Chapter 33

FIG. 275. SINGLEFLOWEROFBRASSIALANCEANA.

B. Lanceana(Lance's).*fl., sepals and petals lanceolate and tapering, bright yellow, blotched with brown, or sometimes with deep red; lip wholly yellow, slightly spotted at the base, and much waved, deliciously fragrant; scapes radical, many-flowered. In the typical species, the lip is rather more than half as long as the sepals.l.rich dark green.h.9in. Surinam, 1843. See Fig. 275. (B. R. 1754.)B. L. macrostachya(large-spiked).*fl., sepals and petals bright rich yellow, sparingly spotted with brown, as in the type; sepals lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which are sometimes nearly 5in. in length; lip wholly of a clear pale yellow. Demerara.B. L. pumila(dwarf).fl., sepals pale yellow, without spots or markings; petals of the same colour, tinged with purple near the base; lip about half the length of the sepals, slightly contracted in the middle, yellow, with a brownish-yellow base. Caracas.B. Lawrenceana(Lawrence's).*fl.large, sweet-scented; sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted with cinnamon and green; lip yellow, tinged with green. June to August.h.1ft. Brazil, 1839. (B. R. 27, 18.)B. L. longissima(long-sepaled).*fl., sepals deep orange-yellow, blotched and spotted, especially towards the base, with reddish-purple, and lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which, in well-grown examples, measure 7in. in length; petals about 2½in. long and ¼in. broad at the base, marked in the same manner as the sepals; lip about 3in. long, pale yellow, dotted and spotted towards the base with purple. August and September. Costa Rica, 1868. A magnificent variety.B. maculata(spotted).*fl.large; sepals and petals pale yellow, irregularly spotted with brown; the former being short compared with those of the other species; lip white, spotted about and below the centre with brown and purple. Spring and early summer. Jamaica, 1806. See Fig. 276. (B. M. 1691.)B. m. guttata(spotted).*fl.on spikes 2ft. or 3ft. long; sepals and petals yellowish-green, blotched with brown; lip broad, yellow, spotted with brown. May to August. Guatemala, 1842. SYN.B. Wrayæ. (B. M. 4003.)B. verrucosa(warty-lipped).*fl.large; sepals and petals greenish, blotched with blackish-purple; lip white, ornamented with numerous little green protuberances or warts, hence the specific name; scape many-flowered. May and June. Guatemala.B. v. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.twice the size of, and a lighter colour than, the type. This variety is very rare, and is said to be the best of the genus.B. Wrayæ(Wray's).* A synonym ofB. maculata guttata.

B. L. macrostachya(large-spiked).*fl., sepals and petals bright rich yellow, sparingly spotted with brown, as in the type; sepals lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which are sometimes nearly 5in. in length; lip wholly of a clear pale yellow. Demerara.

B. L. pumila(dwarf).fl., sepals pale yellow, without spots or markings; petals of the same colour, tinged with purple near the base; lip about half the length of the sepals, slightly contracted in the middle, yellow, with a brownish-yellow base. Caracas.

B. Lawrenceana(Lawrence's).*fl.large, sweet-scented; sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted with cinnamon and green; lip yellow, tinged with green. June to August.h.1ft. Brazil, 1839. (B. R. 27, 18.)

B. L. longissima(long-sepaled).*fl., sepals deep orange-yellow, blotched and spotted, especially towards the base, with reddish-purple, and lengthened out into tail-like appendages, which, in well-grown examples, measure 7in. in length; petals about 2½in. long and ¼in. broad at the base, marked in the same manner as the sepals; lip about 3in. long, pale yellow, dotted and spotted towards the base with purple. August and September. Costa Rica, 1868. A magnificent variety.

B. maculata(spotted).*fl.large; sepals and petals pale yellow, irregularly spotted with brown; the former being short compared with those of the other species; lip white, spotted about and below the centre with brown and purple. Spring and early summer. Jamaica, 1806. See Fig. 276. (B. M. 1691.)

B. m. guttata(spotted).*fl.on spikes 2ft. or 3ft. long; sepals and petals yellowish-green, blotched with brown; lip broad, yellow, spotted with brown. May to August. Guatemala, 1842. SYN.B. Wrayæ. (B. M. 4003.)

B. verrucosa(warty-lipped).*fl.large; sepals and petals greenish, blotched with blackish-purple; lip white, ornamented with numerous little green protuberances or warts, hence the specific name; scape many-flowered. May and June. Guatemala.

B. v. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.twice the size of, and a lighter colour than, the type. This variety is very rare, and is said to be the best of the genus.

B. Wrayæ(Wray's).* A synonym ofB. maculata guttata.

BRASSICA(old Latin name used by Pliny; fromBresic, the Celtic name for Cabbage). Cabbage. ORD.Cruciferæ. Herbaceous, usually biennial, rarely annual or perennial, or suffrutescent plants, usually with a short caudex. Flowers yellow, rarely white, but never purple nor veined. Radical leaves usually stalked, lyrate, or pinnatifid; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire; racemes elongated; pedicels bractless, filiform. Full cultural details will be found under the popular garden name of each variety.

B. oleracea(herb-like).fl.pale yellow, large. May and June.l.glaucous, waved, lobed, smooth. Root-stem cylindrical, fleshy.h.1ft. to 3ft. England. Biennial.B. o. acephala(headless). Borecole or Kale. Stem round, elongated.l.expanded, racemes panicled.B. o. botrytis asparagoides(Asparagus-like). The Broccoli.fl.abortive. Stem taller than that of the Cauliflower.l.greyish-glaucous, elongated. Branchlets fleshy, bearing small flower-buds at the top.B. o. b. cauliflora(Cauliflower). Heads of flower-buds thick, terminal. Stem short.l.oblong, of a greyish-glaucous colour.B. o. bullata gemmifera(bud-bearing). Brussels Sprouts. Heads small, numerous, rising from the axils of the leaves along an elongated stem.B. o. b. major(larger). Savoy Cabbage. Heads of leaves loose, thick, terminal, roundish.l.blistered.B. o. capitata(headed). The Cabbage. Stem round, short.l.concave, not blistered, crowded into a head before flowering; racemes panicled.B. o. Caulo-rapa(Kohl-Rabi). Stem tumid and somewhat globose at the origin of the leaves.B. Rapa(Rape). The Turnip. Radical leaves lyrate, destitute of glaucous bloom, green, covered with bristly hairs; middle cauline ones cut; upper ones quite entire, smooth.

B. oleracea(herb-like).fl.pale yellow, large. May and June.l.glaucous, waved, lobed, smooth. Root-stem cylindrical, fleshy.h.1ft. to 3ft. England. Biennial.

B. o. acephala(headless). Borecole or Kale. Stem round, elongated.l.expanded, racemes panicled.

B. o. botrytis asparagoides(Asparagus-like). The Broccoli.fl.abortive. Stem taller than that of the Cauliflower.l.greyish-glaucous, elongated. Branchlets fleshy, bearing small flower-buds at the top.

