The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car.

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car.This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car.Editor: George NicholsonContributor: John GarrettJ. W. H. TrailRelease date: December 11, 2017 [eBook #56162]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Jane Robins and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, DIVISION 1; A TO CAR. ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car.Editor: George NicholsonContributor: John GarrettJ. W. H. TrailRelease date: December 11, 2017 [eBook #56162]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Jane Robins and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)

Title: The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening, Division 1; A to Car.

Editor: George NicholsonContributor: John GarrettJ. W. H. Trail

Editor: George Nicholson

Contributor: John Garrett

J. W. H. Trail

Release date: December 11, 2017 [eBook #56162]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Jane Robins and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, DIVISION 1; A TO CAR. ***

PREFACE.REFERENCE TO ILLUSTRATIONS OF PLANTS OTHER THAN THOSE FIGURED IN THIS WORK.Sect. I. Roots Tuberous.Sect. II. Roots Fibrous or Napiform.CONTENTS

ARISTOLOCHIA ELEGANS.

[See larger version]

A PRACTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC

EncyclopædiaofHorticulture

FOR

GARDENERS AND BOTANISTS.

EDITED BY

GEORGE NICHOLSON,Of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

ASSISTED BYPROFESSORJ. W. H. TRAIL, A.M., M.D., F.L.S.,IN THE PARTS RELATING TOINSECTS ANDFUNGI;ANDJ. GARRETTIN THE FRUIT, VEGETABLE, ANDGENERALGARDENWORK PORTIONS.

DIVISIONI.—ATOCAR.

PUBLISHED BYL. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.SOLE AGENT FOR THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA,JAMES PENMAN, NEW YORK.

1887.

LONDON: PRINTED BY A. BRADLEY, 170, STRAND.

THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF GARDENING aims at being the best and most complete Work on Gardening and Garden Plants hitherto published. The aim is, indeed, a high one; but the Publisher, whose taste for Flowers has rendered the production a labour of love, has, on his part, spared no expense that the Typography and Illustrations should be of a very high class. It is to be hoped that earnest efforts to attain accuracy, by consulting the best Authorities, combined with no small amount of original research, have contributed to render thematterof the Work not unworthy of theformin which it is presented to the reader. The large number of Illustrations is an important feature; and it is believed that the figures quoted, and the references given to various works—in which more detailed information is contained than is desirable, or, indeed, possible, in these pages, on account of space—will greatly add to the interest and value of the work. Considerable trouble has been taken in revising the tangled synonymy of many genera, and clearing up, as much as possible, the confusion that exists in garden literature in connection with so many plants, popular and otherwise. In the matter of generic names, Bentham and Hooker's recently-completed "Genera Plantarum" has, with few exceptions, been followed; that work being the one which will, for a long time to come, undoubtedly remain the standard authority on all that relates to generic limitation. With regard to the nomenclature of species, I have endeavoured to consult the latest and most trustworthy Monographs and Floras, and to adopt the names in accordance with them. Now and then, certain plants are described under their common garden names; but they will, in such cases, be also found mentioned under the genus to which they really belong. A case in point may be cited:Anœctochilus Lowiiis given underAnœctochilus, but the name it must now bear isDossinia, and a reference to that genus will explain matters pretty fully, as far as the present state of knowledge goes.

I am greatly indebted to Professor J. W. H. TRAIL, M.D., F.L.S., &c., for his valuable contributions on Insects, Fungi, and Diseases of Plants, branches of science in which he has long been specially interested, and in which he is an undoubted authority.

Mr. J. GARRETT, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, late of the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, is responsible for Fruit and Vegetable Culture, for most of what appertains to Florists' Flowers, and for General Gardening Work. For information on many special subjects—Begonias may be cited as an example—I am obliged for much assistance to Mr. W. WATSON, also of the Royal Gardens, Kew; in fact, the articleBegonia, in its entirety, was written by him. Mr. W. B. HEMSLEY, A.L.S., has, throughout, given me aid and advice; and I have to acknowledge constant help from several other colleagues.

The Rev. PERCYW. MYLES, M.A., has taken no little trouble in working out the correct derivations of very many of the Generic Names; unfortunately, in a number of instances, lack of time prevented me from obtaining the benefit of his knowledge. I have to record my gratitude for help in so difficult a task, this special study being one to which Mr. MYLEShas paid much attention.GEORGE NICHOLSON.

ROYALGARDENS, KEW.

It has been suggested, by an eminent Authority, that many readers would be glad to be informed where reliable Illustrations could be found of those Plants which are not figured in this Work. To meet this want, references to the figures in Standard Authorities have been given, the titles of the Works referred to being, for economy of space, abbreviated as follows:

