicles). Buckler Mustard. ORD.Cruciferæ. Perennial or annual herbaceous plants, usually hispid, but sometimes downy or smoothish. Flowers yellow, scentless; pedicels filiform, bractless. Leaves oblong, entire, toothed or pinnatifid, somewhat radical or cauline. Stems round, erect, usually corymbosely branched at the top by racemes, which, when in flower, are short, but elongated at the time of fruiting. All the species produce seeds freely. The annuals should be sown in the open borders. Some of the perennial kinds are well adapted for ornamenting rockwork, in a dry, sunny situation. Of the annuals,columnæ,lyrata,maritima, andobovata, are best. Of the perennials,coronopifolia,lævigata, andsempervirensare the most desirable, but none are worth cultivation outside botanical collections.

BISERIAL, orBISERIATE. Arranged in two parallel rows.

BISERRATE.Toothed in a saw-like manner, but with the primary teeth again serrated.

BISULCATE.Doubly furrowed.

BITERNATE.Twice ternate.

BITTER ALMOND.SeeAmygdalus communis amara.

BITTER APPLE.SeeCucumis Colocynthis.

BITTER-SWEET.SeeSolanum Dulcamara.

BITTER VETCH.SeeOrobus.

BITUMINOUS.Clammy, adhesive.

BIVONÆA(named after Antonio Bivona-Bernardi, a Sicilian botanist, author of "Sicularum Plantarum Centuria I. et II.," Palermo, 1806). ORD.Cruciferæ. A pretty little monotypic genus, well adapted for ornamenting rockwork or the front of flower borders. A dry sandy soil is most suitable for its culture. Propagated by seeds, sown in spring where the plants are intended to remain, thinning-out being necessary to ensure full growth.

B. lutea(yellow).*fl.yellow, small; racemes terminal, elongated as they grow; pedicels filiform, bractless. April.l.alternate, lower ones stalked, the rest sessile, cordate, stem-clasping at the base, ovate, toothed, bluntish. Stem filiform, sparingly branched.h.3in. to 6in. Sicily, 1823. An annual.

BIXA(its South American name). Arnatto. ORD.Bixineæ. Stove evergreen trees, with dichotomous panicles of large reddish flowers, broad cordate leaves, and prickly capsules. A compost of loam and peat is well adapted to their culture. Propagated by seed, sown when ripe in bottom heat; or by cuttings, which root freely in sand, under a hand glass, in heat; the latter is the better method. If grown from seed, the trees attain a large size before they flower; whereas cuttings, taken from a flowering plant and struck, may be brought to flower when small plants.

B. Orellana(Orellana).fl.pale peach-coloured; corymbs terminal, panicled; peduncles two, three, and four-flowered. May to August.l.cordate, ovate, acuminated, entire or angular, smooth on both surfaces. The drug called Arnatto is prepared from the red pulp which covers the seed of this species. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, and by farmers for colouring cheese, and also as an orange or yellow dye for silks.h.30ft. West Indian Islands, 1690. See Fig. 253. (B. M. 1456.)

BIXINEÆ.An order of smoothish tropical trees or shrubs, not remarkable for any particular beauty. Flowers with or without petals, when present five and sepal-like; stamens indefinite in number, inserted in the receptacle or at the bottom of the calyx; peduncle axillary or terminal, bracteate, one or many-flowered, usually forming terminal panicles. Fruit fleshy or dry. Leaves alternate, simple, entire, or slightly lobed, generally full of pellucid dots. The genera best known areAzara,Bixa, andFlacourtia.

FIG. 253. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBIXAORELLANA.

BLACK BEARBERRY.SeeArctostaphylos alpina.

BLACK BEETLES.SeeCockroaches.

BLACK BRYONY.SeeTamus communis.

BLACK BULLACE.SeePrunus insititia.

BLACKBURNIA.SeeXanthoxylum.

BLACK FLY or BEAN FLY(Aphis rumicis), also called Collier and Black Dolphin. This Fly (see Fig. 254) is found on many herbaceous plants. It is very injurious to Beans; hence, immediate means of destruction must be employed directly the insect appears. Its extermination is an extremely difficult matter; but the following remedies are very effectual:

Tobacco Water.This, made and applied as recommended forAphides(whichsee) is a good remedy; but it is rendered more certain by the employment of soapsuds, instead of clear water, in its manufacture.

FIG. 254. THEBEANFLY.a, Female, magnified;b, Male, natural size, and magnified.