B. o. b. cauliflora(Cauliflower). Heads of flower-buds thick, terminal. Stem short.l.oblong, of a greyish-glaucous colour.

B. o. bullata gemmifera(bud-bearing). Brussels Sprouts. Heads small, numerous, rising from the axils of the leaves along an elongated stem.

B. o. b. major(larger). Savoy Cabbage. Heads of leaves loose, thick, terminal, roundish.l.blistered.

B. o. capitata(headed). The Cabbage. Stem round, short.l.concave, not blistered, crowded into a head before flowering; racemes panicled.

B. o. Caulo-rapa(Kohl-Rabi). Stem tumid and somewhat globose at the origin of the leaves.

B. Rapa(Rape). The Turnip. Radical leaves lyrate, destitute of glaucous bloom, green, covered with bristly hairs; middle cauline ones cut; upper ones quite entire, smooth.

FIG. 276. SINGLEFLOWEROFBRASSIAMACULATA.

BRASSICACEÆ.SeeCruciferæ.

BRAVOA(named after Bravo, a Mexican botanist). ORD.Amaryllidaceæ. A pretty little graceful bulbousplant, hardy in very sheltered positions, but in exposed situations requiring a slight protection in winter. It is an admirable plant for cool-house culture, and delights in a compost of light rich loam, leaf mould, and sand. Propagated by offsets, which are obtainable in autumn; or by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe.

B. geminiflora(twin-flowered).* Twin Flower.fl.rich orange-red, tubular, drooping, disposed in the upper part of the flower-stems, which are sometimes 2ft. long. July.l.linear, ensiform, pale green. Mexico, 1841. (B. M. 4741.)

BRAZILIAN TEA.SeeIlex paraguariensisandStachytarpheta jamaicensis.

BRAZIL NUT.SeeBertholletia.

BRAZIL WOOD.SeeCæsalpinia brasiliensis.

BREAD FRUIT.SeeArtocarpus.

BREAD NUT.SeeBrosimum.

BREDIA(named in honour of Professor J. G. S. van Bred). ORD.Melastomaceæ. An ornamental greenhouse shrub, thriving in rich light loam, leaf soil, and peat. Propagated by cuttings of the ripened shoots, inserted in sandy loam, under a hand glass, in heat; or by seeds.

B. hirsuta(hairy).*fl.rose-pink, about ½in. across, disposed in loose, terminal, many-flowered cymes. Autumn.l.ovate acuminate, hairy. Japan, 1870. (B. M. 6647.)

BREEZE.The small particles or refuse of gas coke. It constitutes a very cheap fuel, but, unless mixed with good coke, is only suitable for boilers of the saddle type, having a good draught. Breeze must not, however, be confounded with coke-dust.

BREVOORTIA COCCINEA.SeeBrodiæa coccinea.

FIG. 277. FLOWERINGBRANCHOFBREXIAMADAGASCARIENSIS.

BREXIA(frombrexis, rain; the large leaves afford protection against rain). ORD.Saxifrageæ. Excellent stove trees. Flowers green, in axillary umbels, surrounded by bracts on the outside. Leaves alternate, simple, dotless, and furnished with minute stipules. Stems nearly simple. They require a compost of two parts loam and one of peat, with the addition of a little sand, to keep the whole open. A liberal supply of water must be given at all seasons. Cuttings, with their leaves not shortened, strike readily in sand under a hand glass, in heat; or a leaf taken off with a bud attached will grow. Leaves as in accompanying illustration (Fig. 277), and long, narrow, spiny-toothed ones, are often produced on the same plant. Probably the two species enumerated below are simply forms of one. Well hardened off, strong growing plants ofB. madagascariensisare very suitable for sub-tropical gardening.

B. madagascariensis(Madagascar).*l.obovate or oblong, entire, while young minutely gland-toothed.h.20ft. Madagascar, 1812. See Fig. 277.B. spinosa(spiny).l.lanceolate, 20in. long, 2in. broad, spiny-toothed.h.20ft. Madagascar, 1820.

B. madagascariensis(Madagascar).*l.obovate or oblong, entire, while young minutely gland-toothed.h.20ft. Madagascar, 1812. See Fig. 277.

B. spinosa(spiny).l.lanceolate, 20in. long, 2in. broad, spiny-toothed.h.20ft. Madagascar, 1820.

BREXIACEÆ.A section ofSaxifrageæ.

BRIAR.SeeRosa.

BRICKS.In England, the standard thickness of brick walls is a Brick and a-half, that is, the length of one brick and the breadth of another. Thirty-two paving bricks, laid flat, will form one square yard of flooring; if set on edge, eighty-four will be required for the same space. The best Bricks for walls are those termed Stocks, which are well burnt. Grizzells and Place Bricks, being only partially burnt, are soft and not durable. In various parts of the kingdom, different clays and methods of manufacture cause a disparity in the weight and appearance of the finished article. Several forms are made to suit various purposes, but the standard size is 9in. long by 4½in. wide, by 2½in. thick, although, since the remission of the duty, some slight variations occur, owing to shrinkage and other causes. Fire Bricks are made of a particular kind of clay, which will stand intense heat when once burnt, and are used in furnaces and other places where durability under great heat is a desideratum. Fire-clay should always be used in place of mortar in building with these.

BRILLANTAISIA(named after M. Brillant). ORD.Acanthaceæ. A very small genus of erect, branching, stove evergreen shrubs. Flowers large, in terminal panicles; corolla ringent; upper lip falcate and overarching, with a trifid apex, the lower one large, spreading, shortly trifid. Leaves ovate-cordate, on long petioles. For culture,seeBarleria.

B. owariensis(Owarian).*fl.violet-blue; cymes sub-sessile, loose; panicles terminal. March.l.large, opposite, petiolate.h.3ft. Western Africa, 1853. This plant, in its habit of growth, resembles some of the largest species ofSalvia. (B. M. 4717.)

BRISTLES.Stiff hairs.

BRISTLY.Covered with stiff hairs.

BRISTLY-TOOTHED.Furnished with teeth like bristles, or with the teeth ending each in a bristle.

BRIZA(frombriza, to nod). Quaking Grass. ORD.Gramineæ. A genus of ornamental hardy grasses. Panicle loose; calyx two-valved; corolla two-valved, awnless; exterior one ventricose, interior small and flat. Fruit adnate with the corolla. These extremely graceful plants delight in a soil composed of loam, leaf soil, and peat. Seeds may be sown in spring or autumn. For decorative purposes, the branches should be gathered as soon as full grown, and loosely placed in flower-stands, to dry. Tufts of these plants look extremely pretty on the rockery, or amongst hardy ferns.

B. gracilis(graceful). Synonymous withB. minor.B. maxima(greatest).*fl., spikelets oblong-cordate, thirteen to seventeen-flowered; panicle nodding at the end. June and July.l.long, linear-acuminate.h.1½ft. South Europe, 1633. See Fig. 278.