A. B. R.Andrews (H. C.). Botanist's Repository. London,1799-1811. 10 vols. 4to.A. E.Andrews (H. C.). Coloured Engravings of Heaths.London, 1802-30. 4 vols. 4to.A. F. B.Loudon (J. C.). Arboretum et fruticetum britannicum....London, 1838. 8 vols. 8vo.A. F. P.Allioni (C.). Flora pedemontana. Aug. Taur., 1785.3 vols. Fol.A. G.Aublet (J. B. C. F.). Histoire des plantes de laGuiane Française. Londres, 1775. 4 vols. 4to.A. H.Andrews (H. C.). The Heathery. London, 1804-12.4 vols. 4to.B.Maund (B.). The Botanist.... London, 1839.8 vols. 4to.B. F. F.Brandis (D.). Forest Flora of ... India. London,1876, 8vo. Atlas, 4to.B. F. S.Beddome (R. H.). Flora sylvatica. Madras[1869-73]. 2 vols. 4to.B. H.La Belgique Horticole.... Ghent, 1850, &c.*B. M.Botanical Magazine. London, 1787, &c. 8vo.*B. M. Pl.Bentley (R.) and Trimen (H.). Medicinal Plants.London, 1875-80. 8vo.B. O.Bateman (James). A Monograph of Odontoglossum.London, 1874. Fol.B. R.Botanical Register. London, 1815-47. 33 vols. 8vo.B. Z.Botanische Zeitung. Berlin, vols. i.-xiii. (1843-55).8vo. Leipzig, vol. xiv. (1856).*C. H. P.Cathcart's Illustrations of Himalayan Plants.London, 1855. Fol.Enc. T. & S.Loudon (J. C.). Encyclopædia of Trees and Shrubs....London, 1842. 8vo.E. T. S. M.SeeT. S. M.F. A. O.Fitzgerald (R. D.). Australian Orchids. Sydney,1876. Fol.*F. D.Flora Danica—usually quoted as the title of thework, Icones plantarum ... Daniæ et Norvegiæ....Havniæ. 1761 to 1883. Fol.F. d. S.La Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe.1845-82. 23 vols. 8vo.Fl. Ment.Moggridge (J. T.). Contributions to the Flora ofMentone.... London, 1864-8.FloraFlora oder allgemeine botanische Zeitung. 1818-42.25 vols. 8vo. [New Series] 1843, &c.*F. M.Floral Magazine. London, 1861-71, 8vo. 1872-81, 4to.F. & P.Florist and Pomologist. London, 1868-84. 8vo.G. C.The Gardeners' Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette.London, 1841-65. Fol.G. C. n. s.The Gardeners' Chronicle. New Series, 1866, &c. Fol.*G. G.Gray (A.). Genera floræ Americæ.... Boston,1848-9. 2 vols. 8vo.G. M.The Gardeners' Magazine. Conducted by ShirleyHibberd. London.G. M. B.The Gardeners' Magazine of Botany.... London,1850-1. 3 vols. 8vo.Gn.The Garden. London, 1871, &c. 4to.*G. W. F. A.Goodale (G. L.). Wild Flowers of America. Boston,1877. 4to.H. B. F.Hooker (W. J.). The British Ferns.H. E. F.Hooker (W. J.). Exotic Flora. Edinburgh, 1823-7.3 vols. 8vo.H. F. B. A.Hooker (W. J.). Flora boreali-americana.... London,1833-40. 2 vols. 4to.H. F. T.Hooker (J. D.). Flora Tasmaniæ. London, 1860.2 vols. 4to. This is Part 3 of "The Botany ofthe Antarctic Voyage of H.M. Discovery ShipsErebusandTerror, in the years 1839-43."H. G. F.Hooker (W. J.). Garden Ferns. London, 1862. 8vo.H. S. F.Hooker (W. J.). Species Filicum.I. H.L'Illustration horticole. Gand, 1850, &c. 8vo.*I. H. Pl.SeeC. H. P.J. B.Journal of Botany.... London, 1863. 8vo.*J. F. A.Jacquin (N. J.). Floræ austriacæ.... icones....Viennæ, 1773-8. 5 vols. Fol.J. H.Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener.Conducted by Dr. Robert Hogg. London.J. H. S.Journal of the Horticultural Society. London, 1846.8vo.*K. E. E.Kotschy. Die Eiche Europas und des Orients.L. B. C.Loddiges (C.). Botanical Cabinet. London, 1812-33.20 vols. 4to.L. C. B.Lindley (J.). Collectanea botanica.... London,1821. Fol.L. E. M.La Marck (J. B. P. A. de M. de). Encyclopédiemethodique ... Botanique. Paris, 1783-1817.13 vols. 4to.L. J. F.Lemaire (C.). Le Jardin fleuriste. Gand, 1851-4.4 vols. 8vo.L. R.Lindley (J.). Rosarum Monographia. London,1820. 8vo.L. S. O.Lindley (J.). Sertum Orchidaceum.... London,1838. Fol.L. & P. F. G.Lindley (J.) and Paxton (J.). Flower Garden....London.... 1851-3. 3 vols. 4to.M. A. S.Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi.Bonnæ, 1836-63. 4to.N.Burbidge (F. W.). The Narcissus: Its History andCulture. With a Scientific Review of theGenus by J. G. Baker, F.L.S. London, 1875. 8vo.N. S.Nuttall (T.). North American Sylva.... Philadelphia,1865. 3 vols. 8vo.P. F. G.SeeL. & P. F. G.P. M. B.Paxton (J). Magazine of Botany. London, 1834-49.16 vols. 8vo.Ref. B.Saunders (W. W.) Refugium botanicum....London, 1869-72. 8vo.R. G.Regel (E.). Gartenflora. 1852, &c.*R. H.Revue Horticole.... Paris, 1852.*R. S. H.Hooker (J. D.). The Rhododendrons of Sikkim-Himalaya.London, 1849-51. Fol.R. X. O.Reichenbach,fil.(H. G.). Xenia orchidacea. Leipzig,1858. 4to.*S. B. F. G.Sweet (R.). British Flower Garden. London,1823-9. 3 vols. 8vo.Second Series. London, 1831-8. 4 vols. 8vo.S. C.Sweet (R.). Cistineæ. London, 1825-30. 8vo.S. E. B.Smith (J. E.). Exotic Botany.... London, 1804-5.2 vols. 8vo.S. F. A.Sweet (R.). Flora australasica.... London, 1827-8.8vo.S. F. d. J.Siebold (P. F. de) and Vriese (W. H. de). Flore desJardins du Royaume des Pays-Bas. Leide,1858-62. 5 vols. 8vo.S. F. G.Sibthorp (J.). Flora græca.... London, 1806-40.10 vols. Fol.S. H. IvyHibberd (Shirley). The Ivy: a Monograph. London,1872. 8vo.Sw. Ger.Sweet (Robert). Geraniaceæ, the natural order ofGerania. 1828-1830.Sy. En. B.Syme (J. T. B.),nowBoswell. English Botany....Ed. 3. London, 1863-85. 12 vols. 8vo.S. Z. F. J.Siebold (P. F. von) and Zuccarini (J. G.). FloraJaponica.... Lugd. Bat., 1835-44. Fol.T. H. S.Transactions of the Horticultural Society. London,1805-29. 7 vols. 4to.T. L. S.Transactions of the Linnæan Society. London,1791-1875. 30 vols. 4to.*T. S. M.Emerson (G. B.). Trees and Shrubs ... of Massachusetts.Boston, Ed. 2, 1875. 2 vols. 8vo.W. D. B.Watson (P. W.). Dendrologia Britannica. London.1825. 2 vols. 8vo.W. F. A.SeeG. W. F. A.W. O. A.Warner (R.) and Williams (B. S.). The OrchidAlbum. London, 1882. 4to.*W. S. O.Warner (R.). Select Orchidaceous Plants. London,Series i, 1862-65. Fol.Series ii, 1865-75. Fol.W. & F.Woods and Forests. 1883-4. 1 vol. 4to.

* Is still in course of publication.

An Encyclopædia of Horticulture.

The following are the Abbreviations used:—fl.flowers;fr.fruit;l.leaves;h.height;deg.degrees;rhiz.rhizomes;cau.caudex;sti.stipes.The Asterisks (*) indicate plants that are especially good or distinct.

The following are the Abbreviations used:—fl.flowers;fr.fruit;l.leaves;h.height;deg.degrees;rhiz.rhizomes;cau.caudex;sti.stipes.

The Asterisks (*) indicate plants that are especially good or distinct.

A.In compound words from the Greek the initialahas usually a privative meaning; asaphyllus, without leaves;acaulis, without a stem, &c.

AARON'S BEARD.SeeHypericum calycinumandSaxifraga sarmentosa.

AARON'S ROD.SeeVerbascum Thapsus.

ABELE TREE.White Poplar.SeePopulus alba.