Paris Green(Arseniate of Copper). Owing to its poisonous nature, this should not be used where there is fruit on the trees or vegetables under them; but there is no better destroyer of hard-dying insects. Its application is very simple. Mix 1lb. of the green with 30gals. of water, and well wet the infested parts of the trees, using a fine-rosed watercan or garden engine for the purpose. The operator's hands should be free from sores and scratches, or dangerous ulcerations may ensue.

Gas Liquor.If this can be obtained from a gas-house, it should be diluted with twice its bulk of water, and applied in the same manner as Paris Green, being washed off with clean water in a few hours. If the process be repeated on two or three consecutive nights, it will be found certain in its effects; moreover, it is not very poisonous. The finger or thumb, or the Aphis brush, applied early, will often exterminate these obnoxious insects at once. The first of the methods above described is perhaps the most accessible and the safest to use. Poisonous insecticides aremore or less dangerous, especially in the hands of the inexperienced. Black Fly is, however, one of the most difficult insects to eradicate, especially if allowed to multiply. A syringing of clean water should follow either of the above applications.See alsoAphides.

BLACK JACK OAK.SeeQuercus nigra.

BLACK MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT.SeeAsplenium Adiantum-nigrum.

BLACK PINE.SeePinus austriaca.

BLACKTHORN.SeePrunus spinosa.

BLACK VARNISH TREE.SeeMelanorrhœa.

BLACK WATTLE.SeeCallicoma serratifolia.

BLADDER CATCHFLY.SeeSilene inflata.

BLADDER KETMIA.SeeHibiscus Trionum.

BLADDER NUT.SeeStaphylea.

BLADDER SENNA.SeeColutea.

BLADDER WORT.SeeUtricularia.

BLADE.The lamina or expanded part of a leaf.

BLÆRIA(named after Patrick Blair, M.D., F.R.S., who practised medicine at Boston, in Lincolnshire, and was author of "Miscellaneous Observations," 1718; "Botanic Essays," 1820, &c.). ORD.Ericaceæ. Pretty little greenhouse evergreen shrubs, natives of Southern and Tropical Africa. Flowers terminal, glomerate; corolla short-tubular, with a four-cleft limb, very freely branched. Leaves verticillate, with revolute margins. For culture,seeErica.

B. articulata(jointed).*fl.reddish; heads drooping. May.l.four in a whorl, ovate or linear, glabrous, and shining; bracts solitary.h.1ft. 1795.B. ericoides(Heath-like).fl.purplish-red. August.l.four in a whorl, oblong, obtuse, ringed; bracts three, length of the calyx.h.2ft. 1774. SYN.Erica orbicularis. (L. B. C. 153.)B. purpurea(purple).fl.purple; heads drooping. June.l.four in a whorl, ovate, sub-ciliated. Stem flexuous, erect.h.2ft. 1791.

B. articulata(jointed).*fl.reddish; heads drooping. May.l.four in a whorl, ovate or linear, glabrous, and shining; bracts solitary.h.1ft. 1795.

B. ericoides(Heath-like).fl.purplish-red. August.l.four in a whorl, oblong, obtuse, ringed; bracts three, length of the calyx.h.2ft. 1774. SYN.Erica orbicularis. (L. B. C. 153.)

B. purpurea(purple).fl.purple; heads drooping. June.l.four in a whorl, ovate, sub-ciliated. Stem flexuous, erect.h.2ft. 1791.

BLAKEA(named after Martin Blake, of Antigua, a great promoter of useful knowledge). ORD.Melastomaceæ. Handsome stove evergreen shrubs or trees. Flowers red, large, showy; peduncles axillary, terete, one-flowered, naked, opposite or solitary, shorter than the leaves, usually with brown tomentum. Leaves petiolate, three to five-nerved, coriaceous, glabrous above and shining, but usually densely clothed with rusty tomentum beneath. They thrive well in peat, or a mixture of loam and peat, and require to be liberally supplied with water, particularly in spring and summer. Cuttings root freely if taken from shoots that are quite ripe (otherwise they are apt to rot), planted in a pot of sand, and plunged in a moist heat, under a hand glass.

B. quinquenervia(five-nerved).fl.flesh-coloured, large, with white disks; peduncles twin, shorter than the petioles. June.l.elliptic, acuminated, naked, and shining on both surfaces, five-nerved.h.10ft. to 16ft. Guiana, 1820. (A. G. 210.)B. trinervia(three-nerved).fl.rose colour, large; peduncles solitary, longer than the petioles. June.l.oval-oblong, three-nerved, glabrous and shining on both surfaces in the adult state, and when young serrulated; petioles and branchlets clothed with rusty tomentum. Roots issuing from the branches and stems.h.4ft. to 8ft. Jamaica, 1789. (B. M. 451.)