B. gracilis(graceful). Synonymous withB. minor.

B. maxima(greatest).*fl., spikelets oblong-cordate, thirteen to seventeen-flowered; panicle nodding at the end. June and July.l.long, linear-acuminate.h.1½ft. South Europe, 1633. See Fig. 278.

FIG. 278. BRIZAMAXIMA, showing Habit and single Flower.

B. media(middle).* Common Quaking Grass.fl., spikelets broadly ovate, of about seven florets (calyx shorter than the florets), tremulous with the slightest breeze, very smooth, shining purple. Branches of the panicle thread-shaped, divaricating, purple. June.l.short, linear acuminate.h.1ft. Britain. (S. E. B. 1774.)B. minima(least). Synonymous withB. minor.

B. minima(least). Synonymous withB. minor.

FIG. 279. BRIZAMINOR, showing Habit and small Panicle of Flowers.

B. minor(small).* Little Quaking Grass.fl., spikelets triangular, seven-flowered; glumes longer than the flowers; panicle with hair-like branches. June and July.l.pale green, short, narrow.h.8in. England (but very rare). An exceedingly pretty little annual or perennial grass. SYNS.B. gracilisandB. minima. See FIG. 279. (S. E. B. 1775.)B. spicata(spiked). A recent introduction from Brazil, described as being very graceful and quite distinct, having erect spikes about 8in. in height.

B. spicata(spiked). A recent introduction from Brazil, described as being very graceful and quite distinct, having erect spikes about 8in. in height.

BROADCAST.A method of sowing seeds by means of the hand, scattering them over the surface of the ground as equally as possible. It is now superseded, for the majority of garden and field crops, by drilling, which not only economises the quantity of seed used, but greatly facilitates subsequent weeding and thinning out.

BROCCOLI(Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides). A cultivated variety of the Cabbage, having the young inflorescence condensed into a fleshy, edible head (see Fig. 280). To grow this popular vegetable successfully, it is necessary to have rich soil of a good depth, in an open situation, where the plants can have plenty of sun and air to keep them sturdy. They succeed the autumn Cauliflower, and are in season from November till May.

Soil.In preparing ground for Broccoli, trench, in the autumn, to the depth of from 1½ft. to 2ft., and during the process work in a liberal dressing of rotten farmyard manure. Ground which has carried a crop of Celery is very suitable for the strong-growing kinds, as, by planting where the Celery rows have been, the necessity of trenching is, to a great extent, obviated. Smaller kinds, however, need to be planted closer in order to obtain a profitable crop.

Cultivation.At the beginning of May, prepare seed beds on a south border, and sow the earlier and sprouting kinds. The later varieties would, perhaps, be best sown in April, but they must not be put in early and allowed to remain too long in the seed bed. Sow thinly, to get the plants as sturdy as possible; and, to prevent clubbing, work in a little soot or wood ashes on the surface of the beds. Care must also be taken to pick off the club excrescences at planting time, should there be any, and to destroy the grub inside. Clubbing is not so frequent in ground which has been well trenched, and where the plants are not allowed to suffer from drought. Showery weather should be selected for transferring them to their permanent quarters. If it is desired that they should succeed potatoes, they may be planted between every two alternate rows, and the latter crop can be removed when ready. Broccoli succeed best where the ground is firm, and not recently dug or manured. Planting with a crowbar is preferable to digging the ground afresh. If grown by themselves, a distance of from 2ft. to 3ft. should be allowed between the rows, and an equal distance from plant to plant. Some of the early varieties will, in favourable seasons, follow the later Cauliflowers, while the latest will not be fit for use until the following spring. The heads should be cut as soon as they are large enough; they will keep good for a week in a cold place, while a day or two might open them too much if allowed to remain on the plants. Broccoli which have to stand the winter are liable to injury from severe frosts, and some method of protection is necessary. Two plans are recommended for both large and small gardens, and either or both may be adopted, as found convenient. The first is to apply a covering of fern or other dry protective material, not using too much, but giving sufficient to break the rays of the sun, which, perhaps, do as much harm as the actual frost. The other plan is to take up the plants as soon as the flowers can be seen, and lay them in under a hedge or wall until required for use. In sheltered positions, or where there are trees to break the force of the wind, the covering with dry litter during severe weather will generally be found sufficient; still, a little precaution in lifting will frequently save a valuable crop. Broccoli should never follow a crop of any other kind of cruciferous plants, particularly Cabbage.

FIG. 280. BROCCOLI.

Sorts.Veitch's Self-protecting Autumn, Purple and White Cape, Grange's Early White, and Snow's Winter White. These are the best for autumn and mid-winter supplies. A good selection for spring and late purposes is Mitchinson's Penzance, Knight's Protecting, Cooling's Matchless,Purple Sprouting, Model, Willcove, Leamington, and Cattell's Eclipse.

BRODIÆA(named after J. J. Brodie, a Scotch cryptogamist). SYN.Hookera. ORD.Liliaceæ. Pretty, slender, hardy, or in some positions only half-hardy, bulbs. The flowers are usually borne in large clusters or umbels; the prevailing colour is blue;coccineais, however, an exception, the flowers being scarlet. The scape is usually straight and slender, but strong. Leaves from two to four in number, enveloping the part of the scape beneath the surface, and procumbent thereon. Most of them are of easy culture in rich sandy loam; if grown in pots, a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand, suits them well. Increased freely by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when they may be divided and replanted in autumn.

B. capitata(headed).*fl.deep violet-blue, funnel-shaped, disposed in a compact, many-flowered umbel; valves of the spathe also deep violet. May.l.narrow, linear.h.1ft. to 2ft. California, 1871.

FIG. 281. BRODIÆACOCCINEA, showing Flower and Habit.

B. coccinea(scarlet).*fl.1½in. long, tubular, rich blood-red below, the apex of the tube and the segments yellowish-green; umbels composed of five to fifteen drooping flowers. June.l.linear, loose, shorter than the scape.h.1½ft. California, 1870. Very handsome, distinct from all other species, requiring a warm, well-drained, and sunny position, and to remain undisturbed. SYN.Brevoortia coccinea. See Fig. 281. (B. M. 5857.)B. congesta(close-headed).*fl.blue, with the crown paler; segments cleft at the top; umbel bearing six to eight blooms. The stamens in this species are metamorphosed into fleshy scales, which adhere to the mouth of the perianth. Summer.l.few, long, slender, channelled on the inside. Bulb small, roundish, and much wrinkled.h.1ft. Georgia, &c., 1806. A very free-growing and rapidly increasing species.B. c. alba(white).*fl.white; in other respects like the type, but not so vigorous.B. gracilis(graceful).*fl.deep yellow, with brown nerves, ½in. or rather more long, in few-flowered umbels. July.l.solitary, about ¼in. broad, longer than the scape.h.3in. to 4in. California, 1876. A scarce and rather tender little species, but very pretty.B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.bluish-purple, with entire pointed segments; umbels bearing two to seven somewhat scattered blooms. Summer.l.two to three or more, linear, pointed, slender, grooved on the inside, furnished with a few membranous scales. Bulb small, roundish, dry and wrinkled.h.1½ft. North America, 1806. SYN.Hookera coronaria. (B. R. 1183.)B. Howellii(Howell's).*fl.purplish-blue, about ¾in. across, sub-bell-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. July and August.l.narrow acute, grooved, shorter than the scape.h.18in. to 24in. California, 1880.B. ixioides(Ixia-like).SeeCalliprora lutea.B. lactea(milky-white).*fl.white, usually with green midribs, ½in. to ¾in. across, saucer-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. June and July.l.linear, acute, nearly as long as the scape.h.1ft. to 2ft. California, 1833. SYNS.Hesperoscordum lacteum,Milla hyacinthina.B. multiflora(many-flowered).*fl.blue-purple, very numerous, in sub-globose heads. May.l.linear, elongate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, rather fleshy.h.1ft. to 1½ft. California, 1872. (B. M. 5989.)B. volubilis(twining).fl.rose-coloured, in dense umbels, each containing fifteen to thirty blooms; scape twining, sometimes 12ft. long. July.l.narrow, linear-lanceolate, 1ft. long, synanthous. California, 1874. Half-hardy bulb. (B. M. 6123.)