ABELIA(named after Dr. Clarke Abel, Physician to Lord Amherst's Embassy to China, in 1817, and author of a "Narrative of a Journey to China" (1818); died 1826). ORD.Caprifoliaceæ. Very ornamental shrubs. Corolla tubular, funnel-shaped, five-lobed. Leaves petiolate, dentately crenated. Well suited for the cold greenhouse, either as trellis or pot plants; free-flowering when well grown, and of easy culture. May be treated in sheltered and warm climates as hardy; and can be grown out of doors during summer in less favoured spots. They thrive in a compost of peat and loam in equal parts, to which a small quantity of silver sand may be added. Increased by cuttings in summer, and by layers in spring, under a frame. Only two species,floribundaandrupestris, are much grown in England.

A. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl.rosy-purple, about 2in. long, in axillary clusters. March.l.opposite, oblong.h.3ft. Mexico, 1842. The best and freest flowering evergreen species.A. rupestris(rock).*fl.sweet-scented, small, pink, in pairs at the ends of the branches; sepals of leafy texture, with a reddish tinge. September.l.small, oblong.h.5ft. China, 1844. A deciduous, branching, hairy shrub.A. serrata(serrate-leaved).fl.pretty pale red, sweet-scented, very large, in one-flowered terminal peduncles; sepals leafy. March.h.3ft. China, 1844. A fine evergreen species.A. triflora(three-flowered).*fl.pale yellow, tinged with pink, small, arranged in threes at the ends of the branches; sepals long and linear, clothed with long hairs. September.l.small, lanceolate.h.5ft. Hindostan, 1847. A small evergreen branching shrub.

A. floribunda(many-flowered).*fl.rosy-purple, about 2in. long, in axillary clusters. March.l.opposite, oblong.h.3ft. Mexico, 1842. The best and freest flowering evergreen species.

A. rupestris(rock).*fl.sweet-scented, small, pink, in pairs at the ends of the branches; sepals of leafy texture, with a reddish tinge. September.l.small, oblong.h.5ft. China, 1844. A deciduous, branching, hairy shrub.

A. serrata(serrate-leaved).fl.pretty pale red, sweet-scented, very large, in one-flowered terminal peduncles; sepals leafy. March.h.3ft. China, 1844. A fine evergreen species.

A. triflora(three-flowered).*fl.pale yellow, tinged with pink, small, arranged in threes at the ends of the branches; sepals long and linear, clothed with long hairs. September.l.small, lanceolate.h.5ft. Hindostan, 1847. A small evergreen branching shrub.

ABERRANT.Deviating from the natural or direct way; applied, in natural history, to species or genera that deviate from the usual characters of their allies.

ABIES(fromabeo, to rise; alluding to the aspiring habit of growth of the tree; or, according to some, fromapios, a Pear-tree, in allusion to the form of the fruit). Spruce Fir. The synonymy of this genus is much confused, plants belonging to several genera being frequently referred toAbiesin nurserymen's catalogues and gardening periodicals. ORD.Coniferæ. A genus of about twenty-five species, widely distributed over the mountainous regions of the Northern hemisphere. Cones cylindrical, or but slightly tapering, erect; catkins generally solitary; the carpels not thickened at the tip; and the leaves solitary, partially scattered in insertion, and more or less two-ranked in direction. Scales deciduous, falling off as soon as the seed is ripe, leaving the axis on the tree. All the species bear seeds at a comparatively early age; most are hardy. For culture,seePinus.