B. trinervia(three-nerved).fl.rose colour, large; peduncles solitary, longer than the petioles. June.l.oval-oblong, three-nerved, glabrous and shining on both surfaces in the adult state, and when young serrulated; petioles and branchlets clothed with rusty tomentum. Roots issuing from the branches and stems.h.4ft. to 8ft. Jamaica, 1789. (B. M. 451.)

BLANCHING.This process is effected for the purpose of obtaining crispness, and for converting what would, under ordinary circumstances, be a dangerous plant—in the case of Celery especially so—into a highly popular delicacy. Blanching can only be accomplished by entirely excluding the light from the plants, thus depriving the colouring matters of their power to decompose water and carbonic acid gas. It is also termed Etiolation.

BLANDFORDIA(named after George, Marquis of Blandford). ORD.Liliaceæ. A very beautiful genus of greenhouse bulbous plants, natives of Australia. Flowers solitary, on recurved pedicels; perianth funnel-shaped, six-cleft; stamens six. Leaves linear, elongate, striate; radical ones dilated, and somewhat sheathing at the base; others shorter and more distant, appearing on the flower-stem. The best soil in which to grow them is loam and peat in equal proportions, with a little rough silver sand added. They should be repotted moderately firm in the autumn, allowing good drainage, and should then be placed under the greenhouse stage, or in any other position where they will be free from water drippings. Water must only be given when dry, until they commence to grow, when it may be gradually increased, and they may be introduced into a higher temperature, if necessary, there to remain till after flowering. When the foliage is ripened off, they may be stored away until the time for repotting. Propagated by seeds and offsets, or by division of the old plants, which must be done when repotting.

B. aurea(golden).*fl.1½in. to 2in. long; scape bearing an umbellate cluster of three to five pure golden-yellow drooping bell-shaped flowers. Summer.l.narrow, linear, keeled or channelled, from the base of which the flower-scape arises.h.1ft. to 2ft. New South Wales, 1870. (B. M. 5809.)B. Cunninghamii(Cunningham's).*fl.rich coppery red, the upper part yellow; about 2in. long, bell-shaped, pendulous; from twelve to twenty, terminating in a stout scape 3ft. high. June.l.linear, slightly keeled at the back, about ⅓in. broad. New South Wales. This magnificent species should have a little charcoal mixed with the soil already mentioned. (B. M. 5734.)B. C. hybrida(hybrid).fl.red, margined with clear yellow, bell-shaped, in a dense drooping umbel.B. flammea(fiery).*fl.dullish yellow, in dense umbel-like clusters; bracts ovate-lanceolate, stiff; perianth inversely conical. June.l.linear, bluntly keeled.h.2ft. Australia, 1849.B. f. elegans(elegant).*fl.crimson, tipped with yellow, large, funnel-shaped. Summer.l.long, linear-ensiform. This very handsome form is often taken for the type.B. f. princeps(magnificent).*fl.rich orange-red externally, and bright yellow within, about 3in. long, tubular, borne on a scape about 1ft. high, slightly pendulous, and arranged near the summit. Summer.l.stiff, sub-erect, long, bright green, disposed in a distichous manner. This is a very splendid greenhouse plant, and should be in every collection. Australia, 1873. SYN.B. princeps. See Fig. 255. (B. M. 6209.)B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.crimson, very large; bracts as long as the pedicels, the inner much the shortest. July.h.2ft. New South Wales, 1812. (B. R. 924.)B. intermedia(intermediate).fl.yellow, pendulous, funnel-shaped, in sixteen to twenty-flowered racemes; bracts leaf-formed. September.l.channelled, acutely keeled, scabrous on the margins.h.1½ft. Australia.B. marginata(margined).fl.orange-red, conical, in long pendulous racemes; bracts narrow, foliaceous, about equalling in length the pedicels. July.l.stiff, sub-erect, with scabrous margins.h.2ft. Tasmania, 1842. (B. R. 31, 18.)B. nobilis(noble).*fl.orange with yellow margins, on long pedicels, drooping, disposed in a terminal raceme; bracts twice as short as the pedicels. July.l.very narrow.h.2ft. New South Wales, 1803. (B. M. 2003.)B. princeps(magnificent). Synonymous withB. flammea princeps.

B. Cunninghamii(Cunningham's).*fl.rich coppery red, the upper part yellow; about 2in. long, bell-shaped, pendulous; from twelve to twenty, terminating in a stout scape 3ft. high. June.l.linear, slightly keeled at the back, about ⅓in. broad. New South Wales. This magnificent species should have a little charcoal mixed with the soil already mentioned. (B. M. 5734.)