B. congesta(close-headed).*fl.blue, with the crown paler; segments cleft at the top; umbel bearing six to eight blooms. The stamens in this species are metamorphosed into fleshy scales, which adhere to the mouth of the perianth. Summer.l.few, long, slender, channelled on the inside. Bulb small, roundish, and much wrinkled.h.1ft. Georgia, &c., 1806. A very free-growing and rapidly increasing species.

B. c. alba(white).*fl.white; in other respects like the type, but not so vigorous.

B. gracilis(graceful).*fl.deep yellow, with brown nerves, ½in. or rather more long, in few-flowered umbels. July.l.solitary, about ¼in. broad, longer than the scape.h.3in. to 4in. California, 1876. A scarce and rather tender little species, but very pretty.

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl.bluish-purple, with entire pointed segments; umbels bearing two to seven somewhat scattered blooms. Summer.l.two to three or more, linear, pointed, slender, grooved on the inside, furnished with a few membranous scales. Bulb small, roundish, dry and wrinkled.h.1½ft. North America, 1806. SYN.Hookera coronaria. (B. R. 1183.)

B. Howellii(Howell's).*fl.purplish-blue, about ¾in. across, sub-bell-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. July and August.l.narrow acute, grooved, shorter than the scape.h.18in. to 24in. California, 1880.

B. ixioides(Ixia-like).SeeCalliprora lutea.

B. lactea(milky-white).*fl.white, usually with green midribs, ½in. to ¾in. across, saucer-shaped, in many-flowered umbels. June and July.l.linear, acute, nearly as long as the scape.h.1ft. to 2ft. California, 1833. SYNS.Hesperoscordum lacteum,Milla hyacinthina.

B. multiflora(many-flowered).*fl.blue-purple, very numerous, in sub-globose heads. May.l.linear, elongate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, rather fleshy.h.1ft. to 1½ft. California, 1872. (B. M. 5989.)

B. volubilis(twining).fl.rose-coloured, in dense umbels, each containing fifteen to thirty blooms; scape twining, sometimes 12ft. long. July.l.narrow, linear-lanceolate, 1ft. long, synanthous. California, 1874. Half-hardy bulb. (B. M. 6123.)

BROMELIA(named after Bromel, a Swedish botanist). ORD.Bromeliaceæ. A genus of stove herbaceous perennials, allied to the Pineapple. Flowers, corolla three-petaled, convolute, erect, or spreading at the top. Leaves densely packed, rigid, lanceolate, with spiny margins. Stems short. These plants require much the same treatment asBillbergia. Allied genera areÆchmea,Ananassa,Billbergia,Disteganthus,Greigia,Karatas,Ruckia(whichsee).

B. antiacantha(opposite-spined).fl.purple, scarlet. Brazil, 1864. SYN.B. sceptrum.B. bicolor(two-coloured).*fl.scarlet, in a close central sessile head. March.l.numerous, narrow, ensiform, outer green, central crimson; elegantly radiate. Chili, 1872. SYNS.B. Joinvillei,B. pitcairniæfolia. (B. H. 14.)B. bracteata(red-bracted).*fl.pink; scape elongated; raceme compound; bracts red, ovate-lanceolate. September.l.serrate, spiny.h.2ft. Jamaica, 1785.B. Fernandæ(Fernanda's).*fl.yellowish, in ovoid heads; bracts orange-red. July.l.linear-ligulate, 24in. to 30in. long, recurved, spiny-edged. Para, 1872.B. Joinvillei(Joinville's). A synonym ofB. bicolor.B. Karatas.SeeKaratas Plumieri.B. pitcairniæfolia(Pitcairnia-leaved). A synonym ofB. bicolor.B. sceptrum(sceptre-like). A synonym ofB. antiacanthaandKaratas Plumieri.

B. antiacantha(opposite-spined).fl.purple, scarlet. Brazil, 1864. SYN.B. sceptrum.

B. bicolor(two-coloured).*fl.scarlet, in a close central sessile head. March.l.numerous, narrow, ensiform, outer green, central crimson; elegantly radiate. Chili, 1872. SYNS.B. Joinvillei,B. pitcairniæfolia. (B. H. 14.)

B. bracteata(red-bracted).*fl.pink; scape elongated; raceme compound; bracts red, ovate-lanceolate. September.l.serrate, spiny.h.2ft. Jamaica, 1785.

B. Fernandæ(Fernanda's).*fl.yellowish, in ovoid heads; bracts orange-red. July.l.linear-ligulate, 24in. to 30in. long, recurved, spiny-edged. Para, 1872.

B. Joinvillei(Joinville's). A synonym ofB. bicolor.

B. Karatas.SeeKaratas Plumieri.

B. pitcairniæfolia(Pitcairnia-leaved). A synonym ofB. bicolor.

B. sceptrum(sceptre-like). A synonym ofB. antiacanthaandKaratas Plumieri.

BROMELIACEÆ.An extensive order of stemless or short-stemmed plants, having rigid, channelled, and usually spiny leaves. Flowers very showy; outer perianth three-cleft, persistent, inner one of three withering segments; stamens six, inserted in the tube of the perianth. To this order belongs the Pineapple. The genera best known in gardens areAnanassa,Æchmea,Billbergia,Bromelia, andTillandsia.

BROMHEADIA(in honour of Sir Edward Finch Bromhead). ORD.Orchideæ. A small genus of stove orchids, comprising a couple of species, with erect stems, large flowers, and cucullate lip, which is parallel with the column. For culture,seeAnsellia.

B. palustris(marsh).*fl., sepals and calyx white; lip white externally, within streaked with purple, and having a yellow blotch in centre; spike terminal, distichous, flexuous, many-flowered, on a long peduncle; bracts short, stiff, tooth-like. June.l.distichous, oblong-linear, emarginate.h.2ft. Singapore, 1840. (B. R. 30, 18.)