A. amabilis(lovely).*shootsrather rigid, furrowed with elongated cushions, covered with numerous small dark hairs.l.scattered, crowded, 1½in. to 2in. long; linear obtuse, dark green above, silvery beneath. The cones are described as cylindrical, and about 6in. long.h.180ft. California, 1831. A magnificent conifer, very massive in appearance.A. baborensis.*l.linear, dark green, silvery on the under surface, very numerous, those of the larger branches shortly pointed, and those of the branchlets more obtuse and pointless, ½in. to 1in. long.coneserect, cylindrical, usually in clusters of four or five, 5in. to 8in. long, and about 2in. in diameter; scales reniform, greyish-brown, inclosing a thin, dry, and shrivelled bract.h.40ft. to 60ft. Algiers, 1864. This is a very beautiful medium-sized tree. SYN.A. Numidica.A. balsamea(Balm of Gilead or Balsam Fir).*l.silvery beneath, apex emarginate or entire, somewhat recurved and spreading, ¾in. long.conescylindrical, violet-coloured, pointing upwards, 4in. to 5in. long, and ½in. broad; scales ¾in. broad, and the same in length.h.40ft. to 60ft. United States and Canada, &c., 1696. A medium-sized slender tree.A. bifida(bifid). Identical withA. firma.A. brachyphylla(short-leaved).*l.linear, spirally inserted round the branchlets, but pointing laterally in two directions, ¾in. to1½in. in length; lower ones longest, obtusely pointed or emarginate, bright green above, with two silvery lines beneath.cones3in. to 4in. long, purple.h.120ft. Japan, 1870. A recently introduced magnificent fir, with an erect stem, regularly whorled horizontal branches.A. bracteata(bracted).*l.rigid, linear, flat, distichous, 2in. to 3in. long, bright glossy green above, and glaucous beneath.conesabout 4in. long, with the bracts developed into long rigid leaf-like linear spines, 2in. long, and slightly curved inwards.h.25ft. Southern California, 1853. A very handsome tall slender tree, but, owing to its very early growth of new shoots, it is much injured by the spring frosts.A. Brunoniana(Brown's). Synonymous withTsuga Brunoniana.A. canadensis(Canadian). A synonym ofTsuga canadensis.A. cephalonica(Cephalonian).*l.subulate, flat, dark green above, and silvery beneath, acute.coneserect, cylindrical, green when young, afterwards reddish, and brown when ripe, 5in. to 6in. in length, and about 1½in. in diameter; scales broad, thin, and rounded, shorter than the bracts.h.50ft. to 60ft. Mountains of Greece, 1824. A very desirable tree for growing in exposed situations.A. cilicica(Cilician).l.linear, slightly curved or straight, 1in. to 1½in. long, dark green above, and glaucous beneath, crowded, in two ranks.conescylindrical, 6in. to 8in. long; scales broad, thin, entire, coriaceous.h.40ft. to 60ft. Mount Taurus, in Asia Minor. This species seldom produces a good specimen tree in England, and cannot, therefore, be recommended for general cultivation.A. concolor(one-coloured).*l.linear, flat, obtuse, glaucous green, distichously arranged in double rows, those in the lower rows 2in. to 3in. long, upper ones shorter, channelled above.conescylindrical, obtuse both at base and top, 3in. to 5in. long, 2in. to 2½in. in diameter; scales numerous, imbricated, larger than the bracts.h.80ft. to 150ft. California, &c., 1851. A very beautiful species, with yellow bark on the young branches. SYNS.A. lasiocarpaandA. Parsonii.A. Douglasii(Douglas'). A synonym ofPseudotsuga Douglasii.A. dumosa(short-leaved). Synonymous withTsuga Brunoniana.A. excelsa(tall). A synonym ofPicea excelsa.A. firma(solid).*l.rigid, coriaceous, spirally arranged around the branchlets, but point laterally in two directions, 1in. to 1¼in. long, very variable in young and old trees.conescylindrical, obtuse at both ends, 3in. to 6in. long; scales imbricated, bearing protruding keeled bracts.h.100ft. Japan, 1861. An erect tree, of great beauty.A. Fortunei(Fortune's). It is said that in its native country, its aspect is peculiar rather than handsome, and that but one living representative is believed to be in existence in this country—at Veitch's Nursery. SYN.Keteleeria Fortunei.A. Fraseri(Fraser's). Double Balsam Spruce Fir.l.linear, emarginate, silvery beneath.conesoblong, squarrose, somewhat leafy, obcordate, mucronate, half exserted, reflexed.h.30ft. to 40ft. North Carolina, 1811. This species closely resemblesA. balsamea, from which it differs in having shorter and more erect leaves, and smaller cones.A. grandis(splendid).*l.in double rows, on each side of the branchlets, flat, obtuse, emarginate, pectinate, silvery beneath, from ¾in. to 1in. long.coneslateral, solitary, cylindrical, obtuse at base and apex, 4in. to. 5in. long, 2in. wide; bracts ovate, acuminate, irregularly dentate, very short.h.100ft. California, 1831. A handsome tree of symmetrical habit, and rapid growth.A. lasiocarpa(woolly-coned). Synonymous withA. concolor.A. magnifica(magnificent).*l.densely crowded, two-rowed, 1in. to nearly 2in. long, olive green, very glaucous on the upper surface when young, becoming duller with age, and marked with two silvery lines beneath.cones6in. to 7in. long, 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; scales, outer edge incurved.h.200ft. North California, 1851. A very tall and stately species, with, at successive intervals, whorls of horizontal branches.A. Mariesii(Maries').l.erect, evenly disposed around the stem, linear-oblong, obtuse; apex notched, ⅓in. to not quite 1in. long; bracts ovate, oblong, retuse.coneserect, cylindrical, 3½in. to 5½in. long, 1½in. to 2in. wide, narrowed at the base and apex, blackish purple; scales entire, nearly 1in. wide, not quite so long as wide. Japan, 1879. A tall, pyramidal tree.A. Mertensiana(Merten's). Synonymous withTsuga Mertensiana.A. miniata(vermilion). Synonymous withPicea eremita.A. Morinda(Morinda). Synonymous withPicea Morinda.A. nobilis(noble).*l.linear, mostly on one side of the branches, falcate, short, acute, silvery beneath, 1¾in. long.conescylindrical, erect, sessile, 6½in. long, 2¾in. broad, brownish; scales triangular, without the bractea, 1¼in. long, and the same in breadth; bractea spathulate, imbricated backwards, ⅝in. long.h.200ft. to 300ft. California, 1831. A majestic tree.A. Nordmanniana(Nordmann's).*l.linear, rigid, flat, and minutely bifid at the apex, on young trees spreading in two rows, with a half-twist at the base, 1in. long.coneserect, slightly ovoid, pedunculate, 4in. to 6in. long, and 2¼in. to 2¾in. wide; bracts large, coriaceous, three-lobed, fringed, greatly exceeding the scales.h.80ft. to 100ft. Crimea, &c., 1848. A magnificent and stately tree, of regular growth.A. Numidica(Numidian). Synonymous withA. baborensis.A. obovata(reversed-egg-coned). A synonym ofPicea obovata.A. orientalis(eastern). Synonymous withPicea orientalis.A. Parsonii(Parson's). Synonymous withA. concolor.A. pectinata(comb-like).*l.linear, solitary, flat, obtuse, stiff, turned-up at the points, two-ranked, ½in. to 1in. long, shining green above, with two lines of silvery white on each side of the midrib beneath.conesaxillary, cylindrical, erect, 6in. to 8in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, when ripe, brown; scales with a long dorsal bractea, 1/6in. to 1¼in. long, and 1¼in. broad.h.80ft. to 100ft. A very noble silver fir, of slow growth when young only. Central Europe, 1603. There are several unimportant varieties of this splendid species.A. Pindrow(Pindrow). In its native home, the Himalayas, this is a very beautiful tree, attaining the height of 150ft., but it has generally failed in England, in consequence of our late spring frosts destroying the young growth. It comes very nearA. Webbiana, but is readily distinguished by its longer and more acutely bidented leaves, and smaller cones.A. Pinsapo(Pinsapo).* The Spanish Silver Fir.l.linear, disposed around the branches, nearly terete, and entire at the apex, not quite ½in. long, bright green, with faint silvery lines on the inner side.conessessile, oval, or oblong, 4in. to 5½in. long, about 2in. wide; bracts short, concealed by the broad rounded scales.h.60ft. to 80ft. South Spain, 1839. A very magnificent species, very regular and symmetrical in habit. The one or two varieties offered for sale are not desirable.A. polita(neat).*l.arranged spirally, short, erect, rigid, falcate, acute at the apex, tetragonal, but compressed.conesellipsoid, 3in. to 4in. long; scales light brown, coriaceous, minutely notched at the edge. Island of Nippon, 1861. This is a beautiful species, admirably adapted as a specimen tree for lawns.A. religiosa(sacred).l.linear, acute, quite entire, 1½in. long.conesroundish-oval, 2¾in. long, and 2½in. broad; scales trapezoided-cordate; bracts the length of the scapes, spathulate-oblong.h.100ft. to 150ft. Mexico, 1839. A very handsome species, but not hardy in this country.A. sachalinensis(Sachalin).l.in many rows, 1in. or very slightly more long, ¹/₁₂in. broad, twisted to one side, rigid, linear, obtuse.conessessile, erect, cylindrical, bluntly rounded at the apex, 3in. long, 1in. wide; scales transversely oblong, reniform; margin inflexed, denticulate; bracts ½in. wide, ¼in. long, obovate, serrulate, terminating in a reflexed angular point, exceeding the scale. Japan, 1879. A tall pyramidal robust species.A. Schrenkiana(Schrenk's). Synonymous withPicea Schrenkiana.A. sibirica(Siberian). Like the last, this species is not recommended; its growth is very slow, even under the most favourable circumstances. Siberia.A. Smithiana(Smith's). A synonym ofPicea Morinda.A. subalpina(sub-alpine).* On the high mountains of Colorado, &c., a tree 60ft. to 100ft. in height. Has not been long enough in English gardens for any decided opinion to be formed as to its merits as an ornamental tree.A. Tsuga(Tsugan). A synonym ofTsuga Sieboldi.A. Veitchii(Veitch's).*l.crowded, lateral ones spreading in a distichous manner, those on the upper side much shorter and pointing forwards, ½in. to 1in. long, linear, flat, glaucous above, silvery beneath; emarginate on the sterile branches, entire on the fertile ones.coneserect, sub-cylindrical, purplish-brown, 2in. to 2½in. long, ¾in. to nearly 1in. wide; scales horizontal, reniform, densely packed, each enclosing a short, wedge-shaped bract as long as the scale.h.120ft. to 140ft. Japan, 1860, and again in 1879. Described as a beautiful and interesting tree, as well as perfectly hardy; it should be planted on elevated spots open to the south or south-east.A. Webbiana(Webb's).*l.two-rowed, linear, flat, obtusely emarginate, silvery beneath, 1½in. to 2½in. long.conescylindrical, 6½in. to 7in. long, 2in. or more broad, deep purple; scales kidney-shaped, roundish, closely compressed, imbricated, about 1in. long, and 1¼in. broad; bracts oblong, apiculate.h.70ft. to 90ft. Himalayan Mountains, 1822. A large handsome pyramidal tree, with numerous branches spreading horizontally, much divided, and densely clothed.A. Williamsoni(Williamson's). A synonym ofTsuga Pattoniana.