B. C. hybrida(hybrid).fl.red, margined with clear yellow, bell-shaped, in a dense drooping umbel.

B. flammea(fiery).*fl.dullish yellow, in dense umbel-like clusters; bracts ovate-lanceolate, stiff; perianth inversely conical. June.l.linear, bluntly keeled.h.2ft. Australia, 1849.

B. f. elegans(elegant).*fl.crimson, tipped with yellow, large, funnel-shaped. Summer.l.long, linear-ensiform. This very handsome form is often taken for the type.

B. f. princeps(magnificent).*fl.rich orange-red externally, and bright yellow within, about 3in. long, tubular, borne on a scape about 1ft. high, slightly pendulous, and arranged near the summit. Summer.l.stiff, sub-erect, long, bright green, disposed in a distichous manner. This is a very splendid greenhouse plant, and should be in every collection. Australia, 1873. SYN.B. princeps. See Fig. 255. (B. M. 6209.)

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.crimson, very large; bracts as long as the pedicels, the inner much the shortest. July.h.2ft. New South Wales, 1812. (B. R. 924.)

B. intermedia(intermediate).fl.yellow, pendulous, funnel-shaped, in sixteen to twenty-flowered racemes; bracts leaf-formed. September.l.channelled, acutely keeled, scabrous on the margins.h.1½ft. Australia.

B. marginata(margined).fl.orange-red, conical, in long pendulous racemes; bracts narrow, foliaceous, about equalling in length the pedicels. July.l.stiff, sub-erect, with scabrous margins.h.2ft. Tasmania, 1842. (B. R. 31, 18.)

B. nobilis(noble).*fl.orange with yellow margins, on long pedicels, drooping, disposed in a terminal raceme; bracts twice as short as the pedicels. July.l.very narrow.h.2ft. New South Wales, 1803. (B. M. 2003.)

B. princeps(magnificent). Synonymous withB. flammea princeps.

BLATTA.SeeCockroaches.

BLEABERRY.SeeVaccinium Myrtillus.

BLEACHING POWDER.SeeChloride of Lime.

BLECHNUM(fromBlechnon, the Greek name of a fern). ORD.Filices. A very attractive genus of stove and greenhouse ferns, thriving in a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. Sori linear, continuous, or nearly so, parallel with, and usually contiguous to, the midrib. Involucre distinct from the edge of the frond. Fronds uniform, generally pinnate or pinnatifid. Veins usually free. For general culture,seeFerns.

B. australe(southern).*cau.stout, creeping, scaly;sti.erect, 4in. to 6in. long.fronds9in. to 18in. long, and from 2in. to 3in. broad, lanceolate, narrowed towards both ends; pinnæ numerous, the barren ones 1in. to 1½in. long, ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, linear, hastate-cordate, or auricled at the base, especially on the upper side, with a very coriaceous texture; fertile pinnæ narrower.soriin a continuous or slightly broken line, close, but not contiguous, to the midrib. South Africa, &c., 1691. Greenhouse species.B. boreale.SeeLomaria Spicant.B. braziliense(Brazilian).*cau.erect, stout, sub-arborescent, 1ft. or more long, densely clothed at the crown with dark brown scales.sti.short, stout, densely scaly.frondsoblong-lanceolate,2ft. to 4ft. long, 6in. to 16in. broad, narrowing downwards very gradually; pinnæ close, linear, 4in. to 8in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, finely toothed or undulated, connected at the base. Brazil and Peru, 1820. See Fig. 256. (H. S. F. 3, 157.) There is a very pretty variety met with in gardens under the name ofCorcovadense crispum, which is not quite so strong-growing as the type, with wavy, crispy edges. They will all thrive in the cool of a stove fernery.

B. boreale.SeeLomaria Spicant.

B. braziliense(Brazilian).*cau.erect, stout, sub-arborescent, 1ft. or more long, densely clothed at the crown with dark brown scales.sti.short, stout, densely scaly.frondsoblong-lanceolate,2ft. to 4ft. long, 6in. to 16in. broad, narrowing downwards very gradually; pinnæ close, linear, 4in. to 8in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, narrowed gradually towards the point, finely toothed or undulated, connected at the base. Brazil and Peru, 1820. See Fig. 256. (H. S. F. 3, 157.) There is a very pretty variety met with in gardens under the name ofCorcovadense crispum, which is not quite so strong-growing as the type, with wavy, crispy edges. They will all thrive in the cool of a stove fernery.

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