FIG. 282. BROMUSBRIZÆFORMIS.

BROMUS(frombromos, the Greek name for a wild oat).Ord.Gramineæ.B. brizæformis(see Fig. 282) is an elegant biennial grass, with drooping panicles of spikelets,about as large as those ofBriza maxima. It grows about 2ft. high, and is of very easy culture in common garden soil. Sow seeds outside in patches, in July, thinning out the plants when necessary. There are numerous other species belonging to this genus, but the above-mentioned is the only one worth growing in gardens. It forms a beautiful object in the mixed border, or among ferns.

BRONGNIARTIA(in honour of Adolphe Brongniart, a distinguished botanist, and one of the editors of "Annales des Sciences Naturelles"). ORD.Leguminosæ. Handsome greenhouse evergreen sub-shrubs, clothed with silky villi. Flowers large, purple; pedicels twin, axillary, one-flowered. Leaves impari-pinnate, with many pairs of leaflets, the terminal one not remote from the rest. They require a compost of sandy loam, leaf soil, and fibry peat, with perfect drainage. Cuttings of the young shoots, if firm at the base, will root if dibbled in sand, under a bell glass, in a cool house.

B. podalyrioides(Podalyria-like).*fl.purple, large. September.l.with two to five pairs of leaflets; leaflets elliptic-oblong, rounded, and mucronate at the apex, clothed with adpressed hairs on both surfaces, but silky when young.h.1ft. New Spain, 1827.B. sericea(silky).*fl.purple. September.h.1ft.l., leaflets ovate-oblong, acute, very silky on both surfaces. Mexico, 1843.

B. sericea(silky).*fl.purple. September.h.1ft.l., leaflets ovate-oblong, acute, very silky on both surfaces. Mexico, 1843.

BROOK-LIME.SeeVeronica Beccabunga.

BROOM.SeeBesom.

BROOM.SeeCytisus scoparius.

BROOM RAPE.SeeOrobanche.

BROOM, SPANISH.SeeSpartium junceum.

BROSIMUM(frombrosimos, edible; fruit edible). Bread Nut. ORD.Urticaceæ. A genus of stove evergreen shrubs or trees, principally of economic value in their native countries. Male and female flowers generally in a globular head, but sometimes borne on separate trees; calyx and corolla wanting. Leaves entire. They generally thrive in a rich fibry loam. Cuttings of ripe wood, with their leaves on, root if placed in sand, in moist heat.

B. Alicastrum.fl., catkins globose, stalked, twin, axillary.fr.coated.l.ovate-lanceolate.h.6ft. Jamaica, 1776.

BROUGHTONIA(named after Mr. Arthur Broughton, an English botanist). ORD.Orchideæ. A very compact-growing stove evergreen, allied toLælia, succeeding best if suspended from the roof on a block of wood, with a little moss; it requires a free supply of heat and water when in a growing state. Propagated by dividing the plant. The colour of the flowers is very distinct.

B. sanguinea(blood-coloured).*fl.blood-coloured, rather large, disposed in a terminal panicle; scape divided; column distinct, or at the very base united with the unguiculate lip, which is lengthened at the base into a tube, connate with the ovarium. Summer.l.twin, oblong, seated on a pseudo-bulb.h.1½ft. Jamaica, 1793. (B. M. 3076.)

BROUSSONETIA(named after P. N. V. Broussonet, a French naturalist, who wrote numerous works on Natural History). ORD.Urticaceæ. Ornamental fast-growing, deciduous, Mulberry-like trees. They require rather good open garden soil, and prove hardy in situations which are not very exposed. Propagated by suckers and cuttings of ripened wood, inserted in autumn, in a cool house; and by seeds, sown when ripe, or kept till the following April.

B. papyrifera(paper-bearing).* The Paper Mulberry.fl.greenish, diœcious; males in pendulous, cylindrical catkins, each flower in the axil of a bract; females in peduncled, axillary, upright globular heads. May.l.simple, alternate, exstipulate, variously lobed or entire, hairy, large.h.10ft. to 20ft. China, 1751. There are several varieties, differing in the shape and character of the leaves. (B. M. 2358).

BROWALLIA(named in honour of John Browall, Bishop of Abo, who defended the sexual system of Linnæus against Siegesbeck, in a book entitled "Examen epicriseos," &c., 1739). ORD.Scrophularineæ. A genus of handsome shrubs or herbs. Flowers blue or white, axillary and terminal; corolla salver-shaped, resupinate from the contortion of the peduncle; tube fifteen-nerved, ventricose at top. Leaves alternate, stalked, ovate in outline. They thrive best in a rich, open, sandy soil. To have strong plants in bloom by Christmas and after, seeds should be sown in July, in pans or pots of light rich sandy soil, and kept in a close frame, or hand light, where they can be shaded till germination takes place. When large enough to handle, the seedlings may either be pricked out, three in a pot, or potted singly, according to the size of the specimens required. In the former way, they form fine masses for conservatory or greenhouse decoration, or to cut from; and in the latter, they are very suitable for window recesses, &c. After potting, they should be stood in a pit or frame, and syringed every morning and evening, to ward off attacks of insect pests. An abundance of well-diluted liquid manure is required as soon as the flower-buds appear. To keep the plants dwarf and bushy, it will be needful to stop them about three times during the remainder of the summer and autumn, keeping as near the glass as possible; they should be housed by the end of September. These elegant little greenhouse annuals are unrivalled for affording choice, neat sprays for bouquets during the winter and early spring months, or for growing as pot plants, to furnish warm greenhouses or sitting-room windows. Many of the species and varieties are largely employed for summer decoration of the flower garden, with highly satisfactory results; for this purpose, seeds should be sown in gentle heat early in spring, and the plants transferred to the flower borders late in June, or early in July, having been previously encouraged in pots, and well hardened off.

B. abbreviata(shortened).fl.light red; pedicels shorter than the calyx; calyx campanulate, with teeth as long as the tube.l.oval, hairy when young, quite glabrous when mature. 1852. (R. G. 94.)B. demissa(low).*fl.of a bright but pale blue colour, sometimes red or purple; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, downy. June.l.ovate-oblong, acuminated, oblique at the base.h.6in. to 1ft. Panama, 1735. (B. M. 1136.)

B. abbreviata(shortened).fl.light red; pedicels shorter than the calyx; calyx campanulate, with teeth as long as the tube.l.oval, hairy when young, quite glabrous when mature. 1852. (R. G. 94.)

B. demissa(low).*fl.of a bright but pale blue colour, sometimes red or purple; peduncles axillary, one-flowered, downy. June.l.ovate-oblong, acuminated, oblique at the base.h.6in. to 1ft. Panama, 1735. (B. M. 1136.)

FIG. 283. BROWALLIAELATA, showing Habit and Flower.