A. baborensis.*l.linear, dark green, silvery on the under surface, very numerous, those of the larger branches shortly pointed, and those of the branchlets more obtuse and pointless, ½in. to 1in. long.coneserect, cylindrical, usually in clusters of four or five, 5in. to 8in. long, and about 2in. in diameter; scales reniform, greyish-brown, inclosing a thin, dry, and shrivelled bract.h.40ft. to 60ft. Algiers, 1864. This is a very beautiful medium-sized tree. SYN.A. Numidica.

A. balsamea(Balm of Gilead or Balsam Fir).*l.silvery beneath, apex emarginate or entire, somewhat recurved and spreading, ¾in. long.conescylindrical, violet-coloured, pointing upwards, 4in. to 5in. long, and ½in. broad; scales ¾in. broad, and the same in length.h.40ft. to 60ft. United States and Canada, &c., 1696. A medium-sized slender tree.

A. bifida(bifid). Identical withA. firma.

A. brachyphylla(short-leaved).*l.linear, spirally inserted round the branchlets, but pointing laterally in two directions, ¾in. to1½in. in length; lower ones longest, obtusely pointed or emarginate, bright green above, with two silvery lines beneath.cones3in. to 4in. long, purple.h.120ft. Japan, 1870. A recently introduced magnificent fir, with an erect stem, regularly whorled horizontal branches.

A. bracteata(bracted).*l.rigid, linear, flat, distichous, 2in. to 3in. long, bright glossy green above, and glaucous beneath.conesabout 4in. long, with the bracts developed into long rigid leaf-like linear spines, 2in. long, and slightly curved inwards.h.25ft. Southern California, 1853. A very handsome tall slender tree, but, owing to its very early growth of new shoots, it is much injured by the spring frosts.

A. Brunoniana(Brown's). Synonymous withTsuga Brunoniana.

A. canadensis(Canadian). A synonym ofTsuga canadensis.

A. cephalonica(Cephalonian).*l.subulate, flat, dark green above, and silvery beneath, acute.coneserect, cylindrical, green when young, afterwards reddish, and brown when ripe, 5in. to 6in. in length, and about 1½in. in diameter; scales broad, thin, and rounded, shorter than the bracts.h.50ft. to 60ft. Mountains of Greece, 1824. A very desirable tree for growing in exposed situations.

A. cilicica(Cilician).l.linear, slightly curved or straight, 1in. to 1½in. long, dark green above, and glaucous beneath, crowded, in two ranks.conescylindrical, 6in. to 8in. long; scales broad, thin, entire, coriaceous.h.40ft. to 60ft. Mount Taurus, in Asia Minor. This species seldom produces a good specimen tree in England, and cannot, therefore, be recommended for general cultivation.

A. concolor(one-coloured).*l.linear, flat, obtuse, glaucous green, distichously arranged in double rows, those in the lower rows 2in. to 3in. long, upper ones shorter, channelled above.conescylindrical, obtuse both at base and top, 3in. to 5in. long, 2in. to 2½in. in diameter; scales numerous, imbricated, larger than the bracts.h.80ft. to 150ft. California, &c., 1851. A very beautiful species, with yellow bark on the young branches. SYNS.A. lasiocarpaandA. Parsonii.

A. Douglasii(Douglas'). A synonym ofPseudotsuga Douglasii.

A. dumosa(short-leaved). Synonymous withTsuga Brunoniana.

A. excelsa(tall). A synonym ofPicea excelsa.

A. firma(solid).*l.rigid, coriaceous, spirally arranged around the branchlets, but point laterally in two directions, 1in. to 1¼in. long, very variable in young and old trees.conescylindrical, obtuse at both ends, 3in. to 6in. long; scales imbricated, bearing protruding keeled bracts.h.100ft. Japan, 1861. An erect tree, of great beauty.

A. Fortunei(Fortune's). It is said that in its native country, its aspect is peculiar rather than handsome, and that but one living representative is believed to be in existence in this country—at Veitch's Nursery. SYN.Keteleeria Fortunei.

A. Fraseri(Fraser's). Double Balsam Spruce Fir.l.linear, emarginate, silvery beneath.conesoblong, squarrose, somewhat leafy, obcordate, mucronate, half exserted, reflexed.h.30ft. to 40ft. North Carolina, 1811. This species closely resemblesA. balsamea, from which it differs in having shorter and more erect leaves, and smaller cones.

A. grandis(splendid).*l.in double rows, on each side of the branchlets, flat, obtuse, emarginate, pectinate, silvery beneath, from ¾in. to 1in. long.coneslateral, solitary, cylindrical, obtuse at base and apex, 4in. to. 5in. long, 2in. wide; bracts ovate, acuminate, irregularly dentate, very short.h.100ft. California, 1831. A handsome tree of symmetrical habit, and rapid growth.

A. lasiocarpa(woolly-coned). Synonymous withA. concolor.

A. magnifica(magnificent).*l.densely crowded, two-rowed, 1in. to nearly 2in. long, olive green, very glaucous on the upper surface when young, becoming duller with age, and marked with two silvery lines beneath.cones6in. to 7in. long, 2½in. to 3in. in diameter; scales, outer edge incurved.h.200ft. North California, 1851. A very tall and stately species, with, at successive intervals, whorls of horizontal branches.

A. Mariesii(Maries').l.erect, evenly disposed around the stem, linear-oblong, obtuse; apex notched, ⅓in. to not quite 1in. long; bracts ovate, oblong, retuse.coneserect, cylindrical, 3½in. to 5½in. long, 1½in. to 2in. wide, narrowed at the base and apex, blackish purple; scales entire, nearly 1in. wide, not quite so long as wide. Japan, 1879. A tall, pyramidal tree.

A. Mertensiana(Merten's). Synonymous withTsuga Mertensiana.

A. miniata(vermilion). Synonymous withPicea eremita.

A. Morinda(Morinda). Synonymous withPicea Morinda.

A. nobilis(noble).*l.linear, mostly on one side of the branches, falcate, short, acute, silvery beneath, 1¾in. long.conescylindrical, erect, sessile, 6½in. long, 2¾in. broad, brownish; scales triangular, without the bractea, 1¼in. long, and the same in breadth; bractea spathulate, imbricated backwards, ⅝in. long.h.200ft. to 300ft. California, 1831. A majestic tree.