B. elata(tall).*fl.deep blue; calyx beset with glandular hairs; peduncles axillary, one or many-flowered. July.l.oval, acuminated.h.1½ft. Peru, 1768. Of this extensively-grown species there are two varieties, one with white flowers, and the other,grandiflora, with pale blue, both of which are well worth growing. See Fig. 283. (B. M. 34.)B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl., corolla with a greenish-yellow tube, which is clothed with glandular villi, and a white or very pale lilac limb; peduncles one-flowered, axillary, racemose at the tops of the branches. July.l.ovate, acute, attenuated into the petioles at the base.h.1ft. to 3ft. Peru, 1829. (B. M. 3069.)B. Jamesoni(Jameson's).*fl.bright orange, with lighter-coloured throat, tubular. June.h.4ft. New Grenada, 1850. This species has been recently re-introduced, after having been lost to cultivation for over thirty years. (B. M. 4605.)B. Roezli(Roezl's).fl.large, either of a delicate azure blue, or white, with a yellow tube. Spring to autumn.l.shining green. An exceedingly pretty species, having flowers double the size of any other, and forming a dense compact bush, 1½ft. to 2ft. in height. Rocky Mountains.

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).*fl., corolla with a greenish-yellow tube, which is clothed with glandular villi, and a white or very pale lilac limb; peduncles one-flowered, axillary, racemose at the tops of the branches. July.l.ovate, acute, attenuated into the petioles at the base.h.1ft. to 3ft. Peru, 1829. (B. M. 3069.)

B. Jamesoni(Jameson's).*fl.bright orange, with lighter-coloured throat, tubular. June.h.4ft. New Grenada, 1850. This species has been recently re-introduced, after having been lost to cultivation for over thirty years. (B. M. 4605.)

B. Roezli(Roezl's).fl.large, either of a delicate azure blue, or white, with a yellow tube. Spring to autumn.l.shining green. An exceedingly pretty species, having flowers double the size of any other, and forming a dense compact bush, 1½ft. to 2ft. in height. Rocky Mountains.

BROWNEA(named after Patrick Browne, M.D., author of a History of Jamaica). ORD.Leguminosæ. Very handsome stove evergreen trees or shrubs, allied toAmherstia. Flowers of a rose-scarlet colour, rising in fascicled heads from the axillary buds. Leaves abruptly-pinnate, when young flaccid, and with the leaflets revolute at the edges; leaf-bud long and stipulaceous. All the species are well worthy of the most extensive cultivation. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand, is a soil well adapted for them, and great care should be taken not to over-water the plants in winter, as too great a supply will be sure to kill them. Propagated by cuttings, taken from ripened wood, planted in a pot of sand, and placed under a hand glass, in a moist heat.

B. Ariza(Ariza).*fl.richest scarlet, produced in a large, globular, drooping head of immense size. Summer.l.pinnate, usually with six or eight pairs of pinnæ, which are oblong-lanceolate, and sharply tapered to a point.h.20ft. to 40ft. Columbia, 1843. This noble tree requires a large house to fully perfect its beauty. SYN.B. princeps. (B. M. 6459.)B. Birschellii(Birschell's).fl.rose-coloured, in drooping racemes. April to July.l.pinnate; leaflets oblanceolate, 6in. long.h.10ft. to 20ft. La Guayra, 1872. (B. M. 5998.)B. coccinea(scarlet).*fl.scarlet, fascicled. July to August.l.with two to three pairs of oval-oblong, acuminated leaflets.h.6ft. to 10ft. Venezuela, 1793. (B. M. 3964.)B. grandiceps(large-headed).*fl.red, in dense capitate spikes. July.l.with usually twelve pairs of oblong-lanceolate glandless leaflets, ending in a long cuspidate acumen; branches and petioles pubescent.h.(in its native home) 60ft. Caraccas, 1829. (B. M. 4859.)B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.red, in dense fascicles; involucre tomentose.l.with one to three pairs of ovate or obovate-cuspidate leaflets.h.6ft. to 8ft. Caraccas, 1824.B. macrophylla(large-leaved).*fl.orange-scarlet, in dense heads, often measuring nearly 3ft. in circumference. Central America, 1879. (G. C. 1873, p. 779.)B. princeps(chief). A synonym ofB. Ariza.B. racemosa(clustered).*fl.rose-coloured, racemose; involucre and calyx clothed with fine tomentum.l.with four pairs of unequal-sided, oblong, or oblong-lanceolate, cuspidately-acuminated leaflets, which are glanduliferous at the base.h.4ft. Caraccas, 1826.B. Rosa del Monte.fl.scarlet, in dense heads; leaflets of the involucre roundish, imbricated, and, when in a young state, rather velvety. June.l.with two to three pairs of oval-oblong acuminated leaflets; branches and petioles glabrous.h.8ft. South America, 1820. (B. R. 1472.)

B. Birschellii(Birschell's).fl.rose-coloured, in drooping racemes. April to July.l.pinnate; leaflets oblanceolate, 6in. long.h.10ft. to 20ft. La Guayra, 1872. (B. M. 5998.)

B. coccinea(scarlet).*fl.scarlet, fascicled. July to August.l.with two to three pairs of oval-oblong, acuminated leaflets.h.6ft. to 10ft. Venezuela, 1793. (B. M. 3964.)

B. grandiceps(large-headed).*fl.red, in dense capitate spikes. July.l.with usually twelve pairs of oblong-lanceolate glandless leaflets, ending in a long cuspidate acumen; branches and petioles pubescent.h.(in its native home) 60ft. Caraccas, 1829. (B. M. 4859.)

B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.red, in dense fascicles; involucre tomentose.l.with one to three pairs of ovate or obovate-cuspidate leaflets.h.6ft. to 8ft. Caraccas, 1824.

B. macrophylla(large-leaved).*fl.orange-scarlet, in dense heads, often measuring nearly 3ft. in circumference. Central America, 1879. (G. C. 1873, p. 779.)

B. princeps(chief). A synonym ofB. Ariza.

B. racemosa(clustered).*fl.rose-coloured, racemose; involucre and calyx clothed with fine tomentum.l.with four pairs of unequal-sided, oblong, or oblong-lanceolate, cuspidately-acuminated leaflets, which are glanduliferous at the base.h.4ft. Caraccas, 1826.

B. Rosa del Monte.fl.scarlet, in dense heads; leaflets of the involucre roundish, imbricated, and, when in a young state, rather velvety. June.l.with two to three pairs of oval-oblong acuminated leaflets; branches and petioles glabrous.h.8ft. South America, 1820. (B. R. 1472.)

BROWNLOWIA(named in honour of Lady Brownlow, daughter of Sir Abraham Hume, and a great patroness of botany). ORD.Tiliaceæ. Very handsome greenhouse evergreen trees, thriving well in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings of ripe shoots will root if placed in sand, under a hand glass, in heat.

B. elata(tall).*fl.yellow; panicle terminal, conical, spreading. May.l.large, cordate, acute, seven-nerved, smooth.h.60ft. India, 1823. (B. R. 1472.)

BRUCEA(commemorative of James Bruce, the celebrated African traveller). ORD.Simarubeæ. Ornamental stove evergreen shrubs. Flowers small, purplish inside, disposed in interrupted glomerate spikes, or racemes. Leaves impari-pinnate, with six pairs of opposite, entire or serrated leaflets, without dots. Branches, peduncles, petioles, and nerves of leaves, clothed with rufescent down. They thrive in a loamy soil; and cuttings from ripened wood strike freely, in a pot of sand, under a hand glass, in a moderate heat.

B. antidysenterica(antidysenteric).fl., racemes simple, spike-like. May.l., leaflets quite entire, clothed with rusty villi on the nerves beneath.h.8ft. Abyssinia, 1775.B. sumatrana(Sumatra).*fl.dark purple; racemes usually compound. May.l., leaflets serrated, villous beneath.h.20ft. Sumatra, 1822.

B. antidysenterica(antidysenteric).fl., racemes simple, spike-like. May.l., leaflets quite entire, clothed with rusty villi on the nerves beneath.h.8ft. Abyssinia, 1775.

B. sumatrana(Sumatra).*fl.dark purple; racemes usually compound. May.l., leaflets serrated, villous beneath.h.20ft. Sumatra, 1822.

BRUCHUS GRANARIUS.SeeBean Beetle.

BRUCHUS PISI.SeePea Weevil.

BRUGMANSIA.SeeDatura.

BRUNFELSIA(named after Otto Brunfels, of Mentz, first a Carthusian monk, and afterwards a physician; he published the first good figures of plants in 1530). SYN.Franciscea. ORD.Scrophularineæ. Elegant free-flowering stove evergreens. Flowers sweet-scented; corolla large, funnel or salver-shaped, with a long tube, and a flat, five-lobed, obtuse, nearly equal limb. A light rich soil, or a compost of loam, leaf soil, and peat, is necessary to grow these plants successfully. Propagated by cuttings, planted in sand, and placed under bell glasses, in a moderate heat. When rooted, they should be placed in small pots, in a compost somewhat more sandy than that already mentioned. While growing, they require to be kept in a moist stove temperature, and should be hardened by placing them in a drier, and somewhat cooler, temperature after each growth is completed; the pots should be changed as often as the roots become thick around the ball of earth. The larger plants flower freely, and should be slightly pruned in annually, before commencing their new growth, thus securing neat and compact specimens. Repotting should be effected directly they have done flowering. The plants should then be placed in a temperature ranging from 60deg. to 68deg., and both the roots and foliage liberally supplied with water. When flowers appear—about October or November—the syringing must be less frequently performed. At this period, if it be desirable to prolong the flowering season, the plants should be removed to a temperature of about 48deg. A few administrations of weak liquid manure during the growing season are of great value.

B. acuminata(taper-pointed-leaved).*fl.bluish-violet, few, sub-cymose, terminal. April.l.oblong, acuminated, attenuated a little at the base, glabrous; bracts lanceolate, acuminated, glabrous.h.1ft. to 2ft. Rio Janeiro, 1840. (B. M. 4189.)B. americana(American).*fl.first yellow, then white, very sweet-scented; axillary flowers solitary, terminal ones numerous. June.l.obovate, elliptic, acuminated, longer than the petioles.h.4ft. to 6ft. West Indies, 1735. There are narrow and broad-leaved varieties of this species. (B. M. 393.)

B. americana(American).*fl.first yellow, then white, very sweet-scented; axillary flowers solitary, terminal ones numerous. June.l.obovate, elliptic, acuminated, longer than the petioles.h.4ft. to 6ft. West Indies, 1735. There are narrow and broad-leaved varieties of this species. (B. M. 393.)

FIG. 284. FLOWEROFBRUNIANODIFLORA.

B. calycina(cup-shaped).*fl.purple, disposed in large trusses, which are produced in succession throughout the whole year.l.large, lanceolate, shining light green.h.2ft. Brazil, 1850. One of the largest-flowered species grown. (B. M. 4583.)B. confertiflora(dense-flowered).fl.soft blue, cymosely crowded, terminal. January to June.l.nearly sessile, oblong-acute, attenuated at the base, rather pilose, ciliated, yellowish-greenabove; bracteoles oblong, attenuated at the base, and are, as well as the calyces, clothed with rusty hairs.h.1ft. to 2ft. Brazil.B. eximia(choice).*fl.produced from the points of the shoots, upwards of 2in. in diameter, deep purple. January to July.l.oblong-lanceolate, dark green, but not glossy.h.2½ft. Brazil, 1847. (B. M. 4790.)B. grandiflora(large-flowered).fl.greenish; limb of corolla 2in. in diameter, corymbose, terminal. June.l.elliptic-oblong, acuminated. Branches twiggy.h.3ft. Peru.B. hydrangeæformis(Hydrangea-like).*fl.beautiful bluish-violet; cymes terminal, hemispherical, large. April.l.oblong, acute, cuneiform at base, quite glabrous, 1ft. long; bracts lanceolate, aggregate.h.1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. This is one of the most elegant species of the genus. (B. M. 4209.)B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.at first lavender-colour, with a distinct white eye, eventually becoming almost white; deliciously fragrant, sub-cymose, terminal. Winter to early spring.l.broad-elliptic, acutish, greyish-white, 6in. to 7in. long, and 2in. to 2¾in. broad.h.2ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. (B. M. 3907.)B. Lindeniana(Linden's).*fl.rich purple, with a light eye.l.ovate-acuminate, dark green. Brazil, 1865. (B. H. 1865, 226.)B. uniflora(one-flowered).fl.solitary; corolla with a whitish tube, and a bluish-violet or purple limb. Winter.l.elliptic, acute; branches greenish, hoary, diffuse, spreading.h.1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1826. (L. B. C. 1332.)

B. confertiflora(dense-flowered).fl.soft blue, cymosely crowded, terminal. January to June.l.nearly sessile, oblong-acute, attenuated at the base, rather pilose, ciliated, yellowish-greenabove; bracteoles oblong, attenuated at the base, and are, as well as the calyces, clothed with rusty hairs.h.1ft. to 2ft. Brazil.

B. eximia(choice).*fl.produced from the points of the shoots, upwards of 2in. in diameter, deep purple. January to July.l.oblong-lanceolate, dark green, but not glossy.h.2½ft. Brazil, 1847. (B. M. 4790.)

B. grandiflora(large-flowered).fl.greenish; limb of corolla 2in. in diameter, corymbose, terminal. June.l.elliptic-oblong, acuminated. Branches twiggy.h.3ft. Peru.

B. hydrangeæformis(Hydrangea-like).*fl.beautiful bluish-violet; cymes terminal, hemispherical, large. April.l.oblong, acute, cuneiform at base, quite glabrous, 1ft. long; bracts lanceolate, aggregate.h.1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. This is one of the most elegant species of the genus. (B. M. 4209.)