A. Nordmanniana(Nordmann's).*l.linear, rigid, flat, and minutely bifid at the apex, on young trees spreading in two rows, with a half-twist at the base, 1in. long.coneserect, slightly ovoid, pedunculate, 4in. to 6in. long, and 2¼in. to 2¾in. wide; bracts large, coriaceous, three-lobed, fringed, greatly exceeding the scales.h.80ft. to 100ft. Crimea, &c., 1848. A magnificent and stately tree, of regular growth.

A. Numidica(Numidian). Synonymous withA. baborensis.

A. obovata(reversed-egg-coned). A synonym ofPicea obovata.

A. orientalis(eastern). Synonymous withPicea orientalis.

A. Parsonii(Parson's). Synonymous withA. concolor.

A. pectinata(comb-like).*l.linear, solitary, flat, obtuse, stiff, turned-up at the points, two-ranked, ½in. to 1in. long, shining green above, with two lines of silvery white on each side of the midrib beneath.conesaxillary, cylindrical, erect, 6in. to 8in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, when ripe, brown; scales with a long dorsal bractea, 1/6in. to 1¼in. long, and 1¼in. broad.h.80ft. to 100ft. A very noble silver fir, of slow growth when young only. Central Europe, 1603. There are several unimportant varieties of this splendid species.

A. Pindrow(Pindrow). In its native home, the Himalayas, this is a very beautiful tree, attaining the height of 150ft., but it has generally failed in England, in consequence of our late spring frosts destroying the young growth. It comes very nearA. Webbiana, but is readily distinguished by its longer and more acutely bidented leaves, and smaller cones.

A. Pinsapo(Pinsapo).* The Spanish Silver Fir.l.linear, disposed around the branches, nearly terete, and entire at the apex, not quite ½in. long, bright green, with faint silvery lines on the inner side.conessessile, oval, or oblong, 4in. to 5½in. long, about 2in. wide; bracts short, concealed by the broad rounded scales.h.60ft. to 80ft. South Spain, 1839. A very magnificent species, very regular and symmetrical in habit. The one or two varieties offered for sale are not desirable.

A. polita(neat).*l.arranged spirally, short, erect, rigid, falcate, acute at the apex, tetragonal, but compressed.conesellipsoid, 3in. to 4in. long; scales light brown, coriaceous, minutely notched at the edge. Island of Nippon, 1861. This is a beautiful species, admirably adapted as a specimen tree for lawns.

A. religiosa(sacred).l.linear, acute, quite entire, 1½in. long.conesroundish-oval, 2¾in. long, and 2½in. broad; scales trapezoided-cordate; bracts the length of the scapes, spathulate-oblong.h.100ft. to 150ft. Mexico, 1839. A very handsome species, but not hardy in this country.

A. sachalinensis(Sachalin).l.in many rows, 1in. or very slightly more long, ¹/₁₂in. broad, twisted to one side, rigid, linear, obtuse.conessessile, erect, cylindrical, bluntly rounded at the apex, 3in. long, 1in. wide; scales transversely oblong, reniform; margin inflexed, denticulate; bracts ½in. wide, ¼in. long, obovate, serrulate, terminating in a reflexed angular point, exceeding the scale. Japan, 1879. A tall pyramidal robust species.

A. Schrenkiana(Schrenk's). Synonymous withPicea Schrenkiana.

A. sibirica(Siberian). Like the last, this species is not recommended; its growth is very slow, even under the most favourable circumstances. Siberia.

A. Smithiana(Smith's). A synonym ofPicea Morinda.

A. subalpina(sub-alpine).* On the high mountains of Colorado, &c., a tree 60ft. to 100ft. in height. Has not been long enough in English gardens for any decided opinion to be formed as to its merits as an ornamental tree.

A. Tsuga(Tsugan). A synonym ofTsuga Sieboldi.

A. Veitchii(Veitch's).*l.crowded, lateral ones spreading in a distichous manner, those on the upper side much shorter and pointing forwards, ½in. to 1in. long, linear, flat, glaucous above, silvery beneath; emarginate on the sterile branches, entire on the fertile ones.coneserect, sub-cylindrical, purplish-brown, 2in. to 2½in. long, ¾in. to nearly 1in. wide; scales horizontal, reniform, densely packed, each enclosing a short, wedge-shaped bract as long as the scale.h.120ft. to 140ft. Japan, 1860, and again in 1879. Described as a beautiful and interesting tree, as well as perfectly hardy; it should be planted on elevated spots open to the south or south-east.

A. Webbiana(Webb's).*l.two-rowed, linear, flat, obtusely emarginate, silvery beneath, 1½in. to 2½in. long.conescylindrical, 6½in. to 7in. long, 2in. or more broad, deep purple; scales kidney-shaped, roundish, closely compressed, imbricated, about 1in. long, and 1¼in. broad; bracts oblong, apiculate.h.70ft. to 90ft. Himalayan Mountains, 1822. A large handsome pyramidal tree, with numerous branches spreading horizontally, much divided, and densely clothed.

A. Williamsoni(Williamson's). A synonym ofTsuga Pattoniana.

ABOBRA(its Brazilian name). ORD.Cucurbitaceæ. A genus of stove or greenhouse plants, having solitary axillary diœcious flowers, and finely divided leaves. The only species in cultivation is a very pretty half-hardy climbing perennial, having a fleshy root about 1ft. or more beneath the surface of the soil. It thrives well in warm sunny spots, and in a light soil; seeds may be sown in pots or pans of light soil early in April; the young plants can be planted out about the middle of June. The fleshytuberous roots may be stored during winter in a greenhouse or frame.SeealsoGourds.

A. viridiflora(green-flowered).fl.pale green, fragrant; females succeeded by small oval scarlet fruits, which are about as large as a filbert.l.dark green, glossy, much divided into narrow segments. South America. A rapid growing plant, admirably adapted for training over arbours or trellis-work. It is a very pretty form of ornamental gourd.

ABORTION.An imperfect formation, or the non-formation of an organ; any fruit or produce that does not come to maturity, or anything which fails in its progress before it is matured, frequently from a defect in the male or female flowers.

ABRAXAS GROSSULARIATA.SeeGooseberry or Magpie Moth.

ABRICOCK.A former mode of writing Apricot.

ABROMA(froma, not, andbroma, food; from its unwholesomeness). ORD.Sterculiaceæ. Handsome, free-flowering evergreen trees, with hairy lobed leaves, and extra axillary or terminal few-flowered peduncles. Of easy culture, in a stove temperature, in loam and peat soil. Propagated by seeds or cuttings, the former sown in March, the latter made in April from half-ripened wood, and placed under a bell glass.

A. augusta(smooth-stalked).*fl.dingy purple, drooping. August.l.lower, cordate, three to five lobed; upper, ovate-lanceolate, undivided.h.10ft. East India, 1770.A. fastuosa(prickly-stalked).fl.dark purple. June.l.lower, cordate, acutely five lobed; upper, ovate, entire.h.10ft. New Holland, 1800.

A. augusta(smooth-stalked).*fl.dingy purple, drooping. August.l.lower, cordate, three to five lobed; upper, ovate-lanceolate, undivided.h.10ft. East India, 1770.

A. fastuosa(prickly-stalked).fl.dark purple. June.l.lower, cordate, acutely five lobed; upper, ovate, entire.h.10ft. New Holland, 1800.

ABRONIA(fromabros, delicate; referring to its involucrum). Sand Verbena. ORD.Nyctaginaceæ. A small genus of seven species, mostly natives of California, four of which only are known in general cultivation. They are of a dwarf trailing habit, producing showy blossoms in dense verbena-like clusters. Corolla funnel-shaped; limb spreading. They succeed best in light sandy soil, in a position fully exposed; if well drained, the rockery is perhaps the best place. Increased by seeds, the outer skin of which should be peeled off before sowing; sow during autumn in pots of sandy soil, and keep in a frame until the following spring, when they may be placed in their flowering quarters; or by young cuttings, set in spring, and also in sandy soil.

FIG. 1. ABRONIAUMBELLATA, showing Flower and Habit.

A. arenaria(sand-loving).*fl.lemon-yellow, about ½in. long, in dense clusters, with a honey-like fragrance. July.l.broadly ovate, or reniform, on short, thick petioles.h.9in. to 18in. 1865. Half-hardy perennial. SYN.A. latifolia.A. fragrans(fragrant).*fl.pure white, in terminal and axillary clusters, very delicately perfumed, expanding in the evening. May. 1865. A perennial, more or less erect in growth, forming large branching tufts from 1ft. to 2ft. high. Imported seeds only of this species will grow.A. latifolia(broad-leaved). A synonym ofA. arenaria.A. pulchella(pretty).fl.pink. July.h.6in. 1848.A. rosea(rose-coloured).fl.rose-coloured. June.h.6in. 1847. An unimportant species.A. umbellata(umbel-flowered).*fl.rosy pink, in dense terminal clusters, slightly scented. April.l.oval or oblong.h.6in. to 24in. 1823. An elegant prostrate half-hardy annual; but under greenhouse culture it is a perennial. SYN.Tricratus admirabilis. See Fig 1.

A. fragrans(fragrant).*fl.pure white, in terminal and axillary clusters, very delicately perfumed, expanding in the evening. May. 1865. A perennial, more or less erect in growth, forming large branching tufts from 1ft. to 2ft. high. Imported seeds only of this species will grow.

A. latifolia(broad-leaved). A synonym ofA. arenaria.

A. pulchella(pretty).fl.pink. July.h.6in. 1848.

A. rosea(rose-coloured).fl.rose-coloured. June.h.6in. 1847. An unimportant species.

A. umbellata(umbel-flowered).*fl.rosy pink, in dense terminal clusters, slightly scented. April.l.oval or oblong.h.6in. to 24in. 1823. An elegant prostrate half-hardy annual; but under greenhouse culture it is a perennial. SYN.Tricratus admirabilis. See Fig 1.

ABRUPT.Suddenly terminating, as abruptly pinnate; when pinnate leaves are without a terminal or odd leaflet.

ABRUS(fromabros, soft, in reference to the extreme softness of the leaves). ORD.Leguminosæ. A very ornamental and delicate much branched deciduous stove climber, whose roots have the virtues of the common liquorice. Leaves abruptly pinnate, bearing many pairs of leaflets. Requires a strong heat to keep it in a growing, healthy condition, and to flower it well; and thrives best in sandy loam. Increased by cuttings under a hand glass, in sand, or seeds raised in heat.

A. precatorius(prayer).fl.pale purple, butterfly-shaped, disposed in axillary clusters. Seeds bright scarlet, with a black spot at the base, used by the Buddhists for making rosaries, whence the specific name. March to May.l.leaflets ligulate, oblong.h.12ft. East Indies, 1680. Varieties are now and then met with having rose coloured or white flowers.

ABSORPTION.The action by which liquids and gases become incorporated with various bodies, through molecular or other invisible means, to which function all parts of a growing plant contribute, the roots more especially.

ABUTA(native name). ORD.Menispermaceæ. A strong growing ornamental stove evergreen climber. Used medicinally in Cayenne. Flowers diœcious, fascicled, males racemosely panicled; females loose and simply racemose. It grows freely in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings will root readily if planted in a pot of sand, with a hand glass placed over them, in heat. About half-a-dozen species are known.

A. rufescens(rusty-coloured).fl.grey-velvety on the outside, dark purple on the inside. March.l.ovate; under surface brownish.h.10ft. Cayenne, 1820.

ABUTILON(Arabic name for a plant analogous to the Marsh Mallow). ORD.Malvaceæ. Very showy, decorative, and free-growing shrubs, both for the greenhouse and outside culture. Calyx naked, five-cleft, usually angular; style multifid at apex. The many beautiful hybrids (of which Fig. 2 represents a group) now in cultivation, far supersede the true species. Cultivation: Few plants are more easily grown and worthy of liberal treatment than these. The best soil for them is equal parts turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould, with some gritty sand. They may either be grown in pots, or planted out; but in all cases thorough drainage is indispensable, as they require an abundance of water, and stagnancy must be guarded against. At the end of May they may be planted outside, when they will flower profusely through the summer. In a free growing and flowering state they enjoy weak manure water. From the latter part of autumn till early spring they may be kept almost dry without injury, though in a warm conservatory some of the later struck plants will go on flowering throughout the greater part of the winter; or plants may be specially prepared for winter flowering. They are admirably adapted for forming standards of various heights, from 2ft. to 6ft. Some of the taller sorts are very useful for training under roof rafters. As pillar plants, too, very loosely trained, so as to allow the upper and side branches to droop to a considerable distance from the pillar, they are very effective. Propagation: They strike readily from cuttings madeof the young wood, at almost any season; the best time, however, is early spring and September. Inserted in pots, in a compost of equal parts peat, leaf mould, loam, and sand, and placed in a temperature of from 65deg. to 70deg., they will then quickly root, and form good plants. Seeds may be sown in pans filled with soil as recommended for cuttings, and placed in a similar temperature. Those followed by a dagger (†) are the best for training to pillars, roofs, &c.