B. latifolia(broad-leaved).fl.at first lavender-colour, with a distinct white eye, eventually becoming almost white; deliciously fragrant, sub-cymose, terminal. Winter to early spring.l.broad-elliptic, acutish, greyish-white, 6in. to 7in. long, and 2in. to 2¾in. broad.h.2ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1840. (B. M. 3907.)

B. Lindeniana(Linden's).*fl.rich purple, with a light eye.l.ovate-acuminate, dark green. Brazil, 1865. (B. H. 1865, 226.)

B. uniflora(one-flowered).fl.solitary; corolla with a whitish tube, and a bluish-violet or purple limb. Winter.l.elliptic, acute; branches greenish, hoary, diffuse, spreading.h.1ft. to 3ft. Brazil, 1826. (L. B. C. 1332.)

BRUNIA(named after Corneille de Bruin, better known under the name of Le Brun, a Dutchman, a traveller in the Levant). ORD.Bruniaceæ. Elegant little greenhouse evergreen Heath-like shrubs, more or less branched, with the branches in whorls, erect or spreading. Flowers capitate, furnished with three bracts each, or sometimes deficient of the two lateral ones. Leaves small, closely imbricate. They require a compost of peat and sand, with a little leaf soil added, firm potting and good drainage. Cuttings of young shoots root freely in sand, under a hand light, in summer.

B. nodiflora(knot-flowered).*fl.white; heads globose, size of a cherry, on the tops of the branches. July.l.lanceolate, awl-shaped, trigonal, acute, smooth, closely imbricate, not ustulate at the apex.h.1ft. to 3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1786. See Fig. 284.

BRUNIACEÆ.An order of much-branched Heath-like shrubs, usually having small leaves, which are crowded and entire. Flowers in terminal heads; petals five, alternating with the lobes of the calyx. The typical genus isBrunia.

BRUNONIA(named after Robert Brown, the most eminent botanist of his time). ORD.Goodenoviæ. A stemless greenhouse perennial herb, with the habit ofScabiosa, downy from glandless simple hairs. Flowers distinct, with a whorl of five membranous bracts; corolla blue, marcescent. Radical leaves quite entire, spathulate; scapes undivided, each bearing one head; head hemispherical, lobate; lobes involucrated by foliaceous bracts. It thrives in a compost of decayed manure, or leaf soil and peat, with a little loam added; thorough drainage is necessary. Propagated by divisions, in early spring, previous to repotting.

B. australis(southern)* is the only species known to be in cultivation.h.1ft. New Holland, 1834. (B. R. 1833.)

BRUNSVIGIA(named after the noble House of Brunswick). ORD.Amaryllideæ. Very showy greenhouse bulbous plants, from the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers red, on very long pedicels. Bulbs large. Leaves broad, horizontal; perianth with an evident longer or shorter tube, curving upwards, funnel-shaped, deeply six-parted, deciduous; segments sub-equal, many-nerved, flat, and recurved at the apex; stamens on the tube much curved upwards; scape appearing in summer without the leaves; umbels many-flowered. Propagation is effected by offsets, of which the large bulbs produce but few. These, when secured, may be removed after reaching some considerable size, carefully potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with good drainage, and kept tolerably warm and close until established; water must be given but sparingly until root-action has commenced. The best place for growing the offsets into a flowering size is on a shelf near the glass, in a temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg. With an abundance of water while growing, and kept dry while semi-dormant, thus allowing them a rest, the bulbs will speedily increase in size; but it may be years before flowers are produced. Culture: This may be divided into two periods—one of growth, and one of rest. After the latter period, they should be allowed to start into fresh growth, without stimulation, and, as soon as started, liberal supplies of water should be given, and a genial temperature of from 60deg. to 65deg. maintained, to make them grow vigorously. Good-sized pots are also necessary, with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in equal parts. They are usually confined to the greenhouse, or warm conservatory, but are sometimes successfully grown in a south border at the base of a wall, planted out in a pit, upon which the lights may be placed in winter, and matted if necessary, as they cannot endure frost. A good depth of soil, consisting of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, in equal proportions, with good drainage, should be prepared. In all cases, the bulbs should be planted somewhat deeply. One of the most satisfactory methods of ensuring the flowering of these plants consists in subjecting the bulbs, when at rest, to a hot dry heat of 70deg. or more, which thoroughly ripens them; but, after this treatment, it will be necessary to encourage the after-growth to the fullest possible extent.

B. ciliaris(hair-fringed).fl.dull purple.l.strongly fringed with white hairs.h.1ft. 1752. (B. R. 1153.)B. Cooperi(Cooper's).*fl.sulphur-coloured, edged with red; umbels twelve to sixteen-flowered.l.ligulate-obtuse, bifarious, fleshy.h.1½ft. 1872. (Ref. B. 330.)B. falcata(sickle-leaved).*fl.red. May.l.sickle-shaped, with a muricated, discoloured, cartilaginous edge.h.9in. 1774. (B. M. 1443.) SYN.Ammocharis falcata.B. Josephineæ(Josephine's).*fl.scarlet; scape twice as long as the rays of the many-flowered umbel.l.strap-shaped, erect, spreading, glaucous.h.1½ft. This handsome species is much grown. 1814. (B. M. 2578.)Minorandstriataare varieties.B. multiflora(many-flowered).*fl.red, loosely umbellate. June.l.linguiform, smooth, lying on the ground.h.1ft. 1752. (B. M. 1619.)B. toxicaria(poison-bulb).*fl.pink; umbel hemispherical, many-flowered. September to October.l.many, erect, oblique, glaucous.h.1ft. 1774. (B. R. 567.)B. coranicais a variety of this. 1815. (B. R. 139.)

B. ciliaris(hair-fringed).fl.dull purple.l.strongly fringed with white hairs.h.1ft. 1752. (B. R. 1153.)

B. Cooperi(Cooper's).*fl.sulphur-coloured, edged with red; umbels twelve to sixteen-flowered.l.ligulate-obtuse, bifarious, fleshy.h.1½ft. 1872. (Ref. B. 330.)

B. falcata(sickle-leaved).*fl.red. May.l.sickle-shaped, with a muricated, discoloured, cartilaginous edge.h.9in. 1774. (B. M. 1443.) SYN.Ammocharis falcata.

B. Josephineæ(Josephine's).*fl.scarlet; scape twice as long as the rays of the many-flowered umbel.l.strap-shaped, erect, spreading, glaucous.h.1½ft. This handsome species is much grown. 1814. (B. M. 2578.)Minorandstriataare varieties.

B. multiflora(many-flowered).*fl.red, loosely umbellate. June.l.linguiform, smooth, lying on the ground.h.1ft. 1752. (B. M. 1619.)

B. toxicaria(poison-bulb).*fl.pink; umbel hemispherical, many-flowered. September to October.l.many, erect, oblique, glaucous.h.1ft. 1774. (B. R. 567.)B. coranicais a variety of this. 1815. (B. R. 139.)

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