A. Bedfordianum(Bedford's).fl.yellow and red. November.l.deeply-lobed.h.15ft. Brazil, 1838.A. Darwini(Darwin's).†*fl.bright orange, with darker veinings, fine cupped form. April.l.large, broad.h.4ft. Brazil, 1871. A handsome species, of good habit, equally suitable as a stove or greenhouse plant during winter, and for outdoor culture during summer months. There are a great number of garden hybrids from this.A. globiflorum(globe-flowered).fl.solitary, large, globose, cream-coloured. November.l.on long stalks, cordate, serrate.h.4ft. to 5ft. Mauritius, 1825.A. igneum(bright). Synonymous withA. insigne.A. insigne(handsome-flowered).*fl.large, purplish crimson, with dark venation, in axillary pendulous racemes; petals short, broad, much reflexed. Winter.l.large, cordate, thick, rugose. Stem deep green, with short brown hairs.h.6ft. New Grenada, 1851. SYN.A. igneum. See Fig. 3.A. megapotamicum(big river).†*fl.small, bell-shaped, singularly beautiful, the sepals being dark red, petals pale yellow, and stamens dark brown. Autumn and winter.l.small, pointed.h.3ft. Rio Grande, 1864. A free-flowering species, with a graceful drooping habit; the shoots should be well pressed in during spring. SYN.A. vexillarium.A. pæoniflorum(pæony-flowered).fl.pink, smaller than those ofA. insigne, but very distinct. January.l.large, ovate.h.6ft. Brazil, 1845.A. pulchellum(pretty).†*fl.white, on few-flowered axillary racemes. July.l.cordate, unequally crenated, downy beneath.h.8ft. Habit very branching. New Holland, 1824.A. striatum(striped).*fl.orange yellow, with a thick veining of blood-red, on long curving stalks.l.large, lobed, on long slender petioles. Brazil, 1837. A free grower, and makes an excellent greenhouse plant. In sheltered positions, in the south-west of England, this species proves to be almost hardy. It requires to be freely pinched. A very continuous bloomer.A. Thompsoni(Thompson's).fl.striated yellow, large. Summer.l.small, vine-like, richly mottled with yellow and dark green.h.3ft. or 4ft. Habit very neat and erect.A. venosum(veined).†*fl.orange, with red veins, very large, bell shaped, 3in. long; pedicels nearly 12in. long. July.l.large, deeply palmate.h.10ft. This splendid species is distinguished by its unusually large flowers.A. vexillarium(standard). Synonymous withA. megapotamicum.A. vitifolium(vine-leaved).*fl.porcelain blue, large, cupped. May.l.cordate, five to seven lobed, assuming, towards the autumn, a fine golden hue.h.30ft. Chili, 1837. This fine shrub, or tree, is hardy in Ireland and the south of England, but should have a protection from frost. It is not a fast grower.

A. Bedfordianum(Bedford's).fl.yellow and red. November.l.deeply-lobed.h.15ft. Brazil, 1838.

A. Darwini(Darwin's).†*fl.bright orange, with darker veinings, fine cupped form. April.l.large, broad.h.4ft. Brazil, 1871. A handsome species, of good habit, equally suitable as a stove or greenhouse plant during winter, and for outdoor culture during summer months. There are a great number of garden hybrids from this.

A. globiflorum(globe-flowered).fl.solitary, large, globose, cream-coloured. November.l.on long stalks, cordate, serrate.h.4ft. to 5ft. Mauritius, 1825.

A. igneum(bright). Synonymous withA. insigne.

A. insigne(handsome-flowered).*fl.large, purplish crimson, with dark venation, in axillary pendulous racemes; petals short, broad, much reflexed. Winter.l.large, cordate, thick, rugose. Stem deep green, with short brown hairs.h.6ft. New Grenada, 1851. SYN.A. igneum. See Fig. 3.

A. megapotamicum(big river).†*fl.small, bell-shaped, singularly beautiful, the sepals being dark red, petals pale yellow, and stamens dark brown. Autumn and winter.l.small, pointed.h.3ft. Rio Grande, 1864. A free-flowering species, with a graceful drooping habit; the shoots should be well pressed in during spring. SYN.A. vexillarium.

A. pæoniflorum(pæony-flowered).fl.pink, smaller than those ofA. insigne, but very distinct. January.l.large, ovate.h.6ft. Brazil, 1845.

A. pulchellum(pretty).†*fl.white, on few-flowered axillary racemes. July.l.cordate, unequally crenated, downy beneath.h.8ft. Habit very branching. New Holland, 1824.

A. striatum(striped).*fl.orange yellow, with a thick veining of blood-red, on long curving stalks.l.large, lobed, on long slender petioles. Brazil, 1837. A free grower, and makes an excellent greenhouse plant. In sheltered positions, in the south-west of England, this species proves to be almost hardy. It requires to be freely pinched. A very continuous bloomer.

A. Thompsoni(Thompson's).fl.striated yellow, large. Summer.l.small, vine-like, richly mottled with yellow and dark green.h.3ft. or 4ft. Habit very neat and erect.

A. venosum(veined).†*fl.orange, with red veins, very large, bell shaped, 3in. long; pedicels nearly 12in. long. July.l.large, deeply palmate.h.10ft. This splendid species is distinguished by its unusually large flowers.

A. vexillarium(standard). Synonymous withA. megapotamicum.

A. vitifolium(vine-leaved).*fl.porcelain blue, large, cupped. May.l.cordate, five to seven lobed, assuming, towards the autumn, a fine golden hue.h.30ft. Chili, 1837. This fine shrub, or tree, is hardy in Ireland and the south of England, but should have a protection from frost. It is not a fast grower.

The following are some of the best varieties, which, although they do not include all the newest sorts, yet afford a good selection of first-rate kinds, which will give general satisfaction. They are arranged according to their respective colours. Those marked with a dagger (†) are best for roofs and pillars.

Orange-flowered.AUREUMGLOBOSUM,* flowers deep orange, heavily red shaded, of medium size, with good form and substance; DARWINIMAJUS,* bright orange, deeply veined, extremely free, and of good form and size; FLEURD'OR,† light orange, veined pale red, very free and dwarf; GRANDIFLORUM,* deep orange, red shaded, deeply veined with red, a robust, large-flowered variety; LEO, flowers pale below, deeper above, red-veined, of medium size; PRINCEOFORANGE,†* a strong grower, and very free.Ornamental-foliaged.DARWINITESSELATUM,†* foliage mottled with yellow, invaluable for sub-tropical bedding; SELLOWIANUM MARMORATUM,* very large maple-like foliage, heavily mottled with bright yellow, a most effective variety; THOMPSONI, leaves very freely blotched with yellow; VEXILLARIUMIGNEUM,†* very free, of good habit, prettily blotched. All these ornamental-foliaged varieties are invaluable for bedding purposes.

Ornamental-foliaged.DARWINITESSELATUM,†* foliage mottled with yellow, invaluable for sub-tropical bedding; SELLOWIANUM MARMORATUM,* very large maple-like foliage, heavily mottled with bright yellow, a most effective variety; THOMPSONI, leaves very freely blotched with yellow; VEXILLARIUMIGNEUM,†* very free, of good habit, prettily blotched. All these ornamental-foliaged varieties are invaluable for bedding purposes.

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